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1986-90 ESP Kirk Hammett “Zorlac” MM-270

1986-90 ESP Kirk Hammett “Zorlac” MM-270

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The ESP MM-270 is a solidbody electric guitar, also known as the "Zorlac," designed as a custom order model for Metallica’s Kirk Hammett before his official KH-2 signature series. It is a precursor to the KH-2, featuring a reverse Jackson-style headstock and vertical skull-and-crossbones inlays.
Introduction: The ESP MM-270 was introduced in 1986 as a custom-order guitar for Kirk Hammett during Metallica’s Monsters of Rock tour preparation. It was part of ESP’s Mirage series, specifically the MM (Mirage Model) line, and served as the prototype for Hammett’s KH-2 signature model.
Production Run: Manufactured from 1986 to 1990 in Japan by ESP’s Custom Shop. Production ceased in late 1990 due to a cease-and-desist order from Jackson/Charvel, who objected to the reverse Jackson-style headstock resembling their designs.guitarscollector.comreverb.com
Details: The MM-270 was a limited custom-order model, with an unknown but finite number produced (likely fewer than 100, based on collector discussions). It featured a Zorlac sticker (from Pushead’s Zorlac skateboard graphics) applied by Hammett, earning its nickname. The MM-270 is distinguished from the MM-250, which used a licensed Synclair Floyd Rose tremolo, while the MM-270 had an original Floyd Rose
No Reissue Production: Unlike Hammett’s later KH-2 or Ouija models, the MM-270 was never reissued due to the legal issues with the headstock design, making it extremely rare and collectible.

  • History & Significance

     

     

  • Kirk Hammett

  • Models & Specifications

  • Mach Five Guitar

    The M5 Guitar is a 2002 ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Signature Series KH-602 SN W0238866 with upgraded EMG 81/60 pickups just like the MM270 Zorlac, and a Zorlac sticker

    The ESP LTD KH-602 is a Kirk Hammett Signature Series electric guitar, designed as an affordable version of the high-end ESP KH-2, tailored for Metallica’s lead guitarist’s aggressive, shred-ready style.

    Introduction: The ESP LTD KH-602 was introduced in 2002 as part of Kirk Hammett’s Signature Series under ESP’s LTD brand, offering near-identical specs to the premium ESP KH-2 at a lower price point. It was designed for metal players seeking Hammett’s tone and playability.
    Production Run: Manufactured from 2002 to present (as of July 29, 2025). Initially built in Korea, production shifted to include Indonesia by the mid-2010s, with both factories maintaining consistent quality.espguitars.comamericanmusical.com
    Variants:
    Black Finish: The primary finish, available since 2002, with skull-and-bones inlays.
    Purple Sparkle: Introduced in 2017, based on Hammett’s custom ESP KH-2, featuring a pau ferro fingerboard (rosewood on earlier Black models).americanmusical.com
    Left-Handed (KH-602 LH): Available intermittently since 2018, depending on demand, in Black finish.espguitars.compeachguitars.com
    Details: The KH-602 replaced earlier custom models like the MM-270 (1986–1990, your prior query), which was Hammett’s pre-signature model with a reverse Jackson-style headstock. The KH-602 uses a modern ESP headstock and EMG Bone Breaker pickups (post-2014) or EMG 81/60 (pre-2014), reflecting Hammett’s evolving preferences.

    Body: Alder, solidbody, Mirage shape (double-cutaway), black or purple sparkle finish, nitrocellulose lacquer.
    Neck: Three-piece maple, neck-thru-body, Extra Thin U profile, 25.5-inch scale, 42mm locking nut.
    Fingerboard: Macassar ebony (Black finish, post-2017), pau ferro (Purple Sparkle), or rosewood (Black, pre-2017), 24 extra-jumbo frets, 13.78-inch radius, skull-and-bones inlays (model name at 24th fret on some units).
    Pickups: EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breaker (BB) active humbuckers (post-2014) or EMG 81 (bridge)/60 (neck) (2002–2014), high-output for metal.
    Electronics: Two volume knobs, one master tone, three-way selector.
    Hardware: Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo (Korean-made, post-2002), LTD tuners, black hardware.
    Weight: 8.15–8.5 lbs (e.g., 8.8 lbs average per FindMyGuitar).findmyguitar.com
    Accessories: ESP hardshell case (included with most new units).
    Notable Use: Hammett uses the KH-2 (Japan-made), but the KH-602 mirrors its specs, ideal for Metallica’s thrash metal sound (Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning).

  • Image Descriptions

  • Associated Music

  • Reference

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