This is one of the most recognizable horror-themed guitars in Kirk’s collection, though it is often confused with his “Mummy” guitar. The first time it appeared seems to be sometime around 1999, reportedly gifted to him by the ESP Custom Shop. Given the timing, it is likely that he received it during the S&M or Garage Inc. era, just prior to the St. Anger sessions.
When the guitar first appeared, it was fitted with Kirk’s standard electronics for that period: an active EMG 81 humbucker in the bridge position and an EMG 60 in the neck. The body is constructed from alder with a neck-through design, featuring a rosewood fretboard and 24 extra-jumbo frets.
Visuals and Modifications
The most distinct feature of this guitar is the graphic, which depicts a stylized, high-contrast image of Boris Karloff’s face from the 1931 Universal film Frankenstein. While the movie was black and white, this specific version features a red color palette.
Unlike his standard KH-2s, which feature skull inlays, this guitar is decorated with text running along the fretboard that reads “Warning! The monster is loose!” This inlay is made of a phosphorescent material, allowing it to glow in the dark. Additionally, the guitar was fitted with two red LEDs embedded in the body at the monster’s eyes, which could be toggled on during live performances.
Summer Sanitarium Tour
This guitar was used extensively during the Summer Sanitarium Tour in 2000. It appeared to be a main instrument for Kirk during this time, particularly during the shows where James Hetfield was absent due to a back injury. It seemed to serve as a reliable stage guitar throughout that touring cycle, fitting the visual aesthetic of the band’s performance during that era.
Variants and Confusion with the “Mummy”
It is important to note that the “Red Frankenstein” is not the only version of this guitar. It seems that Kirk owns at least three variations: the Red model seen on stage with the LED lights, another red one withou the lights, and a Green variant.
The guitar is also frequently mistaken for the “Mummy” KH-2, but there are clear distinctions. The “Mummy” features the actual movie poster art (which Kirk owns the rights to), hieroglyphic inlays, and lacks the LED modification. The “Frankenstein” is identified by the “Warning!” text and the LED eyes.
Current Whereabouts
Years later, the specific “Red Frankenstein” used during the 2000s appeared on the private market. Auction records indicate that the guitar was sold in 2020 for $60,000.
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