Hetfield has been a major endorser of ESP guitars since 1991, and is best known for playing custom-made Explorer-style guitars with an EMG 81/EMG 60 set for pickups. His popularization of the models was considered by some to be a catalyst in Gibson’s decision to sue ESP over loss of profits (Gibson originated the model in the late 1950s and has allowed other companies to build replicas).

Hetfield’s main guitar from the early days was a white Flying V, used almost exclusively until it broke in 1987. After that he used a 1984 white Gibson Explorer bearing Metallica “Jump In The Fire” devil custom artwork as well as the words “EET FUK” and an ‘85 White Gibson Explorer. In 1988 he switched to using white and black ESP Explorer models.

During the mid-1990s, James Hetfield also used his two signature ESP Flying V models, one with red flames and one with green flames. He also asked a friend to fix black and silver diamond-plated metal onto the surface of some of his ESP Explorer guitars.

Recently Hetfield has become a frequent user of a Gibson Les Paul Custom, particularly the 1973 model.

James Hetfield is a true-blue guitar tinkerer, whose experiments, placements of stickers and modifications have resulted in the production of signature models by ESP guitars.

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