Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Gibson have announced the exclusive 1989 Les Paul Custom model.
It is the latest ax model exclusive to Hammett's current partnership with Gibson. This time they will return to …And Justice for all and the “Black Album” era for a faithful recreation of Hammett’s original Les Paul Custom in its appropriate “darkened” ebony finish.
The signature model retains that look and was aged by Gibson luthiers in the Murphy Laboratory to replicate the wear and feel of the original. The hardware is also completely black.
Per Kirk's wishes, the guitar comes equipped with bare-type pickups, along with a Fishman Powerbridge piezo pickup system with a Fishman Powership preamp and volume control that features a full-bodied simulated acoustic tone; This last element is one of the original attractions of the instrument when Hammett first acquired it.
“This black 1989 Les Paul Custom is actually the first Les Paul I played live on stage and on tour,” Hammett said via press release. “I got it when we were in the …And Justice for all tour, specifically for 'Fade to Black' because I really wanted that big, fat, creamy Les Paul sound for the intro. I loved how fast the neck was and after my tech modified much of the hardware, making it “no more black”, it ended up being a great live metal guitar. It's a very reliable and reliable guitar, and I've used it for decades. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Fans who see Metallica live will likely have the chance to see Hammett wielding his OG Les Paul Custom on stage. The band is set to play the 2024 leg of their “No Repeat Weekend” tour, and you can get tickets. here.
The Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom sells for $8,999 and can be purchased through Gibson's. website and authorized retailers. See photos of the guitar in the slideshow below.
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