Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Gibson have announced the 1989 Les Paul Custom signature model.
It’s the latest signature model axe in Hammett’s ongoing partnership with Gibson. This time, they’re going back to the …And Justice for All and “Black Album” era for a faithful recreation of Hammett’s original Les Paul Custom in its appropriate “blacked-out” Ebony finish.
The signature model retains that look and was Murphy Lab-aged by Gibson’s luthiers to replicate the wear and feel of the original. The hardware is also all-black.
Per Kirk’s wishes, the guitar comes equipped with uncovered-Type pickups, along with a Fishman Powerbridge piezo bridge pickup system with a Fishman Powership preamp and volume control that boasts simulated full-bodied acoustic tone — the latter element being one of the original appeals of the instrument when Hammett first acquired it.
“This black 1989 Les Paul Custom is actually the first Les Paul I ever played live on stage and on tour,” Hammett said via a press release. “I got it when we were on 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 a bunch of the hardware, making it ‘none more black,’ it ended up being a great live metal guitar. It’s a very dependable and reliable guitar, and I’ve used it for decades. I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I did!”
Fans who catch Metallica live will likely get a chance to see Hammett wielding his O.G. Les Paul Custom onstage. The band is set to play the 2024 portion of its “No Repeat Weekend” tour slate, and you can pick up tickets here.
The Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom retails for $8,999 and can be purchased via Gibson’s website and authorized retailers. Check out photos of the guitar in the slideshow below.