In recent weeks, a rumor circulating within the international guitar community has created a buzz concerning the potential collaboration between James Hetfield and Gibson. Following the footsteps of Dave Mustaine and Kirk Hammett, the Metallica frontman might, as per current speculations, become a Gibson artist. The speculation suggests the introduction of a James Hetfield signature Explorer, modeled after the ’84 version he has wielded for decades.
Already an endorser for ESP guitars, Hetfield often showcases custom instruments from various brands in live performances and studio clips. Kirk Hammett’s entry into the Gibson realm, first with the Flying V signature and later the Greeny line in custom shop, standard production, and Epiphone models, leaves little to the imagination. However, the absence of an official announcement precedes the appearance of leaked photos featuring the incriminating Explorer.
Gibson Explorer ’84: Hetfield’s Signature or Upcoming Standard Model?
Generating anticipation for highly-awaited signature models through leaks and hints seems to be a shared strategy among guitar brands lately. Fender’s approach for the much-anticipated Tom DeLonge reissue is a recent example. Moreover, Gibson’s current CEO, Cesar Gueikian, is familiar with this practice, having been one of its earliest proponents.
A photo of Gueikian, an avid guitarist and Gibson administrator, captures him with an Explorer ’84 associated with Papa Het. Behind him, the presence of Kirk Hammett’s signature guitars—a Flying V and two Moderne prototypes with Floyd Rose nearing assembly—further fuels fan speculation.
Gibson James Hetfield Collection: Reality or Fan Fantasy? The Details
Another aspect suggesting Hetfield’s potential involvement is the finish of the instrument. Gibson typically refrains from using aged finishes on its standard instruments, with the Les Paul Custom signature for Adam Jones of Tool being a rare exception.
The only factor that could dispel the growing speculation about a partnership between Gibson and James Hetfield is the absence of Hetfield’s signature EMG pickups in Gueikian’s post. However, it’s worth noting that Gibson rarely equips signature prototypes with the artists’ pickups, and the instrument, as shown, closely mirrors the original appearance of Hetfield’s Explorer.
Gibson Getting Closer to the Metal World
Speculation about James Hetfield joining the Gibson artist family emerged following the removal of the popular Explorer ’84 with EMG pickups from the Epiphone catalog. Examining the brand’s timeline and recent decisions, it’s evident that Gibson is increasingly leaning towards heavier musical genres.
From Mark Morton to the aforementioned Hammett and Mustaine, and looking back at the inclusion of artists like Lzzy Hale in Gibson’s roster, the possibility of James Hetfield collaborating with Gibson for a dedicated collection becomes more plausible. In the past, there were indications of an Iron Cross replica in the works, which never materialized due to previous management, leading Hetfield to choose ESP for the production of what would become one of his flagship models.
Are Gibson and Hetfield testing the waters for a potential collaboration to be officially announced next year? It remains uncertain. Nonetheless, what appears certain is the introduction of a new Explorer into the brand’s catalog, sparking enthusiasm among Metallica fans and enthusiasts of heavier guitar shapes for the prospect of instruments from a collection dedicated to James Hetfield.