JH-2 Custom Explorer, Chrome Diamond Plate
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.James Hetfield’s second signature model, the JH-2, is an Explorer-style guitar outfitted for heavy metal performances. This one-of-a-kind version features a chrome-diamond-plate top that Metallica provided to the ESP Custom Shop. Hetfield began playing the guitar on tour supporting Metallica’s albums Load (1996) and Reload (1997). It has become one of his most recognizable instruments and remains in use today.
Technical Description:
Mahogany body and neck, maple top, rosewood fingerboard; 24¾ in. scale; black finish with chrome diamond plate top; set neck with mother-of-pearl ninja star and diamond inlays; headstock with chrome diamond plate facing, black ESP stencil logo; EMG 60 and 81 active humbucking pickups, three-way selector switch, volume and tone controls; black TonePros tune-o-matic style bridge and Sperzel locking tuners, chrome-plated knobs
Technical Description:
Mahogany body and neck, maple top, rosewood fingerboard; 24¾ in. scale; black finish with chrome diamond plate top; set neck with mother-of-pearl ninja star and diamond inlays; headstock with chrome diamond plate facing, black ESP stencil logo; EMG 60 and 81 active humbucking pickups, three-way selector switch, volume and tone controls; black TonePros tune-o-matic style bridge and Sperzel locking tuners, chrome-plated knobs
Artwork Details
- Title: JH-2 Custom Explorer, Chrome Diamond Plate
- Artist: ESP Guitar Company
- Artist: James Hetfield
- Date: ca. 1996
- Medium: Mahogany, maple, rosewood, plastic, chrome, metal
- Dimensions: Length: ~42 in. (106.7 cm)
Width: ~17 in. (38.1 cm)
Depth: ~1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Weight: ~10-14 lbs. - Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
- Credit Line: Collection of Metallica & Frantic Inc.
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments