Hetfield Explorer

[AdRock]

That's cool as hell man. I'd love to have that thing, and play the shit out of it like has been done it's entire life.

[RR05xx]

That is about as fukin cool as it gets. I would ahev killed for that guitar at one time (I am much better now , but I am still going to see them on the next tour - i have hopes they may finally be "back" after all the bs).

[MetalMedal II]

That's pretty amazing! The live photo's from the Monsters of rock tour in the summer of '88, before AJFA was released. They did play Harvester of Sorrow on that set. That was the 1st time I saw them. I had GA lawn seats at 3 Rivers in Pgh. I remember the little demon on that guitar. And I remember the pirate sticker on Hammet's ESP. I just started playing guitar then, so I was just learning about gear, etc.

I bet most of the yellowing on the explorer occurred during that tour, since they played in the sun for every set. Man, it's weird to think that was 20 yrs ago!

[CharvelRocker]

You don't pluck those off trees, that is for sure!

[jk2171]

Incredible story and pics!! That guitar looks like it could kill animals and small children with just one power chord.

Now take the pics over to the ESP board and you'll be worshipped over there. lol

[Newc]

Yeah, then count how many "Jeez, Gibson ripped off ESP!" posts come up

[GodOfRhythm]

FYI, 'the little demon' is the Jump In The Fire dude.

It's on the picture disc single, it's awesome.

[bsteff666]

That's pretty amazing! The live photo's from the Monsters of rock tour in the summer of '88, before AJFA was released. They did play Harvester of Sorrow on that set. That was the 1st time I saw them. I had GA lawn seats at 3 Rivers in Pgh. I remember the little demon on that guitar. And I remember the pirate sticker on Hammet's ESP. I just started playing guitar then, so I was just learning about gear, etc.

I bet most of the yellowing on the explorer occurred during that tour, since they played in the sun for every set. Man, it's weird to think that was 20 yrs ago!

That is all exactly correct. I was at that show at Three Rivers...I don't know why I remember the date...but that was June 15th of 88. I was thinking about it this summer...also finding it hard to believe that it was 20 years ago.

That was the first time I saw Metallica live too...and they ruled.

Playing that guitar must be almost surreal....to be holding such a piece of metal history....Damn.

[RD]

wish james would have played this on the new album for attitude cause that new song is no good!

[Larz]

That is amazing, a legendary guitar, I would lock that fucker up tight and booby trap the case.

It would have been criminal not to post that.

Wonder if they have any of Dave's old gear lying around?

Those that mentioned that Monsters of Rock tour, I caught the one in Foxborough, Mass.....best single day of music and guiatarists ever (Metallica, Van Halen, Scorpions, Dokken and .....well, Kingdom Come.

[thebeggar]

Holy fuck

+1

Holy fuck alright.

Imagine how times that guitar has been heard around the world in the last 25 yrs. In terms of live shows and repeated listenings by metalheads of Metallica songs which were recorded with that guitar.

Mind blowing, a true piece of rock history, dare I say the holy grail

[AK47]

Just a question but did your buddy ever put the guitar up on Ebay around 2000-2001? Did it get bid up to 25K then he ended the auction and did not sell it.

[RD]

Just a question but did your buddy ever put the guitar up on Ebay around 2000-2001? Did it get bid up to 25K then he ended the auction and did not sell it.

IIRC yes he did.

[Bob From Accounting]

OMG!!! epic guitar acquiring

that is beyond all sorts of cool!! amazing...

[Larz]

That guitar has gotten more pussy than I ever will.