James Hetfield’s 1989 ESP MX220 “Fuk Em Up”

Brand: ESP
Model: MX-220

This was James’ third ESP guitar, which first appeared sometime during the “Damaged Justice” tour in 1988. In essence, the guitar was very similar to James’ first two MX220s, except that this was basically a “dark” version.

James with the “Fuk Em Up” ESP at Shoreline Amphitheater in “Mountain View, CA” on September 15, 1989, during the Damaged Justice Tour.

Specs, Stickers

The guitar was finished in black with grey metallic sparkel. The headstock was a tiny bit different than the one on James’ other two ESPs. This one appears to be more similar to the MX-250 mode. However, the 250 model wasn’t released until 1990 as far as we know, so this was probably some kind of a prototype/crossover between the two models.

Apart from this, the guitar had the same pickups as the other guitars – EMG 80/61 set and had the exact same bridge and tuners (Gotoh tuners, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge).

As far as decorations, the guitar also featured a “Totemkopf” skull sticker between the two pickups, and the words “Fuk Em Up” written on the back horn.

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Ogoras97
Ogoras97
1 year ago

You put the wrong color, it’s grey sparkle. From newer photos you can see that it’s sparkling under certain light

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HeavyHarold
HeavyHarold
1 year ago

You guys should add his “Man To Wolf” ESP MX-250 and his MX-250 with the Black Album Snake Inlays as they were also unique guitars that he had.

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