James Hetfield’s ESP JH-2

This is the second signature model from ESP made for James Hetfield, which debuted in 1998. James actually owns two of these guitars, with the only difference being the inlays on the first fret. The first JH-2 has a 4M ninja star inlay on the first fret, while the second guitar features diamond inlays across the entire fretboard.

Most notably, James Hetfield played this guitar in the music video for the song “I Disappear”.

Specs

This model shares much of its design with Hetfield’s previous guitars, especially the Mx-250, but it has a few key differences. Instead of using mahogany, ESP built the neck with maple and added a rosewood fretboard. The body design was also slightly more aggressive, resembling the ESP EXP model.

Apart from those changes, most of the specs were carried over from earlier models, including the signature EMG 60/81 active pickups, a Tune-o-Matic bridge, and Sperzel Locking Tuners. The most striking feature of the JH-2 is undoubtedly the black metal diamond plate fitted on top of the body, giving it its distinct, recognizable appearance.

Although this model was available commercially, it was released in very limited numbers. Today, when one of these guitars surfaces for sale, it typically commands prices of over $10,000.