James Hetfield’s Marshall Super Lead (Jose Arrendondo Modified)

For the Load album, James acquired a Marshall amp that had been modified by Jose Arredondo. To remind you, Metallica’s first album, Kill ’em All, was also recorded using a Marshall Super Lead that Jose had modified, but that amp was stolen shortly after the album was completed.

James likely wanted to recapture that original sound, so he sought out another “Jose Marshall.” Both he and Metallica’s producer, Bob Rock, managed to get one, but unfortunately, Kirk never received his, as Jose passed away before he could finish it.

Last song we working on, big giant fat guitars with huge chugging and open fatness. Capn’s of Crunch lives! The trusty white Explorer which is actually cream color now because of its age, still, rules the Crunch World. I have plenty of other fancy artwork guitars, but that one sounds the best. Sent Zach to go fetch the Jose Marshall. During the recording of the Black Album, Bob Rock and I both got Jose Marshalls. He is the guy who hot-rodded Eddie Van Halen’s Marshalls for the first VAN HALEN record, but mine doesn’t sound as good as Bob’s, or Eddie’s for that matter. He did ours when he was really sick. Kirk never got his cause Jose died before he finished it. On that happy note, have a great day, I have to get back to work.

James Hetfield

Although no source online specifies the exact model of the amp James used, it’s reasonable to assume it was a Super Lead, considering the original was one as well.