This guitar is famous for exactly one reason (pun intended) – it is the instrument Kirk Hammett played in Metallica’s very first music video, “One,” released in early 1989. Unlike his later signature models, which were heavy custom builds, this guitar appears to be a standard production model. It is an ESP 400 Series, which was ESP’s take on a Fender Stratocaster.
The “One” Video
The video was a massive turning point for the band. After releasing three albums with no promotional clips, they finally filmed a video for the third single off …And Justice for All. The video was shot in black and white, mixing performance footage with clips from the 1971 film Johnny Got His Gun.
In the video, Kirk is seen playing this natural-finish Strat-style guitar.
Specs and Features
According to the Heritage Auctions listing (Lot #7249), the guitar is a 400 Series (Serial #03879) model with a solid alder body and a rosewood “slab” neck.
Crucially, however, this was a “Super Strat” in disguise. While standard 400 Series models came with vintage synchronized tremolos, Kirk’s specific guitar was fitted with a Floyd Rose tremolo system and a locking nut.
As far as electronics, it retained the traditional three single-coil pickup layout.
The Auction
After the video shoot, the guitar didn’t see much stage light. It doesn’t appear to have been a part of Kirk’s touring rig at all, which was dominated by his Gibson Flying V and various ESP customs.
However, the guitar resurfaced decades later at Heritage Auctions on April 11, 2021. It was sold for $112,500 (approximately €94,500) to an anonymous buyer.
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