The Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom is now available on Gibson’s website for the hefty price of $8,999. It is a limited-run model, but there are no specifications on how many models are to be produced.

This Murphy lab model was designed to resemble the same guitar Hammett used while recording some of the most iconic Metallica albums. It rocks a SlimTaper profile with 22 frets and a Corian nut. There’s also a Fishman Powerchip preamp for a rich acoustic tone.

The real one, which the guitarist calls “Black Beauty”, was originally a Les Paul Custom with golden hardware. However, Hammett modified it over several years and swapped the hardware for a black Tone Pro bridge and black Sperzel locking tuners. Eventually, he also added EMG pickups.

The curious thing about this release is that the hardware was changed to black, just like Hammett did back with his original model. However, the EMGs were ignored. Instead, it rocks a Gibson 498T at the bridge and 490Rs at the neck.

Why No EMGs?

This comes as a surprise to many since the pickups are one of the most iconic things about this guitar. A Gibson with EMGs is not a common sight. However, according to Gibson’s writing on their website “…per Kirk’s wishes, it comes equipped with uncovered T-Type pickups”.

Some people were speculating that this was due to Gibson’s stubbornness about working with other brand names. However, they already offer some signature models with Seymour Duncan pickups, like the Dave Mustaine Flying V and Adam Jones’ 1979 Les Paul Custom VOS.

Even though everything else was made to look like the original—including the aged painting—, the pickups were the exception. It might just be that Hammett doesn’t like how it looks with EMG pickups.

Since joining Gibson in 2021, Kirk Hammett’s relationship with Gibson has become much closer. He’s released a few signature models with both Gibson and Epiphone and has gone on a shopping spree of very expensive Gibson guitars. Most people already know his ultra-expensive “Greeny”, but he’s recently acquired another rare 1959 Les Paul Standard in Factory Black and with a Bigsby vibrato.

This decision not to include EMGs and instead go with original Gibson pickups might be just another sign of Metallica’s lead guitarist’s growing love for the classic brand.