Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield

by James Hetfield

James Hetfield shares his personal collection of treasured guitars and reveals the story and significance of each within his life and career as the front man, guitarist, and songwriter for Metallica.

From the Electra OGV that defined his style, sound and attitude to the mythical MX guitars, the first in a series of iconic collaborations with ESP, and from his signature Snakebytes through his ambitious projects with renowned luthier Ken Lawrence, James Hetfield shares the emotional and technical elements of the chosen tools that have shaped his singular musical journey, including exotic instruments, vintage Gibsons, and custom one-offs. He also reveals many studio secrets, including the key amplifiers and gear that sculpt his tone and create his sound.

Each featured guitar is accompanied by lush museum-quality portraits by acclaimed photographer Scott Williamson, exhibiting intimate details one can only see if holding it in their own hands, alongside Hetfield’s deeply personal reminiscence. Spanning more than forty guitars, ranging from the original battle-scarred road warriors to the trusted studio stalwarts and enduring tour favorites, The Guitars of James Hetfield is a meticulously crafted coffee table book and a mesmerizing window into the mind and soul of one of rock’s greatest front men. These invaluable guitars have forged over four decades of music history.

Genres: Music

400 pages, Hardcover

Published November 21, 2023

Reviews

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 1-2 guitars at a time over the course of 5 months because I wanted to really sit and absorb the story each one. I played cello for about 15 years, so I knew enough about stringed instruments to get most of the shop jargon. But this isn't just a book about guitars. It's the story of a man with something to say and the tools he uses to say it. I've been a diehard Metallica fan for 30 years and this was an amazing look into James as a person. I learned so much about guitars through his stories of what, why, and how. Are other rock stars this invested in their craft? The photos are also gorgeous. I took my time with this book to also examine each one. I've never seen guitar parts this up close and personal. I especially liked the early guitars that James carved or wrote on just because he was bored. Maybe I would have had more fun as a cellist if I'd gone all Apocalyptica and also carved Kill Josh Bell into the front of my instrument. Kidding - I like Joshua Bell a lot and the one time I had the pleasure of working with him, he was rad as hell.

[Varun Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ardent Metallica (read James Hetfield) fan and guitarist, I was ecstatic for and excited about this coffee table book!

‘Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield’ is a passionate exploration of the iconic guitars wielded by the man, the myth, the legend, James Hetfield, the legendary frontman, singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist of Metallica.

Spanning Hetfield and Metallica's forty-year career, this book catalogues the over 40 guitars that have shaped Metallica's sound and legacy, be it the original white OGV used in the founding albums “Kill ’Em All” and “Ride the Lightning”, the handprint-burnt ESP double neck from the pyrotechnic mishap in 1992 in Montreal, the instantly recognizable muscular MX guitars, the less storied (within Hetfield’s context) vintage Gibsons, and, of course, experiments with luthier Ken Lawrence that led to the creation of two iconic Explorer-shape guitars, the latter of which is famously known as ‘Carl’.

Each instrument is proffered the respect it deserves as a messenger of Metallica’s sound and a testament to Hetfield’s charisma and style. Aside from the guitars, the book also sheds light on many studio secrets, including the amplifiers and gear that made Hetfield’s tone truly sounding the way it is. Consequently, we get an overall insight into Hetfield's personal connection with his guitars, technical preferences toward guitar-building and modifications, and hands-on approach to crafting his signature sound.

The cherry on top is that EACH featured guitar is accompanied by immaculate photography by Scott Williamson.

[Dave Relph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I have to say that simply as a physical product, this book is absolutely beautiful. The quality of the pages is extremely high and does immense justice to the stunning photography on display. As for the content, I am not a given guitar nerd as such, and so some of the finer technical details certainly go over my head, but being a die hard Metallica fan, reading the stories and memories James has of all these wonderful instruments is a real joy. I’ve always enjoyed the aesthetic choices he’s made with his guitars and had some favourites before reading this book, so getting to better understand their personalities and what they’ve been used for was such a treat.

[Krystian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what I expected. From interviews and biographies it seems that James like to keep his private life to himself, so it seems that the book about his guitars is the closest to a diaries a fan can get. Great read for guitarists, probably not so much for others.

[Kenny Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am a massive Metallica fan but I mainly play drums. I enjoyed reading the different stories and looking at the amazing artwork. I definitely would definitely recommend this book and I would like to get reclaimed rust, his other book about cars.

[Gustavo Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book. Just beautiful. A real pleasure.

[Carlie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent the whole time in awe of this man and all of the guitars, gear, and other equipment. Also giggling cause James is actually so hot wtf

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect.

[Geoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with amazing pictures of many of Hetfields beautiful guitars. And added to the pictures are great stories and details of every single guitar

[Perkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the stories behind the guitars, but definitely a lot of shop talk that went over my head.

[Matt Alonso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE METALLICA!!

[༺ Jason ༻ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m into guitars and always been a fan of JH. The stories of each of his guitars are interesting.