I had the honor to see this guitar played not even a foot from me in St. Louis last year, and i was handed a used guitar pick by James with it, top 3 moment of my life forever
I was there in St. Louis with my daughter. First Metallica show for her. When James came out with the OGV and they played Hardwired right in front of us, I told her what she was looking at, and her jaw hit the floor. 😂 🤘
The OG V is kept at their Headquarter. He has 2 aditional Electras that were painted white to replicate the og. He mainly uses one of those not so recently acquired Vs.
He said that it was the only guitar he had during the “Kill’em All” Tour. Could you imagine going on a world tour, with all the investment that goes along with it. You have to buy equipment, rent buses, rent hotels, book flights, pay roadies, pay managers, etc. And it all relies on a cheap $200 Japanese knock off Flying V not malfunctioning. Then, on top of that, that guitar was an integral element in making Metallica one of the most successful bands of all time.
that's an interesting statement, cause in the Metro 1983 concert you can clearly see him using more than one guitar, so i wonder where did those guitars come from
I saw a reel and he was complaining about one of his guitars and Lars mentioned something along the lines of why don’t you play one guitar like in the old days.
Electra later became Westone and were made at the Matsumoku factory in Japan. Some of the best Guitars ever made and better than a lot of big brands today! Great Guitar for a Legendary player!
I have a Matsumoku SG from the 70s that I bought on eBay maybe 15 years ago. It always played great but the stock p90s were horrifically microphonic. Within the last few years I put Duncan PRail pickups and switching in it and a Deusenberg trem and now it’s the beast it deserves to be.
Was it really that difficult for James Hetfield? Come on now. Every situation was met with plenty of help. No kids dying, no wife leaving when the marriage counted. Funny, how happy he seems since the divorse jajaj
@@LesGrossman69I tend to disagree, david gilmour put all his guitars into auction for charity, including his famous black strat and serial number 001 strat.
It’s cool he still has it and brings it out sometimes. I wish other iconic musicians bring out an old favorite for a song at least. Love to see Dave Mustaine play his old Silver Jackson King V. John Petrucci with his Ibanez. Korn with the Ibanez universes.
Absolutly true got a 1983 Nj series Bc Rich mockingbird , best guitar i have wirhmy Gibson studio , cant tell which works better for real , they are really simillar in Quality
@@mickaeltremblay3380 Are those really budget Japanese guitars. I recall some series budget guitars-- BC Rich that feedback and couldnt stay in toon for nothing.
Japanese instruments might have been very affordable, but there was absolutely nothing "cheap" about them. In America these were constantly bashed as Jap-Crap, I remember reading... Unfortunately, as literally every Japanese I own (a fair few) is so much better than anything I've ever owned or played that was US-made.....
Metallica might not have been as big if Cliff didn't dye, but they sure would of been solid.. Kirk probably should of left long ago too. Mainly a puppet.. If he really cared, don't you think Kirk's solos would develop, instead just being rehashed with the same old wah wah
@@Brian-qg8dg i dont think they would still be together as a band and friends..if Kirk wasnt still and always in the band just saying... hes the glue that kept them together i feel...
The man has held, owned and played guitars that have cost more than $1500 - including his own signature models yet he always goes back to this one. In a way, he's come full circle whenever he's on stage with it. Jerry Cantrell had finally retired his G&L superstrat (another cool guitar with a history). That Electra Flying V should be in the Smithsonian one day.
@@walterharris4681 well companies generally will make signature models but they use cheaper parts and methods to make them, but the actual guitar the musicians owns his a super high end build guitar
some famous players a guitar is a tool and classic guitars were built and collected. Some players have a passion for their instruments and make them collectables.
I love the 70s reissue Flying V! On wish list and really enjoyed playing one recently. Amazing tone and playability and no wonder rock and metal gods from Judas Priest to Metallica recorded hit albums with it.
It's so cool, you should look up the story of Dimebag's Dean From Hell guitar; the way he won it, sold it, bought it back looking like that. He then toured with it for the first few albums and also broke the headstock several times before retiring it, there's footage of him playing with the headstock hanging off thanks to the Floyd Rose locking top nut lol.
I have an interview of james stating it was stolen during the ride tour with all of their gear which is why he had the Jackson v… why he was sad and wrote fade to black.
relic, i feel the same way about my original playstation 3. ive had to rebuild it and swap parts out the motherboard is still strong. have had it since release day and its got me through alot of depression
I have the same one still and that interesting black/greenish color, I just put EMG 81-80 in it. I have it since 2008. Dropped it few times, it holds up well. Have some very old videos with it on my channel...
I hear the difference between Kill 'em All and the later Metallica albums, because even with the amps all scooped out, those crunchy mids still shine through. That explains why KEA is still my favorite Metallica album! And it's all because of this cheapo V copy that James bought off some guy in high school...
No, sound comes from cabinet, microphone, amp, mix. Guitar makes minimal difference. Check this 13 guitar metal song: ua-cam.com/video/P0Lb3u7-DHI/v-deo.html
i hope somebody who worked extremely hard to make a replica, somehow arranges a fan meet with james and shows the replica, id love to see a reaction from james
Almost any guitar, if you put effort into fixing it, it also will be a survivor. Theres nothing magical about the guitar, its sentimental value & special to you. Just like mine that Ive had since 98, its the one that finally found its forever home. 93 USA Warlock neck thru,pristine when I got it, now it has its wounds & scars, yet . plays so good. i do believe I will have it when I die one day. then it will end up being sold off to someone probably locally for total dirt cheap. lol 50 bucks or something. after it does have a HSC
i bet when he plays that guitar, yes old friend lets make some magic together again, and that wish to bring it to the grave with him, i can see that happening. but for now 2 old friends being in the moment, bonding over days gone by of riding across the landsof the earth side by side, and becoming one on stage to bring about the destruction of GLAM metal
I have tried to play with the pick held with my thumb, index finger, and middle finger like James and I just can't do it. I have no idea how he plays like that.
This guitar is a perfect example of why you should never spend so much money to get a nameplate on the headstock. Especially with the digital sound tech we have now
Just picked up a 1976 Electra 2236 Flying Wedge and beyond stoked. Funny to me these are considered “cheap”. $320 in 1976 is $1731 in today’s money. Gibson money? Perhaps not. Cheap? 😏
You paid the 'James Hetfield made this V copy famous' price. Most Electras sell for much less than that. Regardless, they really didn't make a lot of the V's or Explorer copies, so you have something rare and if it's in good shape and good working order, I'd be happy. I've had dozens of Electra's (mostly LPs, SGs, strats, 1 tele, and some of their original shapes from the early 80s) over the years and never even seen one of the V's in person, so grats to you for sure.
@@drax13 I have a few Electras and Westones. I actually paid under the “James Hetfield made this copy famous” price if you check the market right now. I’m extremely happy with purchasing it, even if market value were $500. The metal history is worth it to me, personally, being an Electra fan. 👍😁
@@barneyba Good deal! I've been a fan since my first 'real' guitar was an Electra LP copy. That guitar went all through the 80s and mid 90s with me in various metal bands. I still have it today, and it's still a killer guitar.
wow if that guitar could talk lol. Seemingly the days when you just beat the shit out of your guitar yourself and it wasnt done in some shop to make it look like you used it. What does it say about the current guitar community who like the relic guitars?
"it's a survivor, like me" that is so heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time 💔❤
Yeah, he has been through some interesting times, that's for sure.
it s gay
you're gay@@Michael_666
It's gay
@@Michael_666just like you
God bless this man. Thank you James Hetfield
I had the honor to see this guitar played not even a foot from me in St. Louis last year, and i was handed a used guitar pick by James with it, top 3 moment of my life forever
I was there in St. Louis with my daughter. First Metallica show for her. When James came out with the OGV and they played Hardwired right in front of us, I told her what she was looking at, and her jaw hit the floor. 😂 🤘
I'm pretty sure those are replicas he uses for live performances. He keeps the original stored at home
The OG V is kept at their Headquarter. He has 2 aditional Electras that were painted white to replicate the og. He mainly uses one of those not so recently acquired Vs.
He said that it was the only guitar he had during the “Kill’em All” Tour. Could you imagine going on a world tour, with all the investment that goes along with it. You have to buy equipment, rent buses, rent hotels, book flights, pay roadies, pay managers, etc. And it all relies on a cheap $200 Japanese knock off Flying V not malfunctioning. Then, on top of that, that guitar was an integral element in making Metallica one of the most successful bands of all time.
So the bottom line is...its never about the instrument, its all about the guy behind it (the musician) and his magic.
that's an interesting statement, cause in the Metro 1983 concert you can clearly see him using more than one guitar, so i wonder where did those guitars come from
@@space_kat1 james only used the ogv and it was the only guitar he owned at the time
@@space_kat1 He borrowed one of Kirk's guitars on occasion.
I saw a reel and he was complaining about one of his guitars and Lars mentioned something along the lines of why don’t you play one guitar like in the old days.
Lively and Young. Describes the essence of the Flying V.
Electra later became Westone and were made at the Matsumoku factory in Japan. Some of the best Guitars ever made and better than a lot of big brands today! Great Guitar for a Legendary player!
I have a Matsumoku SG from the 70s that I bought on eBay maybe 15 years ago. It always played great but the stock p90s were horrifically microphonic. Within the last few years I put Duncan PRail pickups and switching in it and a Deusenberg trem and now it’s the beast it deserves to be.
@@patandmacmusic That's fantastic! Enjoy playing it!😉
I agree. Japan made good stuff back in the day but tend to short change you on the electronics. I have a couple MIJ Jacksons. good stuff
Westone were great guitars for the money
Probably why hes still with ESP
After facing so many uncertainties in life. James deserves constants like these.
Was it really that difficult for James Hetfield? Come on now. Every situation was met with plenty of help. No kids dying, no wife leaving when the marriage counted. Funny, how happy he seems since the divorse jajaj
I love james clips always inspired amd full of music love
Can you imagine this guitar going on auction?
He said something like that he would be buried with it. I guess this one won't go out for sale.
Wouldn't be right for anyone else to own it besides James or his family.
Yeah. Like 50k for an electra haha
Dave Mustaine named his daughter Electra after James guitar, and he named his son Justice after Metallica's And Justice for All.
@@LesGrossman69I tend to disagree, david gilmour put all his guitars into auction for charity, including his famous black strat and serial number 001 strat.
Fantastic! There are a large amount of people out there who back in the 80's bought a Gibson V because they tought that James V was a real Gibson . 😆
This guitar is absolutely legendary!
It’s cool he still has it and brings it out sometimes. I wish other iconic musicians bring out an old favorite for a song at least. Love to see Dave Mustaine play his old Silver Jackson King V. John Petrucci with his Ibanez. Korn with the Ibanez universes.
Budget Japanese guitars from the 80s and 90s were amazing.
Absolutly true got a 1983 Nj series Bc Rich mockingbird , best guitar i have wirhmy Gibson studio , cant tell which works better for real , they are really simillar in Quality
@@mickaeltremblay3380 Are those really budget Japanese guitars. I recall some series budget guitars-- BC Rich that feedback and couldnt stay in toon for nothing.
Japanese instruments might have been very affordable, but there was absolutely nothing "cheap" about them.
In America these were constantly bashed as Jap-Crap, I remember reading...
Unfortunately, as literally every Japanese I own (a fair few) is so much better than anything I've ever owned or played that was US-made.....
This wasn't an American made Gibson?
@@Eger118877 No, it was a copy, not an actual Gibson
And that guitar survived a certain bus crash... r.i.p. cliff.
no that bus was for equipment not metalica
He was not playing this guitar on that tour. He had two white gibson explorers and the white jackson V on the puppets tour.
@@bryansteele832 You're right, he retired it because the headstock broke a few times
Metallica might not have been as big if Cliff didn't dye, but they sure would of been solid.. Kirk probably should of left long ago too. Mainly a puppet.. If he really cared, don't you think Kirk's solos would develop, instead just being rehashed with the same old wah wah
@@Brian-qg8dg i dont think they would still be together as a band and friends..if Kirk wasnt still and always in the band just saying... hes the glue that kept them together i feel...
i wish the 80's never ended - but im 55 now and like wow, we really do get old ☹
Well and truly shredded!!🖤
PURE BRILLIANCE!🤘PURE LEGEND!!!
The man has held, owned and played guitars that have cost more than $1500 - including his own signature models yet he always goes back to this one. In a way, he's come full circle whenever he's on stage with it. Jerry Cantrell had finally retired his G&L superstrat (another cool guitar with a history). That Electra Flying V should be in the Smithsonian one day.
More like 5000 dollars 😂
@@Cognitoman $5000?! I guess I underpriced those.
@@walterharris4681 well companies generally will make signature models but they use cheaper parts and methods to make them, but the actual guitar the musicians owns his a super high end build guitar
@@Cognitoman His 2 Ken Lawrence explorers are $10,000 each at least.
He's playing a new model of it on tour these days. The truss rod cover says Hetfield and the "customization" is a little different.
Thank you for this video! 😊
Wow James no wonder it's yours,...you say it best...." it's a survivor like me "..ah love you man 🎸🎤🤘
The riffs that that thing had played through it
One of the GOATs of metal guitars, it’s so fucking iconic
some famous players a guitar is a tool and classic guitars were built and collected. Some players have a passion for their instruments and make them collectables.
I remember back in the early METALLICA days when he first playing this awesome guitar ❤️❤️🤘🤘❤️❤️
I love you James 🖤
man you uploaded so much awesome content on your previous channel. Please upload it here too. Thanks.
Matsumoku made guitars from 1975 thru 1986 were and are so good...
I love the 70s reissue Flying V! On wish list and really enjoyed playing one recently. Amazing tone and playability and no wonder rock and metal gods from Judas Priest to Metallica recorded hit albums with it.
i just bought one.....its sick !!!!!
@@rv6205 nice!
Yeah, i was so sad that u weren't uploading videos. I came back to life now. Metallica till grave!
Birth School Metallica , Death
One of the coolest guitars on earth
It's so cool, you should look up the story of Dimebag's Dean From Hell guitar; the way he won it, sold it, bought it back looking like that. He then toured with it for the first few albums and also broke the headstock several times before retiring it, there's footage of him playing with the headstock hanging off thanks to the Floyd Rose locking top nut lol.
Thats a true 70s v, perfect guitar
That guitar has made you millions
I have an interview of james stating it was stolen during the ride tour with all of their gear which is why he had the Jackson v… why he was sad and wrote fade to black.
I’ll tell you what the fact that the guitar has somewhat survived for over 40 years throughout all that touring is a testament to the japanese
Honestly james guitars once any of them do go on auction they will be millions for sure especially any of the explorers or the ken Lawrence
relic, i feel the same way about my original playstation 3. ive had to rebuild it and swap parts out the motherboard is still strong. have had it since release day and its got me through alot of depression
“It’s a survivor like me” 😢 fuck childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma.
glad to see u here
“It’s a survivor like me”💪🏻💪🏻
Wow! Never knew it wasn't a Gibson. That's Awesome!
So much history, if an object could talk
first words it wouldl say...."METAL UP YOUR ASS"
I have guitars that are over $2000. However, one of my favorites is a LTD M - 50, its just got raw energy and sounds great! Had that since 2002.
I have the same one still and that interesting black/greenish color, I just put EMG 81-80 in it. I have it since 2008. Dropped it few times, it holds up well. Have some very old videos with it on my channel...
I've held one 😊
I would buy it at auction and then give it back to James..
He's the real deal
Love ya bro
I hear the difference between Kill 'em All and the later Metallica albums, because even with the amps all scooped out, those crunchy mids still shine through. That explains why KEA is still my favorite Metallica album! And it's all because of this cheapo V copy that James bought off some guy in high school...
No, sound comes from cabinet, microphone, amp, mix. Guitar makes minimal difference. Check this 13 guitar metal song:
ua-cam.com/video/P0Lb3u7-DHI/v-deo.html
Cool man! 👍
No big brands no expensive stuff no tone wood matters .It is the player and the music that matters.
My first decent guitar was a Gibson Flying V that I worked all summer to get when I was 16 years old.
i hope somebody who worked extremely hard to make a replica, somehow arranges a fan meet with james and shows the replica, id love to see a reaction from james
I don't want to own it, but I do wanna play it once 🤘
Almost any guitar, if you put effort into fixing it, it also will be a survivor. Theres nothing magical about the guitar, its sentimental value & special to you. Just like mine that Ive had since 98, its the one that finally found its forever home. 93 USA Warlock neck thru,pristine when I got it, now it has its wounds & scars, yet . plays so good. i do believe I will have it when I die one day. then it will end up being sold off to someone probably locally for total dirt cheap. lol 50 bucks or something. after it does have a HSC
i bet when he plays that guitar, yes old friend lets make some magic together again, and that wish to bring it to the grave with him, i can see that happening. but for now 2 old friends being in the moment, bonding over days gone by of riding across the landsof the earth side by side, and becoming one on stage to bring about the destruction of GLAM metal
the V guitar was the first guitar he had playing for metallica, but hes actual first guitar was a gibson SG
interesting that james recorded the latest album with emg 60 / 81 loaded guitar
JUST THINK...THAT WILL BE IN A MUSIC MUSEUM SOME DAY
How cool man.
If I could play that guitar I would make an album
WE RECORDED OUR NEW ALBUM WITH ONE OF THOSE
Imagine it's value
Holy shit... I never knew that was a bolt on. I assumed she was always a setneck.
I have tried to play with the pick held with my thumb, index finger, and middle finger like James and I just can't do it. I have no idea how he plays like that.
Does it stay n tune?
That guitar should be displayed at the rock n roll hall of fame in Cleveland.
Be nice if more guitarists realized it’s only a block of wood with strings and some magnets wrapped in copper wire
James Hetfield the old man with a 40 year old guitar.
🤘🏻METALLICA🇺🇲Y ALMAFUERTE🇦🇷SON LO MISMO🤘🏻
What brand is it? Ive heard him say its a 'fake' flying V.
His first guitar was SG
Does he still use this exact one live sometimes? or is it a similar looking V?
ua-cam.com/video/DH5ymHzjTUg/v-deo.html
They tracked down 2 Electras for the new album
@@Ghost.In.The.Ruins1995 thanks!
This guitar is a perfect example of why you should never spend so much money to get a nameplate on the headstock. Especially with the digital sound tech we have now
For all of the Gibson Tribute Models…
Gibson… Make this happen. P.S. I know I won’t want to afford it.
Bahringer Road
Just picked up a 1976 Electra 2236 Flying Wedge and beyond stoked.
Funny to me these are considered “cheap”. $320 in 1976 is $1731 in today’s money.
Gibson money? Perhaps not.
Cheap? 😏
You paid the 'James Hetfield made this V copy famous' price. Most Electras sell for much less than that. Regardless, they really didn't make a lot of the V's or Explorer copies, so you have something rare and if it's in good shape and good working order, I'd be happy. I've had dozens of Electra's (mostly LPs, SGs, strats, 1 tele, and some of their original shapes from the early 80s) over the years and never even seen one of the V's in person, so grats to you for sure.
@@drax13
I have a few Electras and Westones. I actually paid under the “James Hetfield made this copy famous” price if you check the market right now. I’m extremely happy with purchasing it, even if market value were $500. The metal history is worth it to me, personally, being an Electra fan. 👍😁
@@barneyba Good deal! I've been a fan since my first 'real' guitar was an Electra LP copy. That guitar went all through the 80s and mid 90s with me in various metal bands. I still have it today, and it's still a killer guitar.
Why OGV?
ESP can make replicas
James made that fake Gibson real.
Most expensive guitar will be Brian Mays Red Special
2-3 million dollar if this guitar going on auction
I thought his first guitar was a 60’s sg?
First guitar that he’s played in Metallica
@@Austin_Taylor479 ohhhhh alright
…So is it a Electra or a Gibson?! 😮
It's not a Gibson, that's for sure.
Critical thinking isn't your strong suite is it?
It’s an Electra 2236 Flying Wedge.
@@barneyba thank you for your kind reply..
It becaus the Seymour Duncan
probaby will value like $5M
Probably would sell for 5 million or more
It may be his first guitar he played with for Metallica, but it wasn't his real "first" guitar
Not bad for a cheap knockoff 🤘🏻
Bolt on neck...
The title calls it an Electra ..... Elektra put out some killer looking guitars but not the best quality.
These Comments are strange.
wow if that guitar could talk lol. Seemingly the days when you just beat the shit out of your guitar yourself and it wasnt done in some shop to make it look like you used it. What does it say about the current guitar community who like the relic guitars?
While Dave Mustaine will not retrieve his guitar used in Metallica. Why? Because it will bring him again in the state of anger and bitterness.
Maggie Parkways
How the hell do you break a stop bar tailpiece?
A billion downstrokes
You’re in a band called Metallica
One day his kids or wife will auction it off to the highest bidder.
That's a real relic , through time and battles, and not some BS poser fake relic
Wtf no guitar sound 😂😂😂
Nitzsche Rest
it wasn’t his first guitar.
He was saying it was his first in metallica
Second guitar, his first guitar was a 69 sg. He says it’s his first guitar with Metallica just saying
Geh