Up for sale is a rare, holy-grail piece of Metallica and ESP history: an authentic ESP Custom Shop JH-1 James Hetfield Signature Flying V.

Introduced in 1997 as James Hetfield’s very first official signature model with ESP, the JH-1 was produced in an extremely limited worldwide run of only 200 pieces. Featuring the iconic hot-rod flame finish, custom headstock inlay, and precision Japanese Custom Shop craftsmanship, this instrument is a cornerstone piece for serious high-end collectors and die-hard Metallica fans.

It comes with handsigned metal plaque, handsigned COA and original case. The guitar has some finishwear, but no repairs, cracks or other issues.

Key Specifications

• Model: ESP Custom Shop JH-1 (James Hetfield Signature)

• Year of Manufacture: 1997 (Made in Japan, ESP Custom Shop)

• Production Run: Limited Edition (1 of 200 Worldwide)

• Finish: Black w/ Hot-Rod Flame Graphic & Matching Headstock

• Body Wood: Solid Mahogany

• Neck Wood: Bolt-On / Set Mahogany w/ Thin-U Profile

• Fingerboard: Rosewood w/ Custom Abalone Inlays

• Frets: 22 Extra Jumbo Frets

• Scale Length / Nut Width: 24.75” Scale / 42 mm Nut

• Pickups: Active EMG 81 / 60 Humbucker Set

• Controls: 1 Master Volume, 1 Master Tone, 3-Way Toggle Selector

• Hardware: Black / Tune-O-Matic Bridge w/ String-Thru Body & Sperzel Locking Tuners

Collector Value & Investment Potential

As the inaugural model of the historic ESP James Hetfield Signature Series, the JH-1 holds an iconic spot in 90s metal history (Load / Reload / Cunning Stunts era). Given the strict limit of 200 units ever produced, pristine examples rarely hit the open market and continue to appreciate consistently in global vintage and custom shop markets.

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