Metallica’s Kirk Hammett Partners With Gibson To Produce $20,000 ‘Greeny’ Les Paul Reissue

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has announced an official partnership with Gibson guitars in which he and the famed guitar company are collaborating together to recreate the famous Gibson ‘Greeny’ Les Paul. While Hammett has played a variety of different guitar brands, most commonly ESP, throughout his career he’s been a proud owner of an original ‘Greeny’ Les Paul — one of Gibson’s most sought after Les Pauls made famous by guitarists Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac), Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy), Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck. Now with Gibson and Hammett pairing together to recreate the beloved instrument it seems the ‘Greeny’ will be a slightly less rare find for collectors, although it’s not exactly any less pricey.

Gibson’s Custom Shop Kirk Hammett “Green” comes at a hefty price of $19,999 with a now-sold-out Collector’s Edition variant going for over double the price at $50,000. Despite the rather less than affordable price, Gibson’s high attention to detail in recreating this legendary guitar speaks to the company’s reaffirmed passion and craftsmanship for guitars.

In Hammett’s own words, “The opportunity to fulfill that wish that other people might have to have their own Greeny is finally coming around with Gibson putting out the most exact version of Greeny that I’ve ever seen.” I am very honored and grateful for this opportunity with Gibson. To be able to share some of that mojo which ‘Greeny’ has means a lot to me. It’s exciting to know that anyone can experience some of that ‘Greeny’ magic. I truly think these models are just as inspiring as the original and hope you do too!”

Based off the product description on Gibson’s website, it truly does seem like the immaculate quality of this guitar model is fully transparent. Of course the Greeny isn’t going to be for everyone or even the average guitar professional, provided the $20,000 price tag, however, Gibson has long been established as the guitar brand that excels in selling high-end vintage collectors guitars, and ever since the company reestablished itself over recent years this is an aspect the company has continued to embrace.

It’ll be interesting to see the opinions of guitar collectors when they get their hands on a Kirk Hammett Greeny LP. Interestingly enough, the Greeny isn’t the only new Kirk Hammett signature guitar. Hammett’s new line of ESP LTD models have only recently hit the market as well, and while the two brands may not serve the same purpose guitarists are looking for, the ESP models are going for a vastly cheaper price at $1,799.