Pricing and availability

Average Price: $21,288

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

This guitar is used mostly in D Standard songs, like Sad But True and The Thing That Should Not Be. Used since 1996 to the day.

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model JH-2 James Hetfield Signature
Finish Black Diamond Plate
Year 1998
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Silver
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the ESP JH-2 James Hetfield Signature guitar?

The ESP JH-2 features a neck-through construction with a thin U-shaped neck profile, offering fast playability and stability, ideal for heavy metal and rock genres.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the ESP JH-2?

The ESP JH-2 is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, delivering powerful, high-output tones suitable for aggressive metal riffs and solos.

Is the ESP JH-2 suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The ESP JH-2 is designed with advanced players in mind, especially those who appreciate James Hetfield's style, due to its specialized features and high-quality construction.

How does the mahogany body affect the sound of the ESP JH-2?

The mahogany body provides a warm, rich tone with excellent sustain, making it well-suited for heavy music styles that require depth and resonance.

Does the ESP JH-2 take pedals well?

Yes, the ESP JH-2's robust humbucker pickups and solid construction allow it to handle a variety of effects pedals, maintaining clarity and tone integrity.

Kaosware

Kaosware

5 styles of Seek and Destroy played on an ESP JH-2

Video thumbnail for 5 styles of Seek and Destroy played on an ESP JH-2 by Kaosware

5 styles of Seek and Destroy played on an ESP JH-2

Kaosware

Kaosware

Video thumbnail for www.GuitarsCollector.com - [1998] ESP JH-2 James Hetfield Metallica Guitar [200 pieces] by Guitars Collector

www.GuitarsCollector.com - [1998] ESP JH-2 James Hetfield Metallica Guitar [200 pieces]

Guitars Collector

Guitars Collector

Video thumbnail for Lostpray Guitars | Esp Mx250 | Esp Explorer | Esp Jh2 | Esp Eclipse | Dbz Bolero by Lostpray

Lostpray Guitars | Esp Mx250 | Esp Explorer | Esp Jh2 | Esp Eclipse | Dbz Bolero

Lostpray

Lostpray

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP JH-2.

Build quality

  • The ESP JH-2 features a bolt-on neck, which some users find unusual for non-Fender shapes, associating it with cheaper guitar kits despite its solid construction.

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  • Satin finish used on some replicas, though original JH-2s were gloss black.

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Comparisons

  • Users frequently compare the ESP JH-2 to the Gibson Snakebite, generally favoring the JH-2 for its aesthetic and historical significance.

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  • The LTD version of the JH-2, the MX130, is noted for being a set-neck model with a thicker body and a plastic treadplate, differing from the original.

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Value and pricing

  • The ESP JH-2 can reach prices in the five-figure range in today’s market, indicating its high value and collectible status.

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User experience

  • Owners express a sense of rarity and exclusivity, as some are too afraid to play their mint-condition JH-2s, treating them as collector's items.

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  • Neck profile is notably chunky, comparable to a Les Paul.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to EMG Het Set pickups is common to enhance sound quality.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the bridge humbucker closer to the bridge may improve bite and clarity.

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Features and functionality

  • Replicas may have set-neck construction, differing from the original bolt-on design.

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Artist usage

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See how James Hetfield uses ESP JH-2

James Hetfield

Guitarist, Singer

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

James Hetfield' second custom guitar from ESP. It can be seen in tours after the release of "Load" and during the “Cunning Stunts” DVD on the song “Sad But True”.

Album Usage

The ESP JH-2 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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