Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $9,561
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of heavy metal heritage with the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom. This remarkable guitar is a tribute to Metallica’s lead man, meticulously recreating his iconic 1989 Les Paul Custom. Crafted in Gibson's revered Custom Shop, this limited edition masterpiece is a testament to craftsmanship and musical history. Featuring the renowned Murphy Lab aging process, this guitar bears the marks of countless legendary gigs and studio sessions, delivering not only the look but the feel of a well-traveled instrument.
The mahogany body and maple top produce a rich, resonant sound, complemented by a fast-playing SlimTaper mahogany neck and a sleek ebony fingerboard. At the heart of its sound, you'll find the T-Type humbuckers, personally selected by Kirk Hammett for their authentic vintage tone. This combination of pickups ensures a seamless flow from searing leads to thunderous rhythm sections. Adding to its versatility, the Fishman Powerbridge piezo system offers acoustic-like tones, making it a versatile tool for any musician looking to expand their sonic palette.
The aesthetic of this guitar is true to its roots, with all-black hardware and no pickguard, presenting a bold, aggressive look. From the Grover Rotomatic tuners to the VOS nitrocellulose lacquer finish, every detail is designed to evoke the spirit of Hammett’s original.
Key Features:
- Crafted in Gibson's Custom Shop with Murphy Lab aging
- Resonant mahogany body with maple top
- SlimTaper mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard
- Dual T-Type humbuckers selected by Kirk Hammett
- Fishman Powerbridge piezo system for acoustic tones
- All-black hardware with Grover Rotomatic tuners
- VOS nitrocellulose lacquer finish
- Limited edition with only 125 models worldwide
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Custom Shop Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom |
| Year | 2024 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Finish Features | Relic |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Fretboard Radius | 12" |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Nut Width | 1.687" |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What makes the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom unique?
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This guitar features a Murphy Lab aged finish for a vintage look, combined with modern playability enhancements like the Fishman Powerbridge piezo system and uncovered T-Type humbuckers, offering a versatile tonal palette.
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Is the Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul suitable for metal music?
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Yes, with its 490R neck pickup and 498T bridge pickup, this guitar delivers powerful, high-gain tones ideal for metal, while the ebony fretboard allows for fast, precise playability.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom?
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This model features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for those accustomed to traditional Les Paul neck profiles.
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Does the Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom come with a case?
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Yes, this guitar typically includes a high-quality hardshell case to protect the instrument during transport and storage.
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How does the Fishman Powerbridge piezo system enhance the Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul?
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The Fishman Powerbridge piezo system allows for acoustic-like tones, expanding the guitar's sonic versatility beyond traditional electric guitar sounds.
Videos
Wildwood Guitars
Gibson Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom - Limited Run, Murphy Lab Aged • SN: KH062
Gibson Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom - Limited Run, Murphy Lab Aged • SN: KH062
Wildwood Guitars
Gibson Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett 1989 Les Paul Custom - Limited Run, Murphy Lab Aged • SN: KH068
Wildwood Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional playability with perfect feel and sound
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Murphy Lab aging provides authentic vintage look
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Active piezo bridge allows versatile sound blending
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Upgraded period-correct pickups for enhanced tone
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Includes a cool case and great case candy
CONS
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Inaccurate headstock shape and logo for 1989 model
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Binding inside the horn doesn't match vintage specs
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High price point due to Murphy Lab branding and Kirk Hammett association
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom.
Features and functionality
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The Murphy Lab Kirk Hammett '89 Les Paul Custom does not come with EMG pickups, unlike Kirk's personal modified version.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners can add EMG pickups to the Gibson Custom Shop model to match Kirk Hammett's actual setup.
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It's recommended to replace factory pickups with Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 for improved vintage tone.
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Upgrading to Grover tuners is recommended to enhance tuning stability, especially if existing tuners feel inadequate.
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Comparisons
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Some users suggest the ESP Eclipse as a better value alternative, costing significantly less while resembling the Les Paul Custom.
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The ESP E-II Eclipse is praised as a high-quality alternative, offering a similar feel to the Les Paul Custom at a lower price.
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Tokai Les Paul models are noted for their high build quality, offering a viable alternative to Gibsons, albeit with import fees.
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Value and pricing
User experience
Build quality
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Some users prefer the brighter, clearer tone of the 490R and T pickups found in the Special Tribute, noting their lightweight build.
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Use cases and applications
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For thrash and metal, a Les Paul equipped with Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups provides ample chugging power without needing an overdrive pedal.
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Les Pauls are praised for their individual tone and volume layout, ideal for setups without pedals, allowing quick switches between rhythm and lead sounds.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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