The James Hetfield OGV Electra Flying V
James Hetfield's history-making guitar is none other than the Electra Flying Wedge Model 2236, a Japanese-made copy of Gibson's Flying V
The James Hetfield Electra OGV is a fan favorite guitar. In a recent interview with Metallica's frontman, James Hetfield's guitar tech, Chad Zaemisch, some fascinating details about James Hetfield's old Electra Flying V guitar came to light.
James Hetfield Electra OGV
Notably, they acquired a few more of the same model, shedding light on a crucial chapter in rock and roll history.
This copy of Gibson's Flying V, manufactured by the Japanese brand Electra and known as the Electra Flying Wedge Model 2236, played a significant role in shaping musical history.
A guitar James has been using since Kill 'Em All and still uses today, and it has appeared on 72 Seasons, Metallica's latest album.
The Origin of James Hetfield's Electra V
Chad Zaemisch reminisced about the iconic Electra Flying Wedge Model 2236, a budget alternative to Gibson's Flying V that James acquired in the past. This unassuming Japanese copy guitar, fitted with a Gibson truss rod cover to create an impression, made its way into some of the most legendary albums ever recorded.
James Hetfield's Fondness for Electra Vs
In his interview with RJM, Chad shared that James now owns at least two of these Electra Vs and uses them during live performances.
The original Electra Flying Wedge, lovingly referred to as the "OGV," remains safely stored at home. However, fans can still witness James rocking these Electra-inspired guitars on stage.
Refining Electra Vs with Bill Nash
To recapture the magic of the original Electra V, Chad mentioned that they found several of these guitars about a year and a half to two years ago. They equipped them with James's preferred pickups and sent a couple to luthier Bill Nash for aging, recreating the vintage look that captivated audiences worldwide.
Unexpected Quality of the Electra Vs
Initially skeptical about the Electra Vs due to their bolt-on necks, Chad admitted his doubts. However, upon playing them, he discovered that these guitars offer exceptional consistency and tuning, debunking his initial concerns. They proved to be reliable instruments.
Maintenance of Metallica's Guitars
Chad emphasized that for a touring band like Metallica, all guitars require regular maintenance, especially when exposed to changing climates and conditions. This ongoing upkeep ensures that the guitars maintain their performance quality.
Unique Guitars at Metallica's HQ
While most of Metallica's guitars are on the road, a few are kept at their headquarters in California, not because they're irreplaceable, but because they demand more extensive care. Chad mentioned a Les Paul with a Bigsby as one such challenging instrument due to its complex stringing and tuning requirements.
James Hetfield's Favorite Guitar
When asked about James's favorite guitar, Chad highlighted the OGV (James Hetfield's original Electra V) as the latest addition to their collection and noted that it currently holds a special place in James's heart.
However, James has a fondness for all his guitars and occasionally explores other options for certain songs.
Conclusion
In the world of rock and roll, the story behind the instruments can be as compelling as the music itself. The OGV is certainly one of those guitars that created music history.
James Hetfield's journey with his Electra Vs exemplifies the unique relationship between musicians and their guitars, a bond that continues to shape the sound of iconic bands like Metallica.
Kirk Hammett's Epiphone 1979 Flying V signature model is another Metallica model worth checking out for fans of 'budget' Flying Vs.
More Information
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- +Exceptional tuning stability and consistency
- +Reliable performance across changing climates
- +Budget-friendly alternative to Gibson Flying V
- +Iconic tone captured on legendary albums
- −Bolt-on neck construction initially raised skepticism
- −Requires regular maintenance for touring use
What guitar did James Hetfield use on Metallica's Kill 'Em All?
James Hetfield used an Electra Flying Wedge Model 2236, a Japanese budget copy of Gibson's Flying V. This guitar, known as the OGV, has remained his primary instrument and still appears on recent Metallica albums including 72 Seasons.
Why did James Hetfield choose an Electra Flying V over a Gibson?
The post doesn't explicitly state why Hetfield initially chose the Electra, only that he acquired it in the past. However, as a budget alternative to Gibson's Flying V, it likely offered affordability while delivering the iconic V-shape design and reliable performance Hetfield needed.
How many Electra Flying Vs does James Hetfield own?
According to his guitar tech Chad Zaemisch, James currently owns at least two Electra Vs. The original OGV is stored safely at home, while the others are used during live performances. Some were recently refined by luthier Bill Nash for aging and vintage appearance.
What modifications were made to Hetfield's Electra Vs?
They were equipped with James's preferred pickups and some were sent to luthier Bill Nash for aging to recreate the vintage look. A Gibson truss rod cover was also added to the original to enhance its appearance, though this detail appears in the context of the original guitar's history.
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