The Axe of a King: Jason Momoa Commissions a Flawless Replica of James Hetfield's 'Kill 'Em All' Guitar
Dive into the details of the ultimate guitar tribute! Jason Momoa commissions a perfect replica of James Hetfield's iconic Elektra OGV from Polish luthier Krupi Guitars, recreating every scratch and detail from Metallica's Kill 'Em All era.
From Copycat to Cornerstone: The Legend of the OGV
The original white Elektra Flying Wedge was, in fact, a Japanese copy of a Gibson Flying V. Despite its humble origins, it became the foundation of Metallica's early sound and a central piece of their visual identity. Hetfield himself recalled how the guitar felt like a turning point for the band. In his book, Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield, he noted, "It felt like the beginning of all the 'coolness' that we were trying to achieve... We had arrived."
Unaware that his beloved V-shape was a copy, a young Hetfield simply cared that it was white, looked like Michael Schenker’s, and, most importantly, was cheap. "I did not care that it was a copy of a Gibson," Hetfield said. "It played great, it sounded great, and it had the look that I wanted."
A Deep Dive into the Details
Krupi Guitars left no stone unturned in its quest for perfection. The replica features period-accurate details from the finish wear and tear to the hardware, including the Sperzel locking tuners. Even the middle finger graphic on the back of the guitar was faithfully recreated. But the tribute doesn't stop with the instrument itself. The custom guitar case is a work of art, emblazoned with Momoa’s name in the iconic Metallica typeface and decorated with Zorlac stickers featuring the classic art of Pushead, who designed some of Metallica’s most legendary merchandise. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMvNgzPolpB/?utm_source=ig_embed
A Legacy That Endures
The OGV remains a special part of Hetfield's collection, still in regular rotation decades later. He described it as his "shield," a guitar that gave him the confidence to front the band that would define a genre. "It's one of the fastest guitars I have to this day," Hetfield stated, "with very, very good mids. It's very clear but crunchy, too."
Jason Momoa OGV
This commission is more than just a purchase; it's a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll and the profound connection between artists and their gear. By commissioning this replica, Jason Momoa is not just adding a new guitar to his collection—he's honoring a legacy and celebrating the instrument that shaped a generation of metal music. How do you think the luthier did on this replica? Would you want a copy of your favorite artist's guitar?
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#Krupi Guitars #Metallica #James Hetfield #Jason Momoa
