Kirk Hammett of Metallica has inspired generations of guitarists for over four decades with his iconic riffs, soaring solos, and raw, expressive tone. From the thrash metal revolution of the early ’80s to stadium-filling anthems known across the globe, Kirk’s playing has helped define the sound of modern rock and metal. His solos on tracks like “Fade to Black,” “One,” and “Enter Sandman” are more than just guitar parts—they’re pieces of music history.
Beyond the stage and studio, Kirk is also a passionate collector and connoisseur of vintage guitars. His deep love for rare, storied instruments mirrors our own. That shared passion is what brought us together—and over the years, it has turned into a friendship. We’ve had the privilege of selling him some truly exceptional vintage guitars such as the rare 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Mickey Baker guitar.
We’re honoured not only to know Kirk, but also to be trusted with handling some of the instruments that have shaped his journey. To be able to offer guitars from his personal touring and studio collection—instruments that have been part of Metallica’s legacy—is something truly special.
We’ve sold the following guitars from his personal collection through Guitar Hunter over the last few years.
- ESP “White Zombie” – One of his main touring guitars since 2013.
- ESP “Scully / Caution” – One of his main touring guitars for the last 20 years. Used on multiple recordings.
- Black 1959 Fender Stratocaster – Used live on the ‘Hardwired To Self-Destruct’ tour (WorldWired Tour) to play the Metallica hit “Nothing Else Matters”.
Read more about them below.
How Kirk Hammett Became a Friend of Guitar Hunter
In the summer of 2021, just after closing up shop for the evening, something unforgettable happened. I, Peter Dorvil (CEO of Guitar Hunter), was heading out when someone suddenly started banging—loudly and persistently—on the door. It wasn’t just a knock; it was the kind that makes you freeze for a second. I thought, “What on earth is going on?”
When I opened the door, I saw two black cars parked outside. There were bodyguards, and in front of me stood a man holding a guitar case, his face partly hidden behind a COVID mask. He pulled the mask down and said: “Hey… can I come in and see your guitars?” Only then did I realize who it was—Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist of Metallica, the world’s biggest and most iconic metal band, and the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place.
I kept my cool and invited him in. From the first moment, the connection felt surprisingly natural—as if we had known each other for years. Within minutes, we were deep in conversation about vintage guitars, tone, model years, finishes, and the finer details that make old instruments come alive.
At first, I assumed this would be a once-in-a-lifetime meeting. But Kirk was in Copenhagen that week to play Copenhell, and he ended up visiting the shop almost every day. We hung out, played guitars, talked shop—and before the week was over, he had bought a beautiful vintage Martin from me. That visit marked the beginning of a genuine friendship.
Kirk Hammett with the original 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Mickey Baker” — personally delivered by Guitar Hunter CEO Peter Dorvil in 2024.
Peter Dorvil aka Guitar Hunter with Kirk Hammett’s “Greeny” Gibson Les Paul – previously owned by Peter Green and Gary Moore.
Since then, we’ve stayed in close contact—through phone calls, messages, guitar talk, and concert invitations across the world. I’ve had the honor of selling him a number of carefully selected vintage guitars, and I’ve been lucky to acquire a few amazing pieces from his own collection.
I am deeply proud and grateful to have had the privilege of supplying Kirk Hammett from Metallica with some of the rarest and most exceptional vintage guitars on the planet. As someone who truly appreciates the unique character and soul of each guitar, this friendship and trust inspire everything I do at Guitar Hunter.
But one story I’ve never shared—until now—happened in the summer of 2024, when Metallica played two sold-out shows at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. When they came back to Denmark in 2024, we spent a lot of time together again, as they prepared for their shows at Parken Stadium and the rest of their Scandinavian tour. This time, Robert Trujillo, Metallica’s bassist, also joined the picture. What no one outside our circle knew was that Kirk and Robert rehearsed daily in the back room of my shop, behind closed doors.
They rehearsed in complete secrecy; I had to put up a black curtain so no customers could see what was going on. When customers asked who was in the back room, I naturally told them it was just a few people testing some guitar amplifiers. People walking by had no idea that Metallica was rehearsing right there, just a few meters away.
Out of respect for their privacy, I never told anyone at the time. But now, with their blessing, it’s a part of Guitar Hunter’s story that I’m proud to share. It speaks to the trust, the passion, and the rare human connection that music can create.
I have the deepest respect for Metallica—not just as musicians, but as people. Everyone I’ve met from their team has been warm, humble, and incredibly grounded. At the end of the day, they’re just human beings who need space, privacy, and moments away from the spotlight.
That’s something I take very seriously at Guitar Hunter. When artists like Kirk or Robert walk through my door, they’re treated like anyone else—with honesty, discretion, and genuine hospitality. It’s important to me that they feel safe and at ease here.
My shop isn’t just about vintage guitars—it’s also a place where people can connect, relax, and be themselves. Some stories stay behind closed doors, not out of secrecy, but out of respect. Because sometimes the rarest thing you can offer… is peace and privacy.
My goal is that whoever you are, whether a member of Metallica or a customer who simply loves vintage guitars, my showroom should be a place of inspiration filled with timeless, rare instruments. It’s like stepping into a time capsule where every guitar tells a story and sparks your passion.
Kirk Hammett’s ESP “Scully / Caution”
Say hello to Kirk Hammett’s Scully / Caution. Coming directly from Kirk Hammett’s personal guitar collection. We’re beyond stoked to get our hands on this legendary axe straight from Kirk Hammett of Metallica. This ESP beast has been part of his personal arsenal for over two decades and served as one of his main touring guitars for years.
It’s got all the killer play wear to prove it—this guitar has seen the stage, felt the sweat, and screamed through countless solos. Kirk always tags the back of his favourite guitars with his initials, and this one’s proudly marked. A true piece of metal history.
Back story: How we acquired the guitar
We’ve been good friends with Kirk Hammett for a few years now—and along the way, we’ve had the honor of selling him some truly epic vintage guitars. One of the highlights? A 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom, famously known as the “Mickey Baker”—a super rare gem, with only a handful ever made.
So when the opportunity came to buy one of Kirk’s personal guitars—a battle-worn workhorse that’s been with him on countless tours and studio sessions for over two decades—there was no way we were passing that up.
I met up with Kirk and his crew in Oslo in June 2024, just as Metallica was gearing up to play a massive show. A couple of weeks before that, the band had torn through Copenhagen with two stadium gigs, and during their downtime, they hung out at our shop—talking gear, vintage finds, and all things guitar.
When the band rolled on to Oslo, I got invited to tag along—and that’s where it all came together. I was offered the chance to buy one of Kirk’s most iconic guitars: the legendary Scully / Caution ESP, a guitar that’s been a staple on stage and in the studio for more than 20 years. An absolute monster of a guitar with stories soaked into every scratch and scuff.
About the guitar:
This ESP guitar was used by Kirk Hammett from around 2003 up until 2024 and has been one of his main touring guitars as well as being used on multiple recordings. It’s nicknamed “Scully / Caution” because of its skull fretboard-inlays and the orange “caution hot” label on the body of the guitar. The guitar was built in 2003 and is based on his original ESP model he acquired back in the late ’80s.
Kirk Hammett’s 1959 Black Fender Stratocaster
Back story: How we acquired the guitar
I first met Kirk Hammett back in June 2022 when Metallica were in Copenhagen to headline the Danish rock festival Copenhell. Naturally, Kirk stopped by our shop to dig through our vault of rare vintage guitars.
We hit it off instantly—talking gear, vintage tones, and the stories behind legendary instruments. Kirk couldn’t have been more down-to-earth, nice and sympathetic person.
He even brought in his mythical “Greeny”—the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard Burst once owned by Gary Moore and Peter Green—just so I could check it out and play it. It was unreal. Without a doubt one of the greatest guitars I’ve ever laid hands on.
Fast forward a few months—we kept in touch, exchanging thoughts and stories about rare guitars. And then came the moment. Kirk offered to sell me one of his own personal touring guitars: this badass 1959 Fender Stratocaster in Black that he used on the ‘Hardwired To Self-Destruct’ tour (WorldWired Tour) to play the legendary song “Nothing Else Matters”. I’m so happy and proud to have had this amazing guitar through our shop.
Kirk Hammett’s ESP “White Zombie”
We are proud to present Kirk Hammett’s personal ESP White Zombie. Kirk has had this guitar since 2013 and have used it on countless occasions both live on stage and in the studio and you can find many live recordings on YouTube with this specific guitar. It’s one of Kirk’s most memorable and famous ESP guitars.
You can see a lot of nice play-wear and belt-buckle wear—it has been played and loved. Kirk always puts his initials on the back of his personal guitars.
It comes with a hand-written signed letter by Kirk Hammett himself, that authenticates that this was in fact in his personal collection for many years.
There are countless live videos of Metallica where Kirk is seen playing this exact guitar.
Back story: How we acquired the guitar
For quite some time, Kirk Hammett and I have been talking about the possibility of Guitar Hunter acquiring his iconic White Zombie ESP guitar. Fast forward to May 2025, I was invited to Philadelphia to catch Metallica live over two incredible nights.
More importantly, I had the chance to meet with Kirk in person to talk about the guitar. After many conversations and anticipation, it finally happened. The deal was made.
I’m holding Kirk’s legendary “White Zombie” guitar — he’s holding a potato. Why? That’s a secret only I know… 😉🥔🎸
As I boarded the flight back to Denmark, the reality hit me—I carried more than just a rare instrument. I carried a piece of rock history. Kirk’s White Zombie ESP isn’t just a collector’s item, it’s a battle-worn artefact from one of rock’s most influential guitarists of all time.
Peter Grønborg Dorvil, Founder & CEO
