Essential Information About the 1989 Kirk Hammett Les Paul Custom Guitar (Murphy Lab)
- Faithful recreation by the Gibson Custom Shop of Kirk Hammett?s 1989 ?blacked-out? guitar, aged by the Murphy Lab.
- Stage/studio versatility thanks to the duo of uncovered T-Type humbuckers + Fishman Powerbridge piezo bridge with Powerchip preamp.
- Premium Les Paul construction: one-piece mahogany, maple top, ebony fingerboard, multi-ply binding.
- Limited edition of 125 units with Deluxe case and certificate of authenticity.
An Authentic Tribute to the 1989 ?Blacked-Out?
Designed to celebrate Kirk Hammett?s signature instrument, this Les Paul Custom replicates the all-black aesthetic, patina, and every detail of the original. The artistic aging by Murphy Lab reproduces nitro varnish cracks and natural wear for a credible vintage look right out of the case. Each unit pays homage to the iconic Metallica tone while remaining a true collector?s piece.
Who Is It For and What For?
Intended for intermediate to expert guitarists seeking a high-end Les Paul Custom, it excels in metal, hard rock, and classic rock. The piezo expands the sonic palette toward more ?acoustic? textures for unplugged sets, clean intros, home studio recording, or versatile touring needs.
Sound
The uncovered T-Type humbuckers deliver a sharp Les Paul tone: tight lows, present mids, and clear highs, ideal for fast rhythms and singing leads. The mahogany + maple combination provides sustain and projection, while the ebony fingerboard emphasizes attack and precision. The Fishman Powerbridge adds a piezo voice at the bridge: woody timbre, natural brightness, and ?acoustic? percussiveness controllable via a dedicated volume, allowing layering of sounds or instant tonal shifts on stage.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
10-46 nickel strings suited to Gibson scale length, sturdy strap to use with the included Schaller S-Lock straplocks, adjustable capo compatible with 12" radius, and secure guitar stand for nitrocellulose finish. The instrument comes with a Gibson Deluxe Protector case and a certificate of authenticity.
Technical Specifications
Body
- Body style: Les Paul
- Body: One-piece mahogany
- Top: Maple
- Binding: 7-ply top; 5-ply back and headstock; single-ply fingerboard
- Body finish: Murphy Lab aged nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck
- Profile: Slim Taper
- Scale length: 24.75" / 628.65 mm
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Radius: 12" / 304.8 mm
- Frets: 22 (?Reissue? type)
- Nut: Corian
- Nut width: 1.687" / 42.85 mm
- Fingerboard width: 2.061" / 52.37 mm
- Inlays: Mother-of-pearl ?Custom Block?
- Construction: glued-in neck, set neck, long tenon
- Neck finish: Black
Electronics
- Pickups: 2 x uncovered Gibson T-Type humbuckers (neck/bridge)
- Piezo bridge: Fishman Powerbridge with Powerchip preamp and dedicated volume
- Controls: Black Speed knobs
- Toggle switch: black; black switch plate with gold lettering
- Jack plate: black
Miscellaneous
- Bridge/tailpiece: Fishman Powerbridge + Stop Bar
- Tuners: Grover Rotomatic with kidney-shaped buttons
- Truss rod: standard; black 2-ply molded bell truss rod cover, ?Les Paul Custom? marking
- Pickup rings: black
- Strap buttons: 2 x black Schaller S-Lock; locking strap buttons included in case
- Original strings: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
- Case: Gibson Deluxe Protector
- Accessories: certificate of authenticity
- Limited edition: 125 units