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March 28, 2023

Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield

For the first time ever, James is opening up the vault and sharing his personal collection of guitars in his new book, ***Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield***. Out on October 17 and [available for pre-order now](https://www.metallica.com/store/books-magazines 'Pre-Order "Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield"'), this 400-page coffee table book is filled with stunning photos and stories of the significance behind the instruments. From the Electra OGV to the mythical MX guitars, the first in a series of collaborations with ESP, his signature Snakebytes through his ambitious projects with renowned luthier Ken Lawrence, James shares the emotional and technical elements of the chosen tools of his musical journey. The book includes exotic instruments, vintage Gibsons, and custom one-offs. It also reveals many studio secrets, like the key amplifiers and gear that sculpt his tone and create his sound. And each of the more than 40 featured guitars is accompanied by lush, museum-quality portraits by acclaimed photographer Scott Williamson (you may know his work from James’ book ***Reclaimed Rust***). This meticulously-crafted coffee table book is [available for pre-order in three versions](https://www.metallica.com/store/books-magazines 'Pre-Order "Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield"'): * The standard hardcover edition * The signed slipcover edition (numbered, only 1,500 copies available) * The deluxe box edition (numbered, only 250 copies available) The deluxe edition is signed, numbered, and housed in a custom box featuring a laser engraved design by Dino Muradian, who has collaborated with James on multiple guitars, including Elk Skull, the Unforgiven acoustic, and the Snakeskin Snakebyte. Accompanying the book in the deluxe edition will be an assortment of “case candy,” including a photo print and a studio or tour-used Hetfield guitar pick and guitar string. We’ll be sharing some more sneak peeks of the book throughout the summer, but for now, check out a couple of pages below and [pre-order your book today](https://www.metallica.com/store/books-magazines 'Pre-Order "Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield"')!

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