2014 - LTD Metallica "Ride The Lightning"
Limited Edition 300 pieces worldwide
- year: 2014
- shape: same of KH-2
- construction: Bolt-On-Neck
- neck: maple, Extra Thin-U Neck Contour
- body: alder
- fingerboard: ebony, 25.5" scale, 350mm radius, 24 XJ frets, "Metallica" logo at 12th fret, 42mm graphite nut
- electronics: active pickups EMG 81 (bridge) / 60 (neck), 2 Volumes, 1 Tone, Lever 3 way selector
- hardware: T-O-M Bridge, LTD Tuners, Black Hardware, standard strap button
- logos and serials:
-- front of headstock: "LTD" light grey/gold glittered logo + "ride the lightning"
-- back of headstock: ...
- colors and other features: RIDE THE LIGHTNING GRAPHIC
- notes: INCLUDES CUSTOM ESP / METALLICA HARDSHELL CASE & CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
ESP Guitars unveiled the new LTD “Ride the Lightning” limited-edition guitar at Summer NAMM 2014. The guitar was created to commemorate the 30-year anniversary of Metallica’s second album, which was released on July 27, 1984, and features a graphic finish that mimics the cover art of the iconic album.
“ESP and Metallica’s guitarists James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett have a relationship that goes back more than two decades,” says Matt Masciandaro, President and CEO of the ESP Guitar Company. “Last year, we successfully released a limited-edition guitar for the 30-year anniversary of their first album, Kill ‘Em All. We are happy to offer another new Metallica-focused guitar for serious players, collectors, and fans.”
ESP plans to produce only 300 of the LTD “Ride the Lightning” models worldwide, making each one a highly sought-after collectible due to its relative rarity. Its features include an alder body with maple neck (bolt-on construction) at 25.5” scale, and an ebony fingerboard with 24 XJ frets. EMG 60 (neck) and EMG 81 (bridge) active pickups are included, along with TOM bridge and string-thru-body design. The guitar also features a Metallica logo fingerboard inlay, and each guitar includes an ESP form-fit case with the Metallica logo, and a certificate of authenticity.
The Ride the Lightning album helped establish Metallica as a serious contender in the metal arena, and led to their major label signing later in 1984. Some of the now-classic songs on that album include "For Whom the Bell Tolls”, "Fade to Black”, and "Creeping Death”.
