James Hetfield's Guitars for Master of Puppets: A Comprehensive Analysis
The question about which guitars James Hetfield used to record the iconic album 'Master of Puppets' has long been a topic of debate among music enthusiasts and guitar aficionados. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the guitars used by Hetfield, using verified sources and expert insights.
Introduction to the Debate
Various sources have suggested that Hetfield used multiple guitars during the recording of 'Master of Puppets'. Some argue that the 'Kill Bon Jovi' or the Jackson KV1 was the main recording guitar, while others claim it was his white Gibson. My personal belief is that he used the Jackson Custom for the track 'The Thing That Should Not Be' and the Gibson for the rest of the album. This perspective is supported by the guitars' usage in the albums that came before 'Master of Puppets'.
The Jackson King V Custom
The Jackson King V Custom holds a special place in Hetfield's collection. Predating Dave Mustaine's first Jackson by several years, this guitar was made on May 24th, 1985, and it featured a striking white body finish. The setup included a Tune-o-matic bridge and Grover tuners, with two Seymour Duncan Invader pickups, presumably requested by James himself. Interestingly, in 1987, James removed the original pickups and replaced them with EMG 81/60.
Following this upgrade, the neck of the guitar suffered a break. However, James did not bother to repair it, leading to its subsequent discontinuation from his guitar collection. Despite the break in the neck, the guitar remains a standout piece due to its unique configuration of pickups.
The Customized Jackson Custom
For 'The Thing That Should Not Be', Hetfield used a customized Jackson Custom electric guitar. This guitar was specifically downtuned, which is a technique that has become synonymous with James Hetfield's playing style. The downtuning technique allows musicians to achieve a heavier and more powerful sound for metal and hard rock genres. This customization played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive riff and tone of the song.
Conclusion and Context
The guitars used by James Hetfield on 'Master of Puppets' reflect his evolving relationship with his instruments and the increasing importance of high-quality sound in his music. The Jackson King V Custom, with its EMG pickups, and the customized Jackson Custom guitar used for 'The Thing That Should Not Be' both contributed to the album's musical identity.
Additional Sources
If you want to delve deeper into the guitars used by Hetfield, consider checking out the book 'Enter Night' by Mick Wall, which provides valuable insights into Hetfield's guitar choices and the overall recording process of 'Master of Puppets'. You can also read interviews with guitarists who have worked closely with Hetfield, such as Dave Mustaine, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the guitars used during the album's recording.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the guitars used by James Hetfield for 'Master of Puppets' is an interesting and multifaceted one. While there is no single definitive answer, the evidence points to a combination of guitars, each tailored to the unique needs of different tracks. Understanding the guitars and their setups can deepen our appreciation of the album's rich sound palette.