SKU: 96911010018

Rare! 1998 ESP Custom Shop JH-2 James Hetfield Explorer Made In Japan w/case all original w/ signed COA

$13499.55 $14999.50
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Description

Rare! 1998 ESP Custom Shop JH-2 James Hetfield Explorer Made In Japan w/case all original w/ signed COAMaker: ESP Custom Shop Model: JH 2 Limited Edition James Hetfield Condition: Very good Description: An exceedingly rare ESP Custom Shop JH 2 James Hetfield Explorer with original COA signed by James. These were a limited edition of 200 made so one of the true Holy Grails of collectable ESP's. Overall very clean with the exception of some light surface marks and scratches, some dings finish chips on the horns and headstock (see photos for details),

Maker: ESP Custom Shop

Model: JH-2 Limited Edition James Hetfield

Condition: Very good

Description: 

An exceedingly rare ESP Custom Shop JH-2 James Hetfield Explorer with original COA signed by James. These were a limited edition of 200 made so one of the true Holy Grails of collectable ESP's. Overall very clean with the exception of some light surface marks and scratches, some dings/ finish chips on the horns and headstock (see photos for details), otherwise in great shape with no major damage. Neck is in excellent shape with a slim C profile. Headstock shows some light surface marks and some very small finish chips/dings, but is overall in very good condition. Fretboard and inlays are in excellent condition. Frets show some light wear up the neck but have no issues with dead spots or buzzing and have a healthy amount of life in them still. Hardware is overall in very good condition, featuring a tune-o-matic bridge and sperzel locking tuners. Electronics work perfectly and features Active EMG humbuckers with some serious output. An incredibly rare piece of Metallica/E.S.P history that would be a perfect addition to any serious Metallica collection. And also an incredibly great playing instrument! Has been fully and carefully inspected and set up by our tech and ready for a new home. Includes original ESP hard case, Hand signed and dated C.O.A with James Hetfield signature, and even the original warranty card. Specs and info are listed below but please feel free to message us with any questions or concerns. 

*Please contact us for international shipping quote*

 

Weight: 9lbs 8oz

Neck Shape: C

Neck Thickness: 1st fret .780", 12th fret .852"

Fretboard Radius: 12"

Nut width: 44mm/1.73"

Electronics: Master volume, tone, 3-way selector switch, EMG pickups

Pickup Values: Neck 16.76k, Bridge 17.66k

 

From the web:

The 1998 ESP Custom Shop JH-2 is an iconic, highly collectible signature guitar built for Metallica's James Hetfield. Limited to a production run of just 200 instruments globally, it is revered for its aggressive aesthetic and is a premier piece of heavy metal memorabilia.

  • Body Shape: Explorer style (similar to the aggressive ESP EXP/MX series)
  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Top: Black diamond-plate metal
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Neck Joint: Bolt-on
  • Fretboard Material: Rosewood
  • Inlays: Custom Pearl Diamond
  • Number of Frets: 22
  • Tuners: Sperzel locking tuners (six-in-line layout)
  • Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-O-Matic bridge with stop tailpiece.
  • Neck Pickup: EMG 60 Active Humbucker
  • Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 Active Humbucker
  • Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-way toggle switch
  • Production Year: 1998 only
  • Production Run: Strictly limited to 200 units manufactured
  • Included Extras: Certificate of Authenticity (COA) hand-signed and dated by James Hetfield

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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 96911010018

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Mike Cochran
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Very handsome suit
Color: Beige, Size: 14
Good quality, fashionable and comfortable
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2026
S
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S R Miller
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
An L shirt for a real L person.
Special Size: Standard, Size: Large, Color: Wine Red
I love this shirt! I have been an "XL" guy for decades. Got back down to "L" a year ago. Finally bought some L shirts, starting with this one. Nice fit. Good stitching, tight buttons, crisp fabric. The button-down neck is sturdy and keeps a classic shape to it after several times through the wash. Not much stretch, so buy it if you are *really* a size L. But if you used to be a size XL, and came down a year ago, get one of these. You deserve it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
J
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Joe Veto
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shirt - tail could be longer - great color selection - No 1000 pins to remove!
Special Size: Standard, Size: X-Large, Color: Aroyal Blue
Favorite shirt, fits well, looks good, durable. I'd like if the shirt tail was longer. All cotton so they shrink a bit after washing and need to stretch back out. Overall, I'd like if they were a touch larger or I was a touch smaller. I love that they don't have a HUGE AMAZON BASICS label on them. And I LOVE that I don't have to spend thirty minutes removing tiny stick pins like other dress shirt makers force you to do - what a waste!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kevin
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
Reliable, well-made shirt with a slightly lighter color than expected
Special Size: Standard, Size: X-Large, Color: Navy, Special Size: Standard, Size: X-Large, Color: Navy
This Alimens & Gentle Oxford shirt is a solid, well-made option that holds up well over time. After roughly 20 wears and washes, it’s proven to be durable and fairly resistant to wrinkles, which is a big plus for a cotton button-down. Fit & Comfort: The fit runs a bit on the loose side, but it’s still comfortable and easy to wear. It’s not a slim fit, so if you prefer a more tailored look, keep that in mind. Material & Performance: The fabric is thicker than most standard dress shirts, which makes it a great choice for cooler weather. It provides a bit more structure and warmth, but it may not be as breathable in the summer months. On the plus side, it washes and irons well and maintains its shape over time. Appearance & Versatility: The shirt pairs well with both dress pants and jeans, so it works in both professional and casual settings. One thing to note — the actual color is noticeably lighter than what’s shown in the listing. In my case, I still liked the look and kept it, but it’s something to be aware of when ordering. Bottom Line: A dependable, slightly heavier Oxford shirt that’s great for fall and winter wear. Best for those who prefer a relaxed fit and don’t mind a small variation in color from the listing.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
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Cmk
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
What A Find! Unbelievable Quality and Price!
Special Size: Standard, Size: Large, Color: Plaid-light Blue
I can't believe the quality of this shirt!! I ordered the blue checked one for my husband for a costume. The price was right and I didn't expect much, as it was just for a costume. It came packed into a little box, which I figured showed it would be super thin and cheaply made, but didn't really care as only needed it for one time. Woah!!!! I opened the box and was absolutely floored by the quality and heft to the material. It is crazy. I don't know how they get this shirt into that box, but it is baffling. This shirt is of high quality, with all the seems sewn well. The fabric is every bit as good as the brand of oxford shirt that costs 3 times the price of this one. My husband goes between medium and large. He takes 16" neck in dress shirts. We ordered the large and it fits well. Has a little room, but not in a too big type of way. I washed it once before wearing, and it washed well. Not much shrinking at all. It ironed very easily without a problem. Yes, it is 100% percent cotton. Because of the quality and fit, I will now order additonal colors. My husband loves this shirt. This is an excellent buy!!!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2025

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