Epiphone Kirk Hammett Greeny Les Paul
Posted by Richard Thomas on 21st Nov 2023
Unveiling the Kirk Hammett Epiphone Greeny Les Paul
Posted by Richard Thomas, 21st November 2023
A Legendary Guitar Reimagined
Kirk Hammett, renowned for his electrifying guitar solos as the lead guitarist of Metallica, has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and metal. In a collaboration with Epiphone, a new chapter unfolds with the release of the Epiphone Kirk Hammett Greeny Les Paul Standard. This guitar pays homage to Hammett's iconic "Greeny" - a legendary instrument that has become synonymous with his distinctive playing style. In this article, we delve into the history, features, and significance of this remarkable collaboration.
Peter Green: Architect of a Musical Revolution
Peter Green rose to prominence as a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, a band that would become synonymous with the evolution of blues into a powerful force within the rock genre. Green's arrival on the music scene in the mid-1960s marked a departure from traditional blues conventions. His innovative approach to guitar playing, emotive phrasing, and soulful expressiveness set him apart as a true pioneer.
In 1967, Green, along with fellow musicians Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer, and John McVie, formed Fleetwood Mac. The band's early sound was rooted in blues, but Green's vision expanded the genre's boundaries, incorporating elements of psychedelia and a unique harmonic sophistication. Green's virtuosity on the electric guitar, coupled with his distinct vocal style, defined Fleetwood Mac's sound and attracted a growing fanbase.
The Legacy of Greeny: Peter Green and the Birth of Modern Blues/Rock
To understand the profound impact of the Kirk Hammett Epiphone Greeny Les Paul Standard, one must first delve into the history of its predecessor, the legendary "Greeny" Les Paul. The tale begins with Peter Green, a visionary guitarist whose contributions to modern blues and rock laid the foundation for a new era in musical expression.
"The blues - it's kind of like a religion, really."
- Peter Green
The Legacy of "Black Magic Woman" and "Albatross"
Green's songwriting prowess and distinctive guitar work shone through in tracks like "Black Magic Woman" and "Albatross." The former, later famously covered by Santana, showcased Green's ability to infuse blues with a mystical, almost hypnotic quality. The latter, an instrumental piece, became an unexpected chart-topper, demonstrating Green's versatility and ability to captivate audiences without relying on vocals.
Greeny: A Guitar with a Soul
At the heart of Peter Green's sonic journey was his beloved 1959 Les Paul, affectionately named "Greeny." The guitar, with its distinctive tone and character, became an extension of Green's musical identity. The legacy of Greeny is not merely in its physical form but in the ethereal quality it lent to Green's playing—an intangible essence that resonates through the notes and chords played on its frets.
Green's Departure and the Guitar's Journey
Tragically, Peter Green's mental health struggles led to his departure from Fleetwood Mac in the early 1970s. Greeny, too, embarked on a journey, changing hands and becoming a cherished instrument for subsequent guitarists, including Gary Moore, who further contributed to its mystique. It eventually found its way into the possession of Metallica's Kirk Hammett, solidifying its place as an iconic instrument with a rich history.
Greeny's Enduring Influence
The Kirk Hammett Epiphone Greeny Les Paul Standard is not merely a tribute to a guitar but a homage to the visionary musician who wielded it. Peter Green's contributions to the fusion of blues and rock paved the way for generations of guitarists, and Greeny, as a symbol of that legacy, continues to inspire. The Epiphone collaboration with Kirk Hammett ensures that Greeny's spirit lives on, carrying forward the torch lit by a guitarist who dared to redefine the boundaries of blues and rock music. The Greeny Les Paul Standard, with its meticulously recreated design, allows a new generation of players to connect with the roots of modern blues and rock, embodying the timeless spirit of musical innovation that Peter Green brought to the world.
Kirk Hammet Greeny
Specifications: Epiphone Kirk Hammett Greeny - 1959 Les Paul Standard
Body Style: Les Paul
Body Shape: Les Paul
Body Material: Mahogany
Top: Maple with AAA Flame Maple Veneer
Binding: Single-ply Cream, Top and Fretboard
Body Finish: Aged Gloss
Profile: Custom Greeny Profile
Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in
Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel
Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in
Fret Count: 22
Frets: Medium Jumbo
Nut Material: Graph Tech
Nut Width: 43.0 mm / 1.692 in
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Trapezoid
Joint: Glued In, Set Neck, Long Tenon
Finish: Nickel
Bridge: Epiphone Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: LockTone Stop Bar
Tuning Machines: Grover Rotomatic with Spade Button
Pickguard: None
Truss Rod: Dual Action
Truss Rod Cover: 2-ply, Black
Switch Tip: Ivory
Switch washer: Cream
Jack Plate Cover: Cream
Control Covers: Black
Strap Buttons: 2 - Bottom and Shoulder
Mounting Rings: Cream
Neck Pickup: Gibson USA Greenybucker with Reversed Magnetic Polarity; Reverse Mounted
Bridge Pickup: Gibson USA Greenybucker
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 50s Wiring, CTS Potentiomenters, Mallory Capacitors
Pickup Selector: Switchcraft 3-way Toggle
Output Jack: Switchcraft 1/4"
Strings Gauge: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Case: Vintage-style Hardshell with Tan Exterior, Pink Interior, and Custom Artwork
The Day The Original Came To Rich Tone Music!
Summer of 2014! Lovely warm weather, and this particular writer was on a beach in North Wales! Watching the family play merrily in the sand I thought i'd have a quick look at the company's facebook account, see if we'd had anything interesting happen, or any comments that might need a reply etc.
What I DIDN'T expect, was to open my phone and see our very own Chillo holding perhaps the most iconic and influential guitar in modern rock music!!
The guitar was in the posession of guitar dealer Richard Henry who stopped in to show us the guitar before heading down the motorway to meet up with potential buyers for the guitar.
Obvious jokes aside about poor timing to take a holiday, I did miss the opportunity to get my hands on Greeny. The next time we saw this guitar was with Kirk Hammett using Greeny on stage. A small, but fondly-held, memory for Rich Tone staff and a little anecdote to the legacy of this fantastic guitar.