Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has revealed that he secretly sells his guitars online without identifying himself as the seller. This information comes from a recent interview with Louder Sound.
The guitarist discussed his approach to managing his extensive guitar collection. He also shared his philosophy about instruments being played rather than stored.
“I’ll list them on eBay or Reverb and I don’t say they’re mine,” Hammett said. “I get rid of a lot of guitars that way!”
Hammett explained his motivation for selling the instruments. He cited anxiety about guitars sitting unused.
“I get anxiety because I believe guitars should be played,” he continued. “I don’t believe in just storing them away and forgetting about them – I feel guilty! So I have been on a quest to shrink my collection and get rid of the ones I don’t play.”
The guitarist also mentioned specific instruments from Metallica’s touring history that he has moved on from.
“There were a few that were only ever used on Death Magnetic – I played them on that tour, then as soon as that tour stopped they went into storage again as I’m not playing those songs,” he said.
This revelation offers insight into how one of metal’s most recognizable guitarists manages his instrument collection behind the scenes.
Hammett’s approach to guitar collecting reflects a broader philosophy that extends beyond simple ownership to active curation and sharing of musical heritage.
Guitar Player reported that Hammett’s collection strategy involves dynamic management rather than hoarding. His goal is to inspire others to seek out valuable instruments. His extensive collection includes legendary pieces that have shaped both his career and rock history. Wild West Guitars noted that one of his most notable instruments is the 1979 Gibson Flying V. This guitar played a pivotal role during his early days with Metallica.
Among his prized possessions is “Greeny,” the famous 1959 Les Paul Standard that was previously owned by guitar legends Peter Green and Gary Moore. AXS TV revealed that Hammett showcases this instrument and others in his book “The Collection: Kirk Hammett.” The book explores his guitar legacy in detail.
The book represents a collaboration with Gibson Publishing. It highlights Hammett’s passion for preserving musical heritage while sharing his journey with fans. This documentation effort aligns with his philosophy of keeping guitars active in the musical community rather than letting them sit unused in storage.
Hammett’s secret selling practice demonstrates how even established musicians continue to evolve their relationship with their instruments. They prioritize playability and musical purpose over mere collection value.
