For 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to unveil its next global release in partnership with Kirk Hammett, legendary guitarist of the multi-platinum-selling and GRAMMY® Award–winning band, Metallica.
No other guitar has earned legendary status like “Greeny,” the magical 1959 Les Paul Standard, now owned by Kirk Hammett. In partnership with the Gibson Custom Shop, Epiphone has collaborated with Kirk to create “Greeny” for a worldwide audience to enjoy.
The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard represents a new era of premium features for Epiphone, from being the first production Epiphones since the ‘80s to feature the world-renowned Gibson open-book headstock, down to the inclusion of Gibson pickups and electronics, single piece necks, and mother of pearl inlays. The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard is now available at all Authorized Epiphone dealers and worldwide on www.epiphone.com.
“I think Greeny is a guitar of the people and this is an amazing opportunity for more players to experience the spirit of Greeny.”
—Kirk Hammett
“Kirk worked with us every step of the way to ensure this Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop ‘Greeny’ model has the same sound and feel as his legendary original guitar,” says Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product at Gibson Brands. “It was extremely important for him that we get it right. I know that we’ve done him proud because he couldn’t–and still can’t–stop playing the prototype.
Our Epiphone and Gibson Custom Shop teams are continually collaborating and elevating materials and ideas, and our forthcoming Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop-level Epiphone models will also feature the open-book Gibson headstock shape. This version of ‘Greeny’ is undeniable, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring it to market.”
Below Kirk Hammett performs with his Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard during the current Metallica “M72” tour:
Photo credit, both concert images: Brett Murray.
The story of “Greeny” is shrouded in mystery, but few guitars are as illustrious. Greeny is one of the most iconic original Les Paul™ Standards ever made, with a unique sound as recognizable as the guitar itself. Previously owned by Peter Green, it was used throughout his time with Fleetwood Mac and later sold to Gary Moore, who used it for three decades with Thin Lizzy and as a solo artist.
Now owned by Kirk Hammett, Greeny has passed through the hands of three legendary guitarists. Its distinctive sound is partly from the out-of-phase middle switch position due to the neck pickup’s reversed magnetic-polarity.
The Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop range is the crown jewel of the Epiphone Collection, and this Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard follows the successful release of the Gibson Custom Shop “Greeny” and the Gibson USA “Greeny” announced earlier this year. This exceptional Epiphone guitar was inspired by Kirk’s legendary original and allows players around the world the opportunity to experience the magic of “Greeny” for themselves.
It features premium components, including Gibson USA Greenybucker pickups with the neck pickup reverse mounted and complete with a reverse polarity magnet, a Switchcraft® pickup selector and ¼” output jack, CTS® potentiometers, Mallory™ capacitors, and Grover® Rotomatic® tuners with spade-style buttons on a Gibson-style “open-book” headstock. A vintage-style Epiphone hardshell case in brown and pink is also included.
Explore the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Collection: HERE.
Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard
Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard, featuring the Gibson open-book headstock.
Epiphone Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard pictured with Epiphone hardshell case.
One of the most iconic rock guitarists of our generation, Kirk Hammett has been the lead guitarist and a contributing songwriter for Metallica since 1983. Before joining Metallica, he formed and named the metal band Exodus.
For a deep dive into his music influences, the early days in the San Francisco metal scene, and his 37 years as the lead guitarist of Metallica, watch Gibson TV’s “Icons” series interview with Kirk Hammett.
This episode of “Icons” features archival and never-before-seen photos of Metallica, with Kirk talking about touring history and personal stories about recording the group’s pivotal albums, including Kill’em All, Ride The Lightning, Master of Puppets, …And Justice For All, and The Black Album; watch and share Gibson TV’s “Icons” featuring Kirk Hammett, HERE.
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