🖼️
The project:
This project is my attempt at a hand-built replica of James Hetfield’s Electra Flying V guitar. Inspired by the actual guitar he used during Metallica’s early years.
I wanted to recreate the guitar’s shape, finish, hardware, and overall appearance as accurately as I could. I chose this project because James Hetfield is one of my biggest musical influences, and building the replica allowed me to combine my interest in guitars, music history, hands-on craftsmanship and learning new skills into a single project.
Here is a link to what the actual guitar looks like:
https://www.groundguitar.com/james-hetfield-guitars-and-gear/james-hetfields-electra-2236-flying-wedge/
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-340g-antique-white-u-s-a-satin-finish-spray-paint_p0782854
https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-250ml-sanding-sealer_p1564778
https://www.bunnings.com.au/timber-protect-300g-jarrah-quick-dry-interior-stain-and-varnish-jarrah_p0381356
https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-50ml-black-japan-interior-stain-prooftint-50ml_p1520344
https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-250ml-gloss-rich-jarrah-stain-and-varnish-250ml_p1520043
https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-250ml-mahogany-prooftint-interior-stain_p1520063
https://www.bunnings.com.au/rust-oleum-340g-clear-ultra-matt-chalked-protective-top-coat_p8910967
- Tools:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/rocket-automotive-wet-dry-sanding-sheets-multi-pack_p0780080
https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-4-piece-foam-brush-set_p1670850
Exacto-knife
Glue
Fine liner pen
Hammer
Various sanding papers
Transfer Tape Paper
- Step 1:
Researched the original guitar
I studied James Hetfield's original guitar to understand its design, hardware, and finish.
- Step 2:
Planned the build
I gathered measurements, selected my materials, and sourced/purchased the required components.
- Step 3:
Constructed the body
I found a great kit for the wooden components, cut, shaped, and sanded the Flying V body to match the original profile.
- Step 4:
Prepared the neck
Shaped, fitted, and checked the neck for proper alignment with the body.
- Step 5:
Applied the finish
Primed, painted, and clear-coated the guitar to replicate the original appearance.
The detailing was the hardest part. This took around 24 hours of work total to create each and every visible mark on the body and on the neck. I used an exacto-knife.
- Step 6:
Installed the hardware
Fitted and screwed the bridge, tuners, strap buttons, and other hardware.
- Step 7:
Installed the electronics
I mounted the EMG 81 and 60 pickups, controls, output jack, and completed the wiring myself.
- Step 8:
Assembled the guitar
I joined the neck and body with glue and screws, then completed the final assembly.
- Step 9:
Set up the guitar
I Installed EVH brand strings, adjusted the action and intonation, and ensured everything functioned correctly, which it did.
- Step 10:
Tested and evaluated
I plugged the guitar in and played it for the first time (it was amazing), made final adjustments, and compared the finished replica with the original.
In the end I was more than pleased with myself and proud of how great I think I came to the original in terms of simularity.
