Except the usual differences James' ESP Explorer got to the standard models this Explorer is very similar

James' ESP Explorers They are all based upon the standard ESP EXP series and were built or overseen by James Hetfield ESP Black Explorer  Matt Masciandaro. Meanwhile the EXP series has been replaced by the ESP EX standard series which has a sharp shape for its ends and headstock instead of the old EXP series which was comparable to the rounded shape of the Gibson Explorers. Just like his Electra Flying V, James restored his main Explorer and played it on “Death Magnetic”.

James bought this guitar in 1980 for $200. It was his second ever guitar. He played it on Metallica’s first album James Hetfield ESP guitar “Kill ‘em All”, and kept playing it until 1984. At that point the guitar had Saymour Duncan humbuckers, Tune-o-Matic Bridge,mahogany body with bolt-on mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard. The difference between the EXP model and James' Explorers  In difference between James' Explorers and the standard ESP EXP series, James guitars have set-necks (glued joint) instead of bolt-on necks. Besides the "Black Album" guitars' fingerboards consist of ebony instead of rosewood.