A one-of-a-kind Gibson CEO-4 SG guitar, built by Cesar Gueikian, sold for $76,800 at Julien’s Auctions during the Played, Worn & Torn sale, following its use in Metallica’s James Hetfield?—no, Kirk Hammett?—performance at Ozzy Osbourne’s Back To The Beginning show in Birmingham.

Hammett has long collected items he wants played by new owners, not merely stored, tying this guitar to a broader ethos of his collection.

The sale links to The Kirk Hammett Collection, which features more than 150 guitars, awards, and road-worn items from the guitarist.

The CEO-4 features a highly figured maple top, a Les Paul Custom-inspired headstock, and a Ghost Burst finish inspired by Adam Jones, reflecting Gibson’s collaborative design process.

Gueikian has connected other artists to CEO guitars, such as Jason Momoa’s involvement with CEO-2 White Explorer to raise funds for Gibson Gives.

CEO model line includes CEO#1, CEO#2, CEO#3 Gibson Victory, and CEO#8 Flying V, with CEO-4 positioned as a centerpiece for this auction.

Tony Iommi and Adam Jones offered input and appreciation for CEO-4, underscoring the Black Sabbath tribute’s personal resonance.

The guitar is a unique, one-of-one build; sale included Gueikian’s backstage pass signed by Gueikian.

Gueikian, Gibson’s CEO, has devoted time to guitar making, developing high-end, historically inspired CEO guitars designed to be unique and epic.

The piece highlights the broader appeal of metal gear collecting and the potential for a guitar bought in a club setting to connect with fans.

Auction results are discussed in the wider context of memorabilia auctions, with ABC Audio providing the report.

Gibson Gives channels proceeds from CEO-4 and CEO-8 toward scholarships and music-education initiatives, emphasizing the philanthropic angle.