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ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Satin Blackplay button

ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Satin Black

ESP

collapse expand iconDescription

The ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar is Metallica frontman James Hetfield's weapon of choice. This modified EX shape guitar features a mahogany body and 3-piece mahogany neck for huge tones suited for the heaviest of metal. The fast-playing ebony fretboard is adorned with a venomous mother-of-pearl inlay and 22 extra-jumbo frets, allowing shredding at any speed. Powering this beast are EMG's JH "Het" Set active humbuckers, providing tight lows, searing highs and everything extreme in between. is proud to offer this high-performance ax with a satin black finish, black satin hardware and a hardshell case—everything needed to strike hard and heavy.

Modified Body Shape and All-Mahogany Construction

The Snakebyte's modified EX shape provides an offset yet balanced feel, ideal for complex rhythm work and machine-gun riffing. Its all-mahogany construction consisting of a mahogany body and 3-piece mahogany neck creates a thick, punchy tone perfect for high-gain applications. A 24.75" scale length and thin U neck profile offer fast, comfortable playing.

Venomous Fretboard and EMG Active Humbuckers

The Snakebyte's ebony fretboard features a mother-of-pearl Snakebyte inlay at the 12th fret, warning all who dare approach. Its 22 extra-jumbo frets allow blistering leads at any position. The EMG JH "Het" Set active humbuckers provide the biting tone Hetfield demands. The bridge pickup delivers tight lows and searing highs while the neck pickup provides warmth and clarity.

High-Performance Components for the Stage and Studio

The Snakebyte comes equipped with high-end components for the stage and studio, including ESP locking tuners, an LTD locking bridge, and ESP strap locks. The TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece provide stable intonation for precise tuning. A satin black finish and black satin hardware give a sinister look. The included hardshell case protects this metal machine when not in use.

Open Box ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Level 2 Satin Black 197881301224
Open Box ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Level 2 Satin Black 197881301224

collapse expand iconFeatures

Body
  • Body shape: Other
  • Body type: Solid body
  • Body material: Solid wood
  • Top wood: Not applicable
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Satin
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Thin U
  • Neck wood: Mahogany 3-piece
  • Joint: Neck-through
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Truss rod: Standard
  • Neck finish: Satin
Fretboard
  • Material: Ebony
  • Radius: Not specified
  • Fret size: Extra-jumbo
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Inlays: Pearloid snake
  • Nut width: 1.656" (42mm)
Pickups
  • Configuration: HH
  • Neck: James Hetfield
  • Middle: Not applicable
  • Bridge: James Hetfield
  • Brand: EMG
  • Active or passive: Active
  • Series or parallel: Series
  • Piezo: No
  • Active EQ: No
  • Special electronics: None
Controls
  • Control layout: Master volume, tone
  • Pickup switch: 3-way
  • Coil tap or split: No
  • Kill switch: No
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Fixed
  • Bridge design: Tune-o-matic
  • Tailpiece: Stopbar
  • Tuning machines: ESP locking
  • Color: Black
Other
  • Number of strings: 6-string
  • Special features: Signature model
  • Case: Hardshell case
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: Info not available

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.36

14 Reviews

85%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

10524031211
A forever guitar
This thing is the real deal.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.
One of the easiest playing electrics.

Most Liked Positive Review

5

One of the easiest playing electrics.

I went out on a limb ordering this guitar as I had never played one of James' guitars before, but I'm glad I took that chance. I've had this guitar for about two years now and it's still one of the easiest playing electrics out there, short of high end gibsons of course. Paired with a modeling amp, you can easily reproduce the sounds featured on any of the Metallica albums, from Kill 'Em All, to Hardwired. The James Hetfield custom set of pickups are also far surperior to the EMG 81/60 set featured previously on James' guitars. (I should also note that I purchased this guitar when gloss black was available, not satin, though the other functionalities of the guitar remain the same).

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

might be ok if it wasn't broke

purchased through the leasing program. It showed up with 2 dents and a huge gouge by the battery and 2 broken stings. I called Guitar center and got some call center with a lady that i could hardly understand. she told me to contact progressive leasing so I did. progressive leasing told me that I need to contact Guitar center since the guitar came from them. Long story short I have a busted guitar that no one wants to take responsibility for..

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming11
  2. Rock Concerts11
  3. Practicing10
  4. Recording9
  5. Small Venues8
Cons
  1. Craftsmanship1
  2. Flat Sound1
  3. Fret Buzz1
  4. Poor Pick Up1
  5. Rather cheap Nut.1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced10
  2. Novice2
Pros
  1. Good Feel12
  2. Fun To Play11
  3. Good Pick Up11
  4. Good Tone11
  5. Solid Electronics10

Reviewed by 14 customers

  • Absolute junk

    1

    submitteda year ago

    byMike

    fromOhio

    DO NOT BUY A SNAKEBYTE. The pickups are absolutely atrocious. Worse pickups ever. Hetfield should be ashamed of this guitar

  • No complaints almost a year in

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byNick

    fromMeriden, CT

    This guitar is absolutely incredible. Best instrument I own. Rarely goes out of tune and sounds absolutely incredible. If you're looking at it and are on the fence... I suggest you go for it. You can thank me later!

  • might be ok if it wasn't broke

    2

    submitted3 years ago

    byRichard

    fromboise idaho

    purchased through the leasing program. It showed up with 2 dents and a huge gouge by the battery and 2 broken stings. I called Guitar center and got some call center with a lady that i could hardly understand. she told me to contact progressive leasing so I did. progressive leasing told me that I need to contact Guitar center since the guitar came from them. Long story short I have a busted guitar that no one wants to take responsibility for..

  • A forever guitar

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byAaron

    fromSpringfield New Jersey

    Anyone looking for the thrash feel, clear chugs, beautiful clarity and just overall comfort and stability. This guitar is king of its own path. A must have for any metal player out there.

  • This thing is the real deal.

    4

    submitted4 years ago

    byZach m

    fromMichigan

    For some reason this thing just plays like a dream. My ability to glide my hand up and down the fretboard is effortless. Albeit, the highest frets are a slight pain to reach. If you're somewhat experienced you won't have an issue, just a slight adjustment. The nut could have been more of a solid material. I can't tell what it is I'm assuming plastic. Not an issue for me as I plan to upgrade to a higher quality material. The hard case is also a huge bonus as it is of top quality. The felt is cut out perfectly for this guitar so modifications would have to be made in order to transfer other guitars to this case.

  • Love this guitar

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byJames H

    fromKentucky

    I saved up all my money over the summer for this guitar and as soon as I picked it up I felt so much more confident in my playing and the sound quality is amazing. Worth every penny for a mettalica fan

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted10 months ago

    asked byExplorer Enjoyer

    fromNew Jersey, Totowa

    Hi, I wanna get this guitar but I don't know if it's comfortable to play while sitting, I see that they have added a curve to the original explorer body, I guess that's for the arm to rest? Please let me know

    Hi, I wanna get this guitar but I don't know if it's comfortable to play while sitting, I see that they have added a curve to the original explorer body, I guess that's for the arm to rest? Please let me know

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    That an individual concern. I don't know if it's comfortable - for you. I, personally, don't like the body hip in the center.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byjess

    fromlawton, oklahoma

    when will this guitar be back in stock

    when will this guitar be back in stock

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Please give us a call for product availability 855-770-3373

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byMike

    fromWinston Salem nc

    I have the iron cross James Hatfield guitar. Does the James Hatfield snakebite guitar also have the thin u shaped neck.

    I have the iron cross James Hatfield guitar. Does the James Hatfield snakebite guitar also have the thin u shaped neck.

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Yes it does.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byCS

    fromDallas, TX

    Where is this guitar made?

    Where is this guitar made?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar was made in Korea.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byChase

    fromPennsylvania

    Does this rig come with a fitted case? If so is there any pictures?

    Does this rig come with a fitted case? If so is there any pictures?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It's a hardshell case, but it isn't fitted. we have it listed on it's own. It's the James Hetfield Hardshell case.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byJaq Wyld

    fromLakehead, California

    What type of a guitar could the Thin U Neck on this guitar be compared to? What gauge strings does this come with?

    What type of a guitar could the Thin U Neck on this guitar be compared to? What gauge strings does this come with?

    Open Reply - Charles
    ESP LTD MH, H, VIPER, EC all have Thin U necks. D'Addario XL110 (.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046)

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byRay

    fromCape Coral FL

    What strings come on the guitar, I like them and would like to know so I can get more in the future.

    What strings come on the guitar, I like them and would like to know so I can get more in the future.

    Open Reply -
    The manufacturer's website doesn't specifically say, but typically ESP comes with D'Addario