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ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross Electric Guitar Snow White

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Metallica's James Hetfield At Guitar Center

ESP LTD James Hetfield

Description
ESP guitars is proud to offer the LTD James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross SW, an instrument designed in collaboration with Metallica's legendary frontman and ready to make its own mark. This signature model captures Hetfield's angst and intensity with Iron Cross inlays, custom graphics finished in snow white and EMG JH humbuckers that roar. This limited-edition ax is for hard rock and metal guitarists seeking a bold look and sound.
Distinctive Esthetics Inspired by a Metal Icon
The Iron Cross SW is loaded with one-of-a-kind touches that pay homage to Hetfield, from its namesake inlay at the 12th fret to the black-on-white Iron Cross graphic. Its snow white finish provides a striking canvas, allowing each custom detail to shine through. These graphics make a statement that's sure to turn heads on stage.
EMG JH Humbuckers Deliver Signature Tone
This signature model is equipped with a pair of EMG JH humbucking pickups personally designed by Hetfield to capture the tone that has become synonymous with his playing. These active humbuckers are voiced to combine clarity and articulation with the high-output gain and distortion that metal guitarists crave. From thrashing rhythms to searing leads, the EMG JH set empowers players with a wealth of aggressive tones.
Resonant Wood and Premium Components
The Iron Cross SW starts with a foundation of mahogany, a dense, resonant tonewood used in countless classic instruments. Its mahogany body is topped with maple, which adds articulation and focus. A smooth ebony fretboard crowns the mahogany neck for effortless playability. Premium black hardware, including Grover tuners and a TonePros tune-o-matic bridge, provides exceptional tuning stability and sustain.
Road-Ready and Protected
A rugged gig bag is included to keep the Iron Cross SW safe on the road or at home. Its durable, padded exterior shields the instrument from impacts and the elements, while generously sized compartments inside offer storage for accessories. This premium gig bag provides peace of mind, allowing guitarists to transport their signature ax with confidence.



Features
- Set-neck construction
- 24.75" scale
- Mahogan body
- Maple top
- Mahogany neck
- Ebony fretboard
- 42 mm standard nut
- Thin U neck contour
- 22 XJ frets
- EMG JH Signature set (B & N) active pickups
- Vol/Vol/Tone/Toggle Switch
- Black hardware
- LTD locking tuners
- TonePros tune-o-matic bridge & tailpiece
- Case included
Warranty
One year warranty on parts and electronics.
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.1
20 Reviews
77%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Most Liked Positive Review
Hetfield knows whats best \m/
Unreal guitar.. Beautiful white with awesome striping and Iron Cross on tail. The Het-Set pickups are chunky and perfect for those metal based rifs. Fret board feels awesome, jumbo frets make playing so easy. Neck is fast. Locking tuners are great. Over all a beautiful guitar that is worth every penny.
Most Liked Negative Review
I just got USA Fender (same price but better) not close!
Love Metallica, wish they made this in USA, maybe next gen. Got one but had to have it worked (fret buzz, action). Could be great if you get a good one. QC not 100%, luck of the draw I guess. But yeah, it is a sweet ride if price not a consideration. My Gibson SG Standard was probably my best overall distortion-based guitar, this was awesome too ja. Price is way too high, hence the lower rating. Got a Fender HSS Strat (USA) OOB and it was perfect.
- Jamming11
- Recording8
- Practicing7
- School Bands7
- Rock Concerts6
- Fret Buzz4
- Craftsmanship2
- Poor Pick Up1
- None!1
- Experienced8
- Novice4
- Professional Musician1
- Fun To Play11
- Good Pick Up11
- Solid Electronics11
- Good Feel10
- Good Tone10
Reviewed by 20 customers
Would Buy Again
submitted5 months ago
byLucas
fromMitchell, SD
As the tirle suggests, I would buy this again. But definitely not from the closest Guitar Center.. Or wherever I keep getting my instruments from. This is number 3 that I've bought online that came with some sort of issue.
Awesome Guitar, Not fully as advertised
submitted5 years ago
bySthomp4177
fromSmithsburg MD
Overall, I am very pleased with the guitar itself. Look and feel of the guitar are top notch. Sound is unbelievable. My only complaint was that this did not come with the case as advertised. Packaging was not great, considering the price of the guitar (bubble wrap and packing peanuts). Customer service was less than helpful, saying that I should have received case, and that they would have to do a trace before they can issue me a case. Guitar itself I would recommend. Only rated a 4 because of not getting what I paid for, then having to wait an additional ten days to get a resolution.
I just got USA Fender (same price but better) not close!
submitted5 years ago
byThe Philly Stevemeister
fromPhiladelphia PA
Love Metallica, wish they made this in USA, maybe next gen. Got one but had to have it worked (fret buzz, action). Could be great if you get a good one. QC not 100%, luck of the draw I guess. But yeah, it is a sweet ride if price not a consideration. My Gibson SG Standard was probably my best overall distortion-based guitar, this was awesome too ja. Price is way too high, hence the lower rating. Got a Fender HSS Strat (USA) OOB and it was perfect.
Amazing Guitar!!
submitted5 years ago
byHetfield Doppelgänger
fromSpringfield, Missouri
Just got this guitar today and been playing it for hours! Came setup from the manufacturer. Just had to tune it a bit. Played a few Metallica songs to test the tone and was blown away! I can also play blues on it as well. Cannot find any flaws as of yet. No fret buzz. Neck is solid and straight. Pickups are at the right height. I cannot put it down! Best purchase I have made and would do it all over again. This is the only guitar I will ever need. If you have doubts, get it. You will not be disappointed. Papa Het knows what's up.
Great guitar
submitted6 years ago
byNER0
fromBentonia MS
Great guitar. Aggressive HetSet pickups awesome feel great neck not too heavy not too light. Best case I've ever owned.
Buzzzzzzz... :-(
submitted7 years ago
byOG Metal Head
fromNovato, CA
My family bought this for me for my 50th Birthday -- cool right? Unfortunately, the guitar has SEVERE fret buzz on the 6th string. I just returned from my 3rd visit to Guitar Center to try and have it repaired (they have been very helpful trying to fix it, but now they are beyond "normal adjustments" and charging me). Something is wrong with these guitars. I see a lot of people are having the same issues after Googleing it. Bummer. I live here in Novato, CA and if I see James I'm going to give him an ear full -- Haha. Having to return your 50th Birthday present sucks man. \m/
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted6 years ago
asked byLogan t
fromStillwater, NY
Why is there two toggle switches, one in top left, and one in bottom right?
The one by the tone/ volume knobs is the pickup selector switch. The one on the upper bout, by the neck is a "dummy switch" that isn't attached to anything.submitted6 years ago
asked byBig Boss
fromMerced, CA
You stated above the guitar was made in the USA, but from what I've seen, it is made in Japan. Which is it, and can you show it on the guitar?
Actually, it's made in South Korea. They used to build these in the US, but within the last year or two they moved production to South Korea.submitted6 years ago
asked byMax
fromLos Angeles
is hard case included?
Yes, the case is includedYes, the case is includedsubmitted7 years ago
asked byWayne
fromSOUTH CAROLINA
Where is it made
This guitar was originally made in the U.S. but they have since moved production to South Korea.submitted7 years ago
asked byGuitar guy
fromMorgantown WV
What kind of warranty comes with this guitar?
This guitar comes with a lifetime warranty.submitted8 years ago
asked byBrian
fromKY
Does this have stainless steel frets?
This guitar does not have stainless steel frets.