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Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick

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Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick image 2

Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick image 3

Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick

^# 30

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$9.75 to $13.64

4.5 (46)

2 Critic Reviews

9 Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Ultex

1 community setup

3 wishlisted

76 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (1)

$10.49

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5.0 (16)

$13.64

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4.8 (1364)

$10.49

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5.0 (1)

$9.75 16 available New

$8.87 1 available Used

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4.0 (21)

$13.64

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4.8 (104)

$11.50 $11.40 $0.10 · All time low

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick, a tool designed for the trailblazers of the music world. This pick is built to withstand the rigors of high-octane performances, inspired by none other than the iconic riff master himself, James Hetfield.

The Black Fang is not just another guitar pick. Based on a vintage tortoise-shell design, this pick is crafted from sturdy Ultex material, known for its durability and consistency. The defined tone and sharp attack make it a perfect companion for those who crave speed and control in their music.

It's the pick of choice for Hetfield's fierce downward picking style, providing a bright tone that slices through the mix. Its pointed and contoured tip delivers ultimate speed, precision, and control, enabling you to unleash your tone clearer, faster, and with unrivaled precision.

As Hetfield himself puts it, "It's fast, bright, and strong because of its hard point and material. It gives you everything you need - just add venom." So, whether you're a fan of Hetfield's venomous style or you're just looking for a pick that can handle your own fierce playing style, the Black Fang is the tool for you.

Key Features:

Classic tortoise-shell design, inspired by James Hetfield's personal preference
Made from ultra-tough Ultex, providing crisp tone and intense attack
Pointed and contoured tip for ultimate speed and control
Ideal for players looking for incredible control in heavy genres of music
Includes a collector's tin for storage and display.

Product specs

Shape	Standard
Gauge	1.14mm
Material	Ultex
Quantity	6

FAQs

What material is the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick made from?: The Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Pick is made from Ultex, which provides a balanced tone and durability, making it suitable for aggressive playing styles.
What is the thickness of the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Pick?: The Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Pick has a thickness of 1.14mm, offering a firm feel and precise attack ideal for heavy riffing.
How does the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Pick compare to standard picks in terms of shape?: The Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Pick features a standard shape, which is comfortable for most players and allows for versatile playing techniques.
How many picks are included in the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Pick Tin?: The Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Pick Tin includes six picks, providing ample supply for regular use or spares for performances.
Is the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Pick suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Pick is designed for heavy metal, offering a robust build and precise attack that complements fast, aggressive playing styles.

Videos

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Premier Guitar

NAMM '11 - Dunlop Derek Trucks Slide, Tortex TIII, Hetfield Black Fang & Kirk Hammett Jazz III Picks

Premier Guitar

Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang VS White Fang

TheWoodsman

Review: Jim Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang & White Fang #plectrums #metallica #whitefang

Heavy Repping! Pick Boutique

James Hetfield BlackFang Guitar Picks

Rudy Gardea

Dunlop 피크 Signature Picks Hetfield Black Fang

BUZZBEE TV

Reviews

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PROS

Designed specifically for James Hetfield's down-picking technique
Excellent grip and playability with a smooth yet slightly textured surface
Durable and long-lasting, even with heavy use
Perfect balance between thickness and weight for optimal speed
Sharp tip enhances attack and chug power
Suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing
Great for alternate picking and precise string articulation
Aesthetic design that attracts attention and admiration
Ideal thickness for fast gallops and down-picking
Versatile for various music genres beyond metal

CONS

Graphics and decals may wear off with sweaty hands
Grip may not hold as well as textured picks for sweaty players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick.

Features and functionality

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Some players find the Black Fangs fairly thick and durable, suitable for use on both guitar and bass.
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The White Fang is available in thicknesses of 0.73, 1.0, and 1.14mm, with the 1.0mm being a popular choice among players.
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The Black Fang pick is sold in packs, often found in little tins or bundles with other Hetfield gear like EMG HET SET pickups.
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Comparisons

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The White Fang picks are identical to Dunlop Flow standard grip picks in shape, but the latter are cheaper due to lacking artist branding.
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Some users prefer the Black Fangs' aesthetic, even using them as a necklace, but still praise their playability alongside the White Fangs.
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The White Fangs offer a unique scratchy feel when hitting strings, unlike the smoother feel of Matt Heafy Jazz III and John Petrucci picks.
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User experience

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Few owners report the Black Fangs lack grip, especially when playing with sweaty hands, leading some to switch to other picks with better grip like Dunlop GatorGrips.
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Owners have noted that the White Fangs tend to wear down faster than other picks, impacting their long-term use for some players.
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Some players received the Black Fang as gifts or souvenirs from concerts, which adds sentimental value beyond its functional use.
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Use cases and applications

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Black Fangs are favored for rhythm playing due to their thickness providing powerful attack.
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The White Fang's size is deemed ideal for alternate and downpicking, making it a step forward from Ibanez sand grip picks for some users.
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Owners enjoy the Black Fang's feel, particularly for rhythm guitar, citing its comfort and suitability for both slow, deep bass playing and faster styles.
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Build quality

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It’s reported that Black Fangs can become dull relatively quickly, impacting their longevity.
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Value and pricing

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Black Fang picks have fluctuated in price from as low as $31.45 to as high as $58.00 for a 36-pack, with an average price around $39.92.
Source

Critic Reviews

Dunlop Hetfield Black Fang 1.14mm pick – review – Lone Phantom

lonephantom.com

The Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick impresses with its sharp, biting tone and sturdy feel, making it an excellent choice for rhythm and lead guitarists, particularly in rock and metal genres. The pick's sharp tip and ultex material provide great note definition, ensuring clarity even in heavily distorted settings. However, its longevity is a concern for heavy-handed players, as it shows significant wear after extended use. While it lacks the thickness some may prefer, the Black Fang is a solid pick for those seeking a sharper sound, especially if they don't mind frequent replacements.

positive

Full Review

Review - Jim Dunlop Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield Signatures - Heavy Repping

heavyrepping.com

The Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick impresses with its durability and responsiveness. Its Ultex material offers a longer lifespan compared to Delrin, making it a solid choice for rhythm and riffs. While the grip is commendable, its larger size might not suit everyone. Despite minor wrist strain concerns with the Hammett pick, both signature picks stand out for their tonal clarity and improved design over their predecessors. For Metallica fans or those seeking reliable picks with a clear edge, these are worth a try.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 46 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

palmmutedopene

1451

about 8 years ago

Best Metal picks on the market

Whether or not you're a fan of James Hetfield or Metallica, you have to give the man some credit when it comes to his unrelenting down picking technique, and these picks were designed around that very technique. They have a perfect balance between being thick enough to keep a grip on and being light enough to not sacrifice any of your picking speed, while also having one of the sharpest and attack heavy tips on a pick that I've ever seen, giving you supreme chug power no matter what you're playing.

skylinerr

5339

7 years ago over 7 years ago

you know they're literally 1.14 mm ultex picks standard shape just with a graphic just get normal ones save a pew pence and they're ugly as f*ck man

drrrty_harris

268

about 5 years ago

Great fast picks

The jazz style shape with sharp point make them great for fast picking. You might not have the chops of Hetfield, but with these picks you can get a little closer to the rhythm guitar metal master. I use .94 which I find to be the perfect thickness.

Roles:

Guitarist Ukulele Player

Genres:

Alternative rock Indie rock Punk rock

amazingforlife

2012

almost 9 years ago

Sweet!

Nice picks. They feel good and they have decent grip but the really cool graphics aren't very fit for players that play hard. It's great for djent and heavy metal, if you play metal or hardcore it's great. It's also actually pretty good for reggae stuff because they are quite good for slow arpeggios.

paul_cristian

almost 9 years ago

My favorite.

I used to be a Dunlop tortex fan for Metallica songs, but when I discovered this, I just felt in love. It's got for both 2 and 3 fingers picking.

bthompson2020

736

over 6 years ago

Killer Picks

Awesome picks, great for rhythm and lead.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Blues rock Southern rock

brenton_bolderoff

117

about 11 years ago

I have 3 of them and I want more

I bought them at a pawn shop and they're the first picks that I truly love. They're the ones I use if they're not lost... I need to by more.

hsadrich

102

over 11 years ago

fantastic

These picks are the best Ive ever used. Thickness provides not only the ability to strum and thrash harder, but also to ave more control of some of the more delicate pieces.

euan

287

over 11 years ago

Great Quality.

Love them, I use them as my main picks [1.14mm]

Great quality, the only problem is when I'm gigging I tend to sweat off the decals.

nigelblaazer

182

over 11 years ago

Good, thick guitar picks. 100% for riffs imo

I love these picks when I'm playing rhythm guitar, since they're pretty thick and steady, I rather not use them with soloing.

Artist usage

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James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

Verified via YouTube

In this video by Dunlop, at 0:37 Hetfield compares his new White Fang siganture pick to his older Black Fang model.

Andreas Kisser

Guitarist

Sepultura

Verified via YouTube

In this video interview at 2:56, Andreas Kisser of Hail!, Sexoturica, Sepultura, and Asesino, talks about the guitar picks he uses stating, "we came to [the] Namm show in January. We played two shows in Los Angeles and got those picks. I did a little bit of comparison with my pick in the studio and it just felt better".

Alex Pintor

Singer, Bassist

The Bends

Verified via YouTube

In a live performance at Bassett Park, Alex Pintor can be seen using the Dunlop James Hetfield Black Fang Signature Ultex Pick while playing bass, as featured in a video by the BENDS on YouTube.