Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,333

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

In the realm of high-octane electric guitars, the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype stands as a titan. Crafted for those who demand precision and power, this solid body electric guitar is a testament to its namesake's legendary sound. From its neck-through-body construction to the EMG Het Set humbuckers, every element of the Vulture Prototype is designed to deliver the thunderous tones and unyielding performance that have become synonymous with James Hetfield.

Embodying a sophisticated craftsmanship, the guitar boasts a mahogany body and a one-piece neck that seamlessly integrates with an ebony fingerboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience. The Thin U neck profile and 22 extra-jumbo frets ensure that your fingers fly effortlessly across the fretboard, while the bone nut and Gotoh Locking machine heads keep your tuning stable, even during the most intense performances.

With a scale of 629 mm and a fingerboard radius of 305 mm, the Vulture Prototype offers the perfect balance of playability and comfort. The Tonepros locking Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece enhance sustain and tuning stability, making it a reliable companion for any stage. Complete with two volume controls and a pickup switch, this guitar offers versatile tonal options, ready to adapt to any musical style.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body and neck-through-body one-piece neck
  • Thin U neck profile with 22 XJ frets
  • Ebony fingerboard with 305 mm radius
  • Bone nut with a width of 42 mm
  • EMG Het Set humbuckers
  • Tonepros locking Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece
  • Gotoh Locking machine heads
  • Includes Vulture Form Fit case
  • Factory strings: D'Addario XL110

Product specs

Available since August 2024
Shape V-Style
Colour Olympic White
Soundboard Mahogany
Top None
Neck Mahogany
Fretboard Ebony
Frets 22
Scale 629 mm
Pickups HH
Active Pickups No
Tremolo None
Incl. Case Yes
Incl. Bag No
Artist James Hetfield
Style V-Style
Body Mahogany

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype have?

The ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype features a comfortable mahogany neck with a thin U-shaped profile, designed for fast playability and precision, ideal for heavy metal and rock styles.

Are the pickups on the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype active or passive?

The ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype is equipped with passive humbucker pickups, which offer a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for a wide range of tones.

Is the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype suitable for beginners?

While the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype is a high-quality instrument, its design and features are tailored more towards intermediate to advanced players, particularly those interested in heavy metal.

Does the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype come with a case?

Yes, the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype includes a case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype?

The ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype is constructed with a mahogany body and neck, and features an ebony fretboard, contributing to its rich tone and durability.

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Artist usage

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See how James Hetfield uses ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

In Metallica's "The Making Of Hardwired... To Self Destruct" Video at 27:44, James can be seen playing an Unpainted Guitar with the ESP Vulture Bodyshape and a differently shapped Headstock, this is the Prototype Version of his Signature Vulture Guitar.

Album Usage

The ESP James Hetfield ESP Vulture Prototype has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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