Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .
Store
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Price
Average Price: $4,012
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Channel your inner metal legend with the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte, a guitar crafted for high-octane performance and unparalleled playability. This iconic solid body electric is the very model wielded by Metallica's own James Hetfield, ensuring you're equipped with a tool that matches the intensity of your riffs. The guitar's custom EMG JH humbuckers are meticulously designed to emulate the legendary metal tone that defined a genre, delivering a sound that's tight, crunchy, and packed with low-end punch.
Crafted in Japan, the Snakebyte features a robust mahogany body, providing a resonant, full-bodied sound that’s perfect for both stage and studio. Its one-piece mahogany neck and ebony fretboard ensure smooth playability and a comfortable grip, whether you're chugging power chords or ripping solos. The guitar is equipped with a Tonepros locking TOM bridge, ensuring your intonation remains perfect, and Sperzel locking tuners, which guarantee that your tuning stays rock-solid, even during the most aggressive performances.
Beyond its sonic prowess, the Snakebyte's design is sleek and balanced, making it a visually striking instrument that feels as good as it looks. With its signature style and impeccable build quality, this guitar is a must-have for any serious player looking to elevate their sound with a touch of metal history.
Key Features:
- James Hetfield signature model
- Mahogany body and one-piece mahogany neck
- Ebony fretboard with 22 XJ frets
- Custom EMG JH active humbuckers
- Tonepros Locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- Sperzel locking machine heads
- Includes case and certificate of authenticity
- Made in Japan
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | James Hetfield Snakebyte |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots with Initials at 12th fret |
| Number of Frets | 22, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.654" |
| Nut Material | Molded |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | TonePros Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Sperzel locking tuners |
| Neck Pickup | EMG JH-N Active Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG JH-B Active Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What kind of pickups does the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte use?
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The ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte features EMG JH-N and JH-B active humbuckers, specifically designed for James Hetfield, providing powerful and clear tones suitable for heavy rock and metal.
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Is the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte suitable for rhythm guitar playing?
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Yes, the Snakebyte is designed with a thin U-shaped neck and extra jumbo frets, making it ideal for rhythm guitar playing, especially in genres like metal where fast and precise chord changes are essential.
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What is the body material of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte?
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The body of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte is made from solid mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tonal characteristics.
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Does the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte come with a case?
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Yes, the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte?
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The neck of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte features a thin U-shape, offering a comfortable grip for players who prefer a slimmer neck profile.
Videos
Musician's Friend
ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar, Black Satin
Reviews
PROS
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High-end build quality with excellent craftsmanship
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Unique satin finish offers smooth sliding and playability
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Signature EMG pickups provide a distinct, bass-heavy tone
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Plays exceptionally well compared to other guitars in the collection
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Comes with a molded case, adding great value
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Ideal for on-stage presence with striking aesthetics
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Perfectly replicates the Metallica sound
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Balanced feel when playing standing up
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Great for collectors of signature guitars
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Offers similar value to other high-end models
CONS
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Body shape can be uncomfortable when playing seated
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Concerns about production shift affecting perceived quality
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte.
Build quality
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The satin finish can wear off over time, even with regular cleaning, but the Snow White version doesn't face this issue.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
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Despite its large size, the neck feels small and higher frets are easily accessible.
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Owners highlight the guitar's surprisingly good clean tones, which stand out compared to other guitars with active pickups.
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The guitar's large and heavy case can pose transportation challenges, even in spacious vehicles.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
James Hetfield is the vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter in Metallica, the biggest heavy metal band of all time. Spanning three decades, nine studio albums, and countless world tours, Metallica has spread their unique form of thrash metal to all corners of the globe. Known for his mighty right hand and precise rhythmic execution, James’s signature guitars were built to his exact specifications in playability and durability.
"On this U.S. tour, I'm using the ESP Snakebyte for the first time. We're about halfway through the tour now, and I have to say, this guitar is the best guitar I've ever played. It's a pretty expensive guitar, but you really feel the difference in quality on an instrument in this price range." - Soderberg about ESP Snakebyte.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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