Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$6,149.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (14)
$1,499.00
Amazon
4.4 (25)
$1,499.00 New
$1,299.00 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$4,000.00 New
$5,225.00 Used
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$5,699.00

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

What kind of pickups does the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte use?

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.

Is the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte suitable for rhythm guitar playing?

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.

What is the body material of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte?

The body of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte is made from solid mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tonal characteristics.

Does the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte come with a case?

Yes, the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

What is the neck profile of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte?

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.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar, Black Satin

Video thumbnail for ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar, Black Satin by Musician's Friend

ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar, Black Satin

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

PROS

  • High-end build quality with excellent craftsmanship

  • Unique satin finish offers smooth sliding and playability

  • Signature EMG pickups provide a distinct, bass-heavy tone

  • Plays exceptionally well compared to other guitars in the collection

  • Comes with a molded case, adding great value

  • Ideal for on-stage presence with striking aesthetics

  • Perfectly replicates the Metallica sound

  • Balanced feel when playing standing up

  • Great for collectors of signature guitars

  • Offers similar value to other high-end models

CONS

  • Body shape can be uncomfortable when playing seated

  • 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

  • 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

  • The Snakebyte features the "Het Set" pickups, which are essential for achieving James Hetfield's signature heavy sound.

    Source
  • The guitar has extra jumbo frets, enhancing playability and making it enjoyable to play.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its large size, the neck feels small and higher frets are easily accessible.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to a PRS Custom SE 24 and a Dean Dave Mustaine Flying V, the Snakebyte offers a distinct raw heavy sound due to its active pickups.

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  • The Snakebyte is often preferred over the Gibson Explorer for its shape and feel, despite being similar in style.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving tones similar to James Hetfield's, especially when paired with an Axe FX3 for versatile sound reproduction.

    Source
  • Despite being a signature model for heavy riffing, it has limitations for lead playing due to higher fret access issues and only 22 frets.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner acquired a barely used Snakebyte for $850, significantly lower than the typical $1300 retail price, suggesting potential for good deals in the second-hand market.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte delivers the brute force and comfort expected from a guitar designed by Metallica's rhythm legend. With its lightweight mahogany build, it offers a comfortable playing experience, even during extended sessions. The EMG 81 and 60 pickups provide powerful, aggressive tones perfect for thrash metal, though the absence of a tone control can be inconvenient when dialing back treble-heavy sounds. While it doesn't cater to vintage tonal enthusiasts, the Snakebyte excels in delivering crushing riffs with ease, making it an excellent choice for metalheads seeking a formidable instrument.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Johan Söderberg uses ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte

Johan Söderberg

Guitarist

Amon Amarth

...
Verified via The ESP Guitar Company

"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.

See how Brian Tatler uses ESP James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte

Brian Tatler

Guitarist

Saxon

...
Verified via YouTube

Brian is playing a Snakebyte in the 1992 live performance of "Am I Evil?" and "Helpless" with the original members of Diamond Head, and Metallica.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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