ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture

4.0 (6)

$1,599.00

5.0 (12)

$1,599.00

5.0 (1)

$5,499.00 14 available New

$4,400.00 3 available Used

5.0 (6)

$5,799.00

http://www.espguitars.com/products?categories=james-hetfield http://www.espguitars.com/products/17036-esp-vulture-blks?category_id=1963396-james-hetfield

Average Price: $4,174

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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The ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture is a powerhouse of a guitar that embodies the spirit of Metallica's frontman. This V-shaped beast is crafted from a mahogany body and neck, delivering rich warmth and resonance that metalheads crave. The active EMG JH Het Set pickups are designed to provide maximum output and clarity, giving you the punch and dynamics you'd expect from a signature sound. The set-neck construction offers unparalleled sustain, while the sleek ebony fretboard ensures smooth playability with its custom inlay at the 12th fret.

Designed for the demands of high-octane performances, the Vulture is equipped with Gotoh locking tuners and a TonePros locking Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece. These features ensure your tuning stays rock-solid even during the most aggressive riffs. The Thin U neck profile and 22 extra-jumbo frets make it a breeze to navigate the fretboard, allowing for fast and precise playing. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down heavy riffs, the Vulture is a guitar that commands attention with both its sound and striking design.

Key Features:

James Hetfield signature model with aggressive V-shaped body
Mahogany body and neck for warmth and resonance
Sleek ebony fretboard with custom 12th fret inlay
Set-neck construction for maximum sustain
Active EMG JH Het Set humbucker pickups for powerful output and clarity
Rock-solid TonePros Tune-O-Matic bridge and tailpiece
Comfortable Thin U neck profile with 22 extra-jumbo frets
Gotoh locking machine heads for stable tuning
Includes original ESP case
Made in Japan

Product specs

Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Type	Solidbody
Body Shape	James Hetfield Vulture
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Finish	Satin
Neck Material	1-piece Mahogany
Neck Shape	Thin U
Neck Joint	Set Neck
Radius	12"
Fingerboard Inlay	Pearl Dots with Vulture Design
Number of Frets	22, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length	24.75"
Nut Width	1.653"
Nut Material	Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece	TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic
Tuners	Gotoh Locking
Neck Pickup	EMG JH Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	EMG JH Humbucker
Controls	2 x volume
Switching	3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings	Elixir Nanoweb, 10s
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture?: The ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture features a Thin U neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for fast playing and easy access across the fretboard.
What kind of pickups are installed in the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture?: This guitar is equipped with EMG JH humbuckers, which are active pickups designed to deliver a powerful, high-output tone suitable for metal and rock genres.
Is the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture suitable for heavy metal music?: Yes, the Vulture is designed with input from James Hetfield of Metallica, making it ideal for heavy metal with its aggressive tone and solid construction.
Does the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture come with a case?: Yes, the guitar comes with a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.
What is the body material of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture?: The body of the Vulture is made from solid mahogany, contributing to its rich, warm tone and sustain.
How many frets does the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture have?: The guitar features 22 extra jumbo frets, allowing for easy bending and playability.
What is the finish of the ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture?: The guitar has a satin black finish, providing a sleek and smooth appearance.

Videos

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GAK

GAK DEMO : ESP LTD Vulture James Hetfield Signature Guitar

GAK

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional craftsmanship with a smooth satin finish
Unique and striking Vulture shape
High-quality EMG pickups deliver a powerful metal sound
Lightweight design for easy handling
Fast-playing neck with smooth fretboard
Impressive sustain and clear harmonics
Perfect for rhythm-heavy playing styles
Secure tuning stability with Gotor tuners
Ideal for playing fast, aggressive music

CONS

Lacks a metal magnetic battery lid, uses plastic instead
Limited features for lead guitarists, focus on simplicity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture.

Features and functionality

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The Vulture's offset shape is an original design by James Hetfield, distinct from other models like the Snakebyte or Explorer variants.
Source
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The Vulture's fast neck is specifically highlighted for enabling quick riff playing, appealing to players focusing on speed and precision.
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The Snakebyte is noted as a huge guitar, ideal for chuggy rhythm parts, contrasting with the Vulture's faster, riff-friendly neck.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Owners often start by playing Metallica riffs, such as "Crown Of Barbed Wire," highlighting its suitability for downpicking-heavy metal styles.
Source
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The Vulture's neck is praised for facilitating fast riffs, making it particularly suitable for players focused on speed in metal genres.
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User experience

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The included case is noted to be generously sized, likened to a double king size bed, providing ample protection and storage space for the guitar.
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Owners rave about the Hetset pickups, describing them as being "in another dimension" for delivering exceptional metal tones.
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Multiple users emphasize the exceptional feel of the Vulture, enhancing their overall playing experience beyond just visual appeal.
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One owner, possessing both colors of the Vulture, favors this model above others in their collection, indicating strong personal satisfaction.
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Build quality

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The guitar's satin black finish is praised for its striking appearance, with owners noting its impressive look in person compared to photographs.
Source

Comparisons

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Some owners who have tried both the Vulture and Snakebyte express a preference for the V shape due to personal taste and comfort.
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The Vulture's V shape can feel awkward for some, both standing and sitting, compared to the more balanced feel of the Snakebyte.
Source

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

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James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

Verified via YouTube

This video shows the prototype of the new James Hetfield Signature ESP VULTURE BLKS. It was released in Namm Show 2016

James Hetfield join forces once again to bring you his latest vision, a unique V design called the Vulture. His newest signature model features the EMG Het Set, set-neck construction, and an ebony fingerboard with custom inlay

Zoltán Farkas

Guitarist, Singer

Ektomorf

Verified via Photo

Zoltán Farkas showcases his ESP James Hetfield Signature Vulture in Satin Black on Instagram, praising its appearance and sound quality.

Genre Usage

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

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