Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,496
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" Electric Guitar". 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
The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" Electric Guitar is a powerhouse designed for the modern metal enthusiast. Channeling the spirit of Metallica's iconic rhythm guitarist, this guitar delivers both visual and sonic aggression. Crafted with a mahogany body and topped with maple, it offers a tonal blend that's both rich and articulate, making it perfect for heavy riffs and soaring solos. The set-in mahogany neck, shaped in a thin "U" profile, paired with a sleek Makassar ebony fretboard, ensures lightning-fast playability across its 22 extra-jumbo frets.
At the heart of this beast lie the EMG JH Signature Set pickups, engineered to capture Hetfield's legendary tone. These active humbuckers are known for their clarity, punch, and powerful low end, enabling you to cut through any mix. The guitar's aesthetic appeal is heightened by its Snow White finish, complemented by bold black stripes and the distinctive Iron Cross graphic.
With TonePros locking TOM bridge and LTD locking tuners, you can expect rock-solid tuning stability and sustain that lasts for days. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the ESP LTD Iron Cross is crafted to meet the demands of the most intense playing environments.
Key Features:
- Mahogany body with maple top
- Set-in mahogany neck with thin "U" profile
- Makassar ebony fretboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
- EMG JH Signature Set active pickups
- TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- LTD locking machine heads
- Snow White finish with black stripes and Iron Cross graphic
- Includes hardshell case
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Iron Cross |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 13.7" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Pearloid Flags |
| Number of Frets | 22, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.650" |
| Nut Material | Molded |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece |
| Tuners | LTD Locking |
| Neck Pickup | EMG JH Set Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG JH Set Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way |
| Strings | Cleartone, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" Electric Guitar?
-
The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" features a Thin U neck profile, which provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the EMG JH Set Humbuckers on this guitar?
-
The EMG JH Set Humbuckers deliver a powerful, aggressive tone with tight low end and clear highs, ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres, similar to the sound of Metallica.
-
Is the ESP LTD Iron Cross suitable for beginners or advanced players?
-
The ESP LTD Iron Cross is designed with advanced players in mind, offering professional-grade features and high-quality components that cater to experienced musicians seeking a reliable and versatile instrument.
-
How does the Iron Cross body shape affect the playability of this guitar?
-
The Iron Cross body shape provides a unique aesthetic while maintaining the balance and comfort of a traditional single-cut design, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.
-
Does the ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" come with a case?
-
Yes, the ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" comes with a hardshell case, ensuring safe transport and storage of the guitar.
Videos
Rob Chapman
James Hetfield ESP LTD Iron Cross Guitar
James Hetfield ESP LTD Iron Cross Guitar
Rob Chapman
Product Spotlight - ESP Ltd James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross Electric Guitar
Guitar Center
ESP LTD James Hetfield IRON CROSS - Review & Demo Of The Metallica Frontman's EPIC Signature Guitar!
PMTVUK
ESP LTD James Hetfield Iron Cross Guitar Review
Sweetwater
James Hetfield ESP LTD Iron Cross Guitar
Jose Laney
No Talking...Just Tones | ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield | Snow White
Peach Guitars
Reviews
PROS
-
Captures iconic Metallica sound with versatile EMG Hetset pickups
-
Unique aesthetic with raised iron cross and striking design
-
Lightweight and fast-playing, ideal for extended sessions
-
Excellent build quality with smooth neck and flawless finish
-
Delivers great clean tones alongside powerful metal sounds
-
Comfortable body design with belly cut for better playability
-
Locking tuners and Xtra Jumbo frets enhance playability and tuning stability
-
Offers features of high-end models at a fraction of the cost
-
Reliable performance with minimal need for maintenance
-
Includes high-quality hard case for secure transport
CONS
-
Some units have finish issues, particularly around the neck joint
-
Dummy switch on upper bout is non-functional, may require modification
-
Gloss finish on neck might not suit all players
-
Some complaints about factory defects and inconsistency in build quality
-
Perceived price increase with materials reportedly downgraded in newer models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" Electric Guitar.
Build quality
-
The LTD Iron Cross has a flatter neck radius at 350mm (13.7 inches) compared to the ESP's 305mm (12 inches), impacting playability.
Source -
The signature series Iron Cross available in stores is perceived to be almost identical in build and feel to Hetfield's actual touring guitar, with high attention to detail.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners report that input nuts on LTD guitars can frequently come loose and may require regular tightening.
Source
User experience
-
The LTD Iron Cross is praised for its lighter, slimmer body, making it more comfortable to play compared to heavier models like Gibson Les Pauls.
Source -
Owners suggest the Iron Cross is more comfortable than the Snakebyte for extended play due to its lighter weight, estimated around 9 pounds compared to Snakebyte's 13 pounds.
Source -
Some players find the Iron Cross too heavy for their preferences, despite it being lighter than other models, indicating varying personal comfort levels.
Source -
Some owners have noted that the Iron Cross can develop a creamier, 'aged' look over time, potentially enhancing its visual appeal.
Source
Value and pricing
-
One user compares the LTD to a Gibson Les Paul as being only 35% "lesser" in quality despite costing three times less, indicating strong value for money.
Source -
A Japanese custom shop MX250 model can range from $12,000 to $18,000, indicating high value and collectability, especially in rare finishes.
Source
Comparisons
-
Compared to Snakebyte, the Iron Cross is described as more fitting for Les Paul players, offering a familiar feel and build quality akin to higher-end models.
Source -
The EMG 81/60 set is highlighted for its classic Metallica sound, while the Het Set offers a distinct clean tone, providing versatility in tonal options.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 17 Ratings
36
my guitar is the bomb!
so when i found it it was awesome but 123456789999900009876543212345678987654323456789876543
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Guitar Center video, Metallica's James Hetfield discusses how he became a musician, and his rise to fame. Throughout the video, he can be seen playing riffs on his one of his signature ESP guitars, the Iron Cross James Hetfield Signature Electric Guitar (Snow White color).
Hetfield goes into some details on some of the principles behind building this guitar: "…I wanted to play drums on guitar pretty much so I wanted a really percussive sound. One that really reacts quickly and is punchy, but also if you hang on a chord, it’s gonna fill the room.
I wanted a Les Paul shape that was a little lighter, a little more road-worthy. This has a little cut-out for me. I like to wear my guitars pretty low, this has a little more sharpness to it, I can get up a little higher even though, you know, you don’t want to hear me solo.
I've tested - probably - I think we went through about 30 different kinds of poles, different kinds of windings, different kinds of metals. I wanted a traditional look, but also have an active pickup. So combining passive and active together - smooth distortion, but with some aggressive mids that some of the passive pickups have. They’re a little more focused in the mids and there they're pushy, which I like. But the warmness, and the wideness of the active pickup. So combining those two together was the challenge.
And that's what I want in a guitar sound - but not abrasive - something that's gonna give you complete ear fatigue after a concert."
"This is the white iron cross and I'm privileged to be demonstrating it and playing it" - Rob Chapman at 3:00 as he performs this #product-demo.
Album Usage
The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature "Iron Cross" Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yours
More ESP Solid Body Electric Guitars
-m.webp?v=1783436871)
$257.22 - $1,099.00
$2,345.62 - $2,899.00
$399.00 - $599.00
$1,896.05 - $2,399.00
$1,380.00 - $1,499.00
-m.webp?v=1783423084)
$2,349.00 - $5,500.00
$1,595.56 - $1,799.00
$2,275.00 - $2,666.00
$1,249.00 - $1,399.00
$1,380.00 - $4,070.50
$1,889.00 - $2,185.00
$1,529.00 - $1,699.00
$2,599.00 - $2,799.00
$2,475.00 - $2,789.00
$257.22 - $1,099.00
$2,666.00 - $2,799.00
$1,499.00 - $6,149.00
$2,561.38 - $2,799.00
$2,599.00 - $3,299.00
$1,565.00 - $2,699.00
$1,302.56 - $1,599.00
$1,049.00 - $1,650.00
$1,599.00 - $6,149.00
$1,427.00 - $6,612.79
$1,249.00 - $1,529.00
$1,355.00 - $5,613.63
$1,399.00 - $1,777.00
$2,349.00 - $3,156.79
$2,155.00 - $2,699.99
$2,169.00 - $3,980.04
$2,599.00
$1,938.33 - $2,880.00
$2,599.00 - $3,069.00
$699.00 - $1,444.00
$1,355.00 - $1,499.00
$169.95 - $239.00
$644.00 - $7,699.00
$1,650.00 - $5,399.00
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1783426531)
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
.jpg?v=1783370835)
gchiarenGear IQ 37552
-
