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Average Price: $5,249

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash your inner rock god with the ESP Truckster Electric Guitar, a powerhouse instrument inspired by the legendary James Hetfield of Metallica. Crafted for those serious about their sound, this guitar doesn’t just emulate Hetfield’s iconic style—it embodies it. Built with a rugged single-cutaway design, the Truckster is all about high-octane performance and durability, making it a must-have for any serious rock enthusiast.

At the heart of the Truckster lies the custom EMG JH "Het" active humbuckers, specifically engineered to capture the raw power and emotion of Metallica’s sonic legacy. This guitar is designed to handle the most aggressive playing styles with ease, providing crisp and clear articulation even at the highest volumes. Whether you're shredding on stage or laying down tracks in the studio, this guitar promises to deliver a sound that's both thunderous and precise.

The ESP Truckster also features a resilient mahogany body and neck, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of both practice and performance. A rosewood fretboard completes this masterpiece, offering a smooth playing experience that’s second to none. The attention to detail in its craftsmanship ensures not just great sound, but also a guitar that looks as stunning as it sounds.

Key Features:

  • Custom EMG JH "Het" active humbuckers for powerful and articulate sound
  • Mahogany body and neck for durability and resonance
  • Rosewood fretboard for smooth playability
  • Single-cutaway design inspired by James Hetfield's iconic guitar
  • Built for high-performance, aggressive playing styles

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model Truckster James Hetfield Signature
Finish Aged Primer Gray, Black Satin
Year 2005 - 2016
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Grey
Finish Features Relic
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany, Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP Truckster Electric Guitar feature?

The ESP Truckster Electric Guitar is equipped with EMG JH Het Set active pickups, designed to deliver a powerful and dynamic sound suitable for heavy metal and hard rock genres.

Is the neck profile of the ESP Truckster suitable for fast playing?

Yes, the ESP Truckster features a thin U neck contour, which is designed to facilitate fast and comfortable playing, making it ideal for lead guitarists.

What is the body material of the ESP Truckster Electric Guitar?

The body of the ESP Truckster is made from mahogany with a maple top, providing a rich and resonant tone with excellent sustain.

Does the ESP Truckster Electric Guitar come with a case?

No, the case for the ESP Truckster Electric Guitar is sold separately, so you may need to purchase it in addition to the guitar for safe transport and storage.

How many frets does the ESP Truckster Electric Guitar have?

The ESP Truckster Electric Guitar has 22 extra-jumbo (XJ) frets, allowing for comfortable playability and easier string bending.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

ESP James Hetfield Truckster Electric Guitar, Satin Distressed Black

Video thumbnail for ESP James Hetfield Truckster Electric Guitar, Satin Distressed Black by Musician's Friend

ESP James Hetfield Truckster Electric Guitar, Satin Distressed Black

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for ESP James Hetfield LTD Truckster Electric Guitar by N Stuff Music

ESP James Hetfield LTD Truckster Electric Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Truckster James Hetfield Electric Guitar by 스쿨뮤직 TV

ESP LTD Truckster James Hetfield Electric Guitar

스쿨뮤직 TV

스쿨뮤직 TV

Video thumbnail for ESP Truckster James Hetfield Metallica Signature Guitar Demo Video at Essex Recording Studios by Essex Recording Studios

ESP Truckster James Hetfield Metallica Signature Guitar Demo Video at Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for Players Planet Product Overview - ESP James Hetfield Signature Truckster Electric Guitar by PlayersPlanetOz

Players Planet Product Overview - ESP James Hetfield Signature Truckster Electric Guitar

PlayersPlanetOz

PlayersPlanetOz

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Truckster Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The "L" serial number version is rare and shares specs with the ESP series, differing mainly in headstock branding and strap button placement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Earlier runs of the Truckster lacked the separate chamber and backplate for a 9-volt battery, as well as the "Designed by ESP" headstock marking.

    Source
  • EMG 81/60 pickups are frequently compared to the JH set, with the latter offering a noticeable tonal difference preferred by some users.

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Other

  • It's suggested that some "L" serial number guitars were for domestic Chinese sale, potentially crafted by Long Kou Jin Ming Musical Instrument due to their expertise in body wear and aged paint.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • JH pickups are praised for good clean and light distortion sounds, making them a versatile choice for those exploring active pickups beyond heavy distortion.

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Comparisons

  • Owners report that the ESP signature series Truckster differs minimally from the LTD version, mainly in tuner specifications, despite the price difference.

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Value and pricing

  • The Truckster is noted to be priced higher than the Snakebyte, correcting misconceptions that it might be cheaper.

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  • A previous owner sold their Truckster at $600 in 2019, but now these guitars are difficult to find for under $2000, indicating a significant increase in resale value.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express high satisfaction with their JH pickups, noting a strong user preference over the 81/60 set for certain tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Owners express regret over selling their Trucksters, highlighting a strong emotional attachment and satisfaction with the guitar's performance over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Leaving the guitar plugged in can drain the batteries of EMG-equipped guitars; unplugging after use is crucial to maintain battery life.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Truckster Review: Compared to other guitars I've owned, it is by far the... | ESP | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP Truckster impresses with its stellar sound and durability, making it a top choice for metal enthusiasts, especially fans of James Hetfield. Its solid mahogany build with EMG pickups delivers a full, rich tone, perfect for heavy riffs, and even cleans when modded. While the guitar excels in reliability and finish, some might find the 'worn' paint job and high price tag less appealing. Overall, it stands out among competitors, proving its worth over time.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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harley_charlonne

Harley

I Hope I Get A ESP Truckester Electric Guitar

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jordan Buckley uses ESP Truckster Electric Guitar

Jordan Buckley

Guitarist

Every Time I Die

...
Verified via YouTube

At about 0:05 into the video Jordan can be seen playing an ESP Truckster Electric Guitar

Genre Usage

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

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