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Description

The ESP James Hetfield Custom Viper Baritone Guitar "The Grynch" is a masterpiece from one of metal's most iconic guitarists. Designed for those who crave a heavier, deeper sound, this baritone beast delivers rich tonal depth and clarity. Crafted with precision, it boasts a neck-through-body construction, ensuring exceptional sustain and playability across its extended range. Perfect for low-tuned riffs, this guitar has been engineered to meet the high standards of James Hetfield himself.

Equipped with a pair of active EMG pickups, "The Grynch" produces a powerful output that captures the nuances of your playing, from aggressive chugging to soaring solos. The sleek, contoured body of the Viper not only provides comfort during long performances but also adds a touch of elegance. The ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface and is adorned with custom inlays that reflect Hetfield's distinctive style.

Whether you're a Metallica fan or a guitarist exploring the capabilities of extended range instruments, this guitar is built to inspire and perform on any stage.

Key Features:

  • Custom design favored by James Hetfield
  • Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Active EMG pickups for high-output sound
  • Sleek contoured body for comfort and style
  • Ebony fingerboard with custom inlays
  • Ideal for low-tuned, heavy metal playing
  • High-quality hardware for reliable performance

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP James Hetfield Custom Viper Baritone Guitar "The Grynch".

Build quality

  • Limited edition ESP baritone Snakebytes were made, but James Hetfield's headstock broke, prompting the use of an LTD version.

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Use cases and applications

  • The LTD Viper Grynch was used during the "Madly in Anger with the World" tour for St. Anger songs.

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Comparisons

  • An owner highlights the 1997 LTD EXP-200's distinct feel compared to later models due to its Japanese manufacturing.

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  • The Grynch guitar is noted for being less remembered compared to Hetfield's other iconic guitars such as EET FUK and Truckster.

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User experience

  • It's noted that James Hetfield has played LTD versions of his signature models, despite having access to ESP counterparts.

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  • A former owner reported truss rod issues that eventually rendered the guitar unplayable for regular touring use.

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Features and functionality

  • The original Grynch's artwork was created using a pyrography technique, adding to its unique aesthetic.

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Value and pricing

  • A Grynch guitar recently sold for almost $100,000, attributable to its ownership by a notable musician.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have seen knockoff versions of the Grynch on eBay, with varying paint job quality, notably more orange than the original.

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Artist usage

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See how James Hetfield uses ESP James Hetfield Custom Viper Baritone Guitar "The Grynch"

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

In this Photo, taken in 2006 live in Seoul, we can see Hetfield with his Black ESP LTD Viper Baritone with a Light Green flames, Hetfield Usually has this Baritone in Drop-D Tuning.

This Baritone first appeared around Metallica's "St. Anger" Era, it has only been seen live however may have been used in the studio recorings for "St. Anger".

Album Usage

The ESP James Hetfield Custom Viper Baritone Guitar "The Grynch" 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.

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