Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,437
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield". 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
Forge your path to heavy metal greatness with the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield in Satin Black, a guitar that's as commanding in presence as its co-creator, Metallica's frontman James Hetfield. This beautifully menacing instrument isn't just a tool for musical creation; it's a statement of power, precision, and the relentless pursuit of heavy metal perfection. Its all-mahogany body and neck construction lay the foundation for a sound that's as rich and full-bodied as the genre it's built to dominate.
With a sleek, modified EX body shape, the Snakebyte ensures comfort and balance whether you're riffing away on stage or practicing in the solitude of your room. The EMG JH "Het Set" pickups are the heart of this beast, offering a versatile range that can capture Hetfield's iconic tight rhythms and searing leads. Coupled with a stark, ebony fretboard featuring the unique Snakebyte inlay at the 12th fret, this guitar is not just an instrument but an extension of the player's will.
Designed to meet the demands of aggressive playing styles, the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield comes equipped with high-performance hardware, including LTD locking tuners and a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece, ensuring your axe stays in tune through dive bombs or soulful bends. Whether you're aiming to emulate Hetfield's legendary tones or forge your own path, the Snakebyte is your gateway to metal mastery.
Key Features:
- EMG JH "Het Set" active pickups for versatile high-output tones
- All-mahogany body and neck for rich, warm resonance
- Ebony fretboard with unique Snakebyte inlay at the 12th fret
- Modified EX body shape for outstanding balance and comfort
- Thin U neck profile for fast and effortless playability
- 22 extra-jumbo frets allowing for precision and ease in play
- ESP LTD locking tuners and TonePros locking TOM bridge for stable tuning and intonation
- Satin Black finish with black satin hardware for a sinister look
- Includes hardshell case for protection and transport
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Snakebyte |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Polyurethane Satin |
| Neck Material | 3-piece Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck |
| Radius | 13.7" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Snakebyte with Dots |
| Number of Frets | 22, XJ |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.654" |
| Nut Material | Molded Plastic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Tonepros locking TOM |
| Tuners | LTD locking |
| Neck Pickup | EMG JH-N Active Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG JH-B Active Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x volume |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | D'Addario XL110, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell case |
FAQs
-
What kind of pickups does the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield feature?
-
The ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield is equipped with EMG JH "Het Set" active humbuckers, which deliver powerful, high-output tones ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres.
-
What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield?
-
The neck of the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield has a Thin U profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
-
Is the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield suitable for beginners?
-
While the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield is a high-quality instrument with professional features, its playability and tone can benefit players of all levels, although beginners might find it more suitable to start with a simpler model before upgrading.
-
What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield?
-
The ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield features a solid mahogany body and a 3-piece mahogany neck, contributing to its warm and resonant sound.
-
Does the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield come with a case?
-
Yes, the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and safe transport for the guitar.
Videos
Musician's Friend
ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar, Black Satin
ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar, Black Satin
Musician's Friend
New From NAMM 2016: ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte
Guitar Center
ESP Guitars: LTD James Hetfield Signature Series Snakebyte Demo by Tim Gauci
ESP Guitars USA
Reviews
PROS
-
Signature James Hetfield design, ideal for Metallica fans
-
Lightweight body with excellent resonance
-
JH pickups deliver outstanding Metallica tone
-
High-quality construction, flawless finish
-
LTD locking tuners for reliable tuning stability
-
Comes with a high-value molded case
-
Comfortable satin neck for fast playability
-
Versatile for various metal styles
-
Made in Korea, known for superior craftsmanship
-
Sleek, aggressive design that's stage-ready
CONS
-
Some models may come from Indonesia, not Korea
-
Battery box design is somewhat inconvenient
-
Only two volume pots, no tone knob
-
Some users reported sticky neck without treatment
-
Truss rod cover has only one screw
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield.
Build quality
-
Satin finish can wear over time, revealing a shiny spot where fingers rest; cleaning after use helps, but wear is inevitable.
Source -
The glossy white finish is iconic but can be a downside if you dislike glossy necks; sanding may be necessary for a comfortable feel.
Source -
The satin black version is often found cheaper on the used market compared to the white variant.
Source -
The accompanying case is notably large and heavy, often too big for standard car trunks or back seats.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
-
Despite its large size, the neck is comfortable and doesn't cause hand fatigue, making it enjoyable for extended play sessions.
Source -
Owners praise the guitar's ability to stay in tune exceptionally well, adding to its reliability for performances.
Source -
Owners with both camo and white Snakebytes tend to favor the white version for its sound and playability.
Source -
After six months of use, owners continue to praise its quality, comparing it favorably with more expensive models like the PRS S2 Custom 24.
Source
Comparisons
Setup and maintenance
-
Using clear vinyl sticker material as a DIY pickguard can prevent irreparable wear on the satin black finish.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The white Snakebyte is frequently chosen for its association with Hetfield's stage performances and historic Explorer model.
Source -
It performs well for heavy riffing but less so for shredding solos due to challenging access to higher frets and having only 22 frets.
Source -
The guitar is not the most comfortable for sitting, a consideration for those familiar with explorer-style shapes.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Cody Quistad, known for his contributions to metalcore as a singer, guitarist, and composer, has been confirmed to use the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield in Satin Black. This confirmation comes from an image provided as proof, showcasing Cody with the aforementioned guitar model, indicating his addition to the ESP artist roster.
During the 2017 Rockpalast concert, Lee Altus is seen playing the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield in Satin Black.
.jpg)
Jesper Strömblad, a guitarist known for his contributions to various metal genres, has been confirmed to utilize the ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield - Satin Black electric guitar. This information is supported by a photo Strömblad shared on his official Instagram account, where he is seen with the guitar. The post, captioned "On set!" and tagged with @thehaloeffectse and @espguitars, serves as direct evidence of Strömblad's use of this specific instrument.
In an Instagram post by @nick.orbitculture, Niklas Karlsson is pictured with his ESP LTD Snakebyte James Hetfield - Satin Black.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More LTD Solid Body Electric Guitars
$161.40 - $1,148.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,064.00 - $1,148.00
$1,432.00 - $1,499.00
$1,149.00 - $1,359.00
$899.00 - $1,199.00
$949.00 - $1,432.00
$1,199.00 - $1,390.00
$699.00 - $1,075.00
$430.00 - $499.00
$699.00 - $1,185.00
$525.19 - $599.00
$699.00 - $1,269.00
$1,399.00 - $1,459.00
$1,059.00 - $1,699.00
$1,299.00 - $1,699.00
$161.40 - $1,290.00
$800.00 - $1,399.00
$231.50 - $272.93
$1,000.00 - $1,549.00
$1,299.00 - $1,699.00
$1,055.12 - $1,299.00
$1,049.00 - $1,222.00
.jpg?v=1780551867)
$1,299.00 - $1,599.00
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1780834526)
-s.webp?v=1780872567)
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
mrmichaelgibsonGear IQ 88
-
