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ESP

collapse expand iconDescription

Crafted to the exacting specifications of Metallica's legendary rhythm guitarist James Hetfield, the ESP Snakebyte electric guitar lets you tap into his monstrous yet articulate tone. Whether you're a veteran metalhead or an up-and-coming shredder, this signature model provides the tools to make your riffs cut through any mix. From its premium construction to custom-designed pickups, the Snakebyte is an uncompromising instrument engineered for serious players.

Built for Maximum Sustain and Clarity

At the core of the Snakebyte lies a mahogany body married to a set 3-piece mahogany neck—woods prized for their warmth, resonance and articulation. The 24.75" scale length and extra-jumbo frets allow effortless bending and vibrato, while the ebony fingerboard's silky-smooth feel facilitates blazing leads and complex chords. Anchoring the guitar, the TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece transfer every ounce of string energy into thick, wailing sustain.

Hetfield's Signature EMG Pickups Deliver the Goods

You'll experience James Hetfield's iconic tone the moment you plug in the Snakebyte and let its custom EMG pickups roar. Specifically designed to Hetfield's specs, the JH SET bridges the gap between active and passive voicings. The neck humbucker uses large ceramic pole pieces for a percussive attack and chunky low end, while the bridge pickup's steel poles yield a tighter, more cutting response. No matter how intense your riffing gets, these pickups translate every nuance with ruthless precision.

Premium Appointments Worthy of the Stage

The Snakebyte leaves no detail overlooked in its quest for metal supremacy. Its rock-solid hardware includes Sperzel locking tuners that keep you in tune through marathon shred sessions, plus ESP strap locks for enhanced playing confidence. Other premium appointments like the bone nut and snake inlay at the 12th fret add a touch of class befitting a world-class ax. And the included hardshell case protects your Snakebyte as you transport it from show to show.

Unleash Your Inner Metalhead

Whether you worship at the altar of Metallica or simply demand the most from your instruments, the ESP Snakebyte is a force to be reckoned with. Expertly crafted in Japan to James Hetfield's blueprint, it provides everything you need to summon skull-crushing riffs and molten leads. Visit your local Guitar Center today and experience the Snakebyte's potent magic for yourself. One demo is all it takes to be smitten by this monster metal machine.

ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Black Satin
ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Black Satin
ESP Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Black Satin

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Handcrafted in Japan, set-neck mahogany body, ebony fingerboard
  • EMG JH SET active pickups, premier components, powerful tone
  • Extra-jumbo frets, 12th fret snake inlay, 24.75" scale length
  • Includes hardshell case, Certificate of Authenticity

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body shape: Z
  • Body type: Solid body
  • Body material: Solid wood
  • Top wood: Not applicable
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Orientation: Right handed
Neck
  • Neck shape: Thin U
  • Neck wood: 1-piece Mahogany
  • Joint: Set-in
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Truss rod: Standard
  • Neck finish: Gloss
Fretboard
  • Material: Ebony
  • Radius: 12"
  • Fret size: Extra-jumbo
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Inlays: Dot
  • Nut width: 1.653" (42mm)
Pickups
  • Configuration: H
  • Neck: James Hetfield
  • Middle: Not applicable
  • Bridge: James Hetfield
  • Brand: EMG
  • Active or passive pickups: Passive
  • Series or parallel: Not applicable
  • Piezo: No
  • Active EQ: No
  • Special electronics: None
Controls
  • Control layout: Volume 1, volume 2
  • Pickup switch: 3-way
  • Coil tap or split: No
  • Kill switch: No
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Fixed
  • Bridge design: TonePros locking tune-o-matic
  • Tailpiece: Stopbar
  • Tuning machines: Schaller locking
  • Color: Black
Other
  • Number of strings: 6-string
  • Special features: Body shape
  • Case: Hardshell case
  • Accessories: None
  • Country of origin: Japan

collapse expand iconWarranty

Limited lifetime warranty on all guitars.
One year warranty on parts and electronics.

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collapse expand iconReviews

5

1 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

The king of Guitars
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  1. Fun To Play1
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  3. Good Pick Up1
  4. Good Tone1
  5. Solid Electronics1

Reviewed by 1 customers

  • The king of Guitars

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 months ago

    byMarcus

    fromLower Michigan

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've been playing guitar for almost 50 years and I've owned And played almost any brand and style of guitar you can imagine. I am also an extremely demanding consumer. I don't mind paying good money, but I expect to get what I paid for. Rest assured I was not disappointed in this transaction. I have never seen a build quality or finished and products that even compares with this ESP James Hetfield Snakebyte. Every single detail on this guitar was done with purpose and the player in mind. The playability of this guitar straight out of the box is impressive to say the least, and only required a slight tweak of the trust rod and a quarter turn of the screwdriver on the a string To achieve perfect intonation. The action is lightning fast with thanks for the extra jumbo frets and string height and play ability is consistent throughout the entire length of the neck and fretboard. I also simply love the fact that the satin finish does not collect fingerprints or any Mars marks of any kind and is easily wiped down to a perfect finish after playing. I have absolutely zero complaints about this instrument, which I have come to call the Stradivarius of Guitars. A fully fitted hard shell case completes the package and the certificate of authenticity is also a welcome addition. Truly, a five star instrument. However, I wish the same could be said for their customer service, but it can't be. ESP Customer service is complete garbage and honestly, I don't know why they even have contact information on their website since it is impossible to get a live person on the phone even to answer the most basic questions. The mailboxes on the customer service agents voicemails are full and you cannot even leave a message. You can't even get a receptionist to answer your call. Wow ESP is obviously learned his reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality musical instruments, actually giving a crap about their customers is obviously nonexistent. I have never dealt with a worse customer service center in my life and would gladly share some choice words with them if I ever were able to get a live person on the phone. Yeah. Good luck with that.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byTony

    fromSan Diego

    Does it come in white?

    Does it come in white?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    We don't carry it in white normally, but give us a call at 866-498-7882 and we can look into special ordering one for you in white.
    Open Reply - Beau
    The ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar is available in snow white.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byErnesto

    fromEl Paso TX

    Do you guys have the Snow White Snakebyte in stock?

    Do you guys have the Snow White Snakebyte in stock?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call for product availability 877-687-5403