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This brand new 8.6 lb ESP will ship insured, fully set up, and inspected from Rapid City, SD.

Buy risk free with our 14 day - full refund, less shipping, return policy.  Check out our shop policies for more details.

The ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte is more than a signature model — it's a weapon forged for sonic domination, designed in direct collaboration with Metallica’s frontman and rhythm guitar titan, James Hetfield. From the body contours to the electronics and feel, the Snakebyte reflects Hetfield’s personal vision of what a high-performance metal guitar should be. The distinctive angular shape draws influence from classic Explorer-style guitars but adds modern refinement and aggressive edge, just like Hetfield's playing style.

This Snakebyte doesn’t just look metal — it sounds it. Loaded with the EMG JH "Het" Set, a pair of active pickups voiced to Hetfield’s exacting standards, it delivers the clarity, punch, and power necessary for tight riffing and articulate leads. The set-neck construction, mahogany body, and 24.75" scale length give it excellent sustain and midrange growl, while the TonePros locking TOM bridge ensures rock-solid intonation and tuning stability. With its Thin U neck profile and 22 extra-jumbo frets on an ebony fingerboard, the Snakebyte offers effortless playability for players who demand precision and speed.

Built for life on stage, in the studio, and everywhere in between, the LTD Snakebyte offers serious tone, rugged build quality, and a bold aesthetic that makes a statement without saying a word. Whether you're dialing in punishing palm-muted chugs or fluid solos, this is the guitar that delivers — with all the authority of one of metal’s most iconic voices. Available now at Haggerty’s Music.

Features / Specs

Highlights

• Series: LTD Signature Series
• Orientation: Right-Handed
• Color: Satin Black

Body

• Body Material: Mahogany
• Body Finish: Black Satin
• Body Shape: Snakebyte (Explorer-Style)
• Body Style: Solidbody

Neck

• Headstock Type: Snakebyte Matching Headstock
• Neck Material: 3-Piece Mahogany
• Neck Shape: Thin U
• Neck Finish: Satin
• Neck Depth: 0.818" at 1st Fret, 0.893" at 12th Fret
• Neck Construction: Set-Neck
• Fingerboard Radius: 13.78"
• Fingerboard Material: Macassar Ebony
• Position Inlays: MOTO Dots with Snake Inlay at 12th Fret
• Side Dots: White
• Number of Frets: 22
• Truss Rod Style: Dual-Action
• Truss Rod Nut: Adjustable
• Nut Material: Molded
• Nut Width: 1.65"
• Fret Size: Extra Jumbo
• Scale Length: 24.75"

Hardware

• Bridge: TonePros Locking Tune-O-Matic
• Bridge Cover/Tail Piece: Locking Tailpiece
• Bridge Mounting: 2-Post Anchored
• Pickguard: None
• Pickup Covers: Brushed Black Chrome
• Control Knobs: Black Dome Knobs
• Switch Tip: Black
• Hardware Finish: Black Satin
• Tuning Machines: LTD Locking
• String Trees: None
• Strings: D’Addario XL110 (.010–.046)
• Tremolo Arm: None
• Neck Plate: None
• Strap Buttons: Standard
• Output Jack: Side-Mounted 1/4"

Electronics

• Pickup Configuration: HH
• Bridge Pickup: EMG JH "Het" Set (Brushed Black Chrome)
• Neck Pickup: EMG JH "Het" Set (Brushed Black Chrome)
• Controls: 2 Volume
• Switching: 3-Way Toggle
• Auxiliary Switching: None

Miscellaneous

• Accessories: Hex Wrench, ESP Literature
• Case/Gig Bag: Snakebyte Form-Fit Hardshell Case
• Serial Number: CI25070671
• Manufacture Date: 2025