Limited-edition James Hetfield Baritone
This ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Baritone is an absolute beast. It’s a replica of James Hetfield's axe from Metallica's WorldWired Tour, and it’s tailor-made for hard-hitting, down-tuned mayhem. Maple-topped mahogany yields an edgy, resonant tone, while a set of EMG JH “HET” active humbuckers creates a wall of sound with truckloads of clarity and punch. Beyond that, its thin U-shaped mahogany neck ensures effortless rapid-fire riffing. This axe looks as deadly as it plays, thanks to its quilted maple top, black body, and eye-catching black hardware. Production of this LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Baritone has been limited to 500 guitars worldwide.
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Top-shelf tonewoods deliver superior sound
ESP wasn't fooling around when they built this James Hetfield Snakebyte Baritone. They started with a mahogany body, which produces the warmth and resonance at the center of some of the most legendary rock guitar tones of all time. But ESP didn’t stop there — they topped the mahogany with quilted maple, prized for its eye-grabbing appearance. The result is an incredibly thick tone with a bold, edgy character.
Active EMG pickups yield loads of clarity and punch
James Hetfield wondered, “Why can't I get the clarity and punch of a passive pickup — and the fat wall of sound of an active '81?” With that challenge, EMG set about the serious process of updating the pickup Hetfield has used for 30 years. After exhaustive live-show testing through 20 prototypes, JH “HET” pickups are the result — active humbuckers that give this James Hetfield Snakebyte Baritone the signature sound of Metallica’s iconic rhythm guitarist.
Scaled right for superior playability
This James Hetfield Snakebyte is a baritone guitar with a 27" scale length, so you can tune down without messing up your string tension. The benefit of access to the lower register that down tuning provides can be offset by improper string tension; ESP made sure you won't be robbed of the right feel. Beyond that, its thin U-shaped mahogany neck makes for extra-ergonomic, fast riffing.
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Baritone Electric Guitar Features:
- Replica of James Hetfield's axe that he played on Metallica's WorldWired Tour
- Baritone lower register suits a variety of harder-edged modern music styles
- 27" scale length allows down tuning while maintaining proper string tension and a great feel
- Ultra-comfortable thin “U” mahogany neck for fast playing and correct intonation
- Maple-topped mahogany yields an edgy, resonant tone
- EMG JH “HET” active humbuckers create a wall of sound with clarity and punch
- Stunning quilted maple top and eye-catching black hardware
- LTD locking tuners offer superior tuning stability
- Limited to 500 guitars produced worldwide
