ESP James Hetfield Snakebyte White

Essential Information About the ESP Signature James Hetfield Snakebyte Snow White Guitar

• Custom Shop Signature Model: high-end craftsmanship designed for rhythmic precision and durability.


• Set-neck construction with a short scale length of 24.75" / 628.7 mm: offers a softer feel under the fingers, ideal for powerful riffs.


• Two active EMG JH SET pickups: sharp attack, high output level, and outstanding definition when distorted.


• Premium hardware (TonePros Tune-o-Matic, Sperzel tuners, Schaller strap locks) + case included for secure transport.

A Signature Tailored to Metallica's DNA, at the Top of ESP's Custom Shop

Part of the James Hetfield signature collection, the Snakebyte features a design directly inspired by the instruments of Metallica's guitarist, known for his ultra-precise rhythmic playing. Handcrafted at the ESP Custom Shop, it aims for impeccable playability and rock-solid reliability, with luthiery focused on stability and efficiency in professional settings.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

This 6-string electric guitar is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert guitarists seeking an immediate, no-compromise stage and studio machine. It excels in metal (thrash, heavy, modern metal) but is also very effective in hard rock whenever a dense, precise, and punchy sound is needed, especially for palm-muted rhythms and tight chords.

The Sound

The 100% mahogany base (body, top, neck) provides a round tone rich in low-mids with natural sustain, perfect for massive rhythm guitars. The ebony fingerboard adds response and clarity to the attack, helping maintain definition as gain increases. The EMG James Hetfield pickups (active electronics) deliver a tight and powerful sound with excellent string-to-string clarity, while the 3-position selector and 2 volume + tone controls allow quick switching from sharp crunch to a thicker lead tone.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Body	Mahogany
Category	Extreme	Types of frets	Extra Jumbo
Format	Snakebyte	Bridge / tailpiece	Tonepros, Tune-o-Matic
Nbr of strings	6	Nbre of pickups	2
Top	Mahogany	Neck Pickup	EMG James Hetfield
Neck	Mahogany	Bridge pickup	EMG James Hetfield
Radius	350 mm	Electronics	Active
Nut Width	42 mm	Selector	3-position
Fingerboard	Ebony	Settings	Tone, 2x volume
Nbrs of frets	22	Color	White
Tuning pegs	Sperzel	Finishing	Satin varnish
Cover/case	Case	Hardware	Black

Number of strings	6	Tuners	Sperzel
Finish	Satin gloss	Strap locks	Schaller
Number of frets	22	Nut	Bone
Fret type	Extra Jumbo	Case	Included
Scale length	24.75" / 628.7 mm	Number of pickups	2
Hardware color	Black	Selector switch	3-position
Bridge/Tailpiece	TonePros, Tune-o-Matic	Controls	Tone, 2 x volume