ESP Signature James Hetfield Snake Satin

Essential Information About the ESP Signature James Hetfield Snakebyte Black Satin Guitar

• Handmade at the ESP Custom Shop: a high-end signature designed for the stage and the road.


• Set-neck construction + short 24.75" / 629 mm scale length: immediate comfort, sharp attack, and a "rock/metal" feel under the fingers.


• 2 active EMG JH SET pickups: power, rhythmic precision, and outstanding definition in high-gain settings.


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

A Signature Built for James Hetfield's Rhythmic Playing

The Snakebyte is directly inspired by James Hetfield's demands for playability and reliability. Developed as a work instrument for touring and recording, this Black Satin version highlights a sober and aggressive look, true to Metallica's aesthetic. Within the range, it stands as an ESP Custom Shop model: meticulous finishes, selection of top-tier components, and a performance-oriented specification.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

This 6-string electric guitar is mainly aimed at intermediate to expert guitarists seeking modern ergonomics and immediate response under distortion. Ideal for thrash metal, heavy metal, hard rock, and all styles requiring tight rhythm playing, it also excels in lower tunings thanks to its stability and active electronics.

Sound Characteristics

The combination of a mahogany body and mahogany neck delivers a dense low-midrange, full attack, and natural sustain-perfect for massive riffs and consistent palm-muting. The ebony fingerboard adds quick response and precise articulation, especially useful when gain increases. The active EMG JH SET pickups are calibrated for high definition: tight lows, present mids, and sharp, clear highs without fuzz, with a balanced output level. The 3-position selector allows switching from a biting bridge pickup to a rounder neck pickup, while the 2 volume controls provide simple and effective control, tailored for live performance.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

The guitar comes with a case, providing suitable protection for transport. For secure stage use, the presence of Schaller strap locks allows using a strap compatible with this type of locking system.

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
Neck	Mahogany	Neck Pickup	EMG James Hetfield
Neck format	Thin U	Bridge pickup	EMG James Hetfield
Radius	305 mm	Electronics	Active
Nut Width	42 mm	Selector	3-position
Fingerboard	Ebony	Settings	2x volume
Nbrs of frets	22	Color	Black
Scale (mm)	629 mm	Finishing	Satin
Tuning pegs	Sperzel	Hardware	Black
Cover/case	Case

Finish	Satin	Tuners	Sperzel
Neck Shape	Thin U	Strap Locks	Schaller
Number of Frets	22	Number of Pickups	2
Fret Type	Extra Jumbo	Controls	2 x Volume
Scale Length	24.75" / 629 mm	Number of Strings	6
Hardware Color	Black	Case	Included
Bridge/Tailpiece	TonePros, Tune-o-Matic