ESP Signatures Signature James Hetfield White

Essential Information About the ESP Signature James Hetfield Iron Cross Snow White Guitar

• Custom Shop signature model inspired by a sketch from James Hetfield, featuring the "Iron Cross" inlay at the 12th fret.


• Mahogany body + ebony fingerboard construction for a fast feel, sharp attack, and solid sustain.


• EMG James Hetfield active pickup set: high output level, surgical precision, and massive palm mutes.


• Premium hardware (TonePros Tune-o-Matic, Sperzel tuners, Schaller strap locks) and guitar delivered with a case.

A Signature Built for Riffs: The Iron Cross in the ESP Custom Shop Universe

The ESP Iron Cross is directly tied to James Hetfield's rhythmic DNA: clean, percussive, and powerful guitar lines. Handmade by the ESP Custom Shop team, it features an immediately recognizable aesthetic with its Snow White finish accented by black stripes, and attention to detail designed for both stage and studio.

Who Is It For, and What Styles?

This guitar is primarily aimed at intermediate to expert guitarists seeking a 6-string electric oriented towards metal and hard rock, with a very controlled high-gain output. It excels in tight rhythm playing, downpicking, fast chords, and heavy riffs, while remaining effective for sharp leads thanks to its ergonomics and extra jumbo frets.

The Sound

The combination of a mahogany body and mahogany neck provides a dense sonic foundation, with generous mids and natural sustain. The maple top adds a touch of definition and bite, ideal for maintaining clarity in modern distortion. The ebony fingerboard enhances attack and precision, especially appreciated during fast alternate picking.

On the electronics side, the EMG James Hetfield active pickup set delivers a tight, powerful, and very quiet sound, perfect for heavy distortion without muddiness. The 2 volume and 1 tone controls combined with the 3-position selector switch allow switching from massive rhythm tones with the rounder neck pickup to the direct and incisive character typical of this signature.

Technical specifications

Electronics: microphone configuration	HH	Types of frets	Extra Jumbo
Category	Single cut	Bridge / tailpiece	Fixed, Tonepros, Tune-o-Matic
Nbr of strings	6	Nbre of pickups	2
Top	Maple	Neck Pickup	EMG James Hetfield
Neck	Mahogany	Bridge pickup	EMG James Hetfield
Radius	305 mm	Electronics	Active
Nut Width	42 mm	Selector	3-position
Fingerboard	Ebony	Settings	Tone, 2x volume
Marker	Pearly flag	Color	White
Nbrs of frets	22	Finishing	Glossy
Cover/case	Case	Hardware	Black
Body	Mahogany

Finish	Glossy lacquer	Number of pickups	2
Number of frets	22	Controls	Tone, 2 x Volume
Fret type	Extra Jumbo	Number of strings	6
Inlays	Mother-of-pearl flags	Case	Included
Bridge/Tailpiece	Fixed, TonePros, Tune-o-Matic