Back to navigation


James Hetfield Signature V





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





The ESP LTD Vulture is the latest and greatest signature model from Metallica's James Hetfield. The Vulture boasts many of the same features as his other models, including TonePros hardware, mahogany construction, and a 24.75-inch scale length. But its aggressively shaped body and identifiable headstock shape make this guitar one of the most lethal. And it is loaded with EMG active Het-Set humbucking pickups for high output with punchy dynamics. This LTD Vulture is built from the ground up for heavy metal.





Modern take on a popular body style





Hetfield's love of V-shaped solidbody electric guitars goes all the way back to the beginning of Metallica, and he's been playing them off and on ever since. The ESP LTD Vulture solidbody electric guitar brings this love to the ESP production line. The Vulture sports hooked wing ends and an identifiable headstock design. The body features a forearm comfort contour that adds to the guitar's intense lines while being a pleasure to play. The ESP LTD Vulture is definitely one of the most menacing-looking guitars in the Sweetwater Guitar Gallery.





Serial W24023557


Serial W24023557


Hetfield-specified construction





There is a consistency throughout all of James Hetfield's signature ESP LTD solidbody electric guitars. And the Vulture is no different. The body and neck are carved from warm and sustain-rich mahogany. A black ebony fretboard adds to the instrument's stealth looks while helping harmonics to jump out of the guitar. A combination of top-quality TonePros hardware and LTD locking machine heads ensure your performances are in tune, night after night. And the Vulture's 24.75-inch scale length is comfortable while keeping string bending effortless.





James Hetfield signature electronics





The engine that drives the ESP LTD Vulture James Hetfield signature solidbody electric guitar is the EMG active Het-Set. These humbucking pickups are based on the EMG active 81 and 85 humbuckers Hetfield used for years. But these pickups are voiced for a more dynamic response, one that will bring to mind a fantastic set of passive pickups. And though they retain the massive output Hetfield requires, they are fully capable of the shimmering clean tones that he is equally well known for.





Serial W24023557


ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Model Features:


James Hetfield signature V-shaped electric guitar


Centered-sounding mahogany body and neck


Sleek and dynamic ebony fretboard


2 x active EMG Het-Set humbucking pickups


Rock-solid TonePros bridge and tailpiece


Fast Thin "U" neck profile with 22 extra-jumbo frets


Locking machine heads keep you in tune