ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
Description
ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
The ESP Vulture is a signature instrument designed in collaboration with Metallica's James Hetfield, handcrafted by ESP's Custom Shop luthiers in Japan. Its aggressive V-shaped mahogany body with signature contours and thin U-profile neck deliver immediate comfort and control, while the Olympic White finish with black hardware creates an unmistakable visual statement. Built for high-output rhythm work and sustained aggression, this guitar performs as decisively as it looks.
Playability & Construction
The set-neck construction at 24.75" scale provides seamless sustain and upper-fret access, while the one-piece mahogany neck with thin U contour and 42mm nut width sits perfectly in your hand for fast, confident positioning. The macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 XJ frets and 350mm radius responds with fluid bending and precise articulation across the entire neck, supporting everything from pinch harmonics to sustained sustain with zero surprises.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG Het Set neck and bridge pickups cut through any mix with aggressive attack and full low-end punch—ceramic poles and steel construction mean they track perfectly even under extreme pick pressure. TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece combined with LTD locking tuners lock in tuning rock-solid through hours of touring or hard studio sessions, while Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046) stay tonally consistent night after night with minimal dead spots.
Key Features
- V-shaped mahogany body with forearm comfort contour
- Set-neck construction with 24.75" scale length
- One-piece mahogany neck, thin U contour
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 XJ frets
- 350mm fingerboard radius for smooth bending
- 42mm bone nut width
- EMG Het Set neck and bridge pickups (active)
- Dual volume controls and 3-way toggle switch
- TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- LTD locking tuners
- Black hardware throughout
- Olympic White finish with included ESP deluxe hardshell case
The ESP Vulture combines elite craftsmanship, signature electronics, and uncompromising hardware into an instrument built to withstand and deliver the demands of professional metal performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP Vulture is James Hetfield's signature metal machine—a Japanese Custom Shop instrument built on a thin-neck V-body with set-neck construction and EMG Het pickups that deliver aggressive attack and locked-in low-end response. Designed for thrash and hard rock players who gig and tour, this guitar excels at rhythm work under extreme conditions, with a fast U-profile neck, locking hardware, and Olympic White aesthetics that command any stage. Choose it for professional-grade reliability, sustain, and the confidence that comes with a signature instrument built to handle touring demands.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Worship
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickup set comes with the Vulture, and can I adjust the tone?
The guitar features the EMG Het Set—active ceramic-pole pickups in both neck and bridge positions, designed by James Hetfield for aggressive attack and full low-end response. You control them via dual volume knobs and a 3-way toggle switch for neck, middle, and bridge selection.
Is this guitar suitable for someone intermediate in skill, or is it only for advanced players?
The Vulture is built for intermediate through professional players. Its thin U-profile neck and 24.75" scale support fast, confident hand positioning and smooth bending across the entire fingerboard, making it accessible to serious players stepping up to signature-level gear.
What makes the hardware and construction reliable for touring and live performance?
The set-neck construction, one-piece mahogany neck, TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, and LTD locking tuners combine to ensure rock-solid tuning stability and intonation even under extreme playing conditions. The guitar ships with Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings for added reliability and tone longevity.
What comes in the box with the guitar?
The ESP Vulture includes an ESP deluxe hardshell case to protect your investment during transport and storage.
What genres and playing styles is this guitar designed for?
The Vulture is built for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and live performance. It is not designed for jazz, folk, or worship music, where its aggressive character and high-output pickups would be out of place.