LSNAKEBYTEBLKS-B vs LXJ1BHTSBLAST — Compare
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock vs ESP LTD XJ-1 HT Baritone Electric Guitar in Silver Blast
The Snakebyte is a set-neck medium-scale instrument built for standard tunings with thick, dark sustain ideal for classic metal, while the XJ-1 Baritone is a bolt-on extended-range workhorse with a 27" scale and three selectable pickup voices for extreme drop tunings and modern djent. Choose the Snakebyte if you play standard or drop-D tuning and want focused aggression; choose the XJ-1 if you need extreme tuning flexibility and tonal versatility.
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ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock
ESP LTD XJ-1 HT Baritone Electric Guitar in Silver Blast
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock | ESP LTD XJ-1 HT Baritone Electric Guitar in Silver Blast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.20 | $1,499.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Snakebyte | — |
| Body | Single Cutaway | — |
| Body Type | Solid | — |
| Scale | — | 27" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | — | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | HH | — |
| Bridge | Fixed | Hipshot |
| Year | 2016 | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Set-neck construction delivers thick sustain and dark character perfect for thrash metal
- ✓ 24.75" scale length familiar to standard guitar players
- ✓ EMG JH Het signature pickups provide focused, articulate attack designed for heavy rhythm work
- ✓ B-Stock pricing offers savings on a fully functional instrument with minor cosmetic imperfections
Why choose ESP LTD XJ-1 HT Baritone Electric Guitar in Silver Blast
- ✓ 27" baritone scale accommodates extreme drop tunings and extended-range applications
- ✓ Fishman Fluence Modern pickups offer three selectable voices for tonal shaping without extra controls
- ✓ Bolt-on construction with thin U-profile neck designed for comfort in extreme tunings
- ✓ Hipshot bridge with string-thru design maximizes sustain and tuning stability under extreme tension
Frequently asked questions
What's the practical difference between these scales?
The Snakebyte's 24.75" scale is standard for most electric guitars and suits standard to drop-D tuning. The XJ-1's 27" baritone scale keeps strings tighter and clearer in extreme tunings (drop-C and lower), making it purpose-built for djent and extended-range metal.
How do the pickups differ?
The Snakebyte uses EMG JH Het active pickups optimized for aggressive, focused metal tone with a single voice. The XJ-1 uses Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers with three selectable voices via push/pull volume, giving you more tonal flexibility without adding extra knobs.
Which is better for beginners?
Both require intermediate to advanced skill, but the Snakebyte's standard scale and familiar weight distribution make it more approachable for players transitioning from conventional guitars. The XJ-1's extended scale and offset body geometry favor players already comfortable with baritone or extended-range instruments.
Why is the Snakebyte B-Stock?
B-Stock means this unit has minor cosmetic finish imperfections (scratches, blemishes) but is electrically and mechanically identical to new production models, offering savings on a fully functional instrument.