ESP James Hetfield Vulture Signature Electric Guitar – Black Satin (Made in Japan)

ESP and James Hetfield join forces once again to unveil his latest and most striking vision yet: the ESP Vulture Signature. Featuring a bold, angular V-style design inspired by Hetfield’s uncompromising aesthetic, the Vulture delivers crushing tone, premium craftsmanship, and the unmistakable authority of one of metal’s most influential rhythm guitarists.

Built in Japan to elite professional standards, the ESP Vulture is designed for players who demand precision, power, and stage-dominating presence.

Set-Neck Construction with Mahogany Power

The Vulture features set-neck construction with a 24.75” scale length, pairing a resonant mahogany body with a one-piece mahogany neck for thick, authoritative low-end and rich sustain. Its thin U neck contour ensures fast, comfortable playability while maintaining the solid feel favored by Hetfield himself.

Ebony Fingerboard with Custom Inlay

A sleek ebony fingerboard with a 305mm radius delivers smooth, articulate response, perfectly suited for tight rhythm work and powerful lead lines. The Vulture is finished with a custom signature inlay, adding a subtle but distinctive visual detail to this aggressive instrument.

EMG James Hetfield “Het Set” Pickups

Equipped with the EMG JH “Het Set” active pickups in brushed black chrome, the Vulture captures the crushing rhythm tones and clarity that define James Hetfield’s sound. From percussive palm-muted riffs to articulate leads, these pickups deliver massive output, tight low end, and exceptional note definition through the Volume / Volume / Toggle Switch layout.

Premium Hardware for Stage & Studio

High-end components include Gotoh locking tuners, a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece, and a bone nut for rock-solid tuning stability and sustain. ESP strap locks and black hardware complete the Vulture’s stealthy, no-nonsense look.

ESP James Hetfield Vulture Specifications

• Construction: Set-Neck
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: One-Piece Mahogany
• Neck Contour: Thin U
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Fingerboard Radius: 305mm
• Frets: 22 Extra-Jumbo
• Nut Width: 42mm
• Nut Type: Bone
• Bridge: TonePros Locking TOM & Tailpiece
• Bridge Pickup: EMG JH “Het Set” Brushed Black Chrome
• Neck Pickup: EMG JH “Het Set” Brushed Black Chrome
• Electronics: Active
• Electronics Layout: Volume / Volume / Toggle Switch
• Tuners: Gotoh Locking
• Hardware Color: Black
• Strap Button: ESP Strap Lock
• Strings: Elixir Nanoweb Light (.010–.046)
• Finish: Black Satin
• Case Included: Yes (Vulture Form Fit Case)
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included
• Country of Manufacture: Japan

Why Choose the ESP Vulture?

The ESP James Hetfield Vulture is a modern metal icon in the making, combining aggressive original design with James Hetfield’s signature tone and ESP’s renowned Japanese craftsmanship. For players seeking uncompromising rhythm power, striking visuals, and a true artist-driven instrument, the Vulture delivers without exception.