ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stoc
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Out of stock
- SKU
- LSNAKEBYTEBLKS-B
- Color
- Black
Description
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock
The Snakebyte features an aggressive Explorer-style body contour engineered for lock-in comfort during marathon gigs and studio sessions, backed by set-neck construction that keeps the instrument responsive under your hands. The mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck deliver thick, articulate sustain with a dark character built for heavy music on stage and in the studio. This B-Stock unit shows minor cosmetic finish imperfections but functions identically to standard production models.
Playability & Feel
The 24.75" scale length with a fast neck profile (0.822" depth at the 1st fret, 0.894" at the 12th) cuts through fatigue during extended sets and handles rapid position shifts without dead spots. Extra-jumbo frets and a 13.78" fingerboard radius support aggressive rhythm attacks and fluid lead work alike, while the 1.65" nut width and Macassar ebony fingerboard offer comfortable spacing and consistent feel night after night.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG JH Het Set active pickups deliver the focused, articulate aggression that cuts through a live mix in heavy and hard rock contexts. TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece hardware combined with ESP locking tuners hold tuning rock-solid through intense playing and remain reliable across varied venues and climates.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction with mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck
- Snakebyte Explorer-style body shape with aggressive ergonomic design
- 24.75" scale length
- 22 extra-jumbo (XJ) frets with Macassar ebony fingerboard
- 13.78" fingerboard radius
- MOTO dot position inlays with snake inlay at 12th fret
- EMG JH Het Set active pickups
- TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece with black satin finish
- ESP locking tuners
- 1.65" nut width with 0.822" neck depth at 1st fret and 0.894" at 12th fret
- Black satin finish on body and hardware
- Weight: 8 lbs 6 oz (3.8 kg)
The Snakebyte pairs purposeful ergonomic design, premium tonewood construction, and professional-grade electronics into a road-tested instrument purpose-built for touring and performing heavy music.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of B-Stock inventory—light marks and blemishes that are purely superficial in nature. These marks have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. As an ESP LTD Snakebyte, you're acquiring a premium instrument at a significant B-Stock discount while maintaining the security of full manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte is a set-neck Explorer-style metal machine built for drop tunings, aggressive rhythm work, and sustain-heavy lead passages. EMG JH Het active pickups paired with a mahogany body and three-piece neck deliver the articulate dark tone and tight response that thrive on stage in metal and hard rock settings. This B-Stock unit plays and sounds identical to new—only minor cosmetic marks distinguish it—making it a high-value choice for intermediate to pro players who gig hard and demand rock-solid tuning stability and ergonomic comfort during extended sets.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean, and does it affect the guitar's playability or tone?
B-Stock means this unit is fully functional with minor cosmetic finish imperfections—light marks and blemishes that have zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity. You get the same EMG pickups, hardware, and mahogany construction as a standard model at a significant discount.
What genres and tuning styles is this guitar designed for?
The Snakebyte excels in metal, hard rock, and thrash metal, with a 24.75" scale length and tight, articulate tone well-suited to drop tunings and aggressive rhythm work. It is not optimized for jazz, folk, or country applications.
How does the neck feel, and is it comfortable for extended playing?
The fast neck profile (0.822" depth at the 1st fret, 0.894" at the 12th) and extra-jumbo frets deliver responsive playability, while the aggressive Explorer-style body contour is ergonomically designed to lock in during long playing sessions. The 1.65" nut width and Macassar ebony fingerboard provide smooth feel and comfortable spacing.
How reliable is the tuning stability during intense live or studio work?
ESP locking tuners combined with a TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece ensure rock-solid tuning stability and extended sustain through demanding performances or back-to-back recording takes.
How does this compare to the Schecter C-1 Hellraiser or Ibanez LARI7?
The Snakebyte's set-neck mahogany construction and EMG JH Het pickups deliver a thicker, darker character with more pronounced sustain than comparable models, and the aggressive Explorer body offers distinct ergonomic lock-in for extended sessions.
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