ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White B-Stock
Description
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar – Olympic White (B-Stock)
The LTD Vulture sits naturally in your hands with its angular mahogany body, while the Thin U neck contour and 24.75" scale deliver fast, comfortable access across all registers. This is the signature instrument of James Hetfield, Metallica's rhythm architect, and this B-Stock example offers the full pro-level experience at a reduced price due to minor cosmetic imperfections that have zero impact on playability or tone.
Playability & Construction
Built on a set-neck platform with a solid 3-piece mahogany neck and Macassar ebony fingerboard, the Vulture excels at sustain and upper-fret fluidity. The 350mm fingerboard radius, 42mm molded nut, and 22 X-Jumbo frets provide a responsive playing surface engineered for aggressive riffing and precise lead work, while LTD locking tuners and a TonePros locking TOM bridge with tailpiece ensure rock-solid tuning stability under the most demanding live conditions.
Tone & Electronics
Powered by a matched pair of EMG JH Het Set pickups—James Hetfield's signature active humbuckers—the Vulture delivers punchy, articulate aggression with clear string definition and natural compression. The dual volume controls and 3-way toggle switch sit within easy reach, letting you shift between crushing rhythm tones and cutting lead textures on the fly without losing your place in a set.
Key Features
- B-Stock condition: brand new with minor cosmetic blemishes only
- James Hetfield signature model, iconic Vulture body inspired by Metallica logo
- Set-neck mahogany construction for enhanced sustain and upper-fret access
- 24.75" scale length with Thin U neck contour
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius and 22 X-Jumbo frets
- EMG JH-N neck and EMG JH-B bridge pickups (Het Set active humbuckers)
- Dual volume controls with 3-way toggle switch
- LTD locking tuners and TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- Black hardware throughout
- 42mm molded nut
- Olympic White finish
- Includes ESP Vulture Form Fit hardshell case and Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046)
The LTD Vulture is a pro-grade metal machine built to deliver the sustain, hardware reliability, and aggressive pickup voice needed to cut through high-volume stages and translate your riffs with clarity and power.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of B-Stock inventory status. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. Acquire this signature ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture at a significant B-Stock discount while retaining the full manufacturer warranty and legendary performance of this professional-grade instrument.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture is a pro-grade set-neck metal machine built for crushing riffs and precision lead work, featuring EMG JH-N and JH-B active humbuckers that deliver punchy, articulate aggression with natural compression and cutting tone. This B-Stock example plays and sounds identical to new stock—the minor cosmetic blemishes are purely visual—and the Thin U neck contour, 24.75" scale, and locking TonePros bridge guarantee rock-solid tuning and upper-fret fluidity for demanding live and studio sessions. Intermediate to pro players chasing Hetfield's signature tone or a reliable metal workhorse will find the aggressive pickup voice, sustain-rich mahogany construction, and road-proven hardware make this a stage-ready investment at a significant discount.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
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 playability or tone?
B-Stock means this guitar is brand new and fully functional with only minor cosmetic imperfections—no impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity. You receive the full manufacturer warranty and the same pro-level performance as new stock at a reduced price.
Is the Vulture suitable for styles outside metal and hard rock?
The Vulture is engineered specifically for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and high-volume studio and live work. Its aggressive active pickup voice and fast neck are less suited to jazz, folk, country, or genres requiring smoother, warmer tones.
What comes in the box with this guitar?
The package includes the guitar, an ESP Vulture Form Fit hardshell case, and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046).
How does the Thin U neck contour and 24.75" scale affect playability?
The Thin U contour sits naturally in your hand for fast, comfortable access across all registers, while the 24.75" scale length delivers the sustain and tonal warmth associated with mahogany set-neck guitars without sacrificing upper-fret fluidity.
What pickups does the Vulture use, and can they be swapped out?
The Vulture features a matched pair of EMG JH-N (neck) and EMG JH-B (bridge) active humbuckers—James Hetfield's signature set. They are soldered into the electronics and designed as a matched pair, so replacement would require full rewiring.
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