ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White Open Box
Share
- Open box from our own stock: unboxed, inspected and set up by our techs
- Otherwise new and unplayed, original packaging and factory accessories
- Covered by our 30-day money-back return policy
In stock
Only 1 left
- SKU
- EVULTUREOW-U
- Color
- White
. Description
Sound & Tone
The mahogany body and set neck at 24.75" scale give this V a thick, warm midrange foundation with long sustain, while the active EMG Het Set pickups add tight, high-output attack and firm low end that stays defined under heavy gain. The macassar ebony fingerboard sharpens note articulation, so fast downpicked riffs and palm-muted chugs retain clarity rather than blurring together. It's aimed squarely at metal and hard rock rhythm playing, with the TonePros locking bridge and locking tuners holding pitch through aggressive picking, and the 350mm radius supporting clean bends for lead work.
ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White Open Box
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.
Open Box - our own stock. This unit was unboxed, inspected and set up by our techs in Temecula; it is otherwise new and unplayed and ships in the original packaging with all factory accessories. Sold as open box at a reduced price. Covered by our 30-day money-back return policy, including any problem on arrival.
More Information
| Condition | Used |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
About this open-box unit
| Condition | Open box - from our own stock, sold at a reduced price |
|---|---|
| Price vs new | $738 under the new unit ($6,149) |
| Includes | Original packaging and all factory accessories |
| Returns | 30-day money-back return policy |
Prefer a brand-new one? ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White is in the catalog at $6,149.
Specifications
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
|---|---|
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Pickups | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Made In | Japan |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Thrash Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Aggressive attack, full low-end response, sustained sustain, articulate high-fret access, high output active pickups |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk, Funk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does open box mean for this guitar?
Open box means our techs in Temecula unboxed, inspected, and professionally set up this unit—it is otherwise new and unplayed. It ships in its original packaging with all factory accessories and is covered by our 30-day money-back return policy.
Is this guitar suitable for drop tunings and extreme playing?
Yes. The set-neck construction, TonePros locking TOM bridge, LTD locking tuners, and 42mm bone nut width are all engineered to handle aggressive playing, sustained bending, and extreme tuning drops without loss of intonation or hand fatigue.
What pickups does it have and what kind of tone do they deliver?
It features EMG Het Set neck and bridge pickups with active ceramic-pole construction, controlled via dual volume knobs and a 3-way toggle. They deliver aggressive attack, full low-end response, and sustained articulation ideal for metal and hard rock.
What is the neck profile and scale length?
The guitar has a one-piece mahogany neck with a thin U contour profile, 24.75-inch scale length, and a 350mm fingerboard radius. The macassar ebony board features 22 XJ frets, designed for fluid bending and fast hand positioning.
How does this compare to other high-end metal guitars?
The Vulture competes with models like the Schecter Synyster Custom and Ibanez Prestige RG. It stands out through its Japanese Custom Shop craftsmanship, James Hetfield signature electronics, elite hardware, and purpose-built ergonomics for aggressive rhythm work.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $379 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
Compare With
Artists Who Play This
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.