ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
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ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
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- SKU
- EVULTUREOW
- 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
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.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP Vulture is James Hetfield's signature metal machine—a Japanese Custom Shop instrument built for drop tunings, aggressive rhythm work, and sustained sustain under extreme conditions. The set-neck mahogany body, thin U-profile neck, and EMG Het pickups deliver the aggressive attack and full low-end response that define modern thrash, while TonePros hardware and locking tuners keep intonation locked in through the most demanding gigs. Choose this if you're a professional or advanced player committed to metal and want a road-ready instrument with signature pedigree and uncompromising hardware.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickups come in the Vulture and how do they sound?
The EMG Het Set includes custom neck and bridge pickups with ceramic poles and steel construction, delivering aggressive attack and full low-end response ideal for metal and drop-tuning work. They are active pickups controlled by dual volume knobs and a 3-way toggle.
Is this guitar suitable for drop tunings and aggressive playing?
Yes—the 24.75" scale, set-neck construction, TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, and LTD locking tuners are all engineered to maintain tuning stability and intonation under extreme playing conditions and lower tunings. The thin U-profile neck supports fast hand positioning for rhythm work.
What is the neck profile and playability like?
The one-piece mahogany neck features a thin U contour with a 42mm nut width and 22 XJ frets on a 350mm radius macassar ebony fingerboard, designed for fluid bending, precise articulation, and seamless upper-fret access.
What hardware and tuning stability does it have?
The guitar features a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece combined with LTD locking tuners, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability and intonation across performance and recording sessions. Black hardware is used throughout.
What is included with the guitar?
The ESP Vulture ships with an ESP deluxe hardshell case and Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046).
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