LIRONCROSSSWLH-B0439 vs LVULTUREOW — Compare
ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439 vs ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White
The Iron Cross is a left-handed model offered at a discount due to B-stock condition, while the Vulture is a standard right-handed instrument in new Olympic White finish. Choose the Iron Cross if you play left-handed and want savings; choose the Vulture if you play right-handed or need a pristine new guitar for touring and studio work.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439 | ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,133.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD James Hetfield | LTD James Hetfield |
| Body | Single Cutaway | Explorer |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 24.75" Scale | 24.75" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 22 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | — | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | Fixed | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Iron Cross James Hetfield Lefty Guitar B-Stock 0439
- ✓ Left-handed configuration for left-handed players
- ✓ B-stock pricing provides significant savings on a premium signature model
- ✓ Identical core specs (EMG JH SET pickups, 24.75" scale, thin U neck) to the Vulture
Why choose ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White
- ✓ Right-handed orientation suits the majority of players
- ✓ New condition with Olympic White finish aesthetic ready for immediate use
- ✓ EMG Het Set pickups with ceramic and steel pole pieces offer distinct neck/bridge tonal separation
- ✓ Better documented for professional touring and studio applications
Frequently asked questions
What's the actual difference in pickup design between these two models?
The Iron Cross uses EMG JH SET pickups designed by Hetfield with independent volume controls and master tone knob. The Vulture uses EMG Het Set pickups with ceramic poles in the neck position for fuller low-end and steel pole pieces in the bridge for tight attack, offering more tonal separation between positions.
Is the B-stock condition a significant concern?
B-stock typically means the item has minor cosmetic imperfections or was a display unit but functions identically to new. The description doesn't specify the exact condition issues, so contact the seller for details before purchase.
Are these guitars suitable for genres beyond metal?
Both are engineered specifically for metal, thrash metal, and hard rock. They are not ideal for jazz, folk, country, or blues due to their high-output active pickups and aggressive tonal character designed for drop tunings and power chording.
Which is better for a touring professional?
The Vulture is explicitly noted as engineered for touring and studio sessions in its description. Both share the TonePros and locking tuner hardware for stability, but the Vulture's documented professional pedigree and new condition give it an edge for demanding road work.