LIRONCROSSSWLH vs LSNAKEBYTEBLKS-B1908 — Compare
ESP LTD Iron Cross Left-Handed Electric Guitar in Snow White with Black Stripes vs ESP LTD Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock 1908
The Iron Cross is a left-handed signature model with premium appointments and higher price, while the Snakebyte is a mid-tier B-stock right-handed instrument offering similar core specs at lower cost. Choose the Iron Cross if you're left-handed and want a flagship James Hetfield model; choose the Snakebyte if you're right-handed, budget-conscious, and don't mind B-stock cosmetics.
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 Left-Handed Electric Guitar in Snow White with Black Stripes
ESP LTD Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock 1908
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Iron Cross Left-Handed Electric Guitar in Snow White with Black Stripes | ESP LTD Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock 1908 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599.00 | $1,199.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD James Hetfield | LTD James Hetfield |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| 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 | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | 2022 | 2016 |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD Iron Cross Left-Handed Electric Guitar in Snow White with Black Stripes
- ✓ Left-handed orientation with proper ergonomic nut width (42mm) for southpaw players
- ✓ Premium Snow White finish with black stripe graphic and iconic iron cross fixture
- ✓ Ebony fingerboard with 13.7-inch radius for precision work
- ✓ Flagship James Hetfield signature model with road-ready build quality
Why choose ESP LTD Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock 1908
- ✓ Lower price point in the mid tier versus high tier
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers savings despite potential minor cosmetic imperfections
- ✓ Identical core playability: 24.75-inch scale, thin U neck, 22 extra-jumbo frets
- ✓ EMG JH 'HET' pickups deliver high-gain articulate tone with excellent distortion clarity
Frequently asked questions
Are the pickups different between these two models?
The Iron Cross uses EMG JH SET pickups while the Snakebyte uses EMG JH 'HET' pickups. Both are high-output active EMG designs voiced for metal and hard rock, though the HET variant is specifically engineered for aggressive high-gain applications.
What does B-stock mean for the Snakebyte?
B-stock typically indicates the guitar has minor cosmetic blemishes or packaging imperfections but is fully functional and plays identically to new stock. It's a cost-effective way to own the same instrument at reduced price.
Can a right-handed player use the Iron Cross?
No. The Iron Cross is specifically designed as a left-handed instrument with the nut width (42mm) and electronics layout optimized for left-hand playing. Right-handed players need the Snakebyte.
How do the fingerboards compare?
The Iron Cross has an ebony fingerboard with 13.7-inch radius; the Snakebyte has a Macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm (approximately 13.78-inch) radius. Both are similar in playability, though the Iron Cross radius is slightly tighter for precision.