ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stoc
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In stock
- SKU
- LSNAKEBYTEBLKS-B
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The all-mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck, joined with set-neck construction, give the Snakebyte a thick, dark voice with long sustain, while the Macassar ebony fingerboard tightens up note attack and definition. The EMG JH Het Set active pickups push that foundation into focused, high-output aggression with clear note separation under heavy gain, making palm-muted riffing and fast downpicking read distinctly rather than blurring together. The 24.75" scale keeps string tension relaxed for lower tunings and bends, and with extra-jumbo frets and a 13.78" radius it handles both chugging rhythm work and lead runs — a natural fit for heavy metal, thrash, and hard rock.
ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar in Black Satin B-Stock
The Snakebyte is engineered with an aggressive Explorer-style body contour that promotes controlled, stable positioning during marathon recording and tracking sessions, supported by a set-neck construction that maintains consistent neck-to-body alignment for reliable tracking performance. The mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck generate thick, articulate sustain with a dark character that cuts through dense mixes and translates well to both direct recording and amp mic'd captures in heavy music production. This B-Stock unit shows minor cosmetic finish imperfections but functions identically to standard production models.
Playability & Feel
The 24.75" scale length paired with a fast neck profile (0.822" depth at the 1st fret, 0.894" at the 12th) enables efficient recording takes from rhythm chops to lead passes without fatigue. Extra-jumbo frets and a 13.78" fingerboard radius support precise fretting for clean tone capture in studio sessions, while the 1.65" nut width and Macassar ebony fingerboard provide the comfort and consistency needed for repeatable, problem-free recording work.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG JH Het Set active pickups deliver the focused, articulate aggression essential for heavy metal and hard rock tracking—translating raw playing dynamics into defined, punchy recordings that sit tight in the mix. TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece hardware combined with ESP locking tuners guarantee absolute tuning stability across full sessions, eliminating drift and ensuring consistent tone capture throughout overdubs and punch-ins.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction with mahogany body and three-piece mahogany neck
- Snakebyte Explorer-style body shape with aggressive ergonomic design
- 24.75" scale length
- 22 extra-jumbo (XJ) frets with Macassar ebony fingerboard
- 13.78" fingerboard radius
- MOTO dot position inlays with snake inlay at 12th fret
- EMG JH Het Set active pickups
- TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece with black satin finish
- ESP locking tuners
- 1.65" nut width with 0.822" neck depth at 1st fret and 0.894" at 12th fret
- Black satin finish on body and hardware
The Snakebyte delivers the tone character, tuning stability, and ergonomic consistency that home-studio producers and engineers rely on for efficient heavy-music tracking and mix-ready recordings.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of B-Stock inventory—light marks and blemishes that are purely superficial in nature. These marks have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. As an ESP LTD Snakebyte, you're acquiring a premium instrument at a significant B-Stock discount while maintaining the security of full manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Single Cutaway |
|---|---|
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Pickups | HH |
| Bridge | Fixed |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Made In | South Korea |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean on this guitar?
B-Stock means this Snakebyte is fully functional with only minor cosmetic finish imperfections—light marks and blemishes that have zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity. You receive the same professional instrument and full manufacturer warranty coverage at a significant discount.
What pickup set comes with this guitar?
The Snakebyte ships with the EMG JH Het Set, a signature active pickup pairing that delivers focused, articulate aggression tailored for heavy metal and hard rock applications.
Is this guitar suitable for drop tunings and extended sessions?
Yes. The 24.75" scale length, fast neck profile, set-neck mahogany construction, and aggressive Explorer-style body ergonomics are all designed specifically for drop tunings and comfortable extended playing without fatigue.
What tuning stability features does it have?
The guitar includes TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece hardware combined with ESP locking tuners, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability through intense playing and drop-tuned applications.
What is the neck profile and fret size?
The Snakebyte features a fast neck profile (0.822" depth at 1st fret, 0.894" at 12th fret) with 22 extra-jumbo frets and a 13.78" fingerboard radius, supporting both aggressive rhythm work and fluid lead passages.
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