ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
Share
Out of stock
- SKU
- LVULTUREBLKS-B
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The mahogany body and set-neck, 3-piece mahogany construction give the Vulture a thick, sustaining midrange, while the ebony fingerboard and 24.75" scale tighten up the attack and keep low-tuned riffs focused. EMG JH SET active pickups push a high-output, low-noise signal with sharp articulation and clear harmonics, so palm-muted rhythm figures stay defined and leads cut through dense mixes. With dual volumes, a 3-way toggle, extra-jumbo frets and a Thin U neck, it's aimed squarely at heavy rock and metal players who need both chugging rhythm precision and easy upper-fret soloing.
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Black Satin B-Stock
The LTD Vulture sits comfortably in hand with its aggressive V-shaped silhouette and fast Thin U neck profile, engineered for tracking punchy rhythm tones and executing fluid lead passages with minimal finger fatigue. This signature model captures Hetfield's direct, no-compromise approach to tone and playability, delivering the sustain and upper-fret access essential for heavy music production. As B-Stock, this instrument is factory-fresh with only minor cosmetic imperfections—the same build quality and sonic performance at a reduced price.
Construction & Recording Response
Built with set-neck construction and a solid mahogany body, the Vulture produces excellent sustain and tight neck-to-body coupling that translates to defined attack and harmonic richness in tracked tones. The neck itself features 3-piece mahogany construction topped with ebony fingerboard, 22 XJ (extra-jumbo) frets, and a 305mm fingerboard radius that balances comfort with precise intonation across the full frequency range. A 42mm molded nut and 24.75" scale provide a solid foundation for consistent tracking and reliable tuning stability across sessions.
Tone & Electronics for Studio Tracking
The Vulture is equipped with EMG JH SET active pickups in both neck and bridge positions, delivering the tight articulation and harmonic clarity essential for capturing aggressive rhythm and lead work with minimal noise floor. Dual independent volume controls and a 3-way toggle switch enable real-time tonal shaping without leaving the microphone, while LTD locking tuners and a Tonepros locking TOM bridge & tailpiece ensure rock-solid tuning and intonation stability across extended recording sessions.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain
- Mahogany body and 3-piece mahogany neck
- 24.75" scale length
- Ebony fingerboard with 305mm radius
- 22 XJ (extra-jumbo) frets
- 42mm molded nut
- Thin U neck contour
- EMG JH SET active pickups (neck and bridge)
- Dual volume controls and 3-way toggle switch
- LTD locking tuners
- Tonepros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- Black Satin finish with matching hardware
- Includes ESP Vulture form-fit hardshell case
The LTD Vulture delivers professional-grade hardware, active electronics, and studio-proven construction in a signature design that captures aggressive tones with clarity and consistency.
As a B-Stock instrument it carries a minor factory cosmetic blemish — a small finish mark with no effect on playability, tone or structure — which is why it sells for less than a first-quality unit. The exact blemish varies from unit to unit, so it is not described or pictured here; photos show the model, not the individual unit. It is new, unplayed and covered by the full manufacturer warranty.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
About this B-Stock unit
| Condition | B-Stock - cosmetic blemish, fully functional |
|---|---|
| Photos | 3 photos of this exact unit, not stock images |
| Inspected | Photographed and inspected in Temecula, Jun 4, 2025 |
| Price vs new | $320 under the new unit ($1,599) |
Prefer a brand-new one? ESP LTD Vulture Electric Guitar in Black Satin is in the catalog at $1,599.
Specifications
| Body Style | Flying V |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 24.75" Scale |
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Bridge | Fixed |
| Strings | 6 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Made In | South Korea |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Metal, Thrash Metal, Hard Rock, Drop Tunings |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Tight low end, articulate highs, high sustain, aggressive character, harmonic clarity |
| Less specialized for | Jazz, Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean for this guitar?
B-Stock means this Vulture is factory-fresh and unplayed, covered by the full manufacturer warranty, but carries a minor cosmetic finish mark with no effect on playability, tone, or structure. The exact cosmetic blemish varies by unit.
Is the Thin U neck comfortable for fast lead playing?
Yes—the Thin U contour, 305mm fingerboard radius, and 22 extra-jumbo frets are designed for fluid upper-fret access and aggressive playing styles. The 42mm molded nut and 24.75" scale also support precise intonation for both rhythm and lead work.
What tuning stability can I expect in a live setting?
The LTD locking tuners and Tonepros locking TOM bridge with tailpiece are tour-proven hardware engineered to hold tuning under stage pressure, even in drop tunings and aggressive playing.
How do the EMG JH SET pickups sound compared to passive pickups?
The EMG JH SET actives deliver tight low end, articulate highs, and aggressive harmonic clarity ideal for metal and thrash—active electronics provide consistent output and natural compression compared to passive designs, with dual independent volume controls for real-time tonal shaping.
What comes in the case?
The Vulture includes an ESP form-fit hardshell case designed for the V-shaped body, providing reliable protection for gigging and transport.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. 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 Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.