ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar Olympic White B-Stock
In stock
- SKU
- LVULTUREOW-B
- Color
- White
Description
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Guitar – Olympic White (B-Stock)
The LTD Vulture is engineered for studio tracking and heavy production work: the angular mahogany body balances comfortably across long session hours, while the Thin U neck contour and 24.75" scale deliver fast, ergonomic access for precision tracking and layered riff work. This signature instrument of James Hetfield, Metallica's rhythm architect, pairs pro-level construction with studio reliability. This B-Stock example delivers the complete recording-grade experience at a reduced price due to minor cosmetic imperfections that have zero impact on playability or tone.
Tracking & Build Quality
Built on a set-neck platform with a solid 3-piece mahogany neck and Macassar ebony fingerboard, the Vulture excels at sustain and upper-fret clarity—essential for layered rhythm and lead overdubs. The 350mm fingerboard radius, 42mm molded nut, and 22 X-Jumbo frets provide a responsive playing surface optimized for tight, repeatable takes and session consistency, while LTD locking tuners and a TonePros locking TOM bridge with tailpiece maintain frequency stability across multiple passes and punch-in edits.
Recording & Tone Shaping
Powered by a matched pair of EMG JH Het Set pickups—James Hetfield's signature active humbuckers—the Vulture captures aggressive, articulate lows with clear string definition and natural compression. The dual volume controls and 3-way toggle switch enable quick tonal adjustment within the session, letting you sculpt everything from dense rhythm textures to cutting lead voicings without breaking workflow or reaching for external gear.
Key Features
- B-Stock condition: brand new with minor cosmetic blemishes only
- James Hetfield signature model, iconic Vulture body inspired by Metallica logo
- Set-neck mahogany construction for enhanced sustain and upper-fret access
- 24.75" scale length with Thin U neck contour
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 350mm radius and 22 X-Jumbo frets
- EMG JH-N neck and EMG JH-B bridge pickups (Het Set active humbuckers)
- Dual volume controls with 3-way toggle switch
- LTD locking tuners and TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- Black hardware throughout
- 42mm molded nut
- Olympic White finish
- Includes ESP Vulture Form Fit hardshell case and Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046)
The LTD Vulture is a studio-ready, pro-grade instrument with the sustain, hardware reliability, and aggressive pickup response needed for tracking heavy material and producing polished, powerful records.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of B-Stock inventory status. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. Acquire this signature ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture at a significant B-Stock discount while retaining the full manufacturer warranty and legendary performance of this professional-grade instrument.
More Information
| Condition | Refurbished |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture captures punchy, articulate metal tones in the box with its matched pair of EMG active humbuckers, delivering high-output, naturally compressed aggression that cuts through dense mixes without losing string definition. The set-neck mahogany body and Macassar ebony fingerboard provide the sustain and upper-fret clarity needed for tracking aggressive riffs and precision leads, while dual volume controls and a 3-way toggle offer immediate tonal shaping without menu diving. Home producers and engineers recording metal, hard rock, or high-volume genres will appreciate the session versatility, reliable tuning stability, and pro-level construction that translates studio recordings into stage-ready takes—all at a B-Stock savings.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean, and does it affect playability or tone?
B-Stock means this guitar is brand new and fully functional with only minor cosmetic imperfections—no impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity. You receive the full manufacturer warranty and the same pro-level performance as new stock at a reduced price.
Is the Vulture suitable for styles outside metal and hard rock?
The Vulture is engineered specifically for metal, thrash metal, hard rock, and high-volume studio and live work. Its aggressive active pickup voice and fast neck are less suited to jazz, folk, country, or genres requiring smoother, warmer tones.
What comes in the box with this guitar?
The package includes the guitar, an ESP Vulture Form Fit hardshell case, and a set of Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046).
How does the Thin U neck contour and 24.75" scale affect playability?
The Thin U contour sits naturally in your hand for fast, comfortable access across all registers, while the 24.75" scale length delivers the sustain and tonal warmth associated with mahogany set-neck guitars without sacrificing upper-fret fluidity.
What pickups does the Vulture use, and can they be swapped out?
The Vulture features a matched pair of EMG JH-N (neck) and EMG JH-B (bridge) active humbuckers—James Hetfield's signature set. They are soldered into the electronics and designed as a matched pair, so replacement would require full rewiring.
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