ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
Description
ESP Vulture James Hetfield Guitar Olympic White
The ESP Vulture is a signature instrument designed in collaboration with Metallica's James Hetfield, handcrafted by ESP's Custom Shop luthiers in Japan. Its aggressive V-shaped mahogany body with signature contours and thin U-profile neck deliver immediate comfort and control, while the Olympic White finish with black hardware creates an unmistakable visual statement. Built for high-output rhythm work and sustained aggression, this guitar records with decisive presence and cuts through dense mixes with authority.
Playability & Construction
The set-neck construction at 24.75" scale provides seamless sustain and upper-fret access, while the one-piece mahogany neck with thin U contour and 42mm nut width ensures fast, confident hand positioning during tracking sessions. The macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 XJ frets and 350mm radius supports fluid bending and precise articulation across the entire neck, capturing articulate tones in the studio.
Tone & Electronics
The EMG Het Set neck and bridge pickups deliver aggressive attack and full low-end response through their ceramic poles and steel construction, controlled via dual volume knobs and a 3-way toggle switch for tracking flexibility. TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece combined with LTD locking tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability and intonation through long recording sessions and punishing takes, while Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046) provide reliable tone and longevity across the session.
Key Features
- V-shaped mahogany body with forearm comfort contour
- Set-neck construction with 24.75" scale length
- One-piece mahogany neck, thin U contour
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with 22 XJ frets
- 350mm fingerboard radius for smooth bending
- 42mm bone nut width
- EMG Het Set neck and bridge pickups (active)
- Dual volume controls and 3-way toggle switch
- TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece
- LTD locking tuners
- Black hardware throughout
- Olympic White finish with included ESP deluxe hardshell case
The ESP Vulture combines elite craftsmanship, signature electronics, and uncompromising hardware into an instrument built to capture professional-grade tones and deliver consistency through demanding studio sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP Vulture is a premium signature instrument engineered to capture aggressive, full-bodied metal tones in the studio—the EMG Het pickups and ceramic-pole clarity cut through dense mixes with tight sustain and high output, while the 24.75" scale and thin U-neck allow for precise articulation and fast articulation in recording sessions. The set-neck construction and macassar ebony fretboard deliver the stability and playability needed for multiple takes and complex rhythmic parts. Choose this if you produce or record metal, thrash, or hard rock and want a studio-grade instrument that translates professional aggression to tape.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Country
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What pickups come in the Vulture and how do they sound?
The EMG Het Set includes custom neck and bridge pickups with ceramic poles and steel construction, delivering aggressive attack and full low-end response ideal for metal and drop-tuning work. They are active pickups controlled by dual volume knobs and a 3-way toggle.
Is this guitar suitable for drop tunings and aggressive playing?
Yes—the 24.75" scale, set-neck construction, TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece, and LTD locking tuners are all engineered to maintain tuning stability and intonation under extreme playing conditions and lower tunings. The thin U-profile neck supports fast hand positioning for rhythm work.
What is the neck profile and playability like?
The one-piece mahogany neck features a thin U contour with a 42mm nut width and 22 XJ frets on a 350mm radius macassar ebony fingerboard, designed for fluid bending, precise articulation, and seamless upper-fret access.
What hardware and tuning stability does it have?
The guitar features a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece combined with LTD locking tuners, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability and intonation across performance and recording sessions. Black hardware is used throughout.
What is included with the guitar?
The ESP Vulture ships with an ESP deluxe hardshell case and Elixir Nanoweb Light XL110 strings (.010–.046).
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