ESP announces James Hetfield Signature LTD Snakebyte SE Baritone
Latest Metallica signature guitar comes tuned B-B
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JqXd6FMi2NuhUmU5CFpdAQ-320-80.jpg)
ESP has announced the latest addition to rhythm king James Hetfield’s signature arsenal: the Signature LTD Snakebyte SE Baritone.
A replica of the ESP model Hetfield has been playing on Metallica’s WorldWired tour, the Baritone features a 27” set neck and comes tuned to standard baritone guitar tuning (B-E-A-D-F#-B).
The model’s mahogany body is topped with a figured quilted maple top in See Thru Purple Sunburst, while that neck is a U-shaped three-piece mahogany job with Macassar ebony fingerboard.
Hardware, meanwhile, is as you’d expect, with Hetfield’s signature EMG JH Het Set active pickups, plus LTD locking tuners, and a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece.
If you like the sounds of that, you’d best act fast: just 500 will be produced worldwide, and will cost $1,399 each, including a hardshell ESP case and Certificate of Authenticity. See ESP Guitars for more info.
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Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
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