Name: ESP SNAKEBYTE
SKU: ESNAKEBYTESW
Price: 6149.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

ESP SNAKEBYTE

Snow White

43 Comments

Guitars, Signature Series Guitars, James Hetfield

$6,149.00

with case

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Made by hand at the ESP Custom Shop in Japan, the ESP Snakebyte is a Signature Series model of James Hetfield, the frontman of Metallica and one of the world's most highly respected rhythm guitar players in any genre. The Snakebyte was created based on James' own original design. It features set-neck construction at 24.75" scale, with a mahogany body and a single-piece mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard and 22 extra-jumbo frets with a snake inlay at the 12th fret. The ESP Snakebyte is powered by James' own EMG JH SET active pickups, and includes premier components such as a bone nut, ESP strap locks, Sperzel locking tuners, and a TonePros locking TOM bridge and tailpiece. The ESP Snakebyte includes a hardshell case and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from ESP. The Snakebyte is also available in an LTD version.

Specifications

Construction Set-Neck

Scale 24.75"

Body Mahogany

Neck 1Pc Mahogany

Fingerboard Ebony

Fingerboard Radius 305mm

Finish Snow White

Nut Width 42mm

Nut Type Bone

Neck Contour Thin U

Frets/Type 22 XJ

Hardware Color Black

Strap Button ESP Strap Lock

Tuners Gotoh Locking

Bridge TonePros Locking TOM & Tailpiece

Bridge PU EMG JH ‘HET’ Set Black Chrome

Neck PU EMG JH ‘HET’ Set Black Chrome

Electronics Active

Electronics Layout Volume/Volume/Toggle Switch

Strings Elixir Nanoweb Light (.010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046)

Case Snakebyte Form Fit Case

Case Included Y

COA Y

Controls

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Sebastian U. wrote June 04, 2025 05:59

that was the best guitar recieved the action was super good and the crunch tone was very metal

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Kristopher K. wrote October 27, 2022 22:47

I just received my Snow White ESP Snakebyte today. This guitar is beyond amazing. This is my first actual ESP and I must say, it lives up to all of the hype I’ve been reading about. ONLY ONE COMPLAINT….. there was no Certificate of Authenticity in the case…. I know it’s not that big of a deal, but when you are dropping that kind of money on a guitar like this, it’d be nice if all of the promised “case candy” was included. Otherwise, I highly recommend this to anyone who is torn between the ESP or the LTD. Go for the real deal.

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Anthony M. wrote November 20, 2021 04:44

Recently received my new white ESP snakebyte. It is my 4th ESP, but first one made in the custom shop. This guitar takes my breath away. I am astounded by the level of craftsmanship, everything is perfect. I can’t put it down, my other ESP’s are going to be lonely for a while!!

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Aaron B. wrote February 24, 2022 17:23

Hey Anthony, I ordered mine about 11 months ago and super excited about it! I wanted to ask, how long did you have to wait for yours to arrive? Sweetwater hasn’t been able to give me a good answer on when to expect it. Thank you for your time and rock on!

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Anthony M. wrote February 24, 2022 17:42

Hi Aaron, actually I refused to wait so I purchased mine from Hiend Guitars in Indonesia, they had 2 in stock at the time. Shipping to the States was painful but I had it in less than 2 weeks!

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Forged Concepts wrote April 05, 2021 04:23

I am very disappointed as I just bought a brand new Snow White ESP, non LTD, Snakebyte and it arrived warped and has to be destroyed. It will be 1-2 years to get a new one!!! Super frustrating. ESP refunded me due to warranty but this is the second ESP I bought in a row that had to be returned to ESP for an issue.

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Ryan T. wrote July 25, 2021 20:55

man I have one on order and due by year end. I certainly hope this is not the case for me. I mean, s***t happens, but 2x!!! oh hellz naw!

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Karrie M. wrote March 28, 2021 02:45

Is there currently an issue with the ESP snakebyte in Snow White due to the current pandemic? Just curious as none of the dealers in the USA seem to have it even have listed for ordering.

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Todd B. ESP wrote March 31, 2021 16:49

Hi, These are usually built to order. Please contact any dealers who can place a special order for this model as you may not find it in stock at most dealers.

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