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Deal.ai › ESP › Electric Guitars

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ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar

ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar

4.9(51 ratings)

Best price now

$1,099.00at eBayObserved at 10:43 PM

27% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when. Store links may earn us a commission.

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Our take on the ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar

The ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte is a signature electric guitar built to the Metallica frontman's spec: a mahogany body and neck, 24 frets, and the Explorer-derived Snakebyte shape. It is a heavy, metal-focused instrument with active EMG-style humbuckers in the signature line and a set-neck construction. The best new price is $1,099 at eBay as of November 7, 2026, which is the low end of its recent range: it was $1,499 on November 4, 2026.

Best forMetal and hard rock playersJames Hetfield and Metallica fansPlayers who want a signature guitar under $1,200Guitarists who prefer heavy mahogany bodies

Pros

Signature Snakebyte body shape with aggressive looks
All-mahogany body and neck give a thick, warm tone
24 frets for high-register lead work
Set-neck construction aids sustain
Strong owner satisfaction: 4.9 out of 5 from 51 ratings

Cons

Heavy mahogany body can be tiring standing up
Signature shape and finish limit appeal outside metal
Limited color options
Premium price for an LTD-branded import

ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar prices at every store

eBayNew
In stockSold by sweetwatersound
$1,099.00Observed at 10:43 PM
Visit eBay
SweetwaterPre-owned
In stock
$1,099.00Observed at 10:43 PM
Visit Sweetwater
Guitar CenterNew
In stock
$1,499.00Observed at 10:43 PM
Visit Guitar Center
CrutchfieldNew
In stock
$1,499.00Observed at 10:43 PM
Visit Crutchfield

Also available at

eBayCheck price at eBay
Music & ArtsCheck price at Music & Arts
Musicians FriendCheck price at Musicians Friend
ReverbCheck price at Reverb
Sam Ash DirectCheck price at Sam Ash Direct
zZoundsCheck price at zZounds
Studio GearsCheck price at Studio Gears

Store links may earn us a commission.

ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar price history

$1,499.00$1,099.00

Nov 4Nov 7

Lowest price we've seen: $1,099.00 on Nov 7 at eBay; highest $1,499.00 on Nov 4. Tracked across 9 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

4.9 / 551 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, 4.9 out of 5 from 51 ratings, and praise its build and metal tone. Complaints are few and mostly about weight and the niche look.

What people mention

BuildPraisedOwners describe the construction as solid and well finished for an import signature model.
TonePraisedReviewers say the mahogany body and humbuckers deliver a thick, heavy sound built for metal.
WeightMixedSome owners find the mahogany body heavy for long standing sets.
LooksMixedThe Snakebyte shape draws strong reactions: loved by metal players, too aggressive for others.

Specifications

Number Of Strings: 6-string
Color: Mahogany
Qty. Strings (pcs): 6Source
Handedness: Right-HandedSource
Wood Type (body sides): MahoganySource

Questions and answers

Is the Snakebyte worth $1,099?: At $1,099 at eBay as of November 7, 2026, it is at the bottom of its recent range, which ran up to $1,499 on November 4, 2026. For a Hetfield signature with an all-mahogany build, that is a fair price.
What is the difference between the Snakebyte and a standard Explorer?: The Snakebyte is Hetfield's modified Explorer shape with a set mahogany neck and 24 frets. A standard Explorer typically has 22 frets and a different neck profile.
How many frets and strings does it have?: It is a 6-string, right-handed guitar with 24 frets and a 4/4 size.
What woods is it made of?: The body, top, back and neck are all mahogany, which gives a warm, mid-heavy tone.
When is the Snakebyte cheapest?: Its lowest recent price was $1,099 on November 7, 2026, against a high of $1,499 on November 4, 2026. Watch for drops toward that low.
Where is the ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar cheapest?: At eBay, for $1,099.00, 27% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar?: Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 51 ratings.
Where can I buy the ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar?: 10 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Crutchfield, Music & Arts.

Stores we've priced the ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar at

Crutchfield deals and prices
Guitar Center deals and prices
Sam Ash Direct deals and prices

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Qty. Frets

Size

Wood Type (neck)

MahoganySource

Wood Type (front)

MahoganySource

Wood Type (back)

MahoganySource