Gallery
Description
Features
Warranty
Reviews
Q&A

Videos (2)

View Allarrow icon
Metallica's James Hetfield At Guitar Centerplay button

Metallica's James Hetfield At Guitar Center

ESP LTD James Hetfieldplay button

ESP LTD James Hetfield

ESP

collapse expand iconDescription

ESP guitars is proud to offer the LTD James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross SW, an instrument designed in collaboration with Metallica's legendary frontman and ready to make its own mark. This signature model captures Hetfield's angst and intensity with Iron Cross inlays, custom graphics finished in snow white and EMG JH humbuckers that roar. This limited-edition ax is for hard rock and metal guitarists seeking a bold look and sound.

Distinctive Esthetics Inspired by a Metal Icon

The Iron Cross SW is loaded with one-of-a-kind touches that pay homage to Hetfield, from its namesake inlay at the 12th fret to the black-on-white Iron Cross graphic. Its snow white finish provides a striking canvas, allowing each custom detail to shine through. These graphics make a statement that's sure to turn heads on stage.

EMG JH Humbuckers Deliver Signature Tone

This signature model is equipped with a pair of EMG JH humbucking pickups personally designed by Hetfield to capture the tone that has become synonymous with his playing. These active humbuckers are voiced to combine clarity and articulation with the high-output gain and distortion that metal guitarists crave. From thrashing rhythms to searing leads, the EMG JH set empowers players with a wealth of aggressive tones.

Resonant Wood and Premium Components

The Iron Cross SW starts with a foundation of mahogany, a dense, resonant tonewood used in countless classic instruments. Its mahogany body is topped with maple, which adds articulation and focus. A smooth ebony fretboard crowns the mahogany neck for effortless playability. Premium black hardware, including Grover tuners and a TonePros tune-o-matic bridge, provides exceptional tuning stability and sustain.

Road-Ready and Protected

A rugged gig bag is included to keep the Iron Cross SW safe on the road or at home. Its durable, padded exterior shields the instrument from impacts and the elements, while generously sized compartments inside offer storage for accessories. This premium gig bag provides peace of mind, allowing guitarists to transport their signature ax with confidence.

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross Electric Guitar Snow White
ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross Electric Guitar Snow White
ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Iron Cross Electric Guitar Snow White

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Set-neck construction
  • 24.75" scale
  • Mahogan body
  • Maple top
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • 42 mm standard nut
  • Thin U neck contour
  • 22 XJ frets
  • EMG JH Signature set (B & N) active pickups
  • Vol/Vol/Tone/Toggle Switch
  • Black hardware
  • LTD locking tuners
  • TonePros tune-o-matic bridge & tailpiece
  • Case included

collapse expand iconWarranty

Limited lifetime warranty on all guitars.
One year warranty on parts and electronics.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.1

20 Reviews

77%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Great guitar
Great guitar
Hetfield knows whats best \m/
this guitar is just amazing!!!

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Hetfield knows whats best \m/

Unreal guitar.. Beautiful white with awesome striping and Iron Cross on tail. The Het-Set pickups are chunky and perfect for those metal based rifs. Fret board feels awesome, jumbo frets make playing so easy. Neck is fast. Locking tuners are great. Over all a beautiful guitar that is worth every penny.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

I just got USA Fender (same price but better) not close!

Love Metallica, wish they made this in USA, maybe next gen. Got one but had to have it worked (fret buzz, action). Could be great if you get a good one. QC not 100%, luck of the draw I guess. But yeah, it is a sweet ride if price not a consideration. My Gibson SG Standard was probably my best overall distortion-based guitar, this was awesome too ja. Price is way too high, hence the lower rating. Got a Fender HSS Strat (USA) OOB and it was perfect.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming11
  2. Recording8
  3. Practicing7
  4. School Bands7
  5. Rock Concerts6
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz4
  2. Craftsmanship2
  3. Poor Pick Up1
  4. None!1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced8
  2. Novice4
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Fun To Play11
  2. Good Pick Up11
  3. Solid Electronics11
  4. Good Feel10
  5. Good Tone10

Reviewed by 20 customers

  • Would Buy Again

    2

    submitted8 months ago

    byLucas

    fromMitchell, SD

    As the tirle suggests, I would buy this again. But definitely not from the closest Guitar Center.. Or wherever I keep getting my instruments from. This is number 3 that I've bought online that came with some sort of issue.

  • Awesome Guitar, Not fully as advertised

    4

    submitted5 years ago

    bySthomp4177

    fromSmithsburg MD

    Overall, I am very pleased with the guitar itself. Look and feel of the guitar are top notch. Sound is unbelievable. My only complaint was that this did not come with the case as advertised. Packaging was not great, considering the price of the guitar (bubble wrap and packing peanuts). Customer service was less than helpful, saying that I should have received case, and that they would have to do a trace before they can issue me a case. Guitar itself I would recommend. Only rated a 4 because of not getting what I paid for, then having to wait an additional ten days to get a resolution.

  • I just got USA Fender (same price but better) not close!

    3

    submitted5 years ago

    byThe Philly Stevemeister

    fromPhiladelphia PA

    Love Metallica, wish they made this in USA, maybe next gen. Got one but had to have it worked (fret buzz, action). Could be great if you get a good one. QC not 100%, luck of the draw I guess. But yeah, it is a sweet ride if price not a consideration. My Gibson SG Standard was probably my best overall distortion-based guitar, this was awesome too ja. Price is way too high, hence the lower rating. Got a Fender HSS Strat (USA) OOB and it was perfect.

  • Amazing Guitar!!

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byHetfield Doppelgänger

    fromSpringfield, Missouri

    Just got this guitar today and been playing it for hours! Came setup from the manufacturer. Just had to tune it a bit. Played a few Metallica songs to test the tone and was blown away! I can also play blues on it as well. Cannot find any flaws as of yet. No fret buzz. Neck is solid and straight. Pickups are at the right height. I cannot put it down! Best purchase I have made and would do it all over again. This is the only guitar I will ever need. If you have doubts, get it. You will not be disappointed. Papa Het knows what's up.

  • Great guitar

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byNER0

    fromBentonia MS

    Great guitar. Aggressive HetSet pickups awesome feel great neck not too heavy not too light. Best case I've ever owned.

  • Buzzzzzzz... :-(

    1

    submitted8 years ago

    byOG Metal Head

    fromNovato, CA

    My family bought this for me for my 50th Birthday -- cool right? Unfortunately, the guitar has SEVERE fret buzz on the 6th string. I just returned from my 3rd visit to Guitar Center to try and have it repaired (they have been very helpful trying to fix it, but now they are beyond "normal adjustments" and charging me). Something is wrong with these guitars. I see a lot of people are having the same issues after Googleing it. Bummer. I live here in Novato, CA and if I see James I'm going to give him an ear full -- Haha. Having to return your 50th Birthday present sucks man. \m/

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byLogan t

    fromStillwater, NY

    Why is there two toggle switches, one in top left, and one in bottom right?

    Why is there two toggle switches, one in top left, and one in bottom right?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The one by the tone/ volume knobs is the pickup selector switch. The one on the upper bout, by the neck is a "dummy switch" that isn't attached to anything.

  • submitted6 years ago

    asked byBig Boss

    fromMerced, CA

    You stated above the guitar was made in the USA, but from what I've seen, it is made in Japan. Which is it, and can you show it on the guitar?

    You stated above the guitar was made in the USA, but from what I've seen, it is made in Japan. Which is it, and can you show it on the guitar?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Actually, it's made in South Korea. They used to build these in the US, but within the last year or two they moved production to South Korea.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byMax

    fromLos Angeles

    is hard case included?

    is hard case included?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Yes, the case is included
    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Yes, the case is included

  • submitted8 years ago

    asked byWayne

    fromSOUTH CAROLINA

    Where is it made

    Where is it made

    Open Reply - Ronald
    This guitar was originally made in the U.S. but they have since moved production to South Korea.

  • submitted8 years ago

    asked byGuitar guy

    fromMorgantown WV

    What kind of warranty comes with this guitar?

    What kind of warranty comes with this guitar?

    Open Reply -
    This guitar comes with a lifetime warranty.

  • submitted8 years ago

    asked byBrian

    fromKY

    Does this have stainless steel frets?

    Does this have stainless steel frets?

    Open Reply -
    This guitar does not have stainless steel frets.