ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Demo/Review || The Best V LTD Have Ever Done?!

When I first started playing guitar, like most metalheads, I went through a phase of only playing Metallica riffs... exclusively. So this demo track was so fun to do. The first time I picked up the vulture, I wasn't exactly in love with it, but the more I played it the more it grew on me. The sound, the look, the playability... it's pretty awesome to play. And yes, there's a typo. Price should read: $1199, not $399.
Get LTD Hetfield Vulture here in the US: bit.ly/2r3onTo
And for my International friends: www.thomannmus...
Download the Demo Song "Broken Heroes" here: / agufish
0:25 Demo in a Mix
4:43 My Thoughts
7:54 Dirty Playthrough
8:28 Clean Playthrough
Signal Chain/Get the Gear:
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture bit.ly/2r3onTo
EMG James Hetfield JH "Het Set" www.thomannmus...
ISP Decimator Noisegate amzn.to/1Px8CHZ
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer amzn.to/1M9H5xO
Boss CE-2 www.thomannmus...
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier goo.gl/4aqeW6
Two Notes Torpedo Live www.thomannmus...
Apogee One amzn.to/1Pxd2hT
Dunlop Jazz III Picks amzn.to/1RkYXmn
Cleartone Strings amzn.to/1Ry5UQf
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Settings:
Volume: 3
Presence: 4
Treble: 6
Mid: 4
Bass: 6
Gain: 4
Subscribe for more guitar gear video things by clicking this thingy here: goo.gl/LyFvGW
Mixed by Pad: [e-mail]
Connect With Me!
Patreon: / agufish
Website: agufish.wordpre...
Facebook: / agufishmusic
Twitter: / agufish
Instagram: / agufish
ESP LTD James Hetfield Vulture Demo/Review || The Best V LTD Have Ever Done?!

[@agufish]

LTD + V + EMG Het Set = Yas? Also I'm dumb. Price should read $1199. Thanks to absolutely everyone that's corrected me lol. I wish it were only 400 bucks too..

[@bhaveshbele308]

no yas it's YEAH!!!!!

[@bradrogers3033]

if it was 400$ I would have one.

[@jpg12315]

brad rogers I would have 3!!!

[@Kris_94]

Darn it, and i was about to hop on it too 😂

[@darthpalagus3820]

Yeah, I was just gonna comment on that, until I seen that you had already corrected yourself, lol!

[@jdr214]

Papa Het would be proud of those downstrokes

[@VforBieber21]

Idk if it was just me but that clean section sounded really Metallica. Like master of puppets album Metallica

[@agufish]

Haha yep! EMG neck, a little bit of chorus and there's your Metallica clean section.

[@sixbrokeneggs]

every song he plays is a metallica song just different

[@landonbailey]

If I had $399 for evertyime a guitar was actually $1199! 😉😃 I don't know what my point was. 😊 oh and awesome demo as always!

[@300WINMAG360]

I normally only like artist models if they are really subtle and the average music fan wouldn't recognize it... that being said, I WANT THIS ONE

[@nononoyeseyeses7647]

Pitdog360 yes same

[@fredriksvard2603]

Pitdog360 the vulture inlay ruins it

[@kurtbaechler9696]

@@fredriksvard2603 I agree. The snakebyte and vulture inlays are hideous. I don't know what the fuck james was thinking.

[@ash-hj3mw]

Fredrik Svärd i agree but the rest of the guitar is eye opening HAHA

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

$399.99 for this!? NO WAY... I'll take two Edit: Oh wait. Wrong price. Agufish, you so dumb. LOL

[@Skablin_]

Haha I wish that was only 400 bucks!

[@agufish]

I'm so so so dumb lol :(

[@beef198513]

Christian C if it was only $400, I'd definitely be picking it up very soon! thanks for the demo Hunter! I enjoy every video

[@Skablin_]

Agufish haha, the demo definitely makes up for it though

[@Yohahn]

here it's like 999 XD

[@GhostHand7]

demo was a great metallica-esque homage. really dig this guitar. first Sig model ive considered buying.

[@agufish]

Thanks dude! Some signature models are actually pretty cool if they're not just a regular model with horrible graphics and the artist's name on them lol.

[@GhostHand7]

Agufish right. and some are just so tied to the artist you can't make it your own like wylde audio and dean MLs. even the snakebyte is too hetfield. the vulture feels more subtle even though it's an exaggerated V.

[@Bbh4535]

Your channel has come a long way since this video, I can just tell that by the introduction, love the demo song!! We need more of this!

[@Luke_Person1234]

It would be cool to get different colours/styles of the guitar, kinda like his Snakebyte Explorer🤘🏻

[@thanepetroff4414]

I think this is the best review you have ever done. I want one of these. Keep up the good work. That track you made is killer!!!!

[@LukeCannotSkate]

Never been into the Snakebyte, but that look with the altered corners etc. fits the V perfectly, love this model. And I can tell the little Hetfield in you took over in this video haha

[@agufish]

Haha, yeah I agree with you on the Snakebite. It's pretty whacky, and the guitar looks massive as well. And yes, I may have let little Hatfield take over the song-writing for this one lol

[@mateuszbok4466]

That's some epic playing right there, was a pleasure to listen!

[@agufish]

It was a lot of fun to write a Metallica-esque tune, so I'm glad you enjoyed it man!

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

Great review (as always). You asked why did ESP do this with the 14" radius over the 12"? Because, unless you're in a country or blues band, 12" radius sucks on a guitar. I bought a M1000 a few years back and loved everything about the guitar but couldn't get used to playing anything fast above the 10th fret. I couldn't figure it out until I realized it wasn't a compound radius. I sold it in less than a month. I have a large guitar collection (I've been playing 30+ years) so I've got a strat, a tele, an SG, a Les Paul, etc. They're great for "that" kind of playing. But if you want to blast some metalcore (or Taylor Swift) a radius in the 14" and up department just plays smoother. That's why so many guys shred the Ibanez, Jackson, etc. range. Personally, I think Schecter has been making my favorite guitars for the last decade or so. Just my two pennies. Keep up the great work.

[@dougwalkerenthusiast4078]

Do a demo on the snakebyte sometime in the future please. great video as always.

[@mctwishvonnoodles9793]

A matte V with EMGs? I am THERE! I love James' clean tones and I'm glad that this sounds very similar to his. However, I don't like his new live tone. His last good live tone was in the 90s, before Madly In Anger with the World. But you made his guitar sound better than him! The only thing I wish for is a 24 fret model, lol

[@PsychoMantis308]

anything with Hetfield's name on it is awesome. I have a Het Set in my EC400vf and they sound much better than the Seymour Duncan 59/JB it use to have

[@christisgod3354]

One of the most badass looking guitars in the history of history.

[@low_e_music]

Sounds absolutely incredible, your best demo yet!

[@iliana_b]

this is the perfect metal guitar. I hope you kept it!

[@jvm30]

Fire video bro. Just decided to buy this ltd vulture, saved $400 buying a demo version. $399.99? Damn, a new one cost $1600 now. OmG. But bro, the riffs in this video are so heavy. I fn love it. Can't wait to have this guitar. Love your videos bro ❤

[@guitarvs.physics5473]

You my fried have made the best review of this guitar on KZbin and I finally know what it sounds like.

[@TobyKBTY]

I remember trying a Het Set in a white Snakebyte and they completely transformed this little laney combo into a hot, devilish monster. Sure, nothing like a 5150 or recto but the gain was tighter and more aggressive and the thing had attitude for days. That was a great pickup set.

[@waldotorres8600]

That moment when youre just a few clicks away to buy this amazing 400 dollar guitars but then realize is actually 1400 dollars

[@agufish]

LOL guys I'm sorry!!!

[@nononoyeseyeses7647]

Yesss. I was actually going online to buy it then saw the price

[@johnnythepillpopper1974]

So was I

[@LewisCreamer]

around 2:15, I can imagine that soft dual-melody being in the next 'tallica album, could be, should be, I want it to be but in E standard interpretation of that y'know? Pretty cool man. Been a fan of your channel for couple years.

[@rendyandrian7149]

I love this track. Your tone and composition is very Metallica, yet the song still sound like you. Nice one Hunter.

[@steakiefrags1866]

such amazingly clear pickups

[@namenickyolo359]

I fucking love your vid, quality as fuck. keep it up. Also can you do a review of 2017 HP flying v gibson? Q & A: Would you ever do a gaming channel? like a separate channel?

[@v4ld3r5]

I confirm those pickups are wayy too hot. Owned them a couple of years ago, fit in a Gibson Flying V. They were so hot that thought I screwed up the installation! as wasn't able to get a good clean sound...until I learnt to roll vol down doh! Not the best choice for versatility, but for an axe purposed for metal are the best

[@YeOldeMachine]

I love that shape. Never caught my eye much while browsing the interwebs, but seeing someone hold it...its like a cross between a flying v and a king v with beveled edges and in satin black. awesome. That's a lot of guitar for $400! *facepalm*

[@zoidasteire]

great sound agufish!!!!

[@egioch]

first time in all the reviews this awesome looking guitar has a decent tone, good job

[@Onionwizardr]

I think that this is the best sounding song so far. Good work Hunter and Pad!

[@dalepal]

Excellent demo. For $1199 they should include the straplocks.

[@Snoopaloop1981]

Dale Palmer look on guitar centers website. I got my snakebyte through there and it was ltd uet listed the esp hardware. If its the same.scenario, I got them to install strap locks for free lmao.

[@mondragon9282]

I am a Jackson rhoads V guy (have 3, going for number 4 this year), but this is another V I'll definitely be adding to my collection. I have the het set in my ec1000, and they are killer. Cant wait for another guitar with those pickups!

[@HellaSooner]

thanks man! your vids make me smile. \m/

[@thebeardedramper8303]

those pups are sick. got'em in my Les Paul and love'em.

[@tylercooper3727]

Man I played this at guitar center... absolutely just amazing wish I could have the guitar. The feeling of the body is fuck awesome

[@axelytreberg2364]

Those pickups sound fucking amazing... i gotta get them

[@mikev2862]

I'm getting a disposable heroes vibe from your demo on this

[@peterfabian1415]

I love how the headstock looks like a vultures beak. Metal as fuck

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

I had played an LTD Snakebyte last week, and though a big part of my playing-style comes from Hetfield and Hammett, and my practice-regime consisted out of a lot of MetallicA for years, I didn't really "glue" with it for some reason. - The fretboard/neck felt a bit edgy (literally, the edge was kinda poke-y), and I had a hard time fretting for some reason. - To be fair, it might not have been set up well as a demo/showroom-model and perhaps I wasn't that warmed up. - And... maybe I shouldn't be trying to sit Classical style with a friggin' explorer, but still... - It didn't feel worth 1000+ Euros. The Vulture is one cool-ass V that I'm still somewhat considering, but only if it were significantly cheaper. - Then again, I tend to steer clear of signature-products. They can work for me occasionally, but it's still "their" thing. And I'm not a teenaged fanboy of artists anymore to buy it "as a fan". That said, again, I appreciate signature products that have a new twist to them, such as most (if not all) of Hetfield's signature products. - His latest guitars, the pickups, his picks (which I've used for a few years, but am now going to replace).

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Just to add something useful, if I had to give critique on this guitar (for me personally); I also like the shape, being a bit more of an off-set (or asymmetrical) type, as I personally prefer the Rhoads V over a symmetrical V as well. The bevels and such are indeed a nice touch. Gives a cool modernistic Metal look. - I also like the placement of the controls, I notice now, which is (almost) the way I would put them on a guitar (the switch could still be closer to the "playing area" for me). So I like the fact that the switch is closest and the knobs more towards the "back". Which way around the volumes are... I tend to prefer a single master volume anyway, so I would probably re-wire that. - But I guess James likes to have them individual either to control the gain or to do the killswitch-thingy... On the more negative side; It's too bad there's no straight string-pull at the headstock and it's also not "reversed" for the sake of string-length/stability. There doesn't seem to be great upper fret access to even reach the 22nd fret easily (and I personally prefer 24 most of the time, but that aside). And though I think the EMG "Het Set" is a cool addition, being like a passive-inspired 81/60-combo, I'm not a big fan of the grind-y sizzle-y sound it has. - I might have to replace it if I used it for more than recent MetallicA. Speaking of hardware; I'd have to replace the standard bridge with one with roller-saddles, because my Hetfield-inspired string-punching destroys strings on those regular pointy saddles. :P Just saying; A lot about it would need to change for it to justify the price. Guitars are very personal. Is it worth it in general?... Perhaps... I suppose the quality is good, but you're probably also paying some for both the company's and artist's names. Overall, still seems like a great product. It indeed does look like a very uniform and well-designed instrument. Cause I do like the straightforward and no-nonsense approach of it. It just always comes down to preference and usability. Any common guitar-player who has this has a great instrument, though. As for the logo/emblem on the headstock... You might know this, but just so you know, it's probably by James' preference because of how he's into cars and such. I mean, he likes to make logos and emblems look like those on vehicles. - I kinda like it, but it's just the chrome color that makes it look a little "off". At least when it's in a bright white light, which it will of course reflect.

[@agufish]

Dude, props for having some of the most detailed, well-thought out comments I've seen on KZbin.

[@slashthesampo]

Holy shieet! I have to get this guitar. There are all the features I like. V-shape, het-set, volume knob and toggle switch position, thin-U neck shape. Only thing I would change would be the colour. Satin white would be awesome.

[@Saint9101]

I think you messed up the pricing in the video, no way this is $399.99. Great demo tho!

[@agufish]

I'm really dumb lol :(

[@jackattack8044]

Came for the review, stayed for the song. This tune rocked man, keep it up.

[@agufish]

Thanks man! It was a ton of fun putting together this kind of Metallica tribute so I'm glad you liked it!

[@correcteur_orthographique]

Hello ! Great videos and great job. I like your videos. One question. Will you review the snakebyte too ? Cheers from France.

[@Lordraven29]

I believe the neck radius difference between the ltd and ESP signature models is because it makes it easier for people to play. Especially younger players with smaller hands. At least that's what I've been told when I emailed them.

[@hart1090]

Pretty awesome! I prefer the explorer shape over the V, but both are sweet guitars.

[@Mandilore89]

2:10 - 3:37 Sounds JUST like something old school Iced Earth would sound like!

[@JamesDavis-mm2mi]

Hello there. Another man of culture as well

[@johnnyjones7796]

great demo and playing!

[@MartyDadRiffs]

The Puppets-esque interlude was very well done. Great stuff, as always.

[@fanboy154]

fuck man, every time i watch your guitar reviews, it makes me wanna blast my money on more guitars...why do u sound so convincing

[@agufish]

hahaha it's not me, man. the guitars speak for themselves :)

[@luispaxtor2680]

Great tone, both distorted and clean!

[@rydertilidyer1136]

I like your videos before I even watch them ha. I already know your videos are gonna be badass so I just go ahead and press like

[@Themis781]

Great Demo dude...\m/...I love this guitar...great review man...\m/

[@danwalters4467]

Great review!!! I have been waiting for you to review this one. Did it need a major set up out of the box?

[@agufish]

Nope! I played it as it came.

[@dimlight2]

Excellent review, i see you're a Liverpool fan, you'll never walk alone!! Wanted to ask, When you receive the guitar, do you change the strings and if so what string gauge and brand do you use? Cheers.

[@agufish]

+dimlight2 YNWA!! Usually not, since most of them come with decent D'Addarios, but for my own guitars on amp/pickup demos and stuff I prefer Cleartone 9s

[@metallixro]

James favorite guitar nowadays. Also this guitar is 1500+ $$$ in Europe :(

[@agufish]

It's 1199 in the US, I just messed up the copy-paste from the last video lol

[@JohnPArgueta]

Hey man. That's pretty badass playing you got going on there. I've seen a few of your vids now and you can not only jam tight but you are articulate and concise with your words. Kudos to you. Now, what do you think of the satin finish and fingerprints and smudges? Is it apparent after a playing session?

[@4572dk]

How about a Jackson Marty Friedman Sig? It is pretty Les Paul-y. Also Metallica vs Megadeth and Why (hint there is only one correct answer)

[@arando4359]

Dhruv Kotecha Metallica all the way

[@4572dk]

Megadeth for me

[@Iron883Man]

Two years ago I would have said Megadeth hands down...but the last 'tallica album honestly destroys the last few Megadeth albums with ease. Could be a subjective thing because Metallica sucked for a long time and now they finaly released something good again. Megadeth is pretty much on the same (very decent) level for quite some time now and they haven't really been able to surprise the past decade. :D

[@jippyflapthorp9486]

He did it... 700 bucks, and (respectfully) doesn't care for the lacklustre pickups, or the poor fit and finish. Het for the win (as if it were a competition)! 🤘

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Dhruv Kotecha ..Megadeath

[@jazrulfuad]

The LTD DV8 R is pretty awesome as well.

[@JCavLP]

Lmao that sounded like meshuggah bleed in the beginning

[@agufish]

Haha! So it does.

[@dangerpowers4582]

It reminded me of Disposable Heros.

[@smittywerbenjaegermanjense8595]

Is there any chance of a review of the semi-new Synyster Gates Custom models? Every review I can find seems to be insanely biased, great video btw keep up the good work

[@yoitsmegabe]

14" radius is even better for me, more bends without fretting out at lower action.

[@Likzzzzzzzzz]

Intro sounded like disposable heroes, the clean sounded somewhat like harvester of sorrow, the solo sounded like master of puppets

[@gwildor]

That's a sick rhythm tone 👌

[@amitsapir2]

big like on the composition! very Metallica style!

[@chrisdaniel6502]

You need a soap opera intro with that haze around the edges. lol

[@samsaunders8168]

This guitar makes me wanna sell everything I own to have it in my hands. So cool!

[@appacana]

Damn it ! I thought ita really $399! The guitar sounds good man

[@haydenboisvert3738]

Damn when I saw 399 I was like that's the best deal ever. My would became crushed when I read 1199 😫

[@DR31D]

I can tell you were going for some real Metallica vibes in the guitar tones. nice job man! \m/

[@benben-sl7hi]

Looks just like Michael Amotts “Ninja” when he used to be with esp only with a different headstock.

[@Chrosa]

Killer Riffs man. What did you do to practice and work on your downpicking/metal chugs? Also I enjoyed that In the Blues KZbinr group stream last night how about you? haha

[@nacktheslayer9882]

Chris Saintmire I learned Metallica and slayer riffs. Get a good distortion and start riffing. The only way to practice it is too do it.

[@Chrosa]

I have the fullbore metal pedal, but to be honest i get most of my chunky tone from drop tuning and the MXR Customer badass OD. I get a good Mastodon tone off of that.

[@xklopan]

I love Hets sigs, never tried a V though I'm more on an Explorer/LP style guy. The nut looks really badly cut on this though. Love the EMG het set pickups musical yet aggressive, ive had no issues getting clean sounds with them. Cheers for the review :)

[@agufish]

FWIW, I didn't find any real issues with the nut. It's not perfect like on ESPs, but nothing that causes any problems. And I agree, I'm an LP guy all the way haha!

[@CrossGuardMania]

Badass thrash demo man

[@agufish]

Thanks man!

[@guitarstalkandtech9085]

Love the drum tracks. Do you make these yourself and if you do, what do you use to make these awesome beats??? Or any tips

[@agufish]

I don't do them all from scratch because that's super time-consuming. I just find the EZDrummer 2 stock beats that fit the groove the most and modify them until it fits the best in my head :)

[@guitarstalkandtech9085]

Agufish Ok awesome man, keep making videos. Your the best at making reviews!

[@AnnaAnnaYes]

Go ahead with it Mr Hetfield!!

[@realtommyfebruary670]

Esp did a good job with this one.

[@DJ-mk5ln]

Its cool I love LTD V shape guitars and others that have cool designs on them like the Devil Girl guitar by LTD. I want that guitar soooo badly 😍💝🎸

[@christopherblair6636]

good review !

[@nicolasortiz5534]

You give great reviews

[@agufish]

Thanks man!

[@tallica8145]

Hey mate, know you are busy, would you recommend this guitar or the Ltd iron cross. I’m undecided as to what one to get. Never owned a V so I am leaning towards the vulture.

[@GreeNHorneTBluE]

Fucking sweet demo

[@Firey50]

Badass guitar and video.

[@winterhisagi2921]

Have you ever played an Alexi Laiho V? I used to be a big Children Of Bodom fan and don't really listen to them anymore, but still love the look of his signatures. Also, thoughts on Dragon Ball Z?

[@fredriksvard2603]

Winter Hisagi the laiho v is one of the best guitars ive ever played, soo smooth and sounds soo good

[@patrickrooney5710]

it looks really cool and for that price point I would for sure consider one but it would depend on that angle where your right forearm rests because if it is too sharp then with the way I play it gives my hand pins and needles after about 30 minutes of playing but if the angle is enough it would rock I will have to go try to find one in stock to check it out sounds very cool! I wonder how it would sound on my Blackstar 20w ID:CORE

[@logan7053]

Hi Hunter! I am looking for a new amp to replace my Fender Mustang V2. I play mostly metal, but need good clean and heavy crunch for playing in church. I don't gig and don't need more than 20 watts, but I'm fine using attenuation. I'm fine with lunchbox amps and mid size amps like the EVH 5150 50 watt, but don't want a heavy 100 watter. The main contender right now is the EVH 5150 50 watt, but I am also looking at H&K and Blackstar. I can spend up to 1000 dollars for a head and don't mind buying a used amp that's more expensive new. Any suggestions? Also, would you rather learn to play sitar or banjo?

[@agufish]

+Logan Stroven H&K Tubemeister 40 Deluxe. Awesome on every channel, and probably my favorite lunchbox head currently on the market (at least from the ones I've tried). The Grandmeister 40 Deluxe looks good as well with built-in effects if you can snag one used for under a grand.

[@agufish]

+Logan Stroven And both! If I had the time I'd learn all the stringed instruments lol. Between the two I'd probably learn sitar first. It's so out there. Bring a sitar to a jam session and you take it to a whole new level haha!

[@Makron220]

Is there a possibility of you reviewing Ola Englund signature models? Or Dean Tyrant?

[@agufish]

+Makron220 I don't really have a relationship with either company unfortunately... :(

[@MrBoolee2112]

Review the Gibson Explorer hp or the Gibson V HP 2017 please! Can't find any decent reviews online for these in context with heavy music.

[@jasoncaballero8251]

Hey Agufish! Can you explain why you place your noise gate before your ts9 pedal and not after? Is there some benefit to have the noise gate first in the chain?

[@agufish]

Hey man! Well basically I just prefer to boost the cleanest signal coming from my guitar possible. I don't see much point in boosting a noisy signal and then cleaning it up. Seems like damage control to me lol.

[@wasiullahkhan7472]

hey agu, do a demo of the dave mustaine signature dean VMNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@YeOldeMachine]

Wasiullah Khan, that's an awesome looking V! so glad they don't put the ugly as fuck dean "v" headstock on the Mustaine models.

[@wasiullahkhan7472]

Adam Harmon ifkr!!!!!

[@thebigsicc293]

Ahh I need this so bad!!!

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

Instead of paying $15 for strap locks(that they didn't include on this $1200 guitar) you can go to Home Depot and grab a couple of big washers for like 50 cents total and you could hang by the strap and it'll never come off... just sayin'. ;0)

[@leocadena6844]

7 years later in sept. 2024 same guitar costs $1600!!

[@Nico082890]

Dude the intro reminded me of slayer then went to Metallica. It was sick

[@jpg12315]

yeah it would be awesome if you try the new Jackson Marty Friedman (the Les Paul type one) at least the affordable version... Also did you try a Chapman guitar yet?

[@agufish]

+jpg12315 my sources tell me the Marty Friedman won't be available until July :( And still talking to the Chapman guys. Fingers crossed they send me one!

[@jpg12315]

Agufish (Damm man I'm kind of excited you actually reply) It doesn't matter if it's until the end of the year but you have to do a video with the Friedman one or at least try the Chapman ghost fret (not your fave guitar but looks better than other models)

[@manarail7126]

NEED ONE. NOW. GIVE. NEED PRECIOUS

[@Likzzzzzzzzz]

I'm getting some disposable heroes vibes from this

[@Bogeyman19Was4BraindeadPeople]

Sounds incredible. Excellent playing.