ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar - Natural Satin

Looks amazing and really fun to play. The active preamp sounds amazing and you can dial in any tone. Very good for the price.

There’s good ice cream and bad ice cream, regardless of flavor, and the first thing you want to know is is this bad ice cream. No, this is good ice cream, although like most cheap instruments, it needs some set up work, in this case I even went in and cleaned up the neck joint a bit. The second thing you want to know in a review is what flavor is this? If a J bass is classic vanilla, and a P bass is chocolate, this ESP LTD B-205SM is vanilla soft serve. Vanilla because it doesn’t impart too much of its own character on the strings, and soft serve because it doesn’t have the thump and punch of a passive Fender, but instead is full and round and somewhat compressed sounding. A major competitor in active 5’s is the Yamaha TRBX305, which would be chocolate soft serve, having a lot more of the P bass character but not as much punch again. Which flavor is right for what you do? This bass might excel when you want a pure tone that is easy to manage, also a great platform for effects and amps that give their own character. Maybe the idea of a perfectly fine bass that lacks its own punch and character doesn’t appeal to you. I can’t answer that for you. Get them all? But it’s a beautiful instrument if you get one with nice spalting. I am amazed at how some people don’t know what spalting is and think the wood is rotted or something. Yes, but in a good way.

I have played a Rickenbacker my whole life, which I love, but I wanted to try a 5 string. I purchased an Ibanez but was very disappointed with it and sent it back. I ordered the ESP and could not be happier. It looks and sounds great, and the craftsmanship is what I would expect to pay for a much more expensive bass. The only thing I need to do is replace the strings and it will be perfect. I highly recommend this beautiful bass for the beginner, or seasoned player. Nice work ESP!

Happy with this bass so far. i deducted a star because it came poorly setup with action way too low and bridge not adjusted for proper intonation, but once i fixed that, it has been a good instrument. i use it weekly playing in a casual band and everyone likes the sound of it. I replaced the strings with flat wound and like them much better. [EDIT] 1 year later and the bass still sounds and looks great

I've owned two ESP B-205 models, one black that i bought used and this natural satin finish. The natural satin look is my favorite by far. The bass may need a little bit of set up out of the box to keep the lower frets from buzzing. Comes stung will good strings. But this thing is a beast. It's well made and heavy. It can definitely wear out your shoulder during a long live set. Just make sure to get a decently padded strap and you will get used to it. I've played this model with a metal band, a rock band and a jazz band. It's suitable to any style.

I have been playing this bass now for a good five months and I love it! I got an Ibanez Bass when I turned 15 and played it up till 5 months ago. Great bass but age was really setting in. 20+ years I have used it. So it was time. I have an ESP LTD Guitar and I love it so thought I’d go with a bass. Read reviews and nailed it to this one... ESP LTD B-205SM. I am so glad I picked it up. The sound can go from super clean to dirty slap. This was also me going from a 4-String to a 5-String. I wanted to challenge myself and I’m glad I did. I don’t use the low B string to much but I have it when I need it. If you’re in need of a new bass. I highly recommend this bass. I love it. I have so much fun playing it and it sounds amazing!

First off I'm not a bass player but I wanted one with some range as I like to play a lot of metal. Quality of the wood seems pretty great and it looks beautiful. Action is pretty low and not too much fret buzz. Lots of adjustment knobs that allow for a wide range of tone without any secondary effects. Most importantly... It will slap. Very satisfied.

I Brought this and it sucked. I sent it back and company claimed they didn't get it.

Guitar has just arrived about 20 minutes ago and it is perfect! The seller get A star for quick delivery. I ordered the guitar Tuesday evening and the guitar has arrived Friday morning. Considering this parcel is coming from Germany!!! The build quality and tone on this guitar are very good considering the low price! Great Guitar great seller!