Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$699.00 $649.00 $50.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (17)
$699.00 $649.00 $50.00
Amazon
4.4 (147)
Musician's Friend
4.0 (11)
$699.00 $649.00 $50.00
zZounds
5.0 (11)
$699.00
Thomann
4.5 (40)
$652.00 $648.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $657

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "ESP 5 String Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For bassists eager to explore advanced soundscapes without breaking the bank, the ESP 5 String Bass offers a harmonious blend of affordability and professional quality. This instrument features a striking spalted maple top paired with an ergonomic ash body, giving it not only aesthetic appeal but a resonant, focused low end. The bolt-on 5-piece maple and jatoba neck, coupled with an Extra-Thin "U" profile, ensures a comfortable grip and effortless playability across all 24 frets.

Equipped with SB-5 humbucking pickups and a robust 3-band active EQ, the ESP 5 String Bass empowers musicians to sculpt their sound with precision, whether in the studio or on stage. The string-through-body bridge design enhances sustain and tuning stability, making it a reliable partner for gigs and rehearsals alike. Complemented by sleek black nickel hardware, this bass stands out not just for its sound but also for its modern, eye-catching design.

This versatile instrument is a perfect choice for those who crave a dynamic range, from punchy mids to gnarly bite, all wrapped up in a robust and visually stunning package.

Key Features:

  • 5-string configuration with bolt-on neck
  • Spalted maple top with ash body for balanced tone
  • SB-5N and SB-5B humbuckers with 3-band active EQ
  • 5-piece maple/jatoba neck with Extra-Thin "U" profile
  • String-thru-body bridge for enhanced sustain
  • 24 frets with distinct markers for easy navigation
  • Black nickel hardware for a modern look

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model E-II J-5 QM Quilted Maple 5-String Bass
Finish Amber
Year 2010s
Made In Japan
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape J-Style
Color Family Yellow
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the ESP E-II J-5 QM Quilted Maple 5-String Bass?

The ESP E-II J-5 QM delivers a versatile sound with its active pickups and preamp, offering clear highs, punchy mids, and deep lows. The bass, mid, and treble boost/cut controls allow for precise tone shaping, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the ESP E-II J-5 QM suitable for players with smaller hands?

The ESP E-II J-5 QM features a J-style body and a relatively thin neck profile, which can be comfortable for players with smaller hands. However, as a 5-string bass, it does have a wider neck compared to 4-string models, which may require some adjustment.

How does the ESP E-II J-5 QM Quilted Maple handle lower frequencies?

The ESP E-II J-5 QM is equipped with active pickups and an active preamp, providing robust handling of lower frequencies. Its extended range is ideal for genres that benefit from deep bass tones, such as rock, metal, and jazz.

What are the standout features of the ESP E-II J-5 QM Quilted Maple's electronics?

The ESP E-II J-5 QM features active electronics with bass, mid, and treble boost/cut controls, allowing for detailed tone customization. The balance control helps blend the pickups for a balanced sound, making it highly versatile for different playing styles.

Is the ESP E-II J-5 QM Quilted Maple 5-String Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ESP E-II J-5 QM is well-suited for live performances due to its robust active electronics and versatile tone controls. Its clear and powerful sound projection makes it ideal for cutting through in a band setting.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP 5 String Bass.

Setup and maintenance

  • Setting the fingerboard nearly straight with low action enhances growl, critical for achieving a classic fretless sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Using the bridge pickup, boosting mids, and adding chorus and reverb enriches the electric fretless tone.

    Source
  • Ibanez SR655 is highlighted as surprisingly light compared to older Carvin models, maintaining a pleasing experience over several years of use.

    Source
  • LTD's classification system correlates model numbers with quality, with 400 series competing with higher-end instruments despite lower pricing.

    Source

User experience

  • A fretted version owner reports the preamp could be a weak link compared to other models, suggesting exploring pedal preamps for enhancement.

    Source
  • Despite small hands, some users find the ESP more comfortable than the Ibanez due to its slightly different neck profile and string spacing.

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  • An older LTD 5-string user notes it remains a reliable secondary bass, performing well over years of use and providing a self-playing feel.

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Comparisons

  • A user noted the B string on a 6-string version sounded poor, likening it to "plucking a metal pole".

    Source
  • The ESP LTD B205 is favored over the Ibanez SR505 by some for comfort and sound, despite the SR505 being heavier and having narrower string spacing.

    Source
  • Yamaha TRBX 505 is recommended alongside ESP and Ibanez for its slightly wider string spacing, neck feel, balance, and tonal variety.

    Source
  • ESP LTD B-155 DX is compared favorably to lower-end Fenders, offering better build quality and playability in the mid-to-lower price range.

    Source

Build quality

  • The ESP D5 is noted for its superior fit and finish, along with appealing aesthetics, making it a standout choice for some users.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Ibanez SR505 is commonly praised but acknowledged to be closer to $600, slightly above the original budget range discussed.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest upgrading stock LTD pickups for improved sound; electronics are often seen as the weakest link in ESP basses.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stephen Carpenter uses ESP 5 String Bass

Stephen Carpenter

Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Deftones - Needles and Pins" by Gilbert Velasquez, Stephen Carpenter is seen using an ESP 5 String Bass while performing "Needles and Pins" and "Xerces."

Album Usage

The ESP 5 String Bass has been featured on the following albums:

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