Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$699.00 $679.00 $20.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (17)
$699.00 $649.00 $50.00
Amazon
4.4 (147)
$649.00
Musician's Friend
4.0 (11)
$699.00
zZounds
5.0 (11)
$699.00
Thomann
4.5 (40)
$652.00 $648.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $671

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar is a dynamic blend of style, playability, and tonal versatility, perfect for musicians stepping into advanced bass territories. Sporting a stunning spalted maple top over a resonant ash body, this bass offers a warm yet cutting tone that fits comfortably in the mix of rock, metal, or fusion genres. Its 5-piece bolt-on neck combines maple and rosewood, featuring an extra-thin "U" profile that ensures effortless playability and a solid, responsive feel.

The B-205's robust ESP SB-5 pickups are designed to maintain clarity and warmth across all five strings, offering a broad tonal palette. Paired with a 3-band active EQ, this bass allows you to shape your sound precisely to fit any musical context, from punchy mids to focused lows. The sleek roasted jatoba fretboard with 24 XJ frets provides smooth navigation and extended melodic possibilities.

A string-through LTD BB-605 bridge anchors the B-205, enhancing sustain and resonance. Meanwhile, the black nickel hardware provides a sleek contrast to its natural satin finish, making this instrument as visually compelling as it is sonically impressive. With pro-level features at an entry-level price, the ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar is a standout choice for bassists seeking quality and performance without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with a 34" scale length
  • Spalted maple top with a resonant ash body
  • 5-piece maple/rosewood neck with extra thin "U" contour
  • Roasted jatoba fretboard with 24 XJ frets
  • ESP SB-5 neck and bridge humbuckers
  • 3-band active EQ with volume and balance controls
  • LTD BB-605 string-through-body bridge
  • Black nickel hardware for a sleek look

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape B Series
Body Material Ash body with Spalted Maple top
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Jatoba
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 13.7"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 24, Extra Jumbo
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.77"
Nut Material Molded Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece BB-605 String-through
Tuners LTD
Neck Pickup ESP Passive SB-5N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP Passive SB-5B Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x balance control, ABQ-3 Active EQ
Strings .045-.125
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar have?

The ESP LTD B-205 features ESP Passive SB-5N and SB-5B humbucker pickups, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the ESP LTD B-205 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the ESP LTD B-205 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable thin U neck profile and versatile tonal options, making it an excellent choice for those learning to play a 5-string bass.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar?

The ESP LTD B-205 features a thin U neck profile, which offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

How does the spalted maple top affect the sound of the ESP LTD B-205?

The spalted maple top on the ESP LTD B-205 adds a unique aesthetic and contributes to a balanced tone, enhancing the bass's overall brightness and sustain.

Does the ESP LTD B-205 come with a gig bag or case?

No, the ESP LTD B-205 does not come with a gig bag or case; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

Muktown Music Cafe

Muktown Music Cafe

LTD B-205 5 String Bass

Video thumbnail for LTD B-205 5 String Bass by Muktown Music Cafe

LTD B-205 5 String Bass

Muktown Music Cafe

Muktown Music Cafe

Reviews

PROS

  • Great sound quality with versatile tones for slap and finger play

  • Beautiful design with stunning spalted maple grain

  • Comfortable to play both sitting and standing

  • Active control provides nice bass and mid boost

  • Excellent craftsmanship, comparable to more expensive models

  • Solid construction with a well-balanced weight

  • Highly customizable for personal setup preferences

  • Broad tonal range suitable for multiple music styles

  • Good sustain and resonance right out of the box

CONS

  • Noisy pickups when boosting treble, causing audible hiss

  • Poor B-string quality compared to other strings

  • Stock strings are tense and may require replacement for better playability

  • Close string spacing can make slapping difficult for beginners

  • Requires frequent 9-volt battery changes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD B-205 5-string Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • The B-205SM has a smaller body than expected, making it comfortable to play, and its satin finish is highly praised for its look and feel.

    Source
  • The LTD B-205 is noted to be heavier than some Ibanez models, weighing around 11 lbs, which could affect comfort during long playing sessions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck of the B-205SM is noted for its comfort, and the B string performs well despite the standard 34” scale length.

    Source
  • The preamp in the B-205SM provides a stronger output signal and allows signal tweaking before reaching the amplifier, beneficial for various sound settings.

    Source
  • The LTD B-205 uses large frets, which might not suit players accustomed to smaller frets found on other brands like Ibanez.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's compared to the Ibanez SR-505E for similar feel and playability, suggesting potential alternatives for those shopping in this category.

    Source
  • Owners highlight that Ibanez models with Nordstrand pickups offer more character compared to the stock electronics in the LTD B-205.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The B-205SM is considered suitable for metal and as a learning instrument, especially for hobbyists or university band settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Users who have played both brands suggest that the LTD offers a different feel, implying a distinct playing experience compared to Ibanez.

    Source

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