Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (5)
$699.00
Amazon
4.4 (147)
$699.00
Reverb
4.0 (5)
$699.00 New
$559.20 Used
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$699.00
Thomann
4.5 (50)
$652.00 $648.00 $4.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your bass playing with the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless, a 5-string powerhouse that blends premium features with accessibility. This bass is a perfect choice for musicians eager to explore the nuanced world of fretless instruments without breaking the bank. The ash body, topped with a striking spalted maple, provides a unique aesthetic that complements its rich tonal qualities. The natural satin finish not only showcases its eye-catching design but also enhances the tactile experience, making it comfortable to play all night long.

At the core of the B-205SM's impressive sound is its bolt-on 5-piece maple neck, featuring ESP's Extra-Thin "U" profile, which ensures smooth playability and a responsive feel. The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and depth to the tone, while the 24 fret markers serve as a guide to navigate the fretless landscape with precision.

Equipped with dual humbucking pickups and a powerful 3-band active EQ, this bass offers a versatile palette of sounds, from deep, resonant lows to articulate mids and cutting highs. Whether you're laying down grooves in a studio session or rocking out on stage, the B-205SM delivers clarity and presence that cuts through any mix. The robust LTD BB-604 bridge with a string-through-body design further solidifies its status as a reliable instrument for any bassist looking to push boundaries.

Key Features:

  • 5-string bolt-on neck with an Extra-Thin "U" profile
  • Spalted maple top with a natural satin finish
  • Dual SB-5N and SB-5B humbuckers with 3-band active EQ
  • Ash body for enhanced tonal characteristics
  • LTD BB-604 bridge with string-thru-body design
  • 24 fret markers for easy navigation on a fretless fingerboard

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape ESP B Series
Body Material Ash with Spalted Maple
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Jatoba
Neck Shape Extra Thin U
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Material Roasted Jatoba
Fingerboard Inlay 12th fret inlay
Number of Frets Fretless (24)
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.771"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece LTD BB-605 string-thru
Tuners LTD
Neck Pickup ESP Designed SB-5N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP Designed SB-5B Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x balance, 3-band Active EQ
Strings D'Addario 45-125
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless?

The ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless offers a warm, rich tone with a smooth, responsive feel, thanks to its fretless design and ESP Designed SB-5N and SB-5B humbuckers. The 3-band Active EQ allows for versatile tone shaping, suitable for various genres from jazz to rock.

Is the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless is a high-quality instrument, its fretless nature might present a learning curve for beginners. It's better suited for players with some experience looking to explore the unique tonal possibilities of a fretless bass.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless affect playability?

The ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless features an Extra Thin U neck profile, which offers a comfortable grip and fast playability, ideal for players who prefer a slim neck for quick movements across the fretboard.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless?

The ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless features an ash body with a spalted maple top, a 5-piece maple/jatoba neck, and a roasted jatoba fingerboard, providing a balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.

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

No, the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless does not come with a case or gig bag. These items are sold separately.

Chris Chesna

Chris Chesna

ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass

Video thumbnail for ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass by Chris Chesna

ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass

Chris Chesna

Chris Chesna

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD B-205SM FL Five String Fretless Bass Guitar Review - Alan Harwood Collection 26 by Darren Lock Music

ESP LTD B-205SM FL Five String Fretless Bass Guitar Review - Alan Harwood Collection 26

Darren Lock Music

Darren Lock Music

Video thumbnail for ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass by Chris Chesna

ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass

Chris Chesna

Chris Chesna

Reviews

PROS

  • Eye-catching spalted Maple top; unique and visually appealing

  • Lightweight for a full-body five-string bass

  • Fast-playing, thin five-piece neck with satin finish

  • Punchy and bright tone, rare for fretless basses

  • Comes with roundwound strings for a modern sound out of the box

  • Pickups offer a full, beefy tone with excellent sustain

  • Responsive EQ allows precise tone shaping

  • Solid construction; feels durable and well-made

  • Affordable price point for a quality fretless bass

CONS

  • Heavy instrument; may be uncomfortable for some players

  • Some units experience buzzing and rattling on lower strings

  • Fretboard may wear with roundwound strings; flatwounds recommended

  • Tuners may not hold tune as well as other brands

  • Truss rod access at heel can be inconvenient

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The satin finish is praised for its aesthetic appeal and comfortable feel during play.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The B string maintains a good feel despite the 34” scale length, suitable for achieving lower tones in metal.

    Source
  • The preamp, while providing a strong output, could offer a stronger signal; however, it is adequate for general use.

    Source
  • The ESP B-205SM comes with ESP SB pickups and a 3-band EQ, which deliver versatile tones at an affordable price point.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Sterling Ray 34, the tone of the B-205SM is described as somewhat bland but can be enhanced with tone modeling.

    Source
  • The B-205SM is noted to be similar to the Ibanez SR-505E, suggesting potential alternatives for buyers.

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  • Some users express frustration that LTD models, like the B-205SM, do not carry the ESP label unless they are premium instruments, affecting perceived quality.

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  • The Sire M2's 35" scale might be challenging for players accustomed to a 34" scale, like on the Fender Jazz.

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  • The Sire M2 is noted for its versatile electronics with a passive bypass and parametric mid control, unlike the more standard active EQ of the ESP.

    Source

User experience

  • Players appreciate the compact feel of the five-string model, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on size or playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Musicians find the string spacing and neck width of the B-205SM perfect for comfortable play, especially when transitioning from guitar to bass.

    Source
  • The ESP B-205SM is recommended for metal and funk, with tapewound strings suggested for a brighter sound that is kind to the fingerboard.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Factory fretless basses like the ESP B-205SM have thicker fretboards to better withstand string wear, improving longevity.

    Source

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