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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
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What kind of tone can I expect from the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless?
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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.
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Is the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless affect playability?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless?
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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.
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Does the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless does not come with a case or gig bag. These items are sold separately.
Videos
Chris Chesna
ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass
Reviews
PROS
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Eye-catching spalted Maple top; unique and visually appealing
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Lightweight for a full-body five-string bass
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Fast-playing, thin five-piece neck with satin finish
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Punchy and bright tone, rare for fretless basses
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Comes with roundwound strings for a modern sound out of the box
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Pickups offer a full, beefy tone with excellent sustain
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Responsive EQ allows precise tone shaping
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Solid construction; feels durable and well-made
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Affordable price point for a quality fretless bass
CONS
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Heavy instrument; may be uncomfortable for some players
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Some units experience buzzing and rattling on lower strings
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Fretboard may wear with roundwound strings; flatwounds recommended
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Tuners may not hold tune as well as other brands
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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
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The satin finish is praised for its aesthetic appeal and comfortable feel during play.
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Features and functionality
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The B string maintains a good feel despite the 34” scale length, suitable for achieving lower tones in metal.
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The preamp, while providing a strong output, could offer a stronger signal; however, it is adequate for general use.
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The ESP B-205SM comes with ESP SB pickups and a 3-band EQ, which deliver versatile tones at an affordable price point.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the Sterling Ray 34, the tone of the B-205SM is described as somewhat bland but can be enhanced with tone modeling.
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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.
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User experience
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Players appreciate the compact feel of the five-string model, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on size or playability.
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Use cases and applications
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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