Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$749.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (30)
$749.00
Amazon
4.4 (147)
$699.00
Reverb
$749.00 New
$400.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (33)
$749.00
Thomann
4.4 (51)
$679.00 $677.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $682

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "LTD B-206SM Spalted Maple 6 String Bass". 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

Step up your bass game with the ESP LTD B-206SM Spalted Maple 6-String Bass, a striking fusion of aesthetics and functionality designed for serious musicians. With a sleek satin-finished spalted maple top perched on an ash body, this bass not only delivers a stunning visual impact but also a warm, cutting tone that pierces through the mix. Whether you're laying down the low-end foundation in a rock band or exploring intricate jazz lines, this bass is built to handle it all with finesse.

The bolt-on 5-piece maple and jatoba neck, featuring a comfortable Thin "U" profile, provides a responsive and snappy playing experience. The 24 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard ensure smooth navigation across the 35" scale, allowing players to express their creativity without restraint.

Equipped with ESP SB-6 humbucking pickups and a 3-band active EQ, the B-206SM offers a versatile tonal palette that’s perfect for sculpting your sound in any musical context. The low-noise electronics are engineered for both stage and studio, providing clear amplification and precise sound reproduction. Add to that the stability of a string-through bridge and the moody elegance of black nickel hardware, and you’ve got a bass ready to rock any venue.

Key Features:

  • Ash body with a satin-finished spalted maple top
  • Bolt-on 5-piece maple and jatoba neck with Thin "U" profile
  • 24 extra-jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard
  • ESP SB-6 humbucking pickups with active 3-band EQ
  • String-through bridge and black nickel hardware
  • 35" scale length
  • Abalone dot inlays and ESP LTD tuners

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model B-206SM
Finish Natural Satin, See Thru Black Satin
Year 2019 - 2025
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Natural, Tan
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Jatoba
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What type of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD B-206SM for different music genres?

The ESP LTD B-206SM offers a versatile tonal range suitable for various genres. Its passive pickups and active preamp provide deep, punchy lows and clear highs, making it ideal for rock, metal, jazz, and funk.

Is the ESP LTD B-206SM suitable for beginners or more advanced players?

The ESP LTD B-206SM is well-suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its 6-string configuration and 24-fret neck, which may be challenging for beginners but offers extensive range and playability for experienced bassists.

What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD B-206SM?

The ESP LTD B-206SM features a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing comfortable playability and fast action, which is ideal for technical playing styles and extended range bass techniques.

How does the spalted maple top affect the sound of the ESP LTD B-206SM?

The spalted maple top primarily contributes to the visual appeal of the bass rather than its sound, offering a unique aesthetic. The tonal characteristics are more influenced by the ash body, which provides a balanced tone with clear mids and highs.

Does the ESP LTD B-206SM come with any specific hardware or electronics features?

Yes, the ESP LTD B-206SM includes an active preamp with 3-band EQ, allowing for precise tonal adjustments, and a robust bridge for stable tuning and intonation, enhancing its performance capabilities.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

6 String Bass Shootout - More Strings, More Tones!

Video thumbnail for 6 String Bass Shootout - More Strings, More Tones! by Andertons Music Co

6 String Bass Shootout - More Strings, More Tones!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass | Quicklook by Sam Ash Music

ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass | Quicklook

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD B-206SM 6 String Bass Review by Andy Arnette

ESP LTD B-206SM 6 String Bass Review

Andy Arnette

Andy Arnette

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD B-206SM 6 Strings Bass - SOUND TEST. by OOMIND STUDIO

ESP LTD B-206SM 6 Strings Bass - SOUND TEST.

OOMIND STUDIO

OOMIND STUDIO

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning spalted maple top with a beautiful satin finish

  • Clear, articulate tone with versatile 3-band EQ

  • Comfortable, slim neck with smooth playability

  • Well-balanced design, despite its heavier weight

  • Excellent sustain, thanks to the neck design

  • High-quality craftsmanship at an affordable price

  • Wide variety of tonal possibilities with strong pickups

  • Reliable battery life with a single 9-volt battery

  • Great for multiple music genres, including metal and worship

  • Comparable to high-end basses at a more budget-friendly price

CONS

  • Heavier than average, can be tiring during long gigs

  • Stock action is low, often causing fret buzz

  • Active system can be slightly noisy

  • Some rough spots on the woodwork may bother users

  • 35" scale length may be awkward for some players

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The ESP LTD B-206SM 6 String Bass stands out as a remarkable option for both newcomers and seasoned players looking to dive into the 6-string realm without breaking the bank. Its spalted maple top and ash body not only provide stunning aesthetics but also contribute to a versatile tonal palette. The neck's wide yet thin design ensures accessibility across the fretboard, even for smaller hands, while the active 3-band EQ offers dynamic control over your sound. Although equipped with passive pickups, the bass delivers a performance that rivals pricier models. The review is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its playability, build quality, and value for money, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a high-quality 6-string bass experience.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
A

Absolutely amazing bass.

Not only does it look great, but it sounds and feels great. It's a little on the heavier side, but it is such an amazing bass.

m0n05

Good tone and playability!

Tone is nice and EQ good, very versatile - highs are colorful, will give you nice slap or metal tones, while lows are not fuzzy. B string flattened still sounds well round. Active system is a little noisy, but hardly problematic. Build is well done, finish OK. Spalted maple top is beautiful. A little too heavy, but well balanced, unlike some 6 stringers where the body is light and the bass pulls you sideways all the time. Neck is slim enough, comfortable. Overall, a good instrument for the price!

imtiaz_ahmad

great value bass

recently got one in hand - amazing speedy neck - clear tone, but gain could have been better - 35" i.e. longer scale length can be a challenge for some bassists - heavy weight

Roles:
Genres:
_andyb2003_

Great

I have a fretless version of it but it still sounds great! the sustain could be better though.

marco_garcia

Great playability, replace your pickups.

Great playability, replace your pickups.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Connor Carbon uses LTD B-206SM Spalted Maple 6 String Bass

Connor Carbon

Singer, Guitarist

Arbiter

...
Verified via Instagram

Connor can be seen with this bass in this photo. "its finally here. time to get some bass tracks recorded #bassguitar #6stringbass #guyswhoplaybass #espltd #guitar #connorarbiter #arbiterband #madgod #bassist #bassistsofinstagram #guitarist #guitaristsofinstagram"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use LTD B-206SM Spalted Maple 6 String Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Superlux HD 681 EVO
Superlux HD 681 EVO Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
1
Shure SM58
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones
1

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