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Description
The ESP LTD B-208SM is your ticket to exploring new sonic territories with its 8-string configuration that adds a rich, octave-doubled dimension to your bass lines. Designed for versatility, this electric bass guitar is perfect for musicians who crave a unique sound without breaking the bank. The B-208SM's body is crafted from toneful ash, crowned with a striking spalted maple top that catches the eye as much as it delivers resonant sound.
The neck is a 5-piece maple/jatoba combination with a thin U-profile, built for speed and comfort, allowing you to navigate its 24 extra jumbo frets effortlessly. Topped with a roasted jatoba fingerboard, the playability of this bass is as smooth as it gets. Equipped with passive ESP Designed SB-6 soapbar pickups, this bass offers a full spectrum of tones, further enhanced by an active preamp with a 3-band EQ, empowering you to sculpt your sound to perfection.
Whether you're a metalhead or a jazz aficionado, the ESP LTD B-208SM offers a perfect blend of functionality and flair, making it an invaluable addition to any bassist's arsenal. Its affordable price doesn't compromise on quality, making it accessible to both budding musicians and seasoned pros alike.
Key Features:
- Ash body with spalted maple top
- Thin U-profile, 5-piece maple/jatoba neck
- 24 extra jumbo frets on a roasted jatoba fingerboard
- Passive ESP Designed SB-6 pickups
- Active ABQ-3 preamp with 3-band EQ
- Nickel hardware with a natural satin finish
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | B-208SM |
| Year | 2016 - 2025 |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Passive Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Material | Ash |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, Natural, Tan |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba, Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String, 8-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Maple |
FAQs
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What type of music is the ESP LTD B-208SM best suited for?
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The ESP LTD B-208SM, with its 8-string configuration and active preamp, is well-suited for genres that benefit from extended range and tonal versatility, such as progressive rock, metal, and jazz fusion.
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Does the ESP LTD B-208SM have passive or active pickups?
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The ESP LTD B-208SM features passive pickups combined with an active preamp, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities with enhanced control over your sound.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD B-208SM like?
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The neck of the ESP LTD B-208SM is crafted from maple, providing a smooth and fast playing experience suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and aggressive playing techniques.
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Is the ESP LTD B-208SM suitable for beginners?
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While the ESP LTD B-208SM offers advanced features ideal for experienced players, its playability and tonal versatility can also accommodate dedicated beginners looking to explore extended-range bass playing.
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What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD B-208SM?
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The ESP LTD B-208SM features an ash body with a maple top, providing a balanced tone with a striking visual appeal, and a fretboard made from either jatoba or rosewood for smooth playability.
Videos
Prog Rock Jock
The 8-String Bass (ESP Ltd B-208SM) In-Store Demo at Sam Ash
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD B-208SM.
Use cases and applications
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An 8-string bass can enhance a power trio by filling the mid-frequency spectrum, especially with distortion, allowing the guitarist to take solos more freely.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the unique tone of the B-208SM, describing it as "out of this world" and especially notable when using distortion pedals like the YOU DIRTY RAT.
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Features and functionality
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The B-208SM is versatile enough to be played both with a pick and fingerstyle, though some players prefer the pick for its sharper attack.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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