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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

What type of music is the ESP LTD B-208SM best suited for?

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.

Does the ESP LTD B-208SM have passive or active pickups?

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.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD B-208SM like?

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.

Is the ESP LTD B-208SM suitable for beginners?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD B-208SM?

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.

Prog Rock Jock

Prog Rock Jock

The 8-String Bass (ESP Ltd B-208SM) In-Store Demo at Sam Ash

Video thumbnail for The 8-String Bass (ESP Ltd B-208SM) In-Store Demo at Sam Ash by Prog Rock Jock

The 8-String Bass (ESP Ltd B-208SM) In-Store Demo at Sam Ash

Prog Rock Jock

Prog Rock Jock

Video thumbnail for Demo: ESP/LTD B Series Bass Guitars by ESP Guitars Australia

Demo: ESP/LTD B Series Bass Guitars

ESP Guitars Australia

ESP Guitars Australia

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

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • LTD basses are noted for their impressive neck quality and value, outperforming expectations for their price range, though some feel the preamp could be improved with added drive.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD B-208SM 8-String Bass Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

While 8-string basses often lose the bottom end, the ESP LTD B-208SM restores faith with its solid low-end performance and versatility across music genres. This bass shines in rock settings and unexpectedly fits well in a church gig, filling out soundscapes during solos. Its construction features an ash body with a spalted maple top and a 5-piece maple and Jatoba neck, which contribute to its distinct tone. The active EQ and ESP designed pickups allow for precise sound shaping. It's not without its challenges; balancing the EQ might require some adjustments. Overall, it's a positive pick for bassists looking to explore the 8-string realm without sacrificing the low-end power.

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