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Average Price: $750

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Crafted for the discerning bassist seeking a blend of classic aesthetics and modern versatility, the ESP LTD Surveyor-405 is a 5-string electric bass that delivers exceptional sound and playability. This instrument embodies a traditional design with a contemporary twist, making it a perfect choice for both stage and studio performances. At the heart of its dynamic sound are the EMG active pickups, known for their clear and punchy tone, capable of slicing through any mix. The coil-tap capability adds another layer of tonal flexibility, allowing you to switch between full and split coil modes effortlessly.

The Surveyor-405 features a robust construction using high-quality tonewoods, ensuring durability and rich resonance. Its 3-band active EQ offers a vast tonal palette, enabling you to sculpt your sound with precision, from deep, thumping lows to vibrant, crisp highs. Whether you're grooving in a jazz ensemble or laying down heavy rock riffs, this bass guitar adapts seamlessly to your style.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with traditional design
  • EMG active pickups for clear and punchy sound
  • Coil-tap capability for added tonal flexibility
  • 3-band active EQ for versatile sound shaping
  • High-quality tonewoods for durability and rich resonance

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Surveyor-405
Year 2007 - 2008
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD Surveyor-405 best suited for?

The ESP LTD Surveyor-405, with its active EMG pickups and 3-band EQ, is versatile and excels in genres requiring punchy, articulate basslines like rock, metal, and funk.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD Surveyor-405 affect playability?

The bolt-on maple neck with a 34" scale and 21 XJ frets provides a comfortable and fast playing experience, suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and aggressive slap techniques.

What are the tonal characteristics of the ESP LTD Surveyor-405's pickups?

The active EMG MMTW-5 bridge pickup and 40P5 neck pickup offer a powerful, clear tone with excellent articulation, making them ideal for cutting through dense mixes and live performances.

Is the ESP LTD Surveyor-405 a good choice for a beginner bassist?

While it offers high-quality features that appeal to advanced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners who are serious about improving their skills.

Can the ESP LTD Surveyor-405 handle drop tunings effectively?

Yes, the 5-string configuration and robust construction of the ESP LTD Surveyor-405 make it well-suited for handling lower tunings, providing stable tuning and clear low-end response.

Eiland Muziek

Eiland Muziek

ESP LTD SURVEYOR 405

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD SURVEYOR 405 by Eiland Muziek

ESP LTD SURVEYOR 405

Eiland Muziek

Eiland Muziek

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Surveyor 405 3 Tone Burst Bass Guitar by 6-String

ESP LTD Surveyor 405 3 Tone Burst Bass Guitar

6-String

6-String

Video thumbnail for Обзор и тест бас гитары LTD Surveyor 405 BLK by Hellbass Academy

Обзор и тест бас гитары LTD Surveyor 405 BLK

Hellbass Academy

Hellbass Academy

Video thumbnail for LTD/ESP Surveyor-405 ~ Trial (by Fire) ~ Dean The Bassman by DeanBassmanGaudoin

LTD/ESP Surveyor-405 ~ Trial (by Fire) ~ Dean The Bassman

DeanBassmanGaudoin

DeanBassmanGaudoin

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Surveyor-405.

Features and functionality

  • The ESP LTD Surveyor-405 includes a P pickup and a J/Humbucker EMG pickup, offering versatility across genres from metal to jazz.

    Source
  • The neck-thru-body design provides enhanced sustain and durability, appreciated by long-term owners.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users report needing a professional setup due to fret buzz issues.

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  • Owners report that adjusting the action significantly improves playability, with some experiencing high action initially before setup.

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User experience

  • The bass player for Amon Amarth uses this model, highlighting its suitability for heavy music styles.

    Source
  • An owner found a used Surveyor-405 for €250, claiming it significantly outperformed a Yamaha TRBX305, especially in terms of electronics.

    Source
  • The EQ control on the B-405 is praised for allowing versatile tone adjustments, accommodating various musical styles.

    Source
  • Some find the brightness challenging to manage without muddiness, requiring careful sound dialing and muting technique refinement.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for punk and metal, it can also handle jazz and other genres effectively.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Considered one of the best basses at its price point, providing comparable quality to higher-end models.

    Source
  • A user preferred the Surveyor-405 over the Yamaha TRBX305, citing better electronics with all EMG USA pickups as a key advantage.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Surveyor-405 is praised for its superior materials like an ebony fretboard and swamp ash body, making it stand out in its price range.

    Source

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