Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $906

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$400

$1001+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "ESP LTD Surveyor '87". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The ESP LTD Surveyor '87 is a bold return to an iconic era of bass guitar craftsmanship. This electric bass is a faithful re-creation of the original 1987 ESP Surveyor, bringing together vintage aesthetics with modern performance features. With its classically contoured alder body and 34-inch scale maple neck, the Surveyor '87 offers a familiar feel with a contemporary edge. The Macassar ebony fingerboard adds a touch of elegance and ensures a smooth playing experience.

Under the hood, the Seymour Duncan Vintage P/Vintage Jazz pickup set delivers a versatile range of tones—from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs. Whether you're laying down a groove or shredding a solo, this pickup combination provides the flexibility needed for any musical style. The bass is equipped with a Gotoh 201-B4 bridge and LTD vintage tuners, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability and sustain.

The Surveyor '87's Thin "U" neck profile and extra-jumbo frets make it exceptionally comfortable, perfect for long gigs or recording sessions. Its black hardware and distinctive headstock give it a striking appearance that demands attention on stage. This bass is more than just a throwback; it's a powerful instrument that encapsulates the timeless appeal and innovation of ESP's design legacy.

Key Features:

  • Faithful re-creation of the 1987 ESP Surveyor Bass
  • Alder body with a contoured armrest
  • 34-inch maple bolt-on neck with a Macassar ebony fingerboard
  • 21 extra-jumbo nickel silver alloy frets
  • Seymour Duncan Vintage P/Vintage Jazz pickup set
  • Gotoh 201-B4 bridge and LTD vintage tuners
  • Distinctive headstock and striking black hardware

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape LTD Surveyor '87
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Thin U
Neck Joint Bolt-on
Radius 15.7"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21, Extra Jumbo, Nickel Silver
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.653"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece Gotoh 201B-4
Tuners LTD Vintage
Neck Pickup Seymour Duncan Vintage P Split Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Seymour Duncan Vintage Jazz Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x balance, 1 x tone
Strings D'Addario, .045-.105
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 pickups?

The ESP LTD Surveyor '87 features Seymour Duncan Vintage P and Jazz pickups, offering a versatile range of tones from warm, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs, ideal for rock, funk, and jazz styles.

Is the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 offers professional-grade features, its comfortable Thin U neck profile and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality instrument.

How does the Thin U neck profile affect playability on the ESP LTD Surveyor '87?

The Thin U neck profile provides a comfortable grip, allowing for fast and smooth playing, which is particularly beneficial for players who enjoy quick transitions and intricate fingerwork.

What is the body material of the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 and how does it impact the sound?

The ESP LTD Surveyor '87 is made from alder, which contributes to a balanced tone with pronounced mids and excellent sustain, making it versatile across various music genres.

Does the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Surveyor '87 Bass Demo by Joey Vera (Armored Saint)

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Surveyor '87 Bass Demo by Joey Vera (Armored Saint) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Surveyor '87 Bass Demo by Joey Vera (Armored Saint)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass | Faithful Recreation from ESP's 1987 Catalog by Euge Valovirta

ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass | Faithful Recreation from ESP's 1987 Catalog

Euge Valovirta

Euge Valovirta

Video thumbnail for LTD Surveyor  '87 by samatza

LTD Surveyor '87

samatza

samatza

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning iridescent white finish looks exceptional under stage lighting

  • Comfortable neck, even for those not typically fond of thin necks

  • Versatile Seymour Duncan pickups with excellent tonal balance

  • Rarely requires tuning adjustments, making it reliable

  • High-quality fretwork, no rough edges, and smooth playability

  • Tusq nut and high-quality bridge enhance performance

  • Beautiful "Rainbow Crackle" finish attracts attention

  • Wide range of sonic versatility from controls

CONS

  • Tuners feel flimsy, although they remain stable

  • Some adjustments needed out of the box for optimal play

  • Bass is slightly on the heavy side

  • Pickup mounting screw issue requiring minor fix upon arrival

  • Seymour Duncan pickups may not be hot enough for all preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Surveyor '87.

Comparisons

  • The LTD Surveyor '87 offers a quality comparable to Fender at a lower price, appealing to those who prefer P/J basses.

    Source

User experience

  • The bass weighs around 9.5 pounds, but owners report getting accustomed to its heft over time.

    Source
  • Transitioning from lighter models like the Aerodyne Jazz Bass to the Surveyor '87 can be a significant shift due to its considerable weight.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have swapped stock pickups for Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders, enhancing the bass's sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners recommend swapping the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders for enhanced tone, noting the original vintage pickups are perceived as weak.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its weight, the bass is praised for versatility, fitting P/J enthusiasts who seek affordability without sacrificing quality.

    Source
  • Players moving from Stingrays or P basses find the Surveyor '87 a suitable alternative to fill the P bass niche.

    Source

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