Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $906
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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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
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What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 pickups?
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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.
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Is the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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How does the Thin U neck profile affect playability on the ESP LTD Surveyor '87?
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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.
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What is the body material of the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 and how does it impact the sound?
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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.
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Does the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 come with a case or gig bag?
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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.
Videos
ESP Guitars USA
ESP Guitars: Surveyor '87 Bass Demo by Joey Vera (Armored Saint)
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning iridescent white finish looks exceptional under stage lighting
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Comfortable neck, even for those not typically fond of thin necks
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Versatile Seymour Duncan pickups with excellent tonal balance
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Rarely requires tuning adjustments, making it reliable
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High-quality fretwork, no rough edges, and smooth playability
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Tusq nut and high-quality bridge enhance performance
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Beautiful "Rainbow Crackle" finish attracts attention
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Wide range of sonic versatility from controls
CONS
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Tuners feel flimsy, although they remain stable
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Some adjustments needed out of the box for optimal play
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Bass is slightly on the heavy side
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Pickup mounting screw issue requiring minor fix upon arrival
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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
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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
Mods and upgrades
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
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