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Description

The ESP Surveyor 5 is where tradition meets innovation, delivering a broad spectrum of tones that cater to every bassist's palette. It's a powerhouse in the world of electric basses, designed to provide you with the versatility of both an EMG MM5-TW and a 40P5 pickup. Whether you're laying down a smooth R&B groove or tearing through a thrash metal riff, this 5-string bass is your ultimate companion.

Crafted with a swamp ash body and a bolt-on maple neck, the Surveyor 5 is as comfortable as it is sonically dynamic. The maple fingerboard is adorned with white binding and pearloid block inlays, offering not just visual appeal but also enhancing the clarity and punch of your sound. Its U-contour neck profile ensures quick access to all 21 frets, allowing seamless transitions across the fretboard.

The onboard 3-band EQ provides the freedom to shape your sound to perfection, while the Wilkinson licensed bridge ensures reliable string-to-string response and sustain. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, the Surveyor 5’s robust construction and chrome hardware will keep you playing confidently, night after night.

This bass isn't just an instrument; it's an invitation to explore your musical boundaries with clarity and power. If you're searching for a bass that offers both style and substance, the ESP Surveyor 5 is your ticket to sonic greatness.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with bolt-on construction
  • Swamp ash body with maple neck and fingerboard
  • EMG MM5-TW and 40P5 pickups for a versatile range of tones
  • Onboard 3-band EQ for precise sound shaping
  • U-contour neck profile for easy access to 21 frets
  • Wilkinson licensed bridge for enhanced sustain and response

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the ESP Surveyor 5 bass guitar?

The ESP Surveyor 5 features a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable playing experience for both fast and intricate bass lines.

How does the mini switch coil tap on the bridge pickup of the ESP Surveyor 5 work?

The mini switch coil tap allows you to switch the bridge pickup from a humbucker to a single-coil mode, offering a versatile range of tonal options for different musical styles.

Is the ESP Surveyor 5 suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the ESP Surveyor 5 is designed with advanced features like active EQ controls and a coil tap, making it suitable for experienced players who require versatile sound shaping capabilities.

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP Surveyor 5 for rock music?

The ESP Surveyor 5 offers a robust and punchy tone, with the ability to adjust bass, mid, and treble frequencies, making it ideal for rock music where a strong and dynamic bass presence is required.

Does the ESP Surveyor 5 electric bass guitar offer active EQ controls?

Yes, the ESP Surveyor 5 includes active EQ controls with bass, mid, and treble boost/cut options, allowing for precise tonal adjustments to suit various playing styles and environments.

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- ESP Surveyor-5 Bass

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- ESP Surveyor-5 Bass by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Guitar of the Week -- ESP Surveyor-5 Bass

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Video thumbnail for ESP / LTD SURVEYOR - 5 BASS by Alexandr Shevtsov

ESP / LTD SURVEYOR - 5 BASS

Alexandr Shevtsov

Alexandr Shevtsov

Video thumbnail for ESP Surveyor-5 Bass with Eddie Resto @ Sound Service TV by Sound Service GmbH

ESP Surveyor-5 Bass with Eddie Resto @ Sound Service TV

Sound Service GmbH

Sound Service GmbH

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Surveyor 5.

Build quality

  • The ESP LTD Surveyor 5 features an ebony fingerboard and active EMG pickups, enhancing its suitability for heavy metal and funk genres.

    Source
  • Some players prefer the feel of a neck that's perpendicular to the ground to avoid discomfort from the wider neck, highlighting the importance of proper playing posture.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Surveyor 5 integrates a precision pickup at the neck and a switchable dual coil jazz pickup at the bridge, offering versatile tonal options.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight the Surveyor 5's effectiveness in both heavy metal and funk, showcasing its adaptability across diverse musical styles.

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  • The Surveyor 5 excels in lower tunings like Drop D and Eb, making it ideal for playing metalcore bands like Trivium, Slayer, and Avenged Sevenfold.

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Value and pricing

  • The Surveyor 5, priced between $500-700, is considered a rare find due to its discontinuation, increasing its appeal among collectors.

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User experience

  • One owner describes the Surveyor 5 as the perfect bass for them, noting its impressive versatility and quality.

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  • Transitioning from a 4-string to the Surveyor 5 is easier for those used to wider necks; however, players accustomed to slimmer necks may find the wider neck a hurdle.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners mention the increased fretboard width and closer string spacing on the Surveyor 5 can be challenging for those transitioning from a 4-string, especially for slap/pop techniques.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Ibanez models, the Surveyor 5 offers relatively closer string spacing, which may appeal to players with smaller hands or those familiar with tighter setups.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jason Newsted uses ESP Surveyor 5

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Jason used a red ESP surveyor in his early days with Metallica and can be seen all over during this time with it.

See how Frédéric Leclercq uses ESP Surveyor 5

Frédéric Leclercq

Singer, Guitarist

Kreator

...
Verified via YouTube

In 5:18 of Video, Fred uses the Surveyor V bass to do the solo of ''Fallen World'' Song

See how Ted Lundström uses ESP Surveyor 5

Ted Lundström

Bassist

Amon Amarth

...
Verified via Photo

The image shows Ted Lundström with an ESP Surveyor 5 bass guitar, highlighting his use of this instrument.

See how Kyle Konkiel uses ESP Surveyor 5

Kyle Konkiel

Bassist

In This Moment

...
Verified via BLABBERMOUTH.NET

This bass was used for the song "I Fear The Worst"

See how Dave Pybus uses ESP Surveyor 5

Dave Pybus

Bassist

Cradle of Filth

...
Verified via Photo

The image on Wikimedia shows Dave Pybus with his ESP Surveyor 5 bass guitar, highlighting it as his regular instrument.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP Surveyor 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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