Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $906

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "LTD AP-5 Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the world of deep, resonant tones with the LTD AP-5 Bass, a 5-string electric bass guitar designed for both the demanding professional and the passionate enthusiast. Crafted with an alder body and a bolt-on maple neck, this instrument offers a robust and balanced sound that's perfect for any musical style. The ebony fretboard, known for its smooth and responsive feel, is complemented by a thin U-shaped neck profile, allowing for swift playability and effortless navigation across the frets.

The LTD AP-5 stands out with its powerful pickup configuration: an EMG Brushed Black Chrome P Split Coil at the neck and an EMG Brushed Black Chrome LJ5 Single Coil at the bridge. These pickups deliver a crisp, dynamic range of tones, from deep lows to articulate mids and highs. The Babicz FCH-5 bridge ensures superior sustain and precise intonation, making every note resonate with clarity.

Whether you're laying down the groove in the studio or rocking out on stage, the LTD AP-5 Bass offers versatile controls with volume, balance, and tone knobs, giving you the flexibility to tailor your sound to perfection. Strung with D'Addario XL strings, this bass is ready to perform right out of the box, offering a familiar and reliable feel under your fingers.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with alder body
  • Bolt-on maple neck with ebony fretboard
  • Thin U neck profile for comfortable playability
  • 34" scale length with 21 XJ frets
  • EMG P Split Coil and LJ5 Single Coil pickups
  • Babicz FCH-5 bridge for enhanced sustain
  • Volume, balance, and tone controls
  • D'Addario XL strings included

Product specs

Available since January 2024
Colour Candy Apple Burst
Body Alder
Neck Maple
Fretboard Ebony
Frets 21
Scale Longscale
Pickup System PJ
Elektronic Active
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD AP-5's PJ pickup system?

The ESP LTD AP-5's PJ pickup system delivers a versatile range of tones, combining the punchy, mid-focused sound of the P-style pickup with the clarity and brightness of the J-style pickup, making it suitable for various music genres from rock to funk.

Is the ESP LTD AP-5 suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the ESP LTD AP-5 is ideal for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, active electronics for enhanced tone shaping, and versatile pickup configuration, offering professional-level performance and sound.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD AP-5 affect playability?

The ESP LTD AP-5 features a maple neck with a comfortable profile that allows for smooth playability and easy access across the fretboard, making it suitable for both fast playing and intricate fingerwork.

Does the ESP LTD AP-5 come with a case or gigbag?

No, the ESP LTD AP-5 does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your instrument during transport.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD AP-5, and how does it affect playability?

The ESP LTD AP-5 has a long scale length, which typically provides tighter string tension and clearer note definition, beneficial for players who prefer a more pronounced low-end and articulate sound.

DeanBassmanGaudoin

DeanBassmanGaudoin

ESP/LTD AP-5 Bass Test : BABICZ FCH Bridge : EMG PJ Pickups ~ Dean The Bassman

Video thumbnail for ESP/LTD AP-5 Bass Test : BABICZ FCH Bridge : EMG PJ Pickups ~ Dean The Bassman by DeanBassmanGaudoin

ESP/LTD AP-5 Bass Test : BABICZ FCH Bridge : EMG PJ Pickups ~ Dean The Bassman

DeanBassmanGaudoin

DeanBassmanGaudoin

Reviews

PROS

  • Ebony fretboard provides clear notes and enhances overall sound quality

  • EMG pickups offer a unique blend of modern and vintage tones

  • Babicz bridge ensures excellent sustain and allows for low action

  • Versatile 3-way pickup selector for tailored tone customization

  • Strong, punchy P bass sound combined with smooth jazz warmth

  • Red metallic finish offers appealing aesthetics

  • Excellent value for the quality of playability and construction

  • Comfortable neck design minimizes fatigue during long playing sessions

  • Active pickups paired with passive EQ for dynamic sound control

CONS

  • Initial setup may require adjustment, especially for pickup height and action

  • Some might need to tweak settings for balance between P and J pickups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD AP-5 Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The pickup placement includes an offset design to potentially reduce B-string muddiness, improving clarity.

    Source
  • The AP-5's P pickups may use same-sized covers with different internal magnet sizes for each string group.

    Source
  • It's noted that the AP-5 uses a passive balance pot instead of an active blend control, which can affect tonal output and brightness.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup height near the B string can help balance string volume discrepancies.

    Source
  • Lowering pickups slightly may enhance mids and decrease high frequency sharpness, providing a more balanced output across strings.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest that the B-string may appear visually close to the edge without impacting performance if the neck and bridge are aligned correctly.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Rewiring the control layout to Vol/Vol/Tone can enhance the bright EMG sound, addressing issues with the stock passive balance pot.

    Source
  • Consider checking if the preamp can handle 18V to potentially boost performance and output, altering power dynamics significantly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners find the AP-5's EMG pickups less bright and lower in output compared to Ibanez's soap P pickups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review – ESP LTD AP-5 Bass - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The LTD AP-5 bass is a striking instrument with a sleek black finish and top-notch playability. Its EMG PJ pickups deliver impressive tone, while the Babicz bridge enhances sound transfer. The setup right out of the box is a significant plus, making it gig-ready instantly. However, while its aesthetics and performance shine, the review lacks mention of any potential downsides, leaving a sense of curiosity about durability or versatility in diverse musical styles. Overall, the AP-5 is hailed as a solid addition to any bassist's collection, tempting players to pick it up and not want to put it down again.

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5.0 out of 5

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