Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (5)
$699.00
Amazon
4.4 (147)
$699.00
zZounds
5.0 (7)
$699.00
Thomann
4.5 (50)
$652.00 $648.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $686

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "LTD B-205SM-FL". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity and explore new musical territories with the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL, a fretless 5-string electric bass that combines affordability with high-end features. Crafted for musicians who seek a distinctive sound, this bass boasts a striking spalted maple top over a robust ash body, offering a balanced resonance with a punchy and articulate tone. The fretless roasted jatoba fingerboard allows for smooth glissandos and microtonal nuances, adding a unique dimension to your playing style.

The ESP LTD B-205SM-FL is equipped with dual ESP SB-5 humbucking pickups, delivering a warm and articulate sound across the tonal spectrum. With an active ABQ-3 three-band EQ, you have the power to shape your tone to fit any musical context, whether on stage or in the studio. The bass's string-through-body design via the ESP DB-5 bridge enhances sustain and intonation, making it a reliable choice for long sessions.

Designed to be both visually stunning and functionally exceptional, the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL is adorned with black nickel hardware that complements its natural charm. Experience the effortless playability of the five-piece maple and rosewood neck, with ESP's Extra-Thin "U" profile ensuring comfort and speed for every performance. Whether you're delving into jazz, rock, or fusion, this bass will help you stand out with its unique fretless sound and modern aesthetics.

Key Features:

  • 5-string fretless electric bass
  • Spalted maple top with ash body
  • Five-piece maple/rosewood neck with Extra-Thin "U" profile
  • Fretless roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 fret position lines
  • Dual ESP SB-5 humbucking pickups
  • Active ABQ-3 three-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
  • ESP DB-5 bridge with string-through-body design
  • Black nickel hardware for a modern look

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape ESP B Series
Body Material Ash with Spalted Maple
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Jatoba
Neck Shape Extra Thin U
Radius 15.75"
Fingerboard Inlay 12th fret inlay
Number of Frets Fretless (24)
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.771"
Nut Material Molded
Bridge/Tailpiece LTD BB-605 string-thru
Tuners LTD
Neck Pickup ESP Designed SB-5N Humbucker
Bridge Pickup ESP Designed SB-5B Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x balance, 3-band Active EQ
Strings D'Addario 45-125
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL's pickups?

The ESP LTD B-205SM-FL features ESP Designed SB-5N and SB-5B humbuckers, delivering a powerful and clear tone suitable for a variety of genres. The 3-band active EQ allows for further tonal shaping, making it versatile for both studio and live settings.

Is the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL suitable for beginners?

While the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL offers excellent features for advanced players, its fretless design may present a steeper learning curve for beginners. However, its smooth playability and rich tonal options can be rewarding for those willing to invest the time to master it.

What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL like?

The ESP LTD B-205SM-FL features an extra thin U-shaped neck, providing a comfortable grip and easy playability, especially for fast playing styles. This neck profile is well-suited for players who prefer a sleek, modern feel.

How does the spalted maple body affect the bass's sound?

The spalted maple top on the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL not only offers a striking visual appeal but also contributes to a balanced tonal output. Combined with the ash body, it provides a bright and resonant sound with good sustain.

Does the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL come with a case or gig bag?

No, the ESP LTD B-205SM-FL does not come with a case or gig bag. These are sold separately, allowing you to choose the level of protection that best suits your needs.

Chris Chesna

Chris Chesna

ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass

Video thumbnail for ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass by Chris Chesna

ESP B-205SMFL fretless 5 string bass

Chris Chesna

Chris Chesna

Reviews

PROS

  • Eye-catching spalted maple top with a unique grain pattern

  • Solid construction with a sturdy bridge and smooth knobs

  • Versatile 3-band EQ allows for a wide tonal range

  • Comfortable neck that's thinner and faster than many five-strings

  • Excellent value for the price, often compared favorably to pricier models

  • Ability to produce a classic fretless "mwah" sound

  • Good balance with no neck dive, sits comfortably with a wide strap

  • 6-bolt neck joint adds stability to the construction

  • Comes with roundwound strings, ideal for modern fretless tones

  • Highly recommended for those on a budget seeking quality

CONS

  • Heavier than many other basses, which can be tiring to play standing

  • Quiet pickup output, requiring additional gain adjustment

  • Requires tools to replace the battery, lacking a tool-less compartment

  • Some units experienced neck issues, needing adjustments for proper intonation

  • Factory setup often requires tweaking, especially for lower action preferences

  • Some reports of fretboard wear with certain string types

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD B-205SM-FL.

User experience

  • The neck is described as very comfortable, and the body is smaller than expected, which could be beneficial for players seeking a more compact bass guitar.

    Source
  • Some owners find the tone to be bland compared to other models like the Sterling Ray 34, indicating a potential need for external tone shaping.

    Source
  • Transitioning from fretted to fretless is noted to require slowing down initially, but players adapt with practice, aided by fretboard lines.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP LTD B-205SM-FL is noted to be similar to the Ibanez SR-505E, suggesting potential buyers might consider both for their features and price range.

    Source
  • The Ibanez SRF 704/705 is highlighted for its piezo pickup, offering tonal variety up to a double bass sound, a feature not present in the B-205SM-FL.

    Source
  • The Yamaha Silent Bass is highlighted for its superior emulation of double bass sound compared to other electric upright basses, though it's still an approximation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The B string performs well despite the 34” scale length, which is often a concern for players seeking a strong low end.

    Source
  • The satin finish is well-received, adding to the bass's aesthetic appeal without impacting playability.

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  • The B-205SM-FL is noted to be heavy, which might affect comfort during long playing sessions.

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  • The ESP LTD B-205SM-FL has painted lines on the fretboard, easing the transition for players new to fretless basses.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners of similar-priced fretless basses recommend upgrading to Seymour Duncan pickups for enhanced tone quality.

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  • Applying an epoxy finish to the fretboard is highly effective for preventing wear from roundwound strings, maintaining tone without noticeable brightness changes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Compared to other ESP LTD models, the B-205SM-FL's active pickups are considered a strong feature at its price point.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend D'Addario flatwounds for longevity and a warm tone; these strings reportedly last for years before needing replacement.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted that flatwound strings can emulate an upright bass tone, especially when paired with adjusted low and mid EQ settings.

    Source

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