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Average Price: $275

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of bass with the ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar, a reliable companion for both budding and seasoned musicians. This 4-string electric bass is crafted to deliver versatile soundscapes with its unique combination of Precision and Jazz-style pickups. Designed with the modern bassist in mind, it offers a smooth playability and rich tonal range that suits rock, metal, and beyond. The B-50's passive electronics eliminate the need for a battery, ensuring that your focus remains on crafting your sound without interruptions. Its solid construction and sleek design make it not only a joy to play but also a statement piece on stage.

Key Features:

  • 4-string electric bass with a hybrid Precision-Jazz pickup configuration
  • Passive electronics for battery-free operation
  • Designed for rock, metal, and versatile sound applications
  • Reliable construction ideal for beginners and experienced players alike

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model B-50
Finish Black, Metallic Silver, Titanium
Year 2000s
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black, Silver
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar suitable for?

The ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar, with its passive pickups and active preamp, is versatile and suitable for a range of genres including rock, metal, and funk. Its split-coil pickup configuration offers a balanced tone that can adapt to various playing styles.

How does the ESP LTD B-50's neck profile affect playability?

The ESP LTD B-50 features a maple neck with a smooth rosewood fretboard, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience. Its 24 frets allow for extended range, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players looking for flexibility.

Does the ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar have active or passive pickups?

The ESP LTD B-50 is equipped with passive pickups but includes an active preamp. This combination allows for a wide tonal range and enhanced sound shaping capabilities.

Is the ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar good for live performances?

Yes, the ESP LTD B-50 is well-suited for live performances due to its active preamp, which provides powerful output and tonal versatility. Its robust construction ensures reliability on stage.

What is the body shape of the ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar?

The ESP LTD B-50 features a double cutaway body shape, offering easy access to higher frets and a comfortable playing experience for extended sessions.

Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Compare The Ibanez SR400QM to the ESP LTD B-50. Nobody's Fool by Cinderella

Video thumbnail for Compare The Ibanez SR400QM to the ESP LTD B-50. Nobody's Fool by Cinderella by Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Compare The Ibanez SR400QM to the ESP LTD B-50. Nobody's Fool by Cinderella

Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Video thumbnail for LTD by esp B-50 by Ayrshire Adventure Biker

LTD by esp B-50

Ayrshire Adventure Biker

Ayrshire Adventure Biker

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar Black by mocasea

ESP LTD B-50 Bass Guitar Black

mocasea

mocasea

Video thumbnail for ESP LTD B 50 Specs Ready To Be Shipped by Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

ESP LTD B 50 Specs Ready To Be Shipped

Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Eric C (The Art Of Noise)

Video thumbnail for 2000s ESP LTD B-50 electric bass guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

2000s ESP LTD B-50 electric bass guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD B-50 Bass Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The B-50 offers a PJ pickup setup with a reversed P pickup to reduce muddiness on lower strings and brittleness on upper strings.

    Source
  • The B-50 is available in both passive and active versions, with the latter possibly being the B10 model.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the B-50 stays in tune well and has a playable neck, making it suitable for extended playing sessions.

    Source
  • The B-50 provides a satisfying experience for beginners, with users reporting satisfaction over multiple years before upgrading.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users experience loose jack connections over time, which is a common issue with this type of jack.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user mentioned the B-50 weighing similarly to a Jazz bass despite having a smaller body size.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound PJ set is praised for transforming tone, offering a sound between Stingray and Fender Jazz territory.

    Source
  • Owners recommend pairing the SD Quarter Pound pickups with vintage-style 250k pots for enhanced tonal performance.

    Source
  • The EMG GZR Signature PJ set is another favored upgrade, noted for its impressive performance.

    Source
  • The DiMarzio DP126 PJ is considered for its hum-canceling capabilities in the J position, offering a cleaner sound.

    Source
  • The SD Hot Stack or Apollo Jazz pickups are suggested for those seeking hum cancellation in the J position.

    Source
  • Damaged bridge pickup face suggests potential for pickup upgrades; stock pickups lack detailed online specs, indicating room for exploration.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A high mass bridge is considered for improved playability, especially when factory saddles show damage, as seen with a compromised E string saddle.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD B-50 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The ESP LTD B-50 bass guitar impresses with its excellent value and playability, making it a fantastic choice for beginners or as a backup. Its sleek design offers great comfort and accessibility, while the active tone boost provides a clear, responsive sound. Despite its affordable price, the B-50 lacks some tonal versatility but compensates with a solid, well-built feel and impressive core tones. Ideal for those on a budget, this bass is a no-frills yet reliable instrument well-suited for various musical styles.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nick_desimone

solid as hell

Workhorse bass...this is legitimately the only bass I've ever owned, I washed dishes for a month to get it at 14 and I've had it ever since. Active P/J pickup configuration, gives it punch and a nice midrange, especially playing with a pick. There's obviously a universe of basses that play better, but it's been with me so long that it's still a staple should I need to track bass on demos.

cezhar_arevalo

Have one in black color!

I recently bought it cause one friend was selling it very cheap, LOL!

sleeprunner

[deleted]

sleeprunner

My old bass.

jimmarchi1

so is this your old bass? more reviewing in future reviews good sir

Artist usage

Add artist
L

Lord Angelslayer

Bassist

Archgoat

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black

Often used on stage .Typical 3-knobs for this model .

See how Jakub Kaluza uses LTD B-50 Bass Guitar

Jakub Kaluza

Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

"I really miss that bass.."

First Kuba's bass. He used to play this bass while beeing in band Synesthesia. Photo from Juwenalia Oswiecimskie.

See how Julien "Chainsaw-Maeströr" Faur uses LTD B-50 Bass Guitar

Julien "Chainsaw-Maeströr" Faur

Bassist, Composer

Hexecutor

...
Verified via Photo

Julien's regular bass

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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