Pricing and availability
Average Price: $589
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Unleash your inner rock warrior with the ESP LTD F-105, a bass guitar that doesn’t just break the mold—it shatters it. This 5-string powerhouse is engineered for those who crave bold aesthetics and sonic versatility. Inspired by a fusion of retro signage and fantasy weaponry, the F-105 features an audacious design with dramatic curves, beveled edges, and sharp points that make it as much a piece of art as it is an instrument.
The LTD F-105 is not just about looks; it’s built for superior playability and tone. Featuring a thin "U" contoured maple neck, this bass ensures comfortable handling and lightning-fast playability for bassists of all sizes. The 35" scale length provides extended range and clarity, perfect for intricate bass lines and heavy riffs. With a body crafted from basswood and a rosewood fingerboard, it delivers a balanced sound palette with a hint of brightness.
Equipped with dual ESP SB-5 pickups, the F-105 offers a rich and punchy sound that can be further customized using the ESP ABQ-2 2-band EQ. Chrome hardware, including the ESP DB-5 bridge and tuners, adds a sleek touch to the already striking design. This bass is not just an instrument; it’s an experience in style and sound.
Key Features:
- 5-string electric bass with a unique, bold design
- Thin "U" contoured maple neck for comfortable playability
- 35" scale length for extended range
- Basswood body with rosewood fingerboard
- Dual ESP SB-5 pickups with ESP ABQ-2 2-band EQ
- Chrome ESP DB-5 bridge and tuners
Product specs
| Brand | ESP LTD |
| Model | F-105 |
| Finish | Black, Olympic White |
| Year | 2008 - 2016 |
| Categories | 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars |
| Active / Passive Pickups | Active Pickups |
| Active Preamp | Active Preamp |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Color Family | Black, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 5-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What makes the ESP LTD F-105 suitable for playing heavy music genres?
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The ESP LTD F-105 features active pickups and a 2-band active EQ, providing the powerful, punchy tones ideal for heavy music genres. Its 5-string configuration allows for extended range, perfect for low-end riffs.
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How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD F-105 affect playability?
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The ESP LTD F-105 has a thin "U" neck contour, which offers comfortable playability and fast action, making it suitable for both intricate fingerwork and aggressive playing styles.
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Is the ESP LTD F-105 a good choice for beginners?
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While the ESP LTD F-105 is a versatile instrument, its active electronics and 5-string setup may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players who can fully utilize its tonal capabilities.
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What is the scale length of the ESP LTD F-105 and what does it mean for bass players?
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The ESP LTD F-105 has a 35" scale length, which provides tighter string tension and improved clarity on the lower strings, beneficial for maintaining definition in low tunings.
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Does the ESP LTD F-105 come with a case?
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The ESP LTD F-105 does not come with a case; it is sold separately, allowing players to choose a case that best fits their protection needs.
Videos
Alexandre Panta
BAIXO LTD F-105 - REVIEW #58
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD F-105.
Features and functionality
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The F-205's 3-band EQ offers more tonal flexibility compared to the C-4's 2-band EQ, but some find the sound slightly hollow and less full.
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The F-105's active EQ can cause a significant 8kHz spike near computers, which passive systems typically avoid; a low-pass filter can mitigate this issue.
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The F-105 is described as having a clanky tone inherently, which some users embrace as part of its design.
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Comparisons
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The ESP LTD F-205's tone is described as "hollow and rrrrr-y," while the Schecter C-5 is noted for a well-rounded sound across all strings.
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The Ibanez SR305 is recommended as an alternative in the same price range, noted for its thin neck, which is even slimmer than many 4-string basses.
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Use cases and applications
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Bassists aiming for a Korn-like tone could benefit from a 35” scale, which provides a clanky yet balanced sound without excessive brightness.
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Setup and maintenance
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The F-205 may benefit significantly from a pickup upgrade to address tonal deficiencies, as the stock ESP pickups are considered subpar by some users.
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User experience
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An owner appreciated the Schecter C-5’s faster neck and noted a superior tonal consistency from the low B string to higher octaves.
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Active vs. passive electronics can impact interference levels, as noted by users experiencing issues with active EQs when near electronic devices.
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Owners report the F-105 has a very flat neck shape, which some players love for its speed, while others prefer a chunkier feel.
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The neck on the F-105 is consistently praised for comfort and playability, especially notable at this price point.
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Value and pricing
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The F-5E is considered to offer more value for money than the F-105, despite the higher price, due to perceived higher quality.
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Mods and upgrades
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A tapered low B string is recommended for the F-105 due to its saddle shape, with Kalium strings suggested for this setup.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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