Pricing and availability

Average Price: $589

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

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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

What makes the ESP LTD F-105 suitable for playing heavy music genres?

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.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD F-105 affect playability?

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.

Is the ESP LTD F-105 a good choice for beginners?

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.

What is the scale length of the ESP LTD F-105 and what does it mean for bass players?

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.

Does the ESP LTD F-105 come with a case?

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.

Alexandre Panta

Alexandre Panta

BAIXO LTD F-105 - REVIEW #58

Video thumbnail for BAIXO LTD F-105 - REVIEW #58 by Alexandre Panta

BAIXO LTD F-105 - REVIEW #58

Alexandre Panta

Alexandre Panta

Video thumbnail for Bass LTD F-105 by Filipe Caçador de Timbres

Bass LTD F-105

Filipe Caçador de Timbres

Filipe Caçador de Timbres

Video thumbnail for Triple Corpse Hammerblow - Children of Bodom (Bass Cover  - LTD F-105 quick test) by Ilenia Kallenia

Triple Corpse Hammerblow - Children of Bodom (Bass Cover - LTD F-105 quick test)

Ilenia Kallenia

Ilenia Kallenia

Video thumbnail for ESP-LTD F-105 5 String Bass Guitar by Marcos -Warheart- Aguirre

ESP-LTD F-105 5 String Bass Guitar

Marcos -Warheart- Aguirre

Marcos -Warheart- Aguirre

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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The F-105 is described as having a clanky tone inherently, which some users embrace as part of its design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Bassists aiming for a Korn-like tone could benefit from a 35” scale, which provides a clanky yet balanced sound without excessive brightness.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner appreciated the Schecter C-5’s faster neck and noted a superior tonal consistency from the low B string to higher octaves.

    Source
  • Active vs. passive electronics can impact interference levels, as noted by users experiencing issues with active EQs when near electronic devices.

    Source
  • Owners report the F-105 has a very flat neck shape, which some players love for its speed, while others prefer a chunkier feel.

    Source
  • The neck on the F-105 is consistently praised for comfort and playability, especially notable at this price point.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The F-5E is considered to offer more value for money than the F-105, despite the higher price, due to perceived higher quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A tapered low B string is recommended for the F-105 due to its saddle shape, with Kalium strings suggested for this setup.

    Source

Build quality

  • The F-105, like other mid-priced LTD models, is manufactured in Indonesia, maintaining quality despite the location.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Genre Usage

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

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eger_feh2o

eger_feh2o

Gear IQ 90

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