Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $864
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "LTD Surveyor '87 Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the realm of nostalgia and timeless design with the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass, a masterpiece that resurrects the spirit and style of the late '80s with modern craftsmanship. This bass guitar is a tribute to an era when music knew no boundaries, and instruments were crafted with passion and precision. The Surveyor '87, with its sleek black finish and classic contours, is more than just an instrument—it's a piece of history reborn. Its alder body, coupled with a maple bolt-on neck, lays the foundation for a sound that's both familiar and fresh. The Macassar ebony fingerboard not only adds to its visual appeal but also enhances playability, allowing for smooth transitions and a comfortable grip.
The heart of this bass lies in its Seymour Duncan Vintage P/Vintage Jazz pickup set, providing a versatile tone palette that can navigate through genres with ease. Whether you're laying down a funky groove or anchoring a rock anthem, the Surveyor '87 delivers with clarity and punch. Equipped with a Gotoh 201-B4 bridge and LTD vintage tuners, it offers stellar tuning stability, ensuring that your performance stays on point from the first note to the last. The Surveyor '87 is not just an instrument; it's a statement—a blend of vintage vibes and modern reliability designed to inspire and excite. For those who appreciate the legacy of ESP basses and yearn for a piece of that history, the Surveyor '87 beckons.
Key Features:
- Faithful re-creation of the iconic '87 ESP Surveyor Bass
- Alder body with a sleek, black finish and a contoured armrest for comfort
- 34" maple bolt-on neck with a Thin U profile, paired with a Macassar ebony fingerboard
- 21 extra jumbo nickel silver alloy frets for effortless playability
- Distinctive headstock design and striking black hardware for a classic look
- Seymour Duncan Vintage P/Vintage Jazz pickup set for versatile, dynamic tones
- Gotoh 201-B4 bridge and LTD vintage tuners for excellent tuning stability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | LTD Surveyor '87 |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Thin U |
| Radius | 15.7" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21, Extra Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.653" |
| Nut Material | Molded Plastic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Gotoh 201B-4 |
| Tuners | LTD Vintage |
| Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan Vintage P Split Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan Vintage Jazz Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone, 1 x balance |
| Strings | D'Addario, .045-.105 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass pickups?
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The ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass features Seymour Duncan Vintage P Split Single-coil and Vintage Jazz Single-coil pickups, delivering a versatile range of tones from warm, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs, suitable for various musical styles.
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Is the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass suitable for beginners?
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With its thin U-shaped neck and extra-jumbo frets, the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass offers comfortable playability, making it a good choice for beginners who want a high-quality instrument that facilitates learning and performance.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass?
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The ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass features a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience ideal for both intricate bass lines and aggressive playing styles.
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How does the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass handle different music genres?
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Thanks to its versatile Seymour Duncan pickups and solid alder body, the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass can handle a wide range of music genres, from rock and metal to funk and jazz, offering both clarity and depth in its sound.
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Does the ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass come with a case or gig bag?
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The ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Bass does not include a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to ensure proper protection during transport and storage.
Videos
ESP Guitars USA
ESP Guitars: Surveyor '87 Bass Demo by Joey Vera (Armored Saint)
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound with Seymour Duncan pickups; excellent blend of P and J tones
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Comfortable, fast neck; ideal for quick playability
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High-quality fit and finish; visually stunning in both black and white
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Good weight balance when seated; feels sturdy without being cumbersome
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Wide range of sonic versatility from the controls
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Beautiful finish with iridescence; looks great under stage lighting
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Excellent fretwork; no issues reported by most users
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Passive electronics are simple yet effective
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Classic and classy all-black look; very stylish
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High output volume compared to other basses in its range
CONS
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Issues with fret sprout reported; sharp edges on some units
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Some units arrive with setup issues; requires user adjustments
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Tuners are flimsy; may require replacement for stability
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Heavy weight could be uncomfortable for some users
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Pickup height adjustment is limited; may need additional foam
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Quality control issues like loose screws and rough wood
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E-string clover on tuner may fall off; requires replacement
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Bridge rattles on some units; particularly the E string saddle
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Microphonic P-bass pickup may not suit all users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Surveyor '87 Bass.
Comparisons
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The Surveyor '87 is compared to Fender's MIM Special Edition Deluxe PJ Bass and Aerodyne Jazz Bass, highlighting its competitive pricing and quality relative to these models.
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Features and functionality
Value and pricing
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Despite being part of ESP's LTD range, which is often seen as mid-tier, the Surveyor '87 is priced similarly to higher-end Fender models, offering notable value.
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User experience
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Enthusiasts suggest LTD basses, including the Surveyor '87, tend to have superior hardware and pickups compared to equivalent Fenders, enhancing playing experience and longevity.
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The bass weighs around 9.5 pounds, which might be heavy for some, but users report getting accustomed to it over time.
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Despite an excellent neck setup out of the box, tuner issues and poor customer support led some owners to return their bass.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners often replace the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders (SD QPs) for enhanced sound quality.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners find the Surveyor '87 fits well for players favoring a P/J setup, especially those accustomed to Fender quality at a lower price.
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Build quality
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Some owners report unsanded areas around the headstock, leading to excessive absorption of cleaning sprays and potential long-term finish issues.
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Tuners have been criticized for slipping due to overly tight tolerances, possibly from power coating; teflon grease can mitigate this issue.
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Upon arrival, some units showed paint defects and were described as filthy, with greasy fingerprints and unscrewed pickup screws causing rattling.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
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