I've always enjoyed the warm, resonating sound of a fretless bass, but I've never been able to justify shelling out money for an instrument that might just end up collecting dust due to its limited applications. However, I already own several other LTD basses (F1550x, F205, and B204) and I love them all so I decided to take a chance on this one as my first fretless. It has quickly become one of my favorite instruments!
The unique grain of the spalted maple makes this a gorgeous one-of-a-kind piece, and it plays as impressive as it looks. The lack of frets demand greater accuracy than a fretted bass would, but the neck feels thin and fast - it's very easy on the fingers and the construction is undoubtedly solid. The pickups (I prefer the one on the bridge) offer a full, beefy tone with lots of sustain and very little excess noise. This bass is indeed quite heavy, but it's well-balanced and sits comfortably on the shoulder if you have a decent/wide strap.
Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase. The bridge needed some minor adjustments to correct the intonation before I could use it, but a luthier/tech can easily set it up for you (or do it yourself with a 1.5mm allen wrench - there are plenty of tutorials online.) One thing to note when buying new strings: you'll need to make sure you buy "super long" strings or they might not sit properly in the nut. I'm personally a fan of light-gauge D'Addario Nickel-Wound XL's on all my LTDs (which is conveniently what they come pre-strung with.) However, I've noticed after a few weeks of regular playing that the strings have left slight indentations/scratches on the fretboard of this bass. I replaced them with Chrome XL (flatwound) strings, which make it sound and play even better, and will prevent further fretboard damage. Hands down, flatwounds are the way to go for a fretless.
ESP LTD B-205SM FL Fretless Spalted Maple 5-String Bass Guitar, Natural Satin
4.6 | 13 ratings
Price: 649
Last update: 08-22-2024
About this item
With unique coloration and grain pattern, spalted maple is a great look to stand out from the crowd
An excellent choice in a fretless 5-string bass with an ash body and a spalted maple top in Natural Satin finish
The extra thin U-shaped 5-piece maple/jatoba neck has great playing feel and 24 fret indicators to quickly hit your pitch
Includes passive ESP Designed SB-5 pickups, along with an active ABQ-3 EQ, and good-looking black nickel hardware
An excellent choice in a fretless 5-string bass with an ash body and a spalted maple top in Natural Satin finish
The extra thin U-shaped 5-piece maple/jatoba neck has great playing feel and 24 fret indicators to quickly hit your pitch
Includes passive ESP Designed SB-5 pickups, along with an active ABQ-3 EQ, and good-looking black nickel hardware
Product information
| Item Weight | 12.12 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 53 x 5 x 19 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| ASIN | B00GXMPRWA |
| Item model number | LB205SMFLNS |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
13 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #113,194 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #375 in Electric Bass Guitars |
| Date First Available | November 26, 2013 |
| Back Material | Ash Wood, Maple, Basswood |
| Body Material | Wood |
| Color Name | Natural Satin |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | H |
| Scale Length | 34" Scale |
| Top Material | Ash Wood, Maple |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Adjustable |
| Size | 5-String |
Top reviews from the United States
Neil R
It's easy to lose hours of time while playing on this thing
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2019
Neil R
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2019
The unique grain of the spalted maple makes this a gorgeous one-of-a-kind piece, and it plays as impressive as it looks. The lack of frets demand greater accuracy than a fretted bass would, but the neck feels thin and fast - it's very easy on the fingers and the construction is undoubtedly solid. The pickups (I prefer the one on the bridge) offer a full, beefy tone with lots of sustain and very little excess noise. This bass is indeed quite heavy, but it's well-balanced and sits comfortably on the shoulder if you have a decent/wide strap.
Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase. The bridge needed some minor adjustments to correct the intonation before I could use it, but a luthier/tech can easily set it up for you (or do it yourself with a 1.5mm allen wrench - there are plenty of tutorials online.) One thing to note when buying new strings: you'll need to make sure you buy "super long" strings or they might not sit properly in the nut. I'm personally a fan of light-gauge D'Addario Nickel-Wound XL's on all my LTDs (which is conveniently what they come pre-strung with.) However, I've noticed after a few weeks of regular playing that the strings have left slight indentations/scratches on the fretboard of this bass. I replaced them with Chrome XL (flatwound) strings, which make it sound and play even better, and will prevent further fretboard damage. Hands down, flatwounds are the way to go for a fretless.
Images in this review
T. Porter
This thing is rumbly. Love it
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024A
Very happy with this bass so far
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2017Reb T
Amazing Bass!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2016D. G. Elliott
This is a nice instrument and it plays very well
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2018Dr David McLachlan
I was surprised at how nice this guitar is-it played and felt great right out ...
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2016EV
Great Bass!!!!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024CorkyMuldoon
One Beefy Fretless Bass Guitar!
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2016