ESP E-II AP-5 STW See Thru White Bass Guitar
Description
ESP E-II AP-5 STW See Thru White Bass Guitar
The E-II AP-5 STW captures tight, articulate low-end that cuts through dense mixes and locks in with precision. Built on a Thin U neck contour and bolt-on construction, this five-string design pairs a resonant white ash body with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, responding with clarity and sustain across extended takes. Finished in striking See Thru White, this Japanese-made bass from ESP's 2014 E-II line launch combines premium hardware with active electronics for tracking flexibility and mix-ready tone shaping in the studio.
Recording Feel & Playability
The Thin U neck contour paired with a 46mm bone nut and 305mm fingerboard radius provides fast, repeatable finger placement during multi-take sessions across the 21 jumbo frets. The 34" scale five-string configuration balances reach with ergonomic comfort for long recording hours, while bolt-on neck construction delivers direct mechanical coupling between body and neck—translating to solid sustain and consistent feel from take one through final comp.
Tone Shaping & Studio Electronics
Twin Seymour Duncan SMB-5D active pickups (neck and bridge) capture articulate, punchy tones with extended dynamic range—essential for tracking through heavy processing or sitting confidently against dense arrangements. The onboard Seymour Duncan STC-3M4 EQ combined with volume push/pull, balance, and mini switch controls enables quick tonal adjustments during sessions—dial in tight lows for anchor duties, push aggressive mids for presence, or brighten highs for definition without leaving the tracking room.
Key Features
- White Ash body with See Thru White (STW) finish
- Maple neck with Thin U contour
- Rosewood fingerboard with 305mm radius and 21 jumbo frets
- Bolt-on-neck construction
- 34" scale, 5-string configuration
- 46mm bone nut
- Gotoh tuners and Gotoh bridge with string-thru design
- Chrome hardware throughout
- Seymour Duncan SMB-5D active neck and bridge pickups
- Seymour Duncan STC-3M4 3-band EQ with volume push/pull and balance controls
- Mini switch for pickup configuration
- Includes ESP hard case
This well-specified five-string combines Japanese craftsmanship, proven hardware partnerships, and professional-grade active electronics in a visually distinctive package.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The E-II AP-5 STW captures articulate, punchy bass tones with extended dynamic range and a tight low end, making it a versatile tool for recording funk, progressive, and contemporary studio sessions. The Seymour Duncan SMB-5D pickups paired with the onboard 3-band EQ and mini switch let you dial in everything from aggressive mids and highs to resonant low-end clarity, giving you real tonal flexibility within a single take or across multiple tracks. Its Japanese build quality, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, and fast Thin U neck make it a dependable choice for tracking and engineering professional recordings.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Worship
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What neck profile does this bass have, and will it feel fast to play?
The E-II AP-5 features a Thin U neck contour with a 46mm bone nut and 305mm fingerboard radius, designed for fast, responsive playing across the 21 jumbo frets. The slim profile and tight radius make it comfortable for intermediate to advanced players who want minimal hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.
What pickup and electronics setup does this bass have?
It's equipped with twin Seymour Duncan SMB-5D active pickups (neck and bridge) and a Seymour Duncan STC-3M4 3-band EQ with volume push/pull, balance, and mini switch controls for pickup configuration. This gives you precise tonal shaping from tight lows to aggressive mids and highs.
Is this bass suitable for funk and progressive styles?
Yes—the articulate, punchy tone profile with extended dynamic range and tight low end is specifically engineered for funk and progressive music, where clarity and responsive dynamics are essential.
What hardware and construction quality should I expect?
The bass features Gotoh tuners and a Gotoh bridge with string-thru design, chrome hardware throughout, and bolt-on-neck construction that ensures solid connection and direct feel. It was made in Japan as part of ESP's E-II line, combining premium specifications with proven hardware partnerships.
What is included with this bass?
The ESP E-II AP-5 STW includes a hard case and comes ready to play with all hardware, pickups, and active electronics installed.
Similar Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this guitar.