LB205DXBLKB vs LB205SMFLNS-B — Compare
ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Black Burst vs ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
The B-205DX is a fretted five-string built for rock, metal, and funk with punchy articulation and active 2-band EQ, while the B-205SM is a fretless instrument designed for jazz, funk, and expressive playing with passive pickups and a 3-band active EQ. Choose the B-205DX if you want traditional fretted playability and mid-focused punch; choose the B-205SM if you're committed to fretless technique and need expressive tone shaping.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Black Burst | ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $559.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | — | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | — |
| Strings | 5 | 5 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | — |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | — |
| Neck | Maple | — |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | — |
| Pickup Configuration | — | P/J |
| Bridge | — | String-Through Body |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Black Burst
- ✓ 24 extra jumbo frets enable fast, precise passages ideal for metal and progressive
- ✓ Active 2-band EQ with punchy mids cuts through band mixes
- ✓ Standard fretted fingerboard suits players transitioning from four-string or seeking conventional technique
- ✓ LTD SB-5 pickups deliver articulate, responsive attack
Why choose ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
- ✓ Fretless design enables expressive slides, bends, and microtonal nuance essential for jazz
- ✓ 3-band active EQ (bass, mids, treble) offers more tonal flexibility than 2-band
- ✓ Strings-thru-body bridge with individual saddles maximizes sustain and resonance
- ✓ B-Stock pricing provides significant savings on an instrument typically more expensive than fretted models
- ✓ Roasted jatoba fretless fingerboard with marked fret indicators guides intonation without limiting expression
Frequently asked questions
What's the main playability difference between these two?
The B-205DX has 24 frets on a traditional fretted fingerboard, enabling precise fretting and fast passages. The B-205SM is fretless with marked fret indicators, designed for slides, bends, and expressive intonation control—requiring more developed ear and finger technique.
Which has more tonal control?
The B-205SM offers a 3-band active EQ with separate bass, mid, and treble controls, while the B-205DX has a 2-band EQ with bass and treble only. For detailed midrange shaping, the B-205SM provides more precision.
Are these both suitable for jazz?
The B-205SM is explicitly designed for jazz with its fretless fingerboard and expressive sustain. The B-205DX is not recommended for traditional jazz, as its fretted design and punchy mids suit rock and metal better.
What does B-Stock mean, and why is the B-205SM cheaper?
B-Stock indicates the B-205SM is a display or returned unit in good condition, typically priced lower than new stock. Both instruments share the same core construction and quality; the discount reflects the open-box status.