LB205SMFLNS vs LB205SMNSLH — Compare
ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin vs ESP LTD B-205SM Left-Handed Bass in Natural Satin
The ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless is a fretless instrument designed for expressive jazz and studio work, while the B-205SM Left-Handed is a 5-string fretted bass built for left-handed players across funk and progressive styles. Choose the fretless if you prioritize sliding articulation and tone shaping; choose the left-handed if you need a playable 5-string working instrument in a southpaw configuration.
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ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin
ESP LTD B-205SM Left-Handed Bass in Natural Satin
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin | ESP LTD B-205SM Left-Handed Bass in Natural Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $699.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD B Series Bass | LTD B Series Bass |
| Body | Modern Bass | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 34" Scale |
| Strings | 5 | 5 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | P/J | P/J |
| Bridge | String-Through Body | String-Through Body |
| Year | Unknown | 2016 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin
- ✓ Fretless design with 24 fret markers enables expressive slides, bends, and smooth note shaping
- ✓ Rosewood fingerboard optimized for fretless technique without limiting tonal expression
- ✓ Articulate low-end character with midrange definition ideal for jazz and studio sessions
- ✓ Paired SB-5 humbucking pickups capture detailed fretless nuance
Why choose ESP LTD B-205SM Left-Handed Bass in Natural Satin
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with ergonomic playability for southpaw musicians
- ✓ 5-string setup expands range and versatility for progressive and modern funk
- ✓ Roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets enables fast, responsive playing
- ✓ String-through-body bridge construction maximizes sustain and clarity across all strings
Frequently asked questions
What's the main playing difference between these two basses?
The fretless model has no frets, allowing smooth sliding and bending across the rosewood fingerboard with 24 fret markers as guides. The left-handed model is fully fretted with 24 extra-jumbo frets on roasted jatoba, designed for faster position playing and traditional fretting technique.
Can a fretless bass play the same genres as a 5-string fretted bass?
Yes, but they excel in different contexts. The fretless is built for jazz, funk with expressive slides, and studio tone shaping. The 5-string fretted left-handed bass is equally at home in funk and progressive but offers the extended low range and tonal flexibility of a 5-string configuration.
Are these the same model aside from handedness and frets?
Both are B-205SM variants with identical ash/spalted maple bodies, thin U necks, 34 scale, 45mm nuts, and ESP SB-5 pickups with ABQ-3 active EQ. The key differences are the fretless vs. fretted fingerboards, the 4-string vs. 5-string count, and fingerboard wood (rosewood vs. roasted jatoba).
Which is better for beginners?
Neither is ideal for true beginners—both require intermediate to advanced skill. The fretless demands pitch accuracy and intonation control from the player, while the 5-string left-handed requires comfort with wider string spacing and five-string coordination.