LB205SMFLNS vs LB205SMNSLH — Compare
ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin vs ESP LTD B-205SM Left-Handed Bass in Natural Satin
Product A is a 4-string fretless bass optimized for expressive jazz and funk work, while Product B is a 5-string fretted bass with left-handed orientation and string-through-body construction for live performance versatility. Choose A if you're a left-handed fretless specialist; choose B if you're a left-handed player needing a modern, punchy 5-string workhorse.
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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 |
| 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 for expressive slides, bends, and smooth jazz/funk tones
- ✓ Rosewood fingerboard suits traditional fretless technique and warm, articulate character
- ✓ Bolt-on construction keeps neck stable and responsive for precision intonation work
- ✓ 4-string setup reduces string spacing complexity for dedicated fretless players
Why choose ESP LTD B-205SM Left-Handed Bass in Natural Satin
- ✓ 5-string configuration adds extended low-end range and harmonic depth
- ✓ Extra-jumbo frets on roasted jatoba fingerboard enable faster, more aggressive playing
- ✓ String-through-body bridge design maximizes sustain and clarity across all strings
- ✓ Left-handed orientation with modern active electronics suits live performance demands
Frequently asked questions
Why is one fretless and one fretted?
Product A is purpose-built for fretless playing—the technique demands continuous pitch control and expressive slides that frets would restrict. Product B is fretted for speed, precision, and higher-volume live work where intonation consistency matters more than bending expressivity.
What's the difference between the fingerboards?
Product A has rosewood with 24 fret markers (visual guides, not physical frets) for smooth sliding. Product B has roasted jatoba with 24 extra-jumbo physical frets for durability and fast fretting-hand movement.
Why does Product B have a 5-string and Product A only 4?
The fretless design (Product A) favors simplicity and focused technique; most fretless bassists use 4 strings to concentrate on intonation control. The 5-string (Product B) is optimized for modern studio and live work where extended low range is standard.
Which sustains longer?
Product B's string-through-body bridge design maximizes sustain and clarity. Product A prioritizes resonance and natural tonal character over extreme sustain, trading that advantage for the responsiveness fretless players need.