ESP LTD B-205SM Bass in Natural Satin Open Box
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- Open box from our own stock: unboxed, inspected and set up by our techs
- Otherwise new and unplayed, original packaging and factory accessories
- Covered by our 30-day money-back return policy
In stock
Only 1 left
- SKU
- LB205SMNS-U
- Color
- Natural
. 
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CBBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for B/D Series Basses (Case Only)
20% off with this guitar: $183.20 $229.00
It ships inside the same box — and your guitar arrives protected.
Description
Sound & Tone
The ash body with spalted maple top and 5-piece maple/rosewood neck gives this five-string a resonant, tight low end with clear note definition, and the string-thru-body BB-605 bridge adds sustain and body coupling. Dual ESP SB-5 pickups run through the ABQ-3 3-band active EQ, so you can pull punchy, articulate midrange for fingerstyle and pick work, scoop the mids for snappy slap tones, or boost the bass for deep, focused lows. With a 34" scale and 24 frets, it suits modern rock, metal, funk, gospel and session work where low-B extension and upper-register reach both matter.
ESP LTD B-205SM Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish
The B-205SM brings balanced, articulate low-end response to home studio sessions with its thin U-contoured neck and standard 34" scale length. The spalted maple top over ash body delivers solid tonal foundation and visual character, while the satin finish reduces unwanted reflections and keeps the instrument lightweight for extended tracking sessions. This five-string is engineered for studio versatility and responsive tone-shaping without unnecessary weight or complexity.
Build & Construction
Bolt-on ash body with spalted maple top establishes a resonant, focused low-end core ideal for layering and mixing. The 5-piece maple/rosewood neck resists temperature and humidity shifts during long sessions, while the thin U neck contour and 45mm nut enable quick passage work and multi-take comfort, supporting efficient tracking and arrangement exploration.
Tone & Electronics
Dual ESP SB-5 pickups (bridge and neck) capture articulate definition and punchy attack across the frequency spectrum, translating clearly to recordings. The ESP ABQ-3 3-band active EQ with bass boost/cut, mid boost/cut, treble boost/cut, volume, and balance controls lets you sculpt everything from tight, controlled slap textures to deep, focused lows during tracking or to adapt quickly across different song arrangements in a session. The ESP BB-605 bridge with string-thru-body design maximizes sustain and tonal transfer to the body for consistent recording presence.
Key Features
- Spalted maple top with ash body
- 5-piece maple/rosewood neck with thin U contour
- 24 XJ frets for extended upper range access
- 34" scale length
- 45mm standard nut width
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Dual ESP SB-5 pickups (bridge and neck)
- ESP ABQ-3 3-band active EQ with bass/mid/treble boost/cut and balance control
- Black nickel hardware with ESP tuners
- ESP BB-605 bridge with string-thru-body design
- Natural Satin finish
The B-205SM pairs thoughtful hardware, responsive electronics, and solid construction into a recording bass that supports both technical tracking precision and broad tonal palette exploration across multiple production contexts.
Open Box - our own stock. This unit was unboxed, inspected and set up by our techs in Temecula; it is otherwise new and unplayed and ships in the original packaging with all factory accessories. Sold as open box at a reduced price. Covered by our 30-day money-back return policy, including any problem on arrival.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Condition | Used |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
About this open-box unit
| Condition | Open box - from our own stock, sold at a reduced price |
|---|---|
| Price vs new | $84 under the new unit ($699) |
| Includes | Original packaging and all factory accessories |
| Returns | 30-day money-back return policy |
Prefer a brand-new one? ESP LTD B-205SM Bass in Natural Satin is in the catalog at $699.
Specifications
| Body Style | Modern Bass |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 34" Scale |
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Pickups | P/J |
| Bridge | String-Through Body |
| Strings | 5 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Made In | China |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Funk, Progressive, Jazz, Studio Sessions, Gigging |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, punchy, tight low end, focused, resonant |
| Less specialized for | Folk, Country (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does open-box mean for this bass?
Open-box means this unit was unboxed, inspected, and professionally set up by technicians but has never been played. It ships in original packaging with all factory accessories and is covered by a 30-day money-back return policy.
Is the 34-inch scale and 45mm nut width comfortable for transitioning from a four-string?
Yes—the 34-inch scale is standard for five-strings and the 45mm nut width is considered accessible for four-string players moving up. The thin U-contoured neck is designed specifically to reduce the learning curve and make rapid position shifts easy.
Can this bass handle both slap and deep, focused lows?
Absolutely. The dual ESP SB-5 pickups and ESP ABQ-3 3-band active EQ with boost/cut controls let you shape everything from punchy slap tones to tight, resonant low-end. The string-thru-body bridge design maximizes sustain and tonal transfer for articulate definition across the board.
What genres and playing styles is this bass best suited for?
The B-205SM excels in funk, progressive, jazz, and studio sessions. Its responsive electronics and extended fretboard access make it less ideal for folk or country styles but excellent for any genre requiring technical precision and tonal control.
How does the satin finish affect durability and maintenance?
The satin finish reduces weight and eliminates the need for gloss maintenance, making it ideal for gigging and road use. The spalted maple top over ash body provides a durable, resonant foundation that handles regular playing and venue changes.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $43 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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