ESP LTD TL-5 Bass in Natural
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Description
Sound & Tone
The chambered mahogany body and spruce top give the TL-5 a warm, open low end with natural resonance and sustain, while the set-neck construction and 34" scale keep notes focused and responsive across all five strings. The Fishman Sonicore active pickup and TL-3 preamp add articulate, punchy definition that cuts through a mix, so the semi-hollow warmth stays clear on stage and in the studio. It suits jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles that need woody, resonant tone with low-end clarity.
ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 5-String Semi-Hollow Electric Bass Natural
The ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 captures five-string bass with a lightweight, resonant character built on chambered mahogany and spruce construction. The thin U-shaped neck contour and 45mm nut width support extended tracking and overdubbing sessions, while the semi-hollow design naturally projects warmth and sustain into microphone capsules and audio interfaces. Engineered for recording engineers and producers who need articulate low-end definition without the bulk of a solid instrument, delivering clarity that translates well to tape and digital workstations.
Playability & Ergonomics
The 34" scale with a thin U neck contour and roasted jatoba fingerboard (400mm radius, 22 J-style frets) creates a responsive playing surface that reduces fatigue during extended session work. The Graphtech Nubone XB nut at 45mm width accommodates five strings with proper spacing while the set-neck construction couples the neck solidly to the body for excellent sustain and responsiveness.
Recording Tone & Signal Chain
The Fishman Sonicore active pickup paired with the Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard tuner delivers articulate, punchy tone with complete control over your signal path during tracking and mixing. The chambered mahogany body with spruce top resonates naturally while the active electronics punch through the mix with clarity, translating with precision both at high resolution in the control room and across playback systems.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction with 3-piece mahogany neck
- Chambered mahogany body with spruce top
- 34" scale length
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard with 400mm radius and 22 J-style frets
- Thin U neck contour
- 45mm graphtech Nubone XB nut
- Fishman Sonicore active pickup
- Fishman TL-3 preamp with onboard tuner
- Grover tuners with chrome hardware
- Jatoba bridge with molded saddle
- Natural finish
- Strung with D'Addario PBB170-5 (.045/.065/.085/.100/.130)
The combination of session-friendly ergonomics, active tone shaping, and semi-hollow resonance makes the Thinline TL-5 a flexible five-string foundation for jazz, fusion, and contemporary production work.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Condition | New |
Reviews
Specifications
| Scale Length | 34" Scale |
|---|---|
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Strings | 5 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2020 |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Jazz, Fusion, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate low end, punchy, warm sustain, high clarity, resonant |
| Less specialized for | Metal, Thrash Metal (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bass right for metal or hard rock?
No—the Thinline TL-5 is voiced for jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles where articulate clarity and warm sustain are priorities. Metal and thrash bass work would be better served by a solid-body instrument with higher output and tighter low-end definition.
What skill level do I need to play this bass comfortably?
The Thinline TL-5 is suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The thin U-shaped neck and 45mm nut width reduce fatigue, but the 5-string setup and active electronics reward players with existing technique and ear.
What electronics are onboard and what do they do?
The Fishman Sonicore active pickup pairs with a Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard tuner for complete tonal control. The active electronics let you shape your signal in real time, cutting through mixes with articulate punch while preserving the natural warmth of the semi-hollow body.
How does the semi-hollow construction affect playability and tone?
The chambered mahogany body with spruce top keeps weight down while naturally projecting warmth and sustain—a real advantage during long gigs or recording sessions. The set-neck construction couples solidly to the body, reinforcing responsiveness and sustain without sacrificing the resonant character that makes semi-hollow basses valuable in jazz and fusion settings.
What is the string spacing and is the 34-inch scale standard?
The 45mm Graphtech Nubone XB nut provides proper spacing for five strings, and the 34-inch scale is the standard for 5-string basses. The thin U neck contour and roasted jatoba fingerboard (400mm radius, 22 J-style frets) create a responsive, fatigue-reducing playing surface.
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 $50 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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