ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 5 String Semi Hollow Electric Bass Natural B-Sto
Description
ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 5-String Semi-Hollow Electric Bass Natural
The ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 is engineered for five-string players who demand a lightweight, responsive instrument without sacrificing tone or stage reliability. The chambered mahogany body with spruce top projects warmth and articulation naturally, while the thin U-shaped neck and 45mm nut width deliver comfortable hours of playing. Semi-hollow construction means less weight to carry through venues while maintaining the sustain and clarity needed to cut through a live mix or recording session.
Playability & Ergonomics
The 34" scale paired with a thin U neck contour and roasted jatoba fingerboard (400mm radius, 22 J-style frets) creates a fast, responsive feel that minimizes hand fatigue during extended gigs. The 45mm Graphtech Nubone XB nut spaces five strings properly while the set-neck construction anchors the neck solidly to the body, delivering the sustain and responsiveness demanded on stage. This neck geometry suits both jazz voicing and aggressive contemporary styles.
Tone & Live Reliability
The Fishman Sonicore active pickup with Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard tuner gives you articulate, punchy tone and real-time control over your signal without relying on external gear. The chambered mahogany body and spruce top resonate naturally, while active electronics ensure your low end cuts through dense mixes on stage or in the studio. Set-neck construction means this bass stays in tune and sounds consistent night after night.
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 Thinline TL-5 combines a playing feel that works across jazz, fusion, and contemporary bass styles with the tonal character and stage-ready electronics that working musicians depend on.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with warehouse handling—light blemishes and surface marks on the body and headstock that are completely superficial in nature. These marks are purely cosmetic and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the bass. You're getting a premium ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 5-string semi-hollow electric bass at a significant B-Stock discount while maintaining full manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 is a lightweight, five-string semi-hollow bass built for working musicians who need articulate low-end clarity and warm resonance without the weight of a solid body. Its thin U-shaped neck, responsive roasted jatoba fingerboard, and Fishman active electronics deliver punchy tone that cuts through on stage and in the studio, making it equally at home in jazz, fusion, and contemporary sessions. This B-Stock unit carries minor cosmetic marks from warehouse handling but maintains full playability and tone at a significant discount.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this semi-hollow construction different from a solid-body five-string bass?
The chambered mahogany body with spruce top naturally projects warmth and sustain while remaining significantly lighter than a solid body, reducing fatigue during extended playing. The semi-hollow design couples responsiveness with the articulate low-end clarity and punchy attack needed to cut through a mix in live performance and studio settings.
Is this bass suitable for beginners, or is it geared toward more experienced players?
This bass is built for intermediate to advanced players and working professionals. The thin U-shaped neck contour and 45mm nut width are designed for comfort and speed, but the instrument's capabilities and active electronics are best utilized by players with established technique.
What does B-Stock mean for this particular unit?
This B-Stock Thinline TL-5 has minor cosmetic imperfections such as light blemishes and surface marks on the body and headstock from warehouse handling. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity, and the bass maintains full manufacturer warranty coverage.
What's included with this bass, and what are the specifications?
The bass arrives strung with D'Addario PBB170-5 strings (.045/.065/.085/.100/.130), featuring a 34-inch scale, roasted jatoba fingerboard with 400mm radius and 22 J-style frets, Fishman Sonicore pickup, Fishman TL-3 preamp with onboard tuner, and Grover chrome tuners. Set-neck construction and the 45mm Graphtech Nubone XB nut provide solid sustain and proper string spacing.
Which styles and genres is this bass best suited for?
The Thinline TL-5 excels in jazz, fusion, studio sessions, and contemporary live performance contexts where clarity, warmth, and articulate tone are priorities. Its active electronics and semi-hollow resonance are not optimized for metal or punk applications.