ESP E-II AP-5 STW See Thru White Bass Guitar
Description
ESP E-II AP-5 STW See Thru White Bass Guitar
The E-II AP-5 STW lands in your hands with a comfortable, balanced feel anchored by its Thin U neck contour and bolt-on construction. This five-string cuts through live with a resonant white ash body paired to a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, giving you clarity and sustain that projects on stage. Finished in striking See Thru White, this Japanese-made bass from ESP's 2014 E-II line launch combines premium hardware with active electronics that let you dial in your voice fast—from tight and focused to aggressive and present.
Playability & Feel
The Thin U neck contour paired with a 46mm bone nut and 305mm fingerboard radius gives you a fast, responsive playing surface across the 21 jumbo frets. The 34" scale five-string configuration balances reach with ergonomic comfort for hours on the bandstand, while bolt-on neck construction ensures a solid, direct connection that translates pick-to-speaker with minimal loss.
Tone & Electronics
Twin Seymour Duncan SMB-5D active pickups (neck and bridge) deliver articulate, punchy tones with the dynamic range needed to cut through a mix. The onboard Seymour Duncan STC-3M4 EQ combined with volume push/pull, balance, and mini switch controls puts precise tonal shaping at your fingertips—dial in tight lows for the foundation, aggressive mids for definition, and highs that sit in the pocket.
Key Features
- White Ash body with See Thru White (STW) finish
- Maple neck with Thin U contour
- Rosewood fingerboard with 305mm radius and 21 jumbo frets
- Bolt-on-neck construction
- 34" scale, 5-string configuration
- 46mm bone nut
- Gotoh tuners and Gotoh bridge with string-thru design
- Chrome hardware throughout
- Seymour Duncan SMB-5D active neck and bridge pickups
- Seymour Duncan STC-3M4 3-band EQ with volume push/pull and balance controls
- Mini switch for pickup configuration
- Includes ESP hard case
A well-specified five-string that marries Japanese craftsmanship, proven hardware partnerships, and professional-grade active electronics in a visually distinctive package built to live on the road and in the collection.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP E-II AP-5 STW is a professional-grade five-string bass built on a thin, fast neck and resonant white ash body that delivers articulate, punchy tones with tight lows and aggressive mids—ideal for funk, progressive, and studio work where clarity and dynamic range matter. Its Seymour Duncan active pickups and 3-band EQ give you precise tonal control on stage or in the studio, while the bolt-on neck and Gotoh hardware ensure rock-solid reliability for gigging musicians. Choose this if you want a Japanese-made instrument that sits confidently in a band mix and responds to your playing dynamics without fatigue.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Worship
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What neck profile does this bass have, and will it feel fast to play?
The E-II AP-5 features a Thin U neck contour with a 46mm bone nut and 305mm fingerboard radius, designed for fast, responsive playing across the 21 jumbo frets. The slim profile and tight radius make it comfortable for intermediate to advanced players who want minimal hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.
What pickup and electronics setup does this bass have?
It's equipped with twin Seymour Duncan SMB-5D active pickups (neck and bridge) and a Seymour Duncan STC-3M4 3-band EQ with volume push/pull, balance, and mini switch controls for pickup configuration. This gives you precise tonal shaping from tight lows to aggressive mids and highs.
Is this bass suitable for funk and progressive styles?
Yes—the articulate, punchy tone profile with extended dynamic range and tight low end is specifically engineered for funk and progressive music, where clarity and responsive dynamics are essential.
What hardware and construction quality should I expect?
The bass features Gotoh tuners and a Gotoh bridge with string-thru design, chrome hardware throughout, and bolt-on-neck construction that ensures solid connection and direct feel. It was made in Japan as part of ESP's E-II line, combining premium specifications with proven hardware partnerships.
What is included with this bass?
The ESP E-II AP-5 STW includes a hard case and comes ready to play with all hardware, pickups, and active electronics installed.
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