LB205DXREDB-B vs LMH200BLK — Compare
ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst B-Stock vs ESP LTD MH-200 Electric Guitar in Black
The B-205DX is a 5-string bass designed for funk, rock, and progressive genres with active electronics for tone shaping, while the MH-200 is a 6-string electric guitar built for metal and hard rock with passive humbuckers and straightforward controls. Choose the bass if you play low-end driven music; choose the guitar if you focus on six-string rock and metal.
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Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst B-Stock | ESP LTD MH-200 Electric Guitar in Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.20 | $649.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | — | LTD MH |
| Body | — | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | — | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 5 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
| Bridge | — | Floyd Rose Licensed |
| Year | Unknown | 2018 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst B-Stock
- ✓ 5-string configuration with 34-inch scale for extended low-end range
- ✓ Active 2-band EQ provides punch and articulation across multiple genres
- ✓ Roasted maple neck with thin U-profile offers comfortable modern playability
- ✓ B-stock pricing reduces cost while maintaining full specifications
Why choose ESP LTD MH-200 Electric Guitar in Black
- ✓ Dual passive humbuckers deliver warm, sustained tone ideal for metal and hard rock
- ✓ Floyd Rose tremolo system enables dive bombs and whammy effects
- ✓ 25.5-inch scale with Thin-'U' profile neck suits aggressive playing styles
- ✓ Simple vol/tone controls make tonal shaping intuitive without steep learning curve
Frequently asked questions
Are these the same instrument type?
No. The B-205DX is a 5-string bass guitar, while the MH-200 is a 6-string electric guitar. They serve entirely different roles in music—bass provides low-end foundation, guitar plays melodic and harmonic content. Your choice depends on which instrument you play.
Which has more tone-shaping capability?
The B-205DX offers more active control with its 2-band EQ (separate bass and treble controls) allowing real-time tone shaping. The MH-200 uses passive electronics with basic vol/tone controls, which deliver excellent passive tone but less adjustability. Active is better for studio tweaking; passive suits players who prefer classic, simple controls.
Which is easier to play for beginners?
The MH-200 suits intermediate-to-advanced players due to its 25.5-inch scale and aggressive setup for metal. The B-205DX, also intermediate-to-advanced, is designed for both standard and extended bass techniques. Both require solid fundamentals; neither is beginner-friendly. Your choice depends on whether you play bass or guitar.
Do either of these work for jazz or blues?
The B-205DX works well in blues and can adapt to jazz fusion with its active EQ and 5-string range. The MH-200 is listed as good for blues but not jazz due to its passive dual-humbucker setup, which favors rock-oriented tones over the clarity jazz typically requires. If pursuing jazz, the bass is the safer choice of the two.