LB205DXREDB vs LEC256CARSLH-B1409 — Compare

ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst vs ESP LTD EC-256 Lefty Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin B-Stock 1409

The B-205DX is a 5-string bass designed for funk, rock, and progressive music with active tone shaping, while the EC-256 Lefty is a left-handed electric guitar built for rock, blues, and metal with set-neck mahogany construction and humbucker pickups. These are fundamentally different instruments—choose the bass if you play bass and need modern active electronics, or the guitar if you're a left-handed guitarist seeking sustain and vintage-style tone.

No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.

ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst

$599.00
View ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst

ESP LTD EC-256 Lefty Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin B-Stock 1409

$479.20
View ESP LTD EC-256 Lefty Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin B-Stock 1409

Specs side by side

ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red BurstESP LTD EC-256 Lefty Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin B-Stock 1409
Price$599.00$479.20
BrandESP LTDESP LTD
SeriesLTD B Series BassLTD EC
Body—Single Cutaway
Body Type—Solid
Scale34" Scale24.75" Scale
Strings56
Frets24 Frets22 Frets
FretboardRosewoodRosewood
NeckMapleMahogany
Neck ConstructionBolt-OnSet-Neck
Pickup Configuration—HH
Bridge—Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar
YearUnknown2023
ConditionNewRefurbished

Why choose ESP LTD B-205DX Bass in Red Burst

  • ✓ Active EQ controls (treble, bass, balance) for real-time tonal shaping in studio and live settings
  • ✓ 5-string configuration extends low-end range for funk and progressive playing
  • ✓ Modern thin U-profile neck and 34" scale suit extended technique and comfort
  • ✓ Responsive ESP SB-5 pickups with punchy low-end articulation

Why choose ESP LTD EC-256 Lefty Guitar Candy Apple Red Satin B-Stock 1409

  • ✓ Set-neck mahogany construction provides superior sustain and resonance prized in rock and blues
  • ✓ Purpose-built left-handed design eliminates compromise for southpaw players
  • ✓ Coil-splitting push/pull tone pot adds tonal flexibility from warm rhythms to bright leads
  • ✓ 24.75" scale balances traditional comfort with modern playability
Bottom line: Buy the B-205DX if you need a modern active 5-string bass for funk, rock, or studio work. Buy the EC-256 Lefty if you're a left-handed guitarist seeking a professional-grade instrument with sustain and classic humbucker tone for rock, blues, or metal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use either instrument for jazz?

The EC-256 Lefty is suited to jazz with its warm humbucker output and sustain. The B-205DX is explicitly not ideal for traditional jazz due to its active, shaped tone and punchy character designed for modern genres.

Which has better playability for fast technique?

Both feature thin U-profile necks for modern comfort. The B-205DX's 34" bass scale and 24 frets support extended bass technique, while the EC-256's 22 frets and 24.75" scale suit rapid guitar fingering and chord work.

What's the key tonal difference?

The B-205DX uses active electronics to deliver punchy, articulate, shaped tones you can adjust in real time. The EC-256 relies on passive humbucker output with coil-splitting for a warm, sustained, natural tone characteristic of set-neck construction.

Is the EC-256 B-stock a concern?

B-stock indicates it may have minor cosmetic damage or return history but functions identically to new stock. The Candy Apple Red Satin finish is intentional design, not a defect.

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