LB205SMFLNS-B vs LKH202LH — Compare
ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock vs ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
The B-205SM is a fretless bass built for nuanced, expressive playing in jazz and funk contexts, while the KH-202 LH is a left-handed metal guitar designed for aggressive lead work and bending. Choose the B-205SM if you play fretless bass; choose the KH-202 LH if you're a left-handed guitarist focused on metal and hard rock.
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ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock | ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $559.20 | $599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD B-205SM Fretless Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
- ✓ Fretless fingerboard with roasted jatoba and fret indicators for expressive slides and intonation control
- ✓ Active ABQ-3 3-band EQ for detailed tone shaping across bass, mids, and treble
- ✓ Spalted maple top and ash body deliver warm, woody character ideal for studio recording
- ✓ 5-piece maple/jatoba neck construction provides responsive feel and stability
Why choose ESP LTD KH-202 LH Kirk Hammett Signature Series Left Handed Electric
- ✓ Left-handed configuration with properly mirrored hardware and controls
- ✓ Floyd Rose Special bridge enables aggressive bending, divebombs, and tuning lock for live performance
- ✓ Extra-jumbo 24 frets on 25.5" scale support rapid lead position shifts and fast technique
- ✓ High-output ESP LH-301 pickups deliver tight, articulate tone for metal and hard rock genres
Frequently asked questions
Are these two instruments comparable at all?
No. The B-205SM is a 5-string fretless bass guitar; the KH-202 LH is a 6-string left-handed electric guitar. They serve entirely different purposes and player bases.
What skill level do I need for each?
Both are rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The B-205SM requires fretless-specific technique and ear training; the KH-202 LH is designed for lead guitarists comfortable with fast fingerboard work and Floyd Rose operation.
Which one is better for recording?
The B-205SM excels in studio settings due to its active EQ, detailed midrange articulation, and warm woody tone suited to jazz and funk sessions. The KH-202 LH is built for live performance and metal studio tones, not general recording versatility.
Why are these priced in the same tier if they're so different?
Both are mid-tier instruments from ESP LTD's professional line, with quality hardware, legitimate hardware (bolt-on construction, professional pickups), and finish options. Price tier reflects brand positioning, not direct feature parity.