Is this bass good for someone moving from a four-string to five-string?

Yes. The thin U-contoured neck, 45mm nut width, and 24 XJ frets are designed to make the transition straightforward, with rapid position shifts and upper-range access built in.

What kinds of tones can the electronics dial in?

The dual ESP SB-5 pickups and ABQ-3 3-band active EQ with bass, mid, and treble boost/cut deliver articulate, punchy tones across the frequency range, from tight slap tones to deep, focused lows.

What is the scale length and nut width?

The B-205SM has a 34-inch scale length and a 45mm nut width, both standard measurements that suit intermediate to advanced players and most hand sizes.

How does the string-thru-body bridge affect sustain?

The ESP BB-605 bridge with string-thru-body design maximizes sustain and tonal transfer directly to the body, giving you extended note length and resonance.

What are the main construction materials?

The bass features a spalted maple top over ash body for durability and resonant low-end, a 5-piece maple/rosewood neck with thin U contour for warp resistance, and a natural satin finish that reduces weight and maintenance.

ESP LTD B-205SM Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish

The B-205SM is a workhorse five-string built for gigging bassists who demand comfortable playability and reliable, articulate tone night after night. Its thin U-contoured neck and 34" scale length make it fast underhand, while the spalted maple top over ash body delivers punchy lows and clear definition that cuts through a live mix without unnecessary bulk or maintenance headaches.

Build & Construction

Bolt-on ash body with spalted maple top provides the durability and resonant low-end response you need in a touring instrument. The 5-piece maple/rosewood neck stays stable under the rigors of the road, while the thin U neck contour and 45mm nut keep string access intuitive and position shifts smooth, whether you've got smaller hands or are coming from a four-string setup.

Tone & Electronics

Dual ESP SB-5 pickups (bridge and neck) give you articulate, punchy response across the frequency range—perfect for slap, pick, or finger work on stage. The ESP ABQ-3 3-band active EQ with bass boost/cut, mid boost/cut, treble boost/cut, volume, and balance controls lets you dial in everything from tight slap tones to deep, focused lows and adapt to any venue. The ESP BB-605 bridge with string-thru-body design maximizes sustain and tonal transfer to the body for reliable, consistent output.

Key Features

Spalted maple top with ash body
5-piece maple/rosewood neck with thin U contour
24 XJ frets for extended upper range access
34" scale length
45mm standard nut width
Rosewood fingerboard
Dual ESP SB-5 pickups (bridge and neck)
ESP ABQ-3 3-band active EQ with bass/mid/treble boost/cut and balance control
Black nickel hardware with ESP tuners
ESP BB-605 bridge with string-thru-body design
Natural Satin finish

The B-205SM combines road-tested hardware, responsive electronics, and solid construction into a bass that handles the demands of live performance and rewards technical exploration.

Dexterity	Right handed
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	China