ESP LTD TL-5 Bass in Natural
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- SKU
- LTL5NAT
. Description
Sound & Tone
The chambered mahogany body and spruce top give the TL-5 a warm, open low end with natural resonance and sustain, while the set-neck construction and 34" scale keep notes focused and responsive across all five strings. The Fishman Sonicore active pickup and TL-3 preamp add articulate, punchy definition that cuts through a mix, so the semi-hollow warmth stays clear on stage and in the studio. It suits jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles that need woody, resonant tone with low-end clarity.
ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 5-String Semi-Hollow Electric Bass Natural
The ESP LTD Thinline TL-5 combines the resonant character of semi-hollow construction with the playability demands of five-string work. Its chambered mahogany body and spruce top deliver natural warmth and sustain while staying light enough for extended gigs. The thin U-shaped neck contour and 45mm nut width sit comfortably in the hands, and the set-neck joint locks the neck to the body with the kind of solid coupling that projects articulate low-end clarity without forcing you to carry unnecessary weight to the stage.
Playability & Ergonomics
The 34" scale paired with a thin U neck contour and roasted jatoba fingerboard (400mm radius, 22 J-style frets) shapes a responsive playing surface built to minimize hand fatigue across long sets and studio sessions. The Graphtech Nubone XB nut at 45mm width spaces five strings with precision, while the set-neck construction couples the neck solidly to the body for the kind of sustain and feedback response that demands precision from your playing.
Tone & Electronics
The Fishman Sonicore active pickup working with the Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard tuner cuts through a live mix with articulate punch and complete tone-shaping control. The chambered mahogany body with spruce top resonates organically, and the active electronics give you the clarity needed to lock into a band on stage or nail takes in the studio—a platform equally at home in either context.
Key Features
- Set-neck construction with 3-piece mahogany neck
- Chambered mahogany body with spruce top
- 34" scale length
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard with 400mm radius and 22 J-style frets
- Thin U neck contour
- 45mm graphtech Nubone XB nut
- Fishman Sonicore active pickup
- Fishman TL-3 preamp with onboard tuner
- Grover tuners with chrome hardware
- Jatoba bridge with molded saddle
- Natural finish
- Strung with D'Addario PBB170-5 (.045/.065/.085/.100/.130)
The Thinline TL-5 stakes its claim as a working musician's five-string—responsive enough to demand and reward precision, tonally flexible across jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles, and reliable enough to trust on any stage.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Condition | New |
Reviews
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CTLBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for TL Bass (Case Only)
20% off with this guitar: $167.20 $209.00
It ships inside the same box — and your guitar arrives protected.
Specifications
| Scale Length | 34" Scale |
|---|---|
| Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Strings | 5 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2020 |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Fusion
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bass right for metal or hard rock?
No—the Thinline TL-5 is voiced for jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles where articulate clarity and warm sustain are priorities. Metal and thrash bass work would be better served by a solid-body instrument with higher output and tighter low-end definition.
What skill level do I need to play this bass comfortably?
The Thinline TL-5 is suited for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The thin U-shaped neck and 45mm nut width reduce fatigue, but the 5-string setup and active electronics reward players with existing technique and ear.
What electronics are onboard and what do they do?
The Fishman Sonicore active pickup pairs with a Fishman TL-3 preamp and onboard tuner for complete tonal control. The active electronics let you shape your signal in real time, cutting through mixes with articulate punch while preserving the natural warmth of the semi-hollow body.
How does the semi-hollow construction affect playability and tone?
The chambered mahogany body with spruce top keeps weight down while naturally projecting warmth and sustain—a real advantage during long gigs or recording sessions. The set-neck construction couples solidly to the body, reinforcing responsiveness and sustain without sacrificing the resonant character that makes semi-hollow basses valuable in jazz and fusion settings.
What is the string spacing and is the 34-inch scale standard?
The 45mm Graphtech Nubone XB nut provides proper spacing for five strings, and the 34-inch scale is the standard for 5-string basses. The thin U neck contour and roasted jatoba fingerboard (400mm radius, 22 J-style frets) create a responsive, fatigue-reducing playing surface.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $50 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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