With 13 new models in LTD, E-II and Signature Series ranges, ESP/LTD bass segment is looking stronger and better than ever.
2018 NAMM Show was a bit smaller and more modest event than the last year`s, signaling a slower, less lucrative business year. Even some of the greats were missing from the roster. However, ESP/LTD booth was laden with dozens of new models. LTD, E-II ESP Original, and Signature Series ranges were updated and refreshed for 2018. The four (and five) string section received a total of 13 models, spread across the LTD, E-II and Signature Series ranges. LTD range received eight of thirteen updates, with AP, B, and F series being updated. The new LTD models are: AP-204, B-10, B-15, B-204FM, B-205FM, B-208SM, F-204FM, and F-205FM. E-II range`s bass roster got richer for two brand new series – BTL and GB. Both have been introduced with one four-stringer and one five-stringer each. Their names are: E-II BTL-4, E-II BTL-5, E-II GB-4, and E-II GB-5. The only new Signature Series model is Orion-5, made for Orion of Polish death/black metal veterans Behemoth.
ESP LTD AP-204 is the first model on our list. It is a P-style four-stringer with a flat alder body, bolt-on maple neck, and 21-fret roasted jatoba fingerboard. Stock hardware and electronics complete this affordable rocker. For further info and the full specs list, check AP-204 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD B-10 is the new basic model of the great old B series. It offers a solid and double-cut basswood body, a bolt-on neck made of maple and a hardwood fingerboard. Stock hardware and electronics complete the list of major features. For further info and the full specs list, check B-10 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD B-15 will be the new beginner five-string option of the B range. Main features include a solid, double-cut basswood body, a bolt-on maple neck, and a 24-fret hardwood fingerboard. B-15 also has stock J/P pickups, and LTD hardware. For further info and the full specs list, check B-15 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD B-204FM will cover the lower intermediate class, bringing outstanding build quality, fancy looks, and versatile tone. Main features include a solid basswood body w/flame maple top, a bolt-on maple/jatoba neck w/roasted jatoba fingerboard on top, and ESP Designed soapbar pickups. For further info and the full specs list, check B-204FM detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD B-205FM is a lower-intermediate five-stringer added to the popular B series. Elegant looks, exceptional tonal versatility, as well as ESP`s famous build quality are 205`s strongest suits. Main features include basswood/maple body, maple/jatoba neck, and ESP Designed electronics. For further info and the full specs list, check B-205FM detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD B-208SM is the only 8-string model introduced for 2018. Of course, it is a regular four-string with double course strings (full octave higher). Main features include a basswood body w/spalt maple top, maple/jatoba neck, ESP Designed pickups, and LTD hardware. For further info and the full specs list, check B-208SM detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP E-II BTL-4 brings the core features of the newly established series, such as beveled and double-cut body (alder/spalt maple), bolt-on maple neck (Thin U profile), 24-fret ebony fingerboard, Seymour Duncan passive pickups, and combined Hipshot/Gotoh hardware. For further info and the full specs list, check BTL-4 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP E-II BTL-5 follows BTL-4`s suit down to a T. Exceptions, of course, include the string count and all the necessary changes needed to accommodate the additional string. Tonewoods, hardware, and electronics features remain the same, as does the color palette. For further info and the full specs list, check BTL-5 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP E-II GB-5 is a professional-class five-string bass, made for players who prefer the classic looks/modern playability combo. Main features include a vintage-styled ash body, maple neck (modern Thin U contour), maple fingerboard (21 XJ frets), active Seymour Duncan soapbars, and Hipshot/Gotoh hardware. For further info and the full specs list, check GB-5 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP E-II GB-4 is a brand new E-II four-stringer. It will be available in May, with the specs list identical to the previously reviewed GB-5 model. Changes are limited to the string count and related features/measurements. For further info and the full specs list, check GB-4 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD F-204FM brings us back to the LTD range. It is a lower-intermediate instrument with bold styling, stock hardware/electronics features, and run-of-the-mill tonewoods combination. Highlights include the flame maple top, roasted jatoba fingerboard, ESP Designed soapbar pickups, and LTD tuners. For further info and the full specs list, check F-204FM detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP LTD F-205FM is a great option for bass players looking to test drive a good, affordable five-string or who want to replace their beginner instruments. Key features include a basswood/flame maple body,maple/jatoba neck w/jatoba fingerboard, ESP Designed pickups, and LTD hardware. For further info and the full specs list, check F-205FM detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
ESP Orion-5 is the only signature model introduced this time. It is made for Behemoth`s Orion and it rocks simple, effective design, bone-crushing tone, and world-class playability. Highlights include a P-style alder body, bolt-on maple neck, active Seymour Duncan pickups, and LTD stock hardware. For further info and the full specs list, check Orion-5 detail page on our site or head over to ESP Guitars official webpage.
