ESP B305FM 5-String Flame Maple Electric Bass Guitar

No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Neck-thru construction. 3-band active EQ.

ESP has broken the mold for high prices on neck-thru basses with the new LTD B305 bass. This beautiful Maple figured top would be worth the price alone, but ESP's builders have gone crazy by using neck-thru construction and still kept the price like a bolt on. If you ever dreamed of owning a neck-thru, quality bass but could never think of affording it, think again!

Construction/Scale: Neck-Thru-Body / 34 in.

Body: Mahogany sides with Flamed Maple top

Neck/Fingerboard: 5-PC Maple/Walnut neck, Rosewood fingerboard

Inlays: Dots w/model name on 12th fret

Hardware: Black Chrome on Transparent finishes, gold on Natural

Bridge: String-Thru-Body LTD BB-05

Frets: 24 XJ

Pickups: SB-5 (305) set

Electronics: Volume, Balance, ESP ABQ-3 active EQ

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-423-8388

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (7 ratings)
Submitted March 29, 2004 by a customer from rock.com

"Its a great bass for the money."

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Overall, its a really nice bass that is well worth the money. But i'd recommend an ibanez BTB or a Fender American Jazz Bass, if you are willing to spend the extra money.

Sound
This bass has great tone and sustain. The 3 band EQ gives you a lot of possibilities and range. You can cut the bass and turn the mids and highs up for a really twangy sound, its kind of cool. Or you can turn the bass up for a deep, punchy sound. Overall, the sound is pretty good. You can use a pick, your fingers, or you can slap and pop and it will sound pretty good, but, I'd have to recommend an Ianez BTB if your willing to spend around $200 more. A great bass for the price though.

Features
The 3 band EQ is really helpful. And its not like cheaper basses that have 2 or 3 band EQ's that dont really do anything, this bass' EQ does a lot and makes a big difference. Also, the bridge can be strung from the top, or through the body, which is very cool. It also has a two way adjustable truss rod so you wont really have a problem with a truss rod adjustment.

Quality
The finish on this bass is just incredible. The neck through body makes it a breeze to play, and its so comfortable. The only problem i have with mine is the truss rod, and one of my knobs keeps falling off. But i can fix both of those easily. This is an awesome bass for the money, it's easily worth $600.

Value
Its a great read more bass for the money, and it will last you for a pretty long time if you take good care of it.

Manufacturer Support
I dont really know... I haven't dealt with ESP personally.

The Wow Factor
This bass is beautiful to some, and down right ugly to others. it's all a matter of opinion. Butm i think its is awesome. The flamed maple top really looks good, and the mahogany body and neck really brings it all together.

Musical Style:
rock, jazz, and some metal
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