HelloMusic ESP 335 for $273 shipped
 

Use code TWEET20 for $20 off & it was $18 shipping

http://www.hellomusic.com/items/b335-5-string-stain-red

I got one as a backup beater bass

Elsewhere is $525 with no places lower I could find

Heres a clip of the 4 string that sold me on it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rpGdMfhmYI

Worst comes to worse you put this on Craigslist if you dont like it & break even, maybe even profit selling it for $300 in NEW condition right?

Not where I live. Not a prayer.

Is this Chinese? That MSRP seems awfully high for a matte MIC...but I'm astounded at the huge jump in prices on really downsourced gear these days. It's amazing. :rollno:

My MIA basses are so expensive I dont want to risk them in all situations so its nice to have a beater

I have an older LTD (B205?) that I think was made in Korea. Mahog body, EMG active tone circuit. I like it alot. No idea on this version, can't really tell what that finish would look like... but looks like a pretty good deal to me on the surface. Sam Ash has them for $439 "closeout".

http://www.samash.com/p/ESP_B335-5-String-Bass_1721484

Still way lower... thanks for the info Kslaw! Appreciate it

That video sounded pretty good for a backup, serviceable for sure. I like actives with 3 band EQs with 17.5mm spacing so my options were limited, especially under $300

IMO you can't go wrong for < $300. ESP, Ibanez, Peavey, even Dean has very solid stuff in that middle tier. Sounds like a good deal to me.

I ordered one of these two days ago. I have two other 5 stringers to compare it to. I'll give it a brief review when it arrives.

Wow... that's a monster sound. I've never batted an eye to anything ESP before, interesting.

I'm going to throw steels on it to see if I can make it my aggressive beast... if not... I have to spend more money :) ha ha