ESP Guitars...

deathbloomslife · #1 03-21-2007, 12:54 AM

...So I've been pursuing the option of a new EXP axe for the past week or so, and I finally made a trip out to my local shoppe, which just so happens to now be an ESP dealer.

I wasn't able to slam on a bass though, as their only stock is that of a new F400FM and older H400(FM?) guitars.

However, I was nothing less than impressed by the both, and am looking forward to ordering my new ESP bass as soon as I've got the funds.

(FYI, looking into either a straight trade to a 254 or trade + cash for a 404 series bass, which because of the EMG's, is looking like the way to go.)

What do you guys think of ESPs in general?

I'm actually drooling over that H series guitar now, as well... Hmm... which one first, bass or geetar?!

=P

-Ryan.

Rakie · #2 03-21-2007, 01:04 AM

I dont like ESP or LTD basses, but i really like their guitars.

I also dont like EMG pickups very much, most instruments that come with EMG's have lower end pups, id rather buy something that come's with low end Barts.

Don W · #3 03-21-2007, 11:49 AM

I've only had a little experience with ESP Basses, but the one's I have played I didn't really have anything bad to say about. I just didn't think they were phenomenal.

As far as guitars go, the lower end ones I've played didn't sound all that great, but felt okay. But a couple months ago I bought the Alexi Laiho signature model LTD and I love it! It took some getting used to because I hadn't played a guitar with a Floyd Rose in years but once I did I absolutely love the guitar.

905 · #4 03-21-2007, 04:24 PM

I've got an LTD B-50 bass, as it's my first I don't have much to compare it to - but I love it.
Now that I have an acoustic too I don't really play it that much, but it has a thin neck (at least compared to my acoustic) and the action is very comfortable.

The only problem worth mentioning is that the bridge pickup volume know has fallen off and the other ones are starting to come loose - but that's mojo, right? - and sometimes the input hole thingie almost unscrews itself. That is easy to fix, though, I'm just lazy..

If I'm not mistaken, it's their most affordable ( in other words cheapest ) bass, but it's well worth the money imo.

steve21 · #5 03-21-2007, 07:55 PM

I dig the higher end LTD's and ESP's in general.

shanmag · #6 03-22-2007, 12:56 AM

wouldn't mind buying one of these one day...

dave64o · #7 03-22-2007, 12:09 PM

My only experience with an ESP was the LTD B-204 I had several years ago. I tried everything the store had in the $400-ish price range and was really surprised by how much I liked it, especially since my impression of ESP's is that they're for the metal heads (not a judgement for or against, just my impression). I got a lot of tonal variation from it, it was lightweight and comfortable to play, and it was pretty well made.

My decision came down to a the ESP and a Mexican Jazz Deluxe V. I really liekd the ESP and thought it would be cool to have something a little different, plus it was $100+ less than the Fender, so I went for it. I eventually sold it and got a Jazz Deluxe because I realized that was closer to the tone I was looking for at the time. However, that was a preference issue and not an isuse with the bass itself.

As always, the best thing to do is to go out and try as many different basses as you can so you get a better feel for what you like and don't like about the basses in your price range. But if you end up trying a bunch and find yo like the ESP the best, I wouldn't feel bad about giving it a shot.

Depth_Charge · #8 03-22-2007, 08:26 PM

I've owned my LTD F-104 for about 18 months now and I think it's a great bass for the money. It has a great range of tones and plays really nicely! It's a little heavy, but so is any bass after 3 odd hours of playing IME, and according to one singer and a couple of chics I've met, it's sexy too.

I usually size a bass up on the way it feels and plays and the range of tones I can get from it.

And most times when I'm shopping for a bass I'll find an ESP I'd be happy walking out with that day, and thats not the case for all manufacturers.

bassbully43 · #9 03-23-2007, 07:54 AM

I picked up a LTD B series i forget the number..its mohogeny body, Flame maple trans red finish,neck thru, top load or string thru active pups very nice off the bay for $75.00...great shape. the guy who sold it to me said the truss nut was stripped but its not and he only wanted it to record and was done with it.It has great punch and growl a grat bass and did i say $75.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TheButler · #10 03-23-2007, 02:51 PM

My guitarist has an ESP LTD KH-202, it is really nice. Amazing sound through the EMGs, nice weight, balance etc. I can't see anything wrong with it

bass-shy · #11 03-26-2007, 07:07 PM

I'm a huge fan of ESP and LTD. I own a couple of their basses and I'd really like to pick up an H-400, Hybrid-400 and a B-404 someday. IME, they are very well made and are among the most comfortable instruments to play. Also, I have yet to run into a situation with my C-304 where I couldn't sit well with whatever mix we were working with.

TeeMartin · #12 03-26-2007, 07:38 PM

How are the necks on ESPs?

LzeroKI · #13 03-27-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 905

The only problem worth mentioning is that the bridge pickup volume know has fallen off and the other ones are starting to come loose...

That's happening on mine too, I just took off all the knobs and put on some of the gold colored speed knobs from an old Les Paul. The only real reason I don't like my LTD B-50 is because of its asthetics, the looks of that bass scream rock/metal, neither of which I really play that much.

But I would certainly say the bass was worth the money.

The neck is very comfortable, it might even be thinner than my sx jazz neck...