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Are LTD’s sleepers?
- Thread starter bigdaddybass12
- Start date
Yes, I have a LTD B205 Korean made with factory EMG’s I bought around 2000. It is killer
Agree. I never could stand Fender headstocks and I now own 5 Jazz basses. Sometimes you need to get past something to fully enjoy everything else about the bass.
Headstock shape doesn't bother me too much. Sure, the usual LTD headstock is a bit pointy but a 2x2 headstock makes so much more sense than the Fender option. Generally means less dead spots too.
HAA! I guess you came from the dark side!! I have always loved fenders but never have liked the sound. I am old school, 'everybody needs at least 1 fender' !! Cant keep one. I have bought & sold 4. Still have a fender case! Wanted to try a deluxe but not sure of the sound. I live in a small city, not much to try out. I have a LTD 5 string that has been good, that is why I am leaning to the same model but in a 4. Someday I will get another fender,,
bumping back to life. Funny you see so few posts about LTDs. You read plenty of posts of other indo made basses. The LTDs I have owned and played at music stores score higher than other indo basses that people go on & on over.
Plus, the ESP/LTD club has had 3 posts in 2026. One was mine.
Plus, the ESP/LTD club has had 3 posts in 2026. One was mine.
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I love ESP stuff but the LTD range for non pointy/shred guitars has been lacking. I don't understand ESP's global marketing, they have so many cool models in Japan that never get released elsewhere.
They have the Grassroots brand over there which is equivalent to lower end LTD. I would love to try one of these:
Or Edwards which is roughly equal to the LTD 1000 models in price but better quality:
They have the Grassroots brand over there which is equivalent to lower end LTD. I would love to try one of these:
Or Edwards which is roughly equal to the LTD 1000 models in price but better quality:
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guess they see that USA it’s a Fender shaped world. Even if it is a $95 Glarry. Some would choose the Glarry over the LTD because of the shape. I have a 25 year old LTD B205 that has been a good one. Also a D4 for a few years. I tried their copy of a p bass something 204? Not good. Bass was ok. Just me. Sent it back to GC. Looking at a B4E now. My music man it getting heavier! Plus just plain old GAS! One thing about LTDs, no resale value. I have sold several fenders without any issue. When you buy one you better be happy with it! Like a Sterling Ray4. I have a pre-covid model. It’s a Good copy. Usually there are 5-10 listed on marketplace. But it’s 75% name on the headstock, 25% actual bass.I love ESP stuff but the LTD range for non pointy/shred guitars has been lacking. I don't understand ESP's global marketing, they have so many cool models in Japan that never get released elsewhere.
They have the Grassroots brand over there which is equivalent to lower end LTD. I would love to try one of these:
Or Edwards which is roughly equal to the LTD 1000 models in price but better quality:
I almost bought one a few months ago so I bet the other 2 posts were me. lol but yeah I remember a couple basses sticking out at me the last time I was in a store testing basses. One was the ltd they had. B205 or something similar but it was definitely something that needed a setup and strings but you could tell that it was a great bass even not well setup. Guitar center is notorious for being bad at taking care of basses. But the bass in my hands was a nice one. Sounded and felt better than the others on the wall. They had a stingray that was nice too but same issue. Dead strings. But anyway because of that experience I’ve always had ltd on my radar.
I'm one of the 3 posts in the LTD club LOL. I bought an Indonesian B1005SE-MS a couple months ago. (Maybe the names have something to do with why they get slept on?) It's easily on par and in some ways better than any of my MIA or MIJ stuff.
One thing about ESP/LTD is I think they have chosen a different break point in their product lines than basically every other instrument company. People (including me for a long time) think of
LTD : ESP :: Squier : Fender
But it's actually closer to
LTD : ESP :: Fender and Squier : Fender Custom Shop
I haven't done loads of research, but if you look at their website right now, they only list one bass with ESP on the headstock and it's $6500.
One thing about ESP/LTD is I think they have chosen a different break point in their product lines than basically every other instrument company. People (including me for a long time) think of
LTD : ESP :: Squier : Fender
But it's actually closer to
LTD : ESP :: Fender and Squier : Fender Custom Shop
I haven't done loads of research, but if you look at their website right now, they only list one bass with ESP on the headstock and it's $6500.
I am funny about buying basses. I have been thru a few. I like a good resale if it costs over a few hundred. Fenders sell the best. I would like to try a aerodyne but I bass on a budget! I did buy a USA EBMM SUB. Kinda finished off my bass funds. I have a LTD B205, and wanted to try a LTD B4E. But we are all kinda snobs and want to play popular brands. To me sire has an odd headstock. Then don’t get me started on ricks. My pro friend plays custom basses. Some are really weird looking. Pay $4000+ for a strange looking bass? Don’t get it!
Yes, LTDs are sleepers.
I’ve played a few in stores, and they were all well made and reasonably priced.
They are at least equal to Ibanez, perhaps better.
Do I own one?
Yes, their TL-4.
A different, unusual bass which is a marriage of a light, chambered body, piezo pickups and an acoustic guitar-type bridge.
I’d say it’s good for any music, except heavy metal.
Excels at folk or jazz.
Here she is:
I’ve played a few in stores, and they were all well made and reasonably priced.
They are at least equal to Ibanez, perhaps better.
Do I own one?
Yes, their TL-4.
A different, unusual bass which is a marriage of a light, chambered body, piezo pickups and an acoustic guitar-type bridge.
I’d say it’s good for any music, except heavy metal.
Excels at folk or jazz.
Here she is:
Yeah, ESP branded stuff is basically custom shop level now. They have positioned E-II as their factory level Japan builds (these used to called the ESP Standard Series). They are definitely better than current Ibanez, ESP own multiple factories and even OEM build for other brands at times (Ibanez doesn't own any factories, it's all subcontracted to Fujigen or Cort).
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Great basses. I have the same model. Except I added an extended thumb rest which makes it so much easier to play different positions. And a custom truss rod cover. With the D’Addario tape wounds it sounds great!
I was thinking of trying flats on my bass, but when I took the original phosphor bronze strings off, I tried a set of regular Ernie Ball Slinkys, and they sound pretty good.
I really love the EQ on this bass, I think it’s very responsive.
Add into my signal chain, my Empress Para EQ and a Boss Limiter
and the tone is so woody and warm.
I’m very happy with this bass.
Make
Hello, all.
I'm interested in the ESP LTD TL-4Z; has anyone played one or do you own one?
What do you think of it?
How is the sound? I don't care about unplugged volume, as I always play acoustics plugged in.
A year ago, I bought a Fender T-Bucket bass, and absolutely love it!
The warm, woody sound, and the rapid decay are very appealing and so different from a regular electric. For $400, this is a real sleeper, and would round out anyone's collection.
If you want to comment on any other acoustic bass, I'm all ears.
Here's the ESP.
Mike
I'm interested in the ESP LTD TL-4Z; has anyone played one or do you own one?
What do you think of it?
How is the sound? I don't care about unplugged volume, as I always play acoustics plugged in.
A year ago, I bought a Fender T-Bucket bass, and absolutely love it!
The warm, woody sound, and the rapid decay are very appealing and so different from a regular electric. For $400, this is a real sleeper, and would round out anyone's collection.
If you want to comment on any other acoustic bass, I'm all ears.
Here's the ESP.
Mike
Here’s a thread I posted about the TL-4.
6 years in the making!
Mike
ESP Surveyor 87.
A re-issue of one of their 'greatest hits' from the hair-metal 80's, but what a piece: Alder body, maple/EBONY fingerboard neck, Gotoh bridge, Seymour Duncan Vintage PJ's, volume/balancer/ tone wiring. Built like a Swiss tank, what's not to like? $999 MSRP, case extra. Also in metallic purple or black.
As you can see from my previous post, I have been a fan since 2000. However I have to say that the Bunny Brunel Signature I got a few years ago is really a top tier bass. Aguilar pickups, Aguilar preamp, Hipshot tuners and bridge, excellent quality fit and finish. I'm still seriously impressed with that bass.
