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ESP bass - Which one?

M

manchild

Jan 30, 2008
512
2
#1
Hi,

I have been looking to get an ESP bass, and in particular the B-154DX.

http://www.espguitars.com/basses_b.html

But then i noticed that they also do a D-4 which is simular looking but with straight through neck and different bridge.

http://www.espguitars.com/basses_d.html

Does anyone know why they only do one of each of this model with 4, 5, 6 strings? But the 'B' range goes from basic and cheap to all the way up.

Is the D-4 a better buy than the B-154DX?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me some info on this.
 
#6
I have a D-5 and I love it. The electronics give it a wide range of tones, and the bass has a good feel to it. Sustain is good, and the quality is good overall; the Merbau wood in particular seems to be pretty durable.

I would buy the D-4 over a B series, but mostly because I am a fan of neck-through basses. Not to mention the black nickel hardware. :)
 
#7
Nice one guys cheers -

Lovejoy, you mention that there is a differences between an ESP stated bass and an LTD?

I just thought that LTD was the range by ESP - would you elaborate on that for me.

I quite like the look of both in particular for their 3 band active preamps at this price.

Thanks.
 
#8
manchild said:
Nice one guys cheers -

Lovejoy, you mention that there is a differences between an ESP stated bass and an LTD?

I just thought that LTD was the range by ESP - would you elaborate on that for me.

I quite like the look of both in particular for their 3 band active preamps at this price.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
LTD's are ESP's Squier and Epiphone line.

Cheaper Korean made instruments with the same aesthetics of the instruments manufactured in their home country.


Unlike Fender and Gibson though, ESP keeps the vast majority of their models in / puts more emphasis on their "budget" line because they know where their bread is buttered. It is the same reason they have more Guitar models than Basses.
 
#9
that said though, most ltd's arent budget intruments.
Ive got a JM 500 (one of the signature series, now discontinued) which is pretty much the same as the 455's differences being woods, finish, and electronics; but same price range.

If I was to choose though, I would probably get the D-4, but did you have a look at the B-4?
 
#11
Ah right i see - they dont have much of a full range then? Also the LTD is quite expensive for a budget range on UK websites. Is the quality not as good as squire or Epiphone?

Im wondering whether to go with a Yamaha BB614 or a Cirrus instead if thats the case, as they are around the same price here???
 
#12
manchild said:
Ah right i see - they dont have much of a full range then? Also the LTD is quite expensive for a budget range on UK websites. Is the quality not as good as squire or Epiphone?

Im wondering whether to go with a Yamaha BB614 or a Cirrus instead if thats the case, as they are around the same price here???
Click to expand...

If you think LTD's prices are high, you should see the ESP prices. Metal guitarists will pay the strangest amount of money for the most generic things.
 
#14
manchild said:
Ah right i see - they dont have much of a full range then? Also the LTD is quite expensive for a budget range on UK websites. Is the quality not as good as squire or Epiphone?
Click to expand...

I can't speak directly about their basses, but the mid-range LTD guitars are significantly better than the ones offered by Epiphone, MIM Fender, and Squire. I have an LTD ec-400 (Les Paul copy) that I absolutely love. I tried the Epiphones first, but they felt like toys to me. :rollno:
 
#20
I had a B-254 with Active EMG's and it is an awesome bass.
Very easy to play, great neck, great sound, and if it matters, it looks great.
My son has basically taken it from me and he plays it in his band as his #1.
He's got access to many others, but that's his favorite.
 

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