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ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless

ClassicJazz

ClassicJazz

Bottom Feeders Unite!!
Supporting Member
Sep 19, 2005
4,767
9,837
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Delray Beach, Florida
#1
I needed an inexpensive fretless bass that I can keep in the closet for occasional use when the gig requires it. I had a very expensive fretless, but most of my gigs in the last number of years require frets. So I was feeling some what guilty keeping a $3k+ bass that was not getting used. So just sold it off....

Keeping a $365 bass in the closet doesn't bother me as much! Well I have tried a number of these EPS basses (fretted versions) and I always was surprised on how well they were made and sounded. And, they look darn good with that spalted maple top! And under $400!

So I figured what I have to lose.....so went ahead and ordered one.

So curious if any one has played one of these puppies?

B-204SM-FL_NS.jpg
 
#4
OK, got it a few days ago and I can't believe I only paid $365 for this bass! Bargain of the year!

First, right out of the box the setup was perfect. Did not have to tweak a thing. After inspecting the bass, there is not a single flaw I can find with the construction and finish. I doubt you can slip a piece of paper in the neck pocket it is so tight!

The body is three piece ash with a spalted maple top. The grain on the ash is nice and you can't really see the three piece looking at it straight on. Almost looks like one piece. The top is book matched spalted maple with a black accent layer separating it from the body. The top does not have allot of "spalt" to it. BUT....it has a really interesting grain that I like allot. So no complaints here! Also the top is carved, a very nice touch. The weight of the bass I would guess is no more than 9 lbs.

The neck is 5-piece maple/rosewood with a fretless rosewood fretboard. The edges of the fretboard are slightly rolled off making it very comfy in the hand. The neck is quite thin. Not as thin as a Geddy Lee jazz, a tad thicker. The fretless rosewood fretboard has white lines. The fretboard might have a bit of finish on it, it has a nice shine to it. To top it off, the 2x2 head stock has a nice piece of spalted maple on it, also with the black accent layer. The bass comes strung with SIT round wound strings.

The neck is held on by 6 (yes 6) bolts and has a very interesting shaped contoured heel (see photos).

The pickups are standard ESP type (probably EMG clones) as well as the preamp. Controls are Vol, Blend, Bass+/-, Mid +/- and treble +/-. I was able to get very good workable tones from the bass. Certainly good enough for what I use it for.

ESP has done a very nice job on this bass considering sub $400 price point. They are made in Indonesia and inspected in the USA. I would highly recommend this bass for anyone looking for a low cost fretless.

Ok.....the photos

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(FYI, it does not come with strap locks. I put those on. My first mod!!)
 
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#5
IMHO, the entire LTD "B" series is extremely underrated.
I had a B404SM and I now REALLY wish I never sold it!

They're definitely doing things the right way with them. The playability and fit & finish are excellent.
The one thing I've noticed it that their spalted tops vary WILDLY in terms of spalting. I bought mine 3-4 years ago when they 1st came out. My local Sam Ash got 3 of them- I got the 1st one so the top on mine was amazing. The next one also had a great amount of spalt in it but the 3rd one?? Just a couple of small black streaks more or less in between the pickups and that was it. Barely able to be called spalted at all.

But the basses themselves are great and I'll definitely get another one at some point. (maybe if the guy who bought mine ever decides to sell....)
 
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#13
I have been thinking of getting the 5 string version of this bass. The body seems to be a 3 piece ash.
 
#17
Older post but anyone who has one, can you tell me what strings you are using and if you like them?
I have one and put GLodtone, flat wounds on. I'm not certain if there is a "best' string for fretless??
 

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