• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

ESP LTD Vintage 214

D

Dan_reeves

Guest
Jun 14, 2013
1,290
1,810
#1
Morning everyone!

I just received a new to me bass, the ESP LTD Vintage 214 in natural. Before I get asked - yes, I will post some pictures tonight. Have been too busy, but the proof will be forthcoming.

From a looks perspective, it definitely looks great. I have limited experience with LTDs...I have been on a bit of a buy/sell odyssey lately trying to figure out what I want. I bought the LTD because of the versatile pickup config (that I could change if I wanted to) as well as the weight of it and jazz style neck. I wanted to end up with something that would be comfortable to play, look cool and make the sounds I wanted.

I bought it used for $225ish, and honestly it looks brand new. Can't find anything wrong with it at all, it even has some of the plastic still on the pickguard. Tonight I want to set it up, put new strings on it (DR Sunbeams) and see what kind of sounds it makes through my practice amp.

Anyone else have experiences with these that you'd like to share? Set up tips? I am used to setting up Fender stuff and basically follow the Fender setup guide as close as I can. I am hoping I can get the action pretty low on this baby- It is maybe a little too high the way it came.

Anyways, just thought I'd start a post celebrating my purchase. I'll take pics tonight and share some review stuff over the next day or so.
 
#2
Congrats! Setup shouldn't be a great deal different from your Fender. The screws may be different. But most adjustments should work relatively the same. We'll be able to help more once we see pics of the truss rod end and bridge.
 
#3
Great basses! I had the fretless version and it was a wonderful bass. All the ESP/LTD basses I've played have been impressive.

As Two Fingers said, setup shouldn't be bad. PLus there is a great deal of detailed setup info here on Talkbass.
 
#4
Did you ever end up getting some pics of this? I'd like to see them. There aren't many user shots of the 214 series out there.

Also, I'd be curious to hear about the "J neck" Most 214's have a traditional P-width neck. I have the 214 Fretless and I love it, though it has been upgraded with the EMG Geezer P/J set.
 
#7
winegamd said:
They are pretty nice. The only thing I would upgrade would be the pickups to emg's JVX. I dont know if I would put a preamp in it, though, just use the stock emg electronics. Maybe some Nordstrands if I were feeling more traditional.
Click to expand...
What are the JVX's like? I'm really happy with the traditional vibe of the all-passive EMG Geezers, but I'm curious anyway.
 
#11
Eilif said:
Did you ever end up getting some pics of this? I'd like to see them. There aren't many user shots of the 214 series out there.

Also, I'd be curious to hear about the "J neck" Most 214's have a traditional P-width neck. I have the 214 Fretless and I love it, though it has been upgraded with the EMG Geezer P/J set.
Click to expand...

here is a vintage 214 in the wild...lol

IMG_2102_zps5969a6c5.jpg


Honestly I think they are the best bang for the buck on the market....I think if more people tried them...they would be THE squier KILLER!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aras and FingerDub
#12
Snakeman1066 said:
here is a vintage 214 in the wild...lol

IMG_2102_zps5969a6c5.jpg


Honestly I think they are the best bang for the buck on the market....I think if more people tried them...they would be THE squier KILLER!
Click to expand...
Nice! I agree about it being a "Squire killer".
Is that an older model or a body swap? Right now, burst is only available on the fretless. I think the now discontinued 204 (faux-relic finish) was available fretted in burst.

I've also noticed a couple of 214's online with maple necks, something not shown on the website.
 
#13
Eilif said:
Nice! I agree about it being a "Squire killer".
Is that an older model or a body swap? Right now, burst is only available on the fretless. I think the now discontinued 204 (faux-relic finish) was available fretted in burst.

I've also noticed a couple of 214's online with maple necks, something not shown on the website.
Click to expand...

nope it that pic it was totally stock......came the way you see it but I bought it used so who knows!?... I would love to have a maple board on this baby!
 
#16
Hi everyone !

I have an LTD Vintage 214 with maple neck and was wondering if it is worth swapping the neck out for a Might mite one that I have on the radar. (I've seen a maple P bass neck and a rosewood Jazz bass one). If so, which one would you recommend? Is it really worth the money?

Thanks!
 
#17
I don't know if they'd match. Does the 214 have an overhang for the 21st fret? If it doesn't then it definitely won't be a match since the Mightymite is a traditional Fender 20 frets.

If it does have the overhang you'd still have to check the neck pocket. MMite is fender specs, so if you or your friend has any standard fender neck you can try out you'd know if the MightyMite would fit.

All that said while the MMite is good value I wouldn't hold out for the MMite being any better quality wise than the LTD. IIRC, the neck on the 214 I had was nicely done and finished.
 
#18
Thank you ! It does have the overhang. Given what you said then it is not worth buying another one.

Thing is that this LTD is going to be a workbench project for home recordings and stuff that I'd like to try on a bass. I've already ordered fancy electronics for it and fitted a fender pickup cover to give that vintage stylish.

Given that, I'll stick with the stock neck and will prepare to start doing some relic on it :D

Appreciate it!
 
#19
Juanma Bourbon said:
Hi everyone !

I have an LTD Vintage 214 with maple neck and was wondering if it is worth swapping the neck out for a Might mite one that I have on the radar. (I've seen a maple P bass neck and a rosewood Jazz bass one). If so, which one would you recommend? Is it really worth the money?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I think the LTD neck is great. Mighty mite necks are good but don't see that as an upgrade. Looks like you've already spent plenty of money elsewhere. Enjoy!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back