Official ESP club

[voronfly]

Hey guys, looking for some help here.
I have a esp btl 240, gisho signature and unfortunately i cant find much info on it. While the harness looks like a typical passive config the bass has a battery. Any idea what it is for? Would appreciate any useful input, thanks.

 

[DoubleK212]

Hey guys, looking for some help here.
I have a esp btl 240, gisho signature and unfortunately i cant find much info on it. While the harness looks like a typical passive config the bass has a battery. Any idea what it is for? Would appreciate any useful input, thanks.

The battery is for the 2-band EQ (treble/bass) + mid-boost switch.

 

[voronfly]

Thanks for this rare find, though mine is wired vol / tone/ tone/ balance, series-single coil- parallel. From the look of it it seems like original wiring. Wonder if they had different setups for different years… Thanks anyway!

 

[Ritter667]

My just 28.5" scale length LTD B4JR, that I bought used recently for what equals to just about 60$ :

Equipped with an EMG Geezer Butler P pickup, and strung with Elixir Nanoweb guitar string of the gauges .068 - .052 - .038 - .028, and tuned to tenor bass, A standard, tuning.

Extremely light Basswood body, and a Maple neck with Rosewood fretboard.

Plays and sounds phenomenally, only issue really is some very sharp fret ends, and neck dive, the latter though easily fixable with a wide grippy strap, which the one in the picture above have since been replaced with.

I will have to take it to a proper luthier at some point, to have the fret ends filed down smooth, and when I am there I might as well have the nut slots, which are a bit to the higher side, filed to the right depth as well (still I am able to get the string action down to my preferred 2mm @12th fret lowest string, without any issues or fret buzz).

But other than that, and amazingly lot of bass for merely 60$.

 

[JonesyHC]

Hello! Here is my ESP P+J bass with amazing bird eye maple neck. I think it's a kind of custom order from early 80's

Cracking bass you have there! I have a handful of 80's ESP basses and they're all fantastic.

 

[rockear]

Got this B1005SE-MS yesterday. (Catchy name!) Very pleased with how it plays and sounds. This is my first multi-scale. Everyone talks about how good a 37" B string is, and it's true. But nobody mentions how good a 36¼" E sounds. "Robust" is the word that comes to mind.

It's too bad they stopped making these. I'm going to keep flats on this one, but I'd love to have another with rounds.

I've seen people mention the treble edge of the nut likes to stab you when you're playing a low C or F and they're not wrong. I'll have to round off that corner with some sandpaper or a dremel. I think it probably stems from their choice to use the 13th fret as the perpendicular one. As opposed to a Dingwall where it's the 7th. (Probably a better choice.) The angles get kind of crazy down low on the LTD. It's not insurmountable though.

Other than that and the jumbo frets (I prefer "vintage" profile generally), I'm really happy with it. It's hard to put it down.

 

[mattattack187]

Surveyor-204DX coming soon

I've never used ESP Basses before, This is tickling my fancy. Looking into SIRE as well.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Surveyor-204DX coming soon

I've never used ESP Basses before, This is tickling my fancy. Looking into SIRE as well.

So what do you think about the 204?

 

[Jason Bonilla]

does anyone here have experience with Japanese made ESP Stream basses?

 

[thrashingbass]

I am excited to have ordered a recently discontinued LTD Surveyor 87 reissue bass yesterday. Crossing my fingers it gets home unharmed. Two weeks ago, I ordered a Phoenix 1004 bass, but soon learned I couldn't use any Xtender with them due to the reverse headstock (which looked great!), so I was forced to return it without even checking it out. I had no regrets, though, because I do use Xtenders on all my basses. But yesterday, the Surveyor popped up on a web search for $599 new, though it must be NOS, as it has a 2024 serial number, made by Cort-Tek. And ironically, also the same heavy weight as the Phoenix at ten pounds! I had a few questions, though I imagine no one will know or answer in this rather abandoned thread.

-I think the tuning machines are GB528 sized right? I was told at Hipshot that the tuning machines of the Phoenix were GB528. Gotoh Resolites are cool but...

-The reason I want to replace them is... the Hipshot Xtender once again. It would look ugly to replace only one of them with a non Hipshot GB5 Xtender, since the latter went the way of the , and I cannot find any used or NOS online. It is possible I need to have someone install 3 USA Ultralites on the Surveyor, just so that I could use the Ultralite Xtender, which at least is now possiblento install, unlike with the reverse headstock. I am sure the stock tuning machines are otherwise fine... Anyone has a black Hipshot GB5 for sale? ("No" will be the answer...)

-Which Graph Tech XL nut will be compatible with the Surveyor's neck?

I am actually happy with the purchase, and may even keep the Vintage Duncan PJ pickups if they sound good, which I assume they will. This won't replace my Fender Vintera P or other P basses, as it is its own thing, but it's rather exciting to experience my usual, old familiar standard P bass shape and pickup with the cool, 1987 Surveyor "specs" (more or less), the huge frets, and the much flatter radius (ironically, I don't care about it that much, as I find even the vintage p bass radius easy to play, but also enjoy the flatter radius of a few of my basses and guitars.) I have wanted a white bass for years now, and today seemed like the right time for that! I plan to use it a lot, with Rotosound RS66LB strings-and it would also be my first PJ.

If all goes well, I will update the thread when I finally receive it, hopefully unharmed in transit. If anyone can help with my "concerns", please be so kind to do so! But I understand why this thread doesn't see much traction, given how niche LTD basses seem to be. Real, high end ESP basses outside Japan are unicorns, and I do not think even LTDs are that common. Certainly there's no hype about them, for better or worse.

Wish me luck with my specimen!

 

[bass-shy]

I am excited to have ordered a recently discontinued LTD Surveyor 87 reissue bass yesterday. Crossing my fingers it gets home unharmed. Two weeks ago, I ordered a Phoenix 1004 bass, but soon learned I couldn't use any Xtender with them due to the reverse headstock (which looked great!), so I was forced to return it without even checking it out. I had no regrets, though, because I do use Xtenders on all my basses. But yesterday, the Surveyor popped up on a web search for $599 new, though it must be NOS, as it has a 2024 serial number, made by Cort-Tek. And ironically, also the same heavy weight as the Phoenix at ten pounds! I had a few questions, though I imagine no one will know or answer in this rather abandoned thread.

-I think the tuning machines are GB528 sized right? I was told at Hipshot that the tuning machines of the Phoenix were GB528. Gotoh Resolites are cool but...

-The reason I want to replace them is... the Hipshot Xtender once again. It would look ugly to replace only one of them with a non Hipshot GB5 Xtender, since the latter went the way of the , and I cannot find any used or NOS online. It is possible I need to have someone install 3 USA Ultralites on the Surveyor, just so that I could use the Ultralite Xtender, which at least is now possiblento install, unlike with the reverse headstock. I am sure the stock tuning machines are otherwise fine... Anyone has a black Hipshot GB5 for sale? ("No" will be the answer...)

-Which Graph Tech XL nut will be compatible with the Surveyor's neck?

I am actually happy with the purchase, and may even keep the Vintage Duncan PJ pickups if they sound good, which I assume they will. This won't replace my Fender Vintera P or other P basses, as it is its own thing, but it's rather exciting to experience my usual, old familiar standard P bass shape and pickup with the cool, 1987 Surveyor "specs" (more or less), the huge frets, and the much flatter radius (ironically, I don't care about it that much, as I find even the vintage p bass radius easy to play, but also enjoy the flatter radius of a few of my basses and guitars.) I have wanted a white bass for years now, and today seemed like the right time for that! I plan to use it a lot, with Rotosound RS66LB strings-and it would also be my first PJ.

If all goes well, I will update the thread when I finally receive it, hopefully unharmed in transit. If anyone can help with my "concerns", please be so kind to do so! But I understand why this thread doesn't see much traction, given how niche LTD basses seem to be. Real, high end ESP basses outside Japan are unicorns, and I do not think even LTDs are that common. Certainly there's no hype about them, for better or worse.

Wish me luck with my specimen!

Sadly I can't answer your questions about the tuning machines or the replacement nut but I can say that I think you are in for a treat with your Surveyor '87. I bought one a few years ago and it has been terrific. The neck is so smooth and fast, notes just explode from this bass.

It is a little on the heavy side but certainly not unmanageable. I use a wider strap and don't have any issues standing and playing for a couple hours at a time.

Enjoy your new bass! Please share your thoughts after you've had a little time with it.

 

[bass-shy]

This is my second ESP Vintage 4 bass. It has flats on it and I replaced the middle volume control with a pickup blend.

 

[bass-shy]

Trying out a different pick guard on this one.

 

[thrashingbass]

Mine is a humble LTD reissue, but I love the aesthetics! As stated, I may even keep the pickups-I am used to using even so called vintage pickups for anything. My most "modern" pickups are DiMarzio Ps of several kinds.

I may switch tuners to either Ultralites + Xtender, or Hipshot HB7 + BT7 Xtender depending on bass balance. Since I was planning to keep the huge LTD Phoenix that also weights ten lbs., I will just use the wide strap I had purchased for that bass on the Surveyor.

It seems the TUSQ XL nut needed is the 1205-00 model-I ordered it direct because most people have it in stock in black, and I want it to keep as close to the original white plastic part as possible for a more classic look.

Truly excited for it! Memorial Day in the US may delay the physical shipping a bit, but should be in transit here shortly (it already is on the way). Will happily update the thread later. Thanks for reassuring me it should be a sweet bass-it surely looks awesome to me!

Enjoy yours! Look great.

 

[bass-shy]

Mine is a humble LTD reissue, but I love the aesthetics! As stated, I may even keep the pickups-I am used to using even so called vintage pickups for anything. My most "modern" pickups are DiMarzio Ps of several kinds.

I may switch tuners to either Ultralites + Xtender, or Hipshot HB7 + BT7 Xtender depending on bass balance. Since I was planning to keep the huge LTD Phoenix that also weights ten lbs., I will just use the wide strap I had purchased for that bass on the Surveyor.

It seems the TUSQ XL nut needed is the 1205-00 model-I ordered it direct because most people have it in stock in black, and I want it to keep as close to the original white plastic part as possible for a more classic look.

Truly excited for it! Memorial Day in the US may delay the physical shipping a bit, but should be in transit here shortly (it already is on the way). Will happily update the thread later. Thanks for reassuring me it should be a sweet bass-it surely looks awesome to me!

Enjoy yours! Look great.

The stock Surveyor pickups are indeed very good. Seymour Duncan SPB-1 and SJB-1. They are fat sounding with lots of warmth but also have enough clarity and detail to not sound like mud in a mix.

Good call on the tuners and nut, too. Those are the two things I've found people have the most issue with. The tuners on mine felt stiff at first but they are much better feeling after a few string changes. Most importantly, they don't slip and that bass is rock-solid with tuning stability. The nut on mine is stock too and it has been fine. It was cut and installed properly from the factory but if it ever gives me trouble, I will get a TUSQ nut for it.

This is what mine looks like today:

 

[thefaceofbass]

These are my two 35" scale LTD basses. The longer scale works great for BEAD tuning or any lower tunings. The Araya bass is the bolt on low end version, but I put in EMG pickups. Of all the fretboard woods I've ever owned, the roasted Jatoba is my favorite. Love the look and feel of the reddish brown. The long upper horn on both basses balance great with a strap.

Every LTD I've ever owned (guitars and basses) has smoked any Fender/Squire I've owned at the same price point, and I currently own 3 Fender basses. It amazes me that the Talkbass community hasn't jumped all over LTD basses, and a bummer that ESP has cut their bass line to just a few models. ESP seems to be a brand that only metal guitar players have embraced...

 

[thrashingbass]

These are my two 35" scale LTD basses. The longer scale works great for BEAD tuning or any lower tunings. The Araya bass is the bolt on low end version, but I put in EMG pickups. Of all the fretboard woods I've ever owned, the roasted Jatoba is my favorite. Love the look and feel of the reddish brown. The long upper horn on both basses balance great with a strap.

Every LTD I've ever owned (guitars and basses) has smoked any Fender/Squire I've owned at the same price point, and I currently own 3 Fender basses. It amazes me that the Talkbass community hasn't jumped all over LTD basses, and a bummer that ESP has cut their bass line to just a few models. ESP seems to be a brand that only metal guitar players have embraced...View attachment 7502068

Awesome rig!

Indeed, it seems their sales numbers for bass must be bad (or they rely too much on these.) I do like the guitars, but even since years ago, it seems basses are kind of an afterthought with the ESP/LTD brand. I tried to configure a bass in their configurator for the US shop, and no bass shape is even offered, though I am sure Japan is different.

Though I do not own one, I like the F series (as with yours above) for instance, but I think they just have the few lower end ones, and a few others higher end LTDs (Leclercq, Araya, etc.) They will never get my hate-I just feel it's a pity!

Would love more "M style" basses from them, and they do still make a cheaper Surveyor even nowadays. ( SURVEYOR-204DX )

(The "Metal" series is fine-and a good value-but I play a lot of fingerstyle over the pickup, so having the pickup down there as if it was a big guitar does not work *for me.* I can see it working for many pick style players for sure, but I wouldn't have designed it that way. I love that design on guitar, though!)

I am one that believes a bass can play bass stuff regardless shape, but I understand why people tend to disagree.

Looking forward to the Surveyor-hoping FedEx comes through!

 

[pklima]

I really really don't need a five-string (what with the whole tuning in fifths thing and all), but dang this is a pretty signature model.

 

[JIO]

I really really don't need a five-string (what with the whole tuning in fifths thing and all), but dang this is a pretty signature model.

View attachment 7502795

Unique hs!

 

[Jason Bonilla]

Been really enjoying this ESP Original Stream. It takes a low set in A standard pretty well all things considered. Sounds great for metal stuff but also sounds very smooth for anything else like jazz, gospel and R&B. If it wasn’t for the body shape leaning a little more towards “metal” I would actually consider tuning this one to E standard for regular music and tuning my Spector to A standard for heavier stuff since the Spector has a naturally more aggressive sound.