Yamaha 425 vs ESP LTD surveyor 5

[bassdr]

I have $300 to get a 5 string, great deals going on these right now, same price. Which would you choose for straight up rock?

 

[Almy]

I ordered the Yamaha, but the ESP has more options on knobs I think. If I didn't have a preference, that'd be the deal maker for me.

 

[genericusername]

Hello, I'm an ESP fanboy.

Buy the ESP.

 

[PurpleDrank]

I'd take the Yamaha in a second. I love the feel and the sound works for me. They have that very particular hot P/J sound.

 

[mmbongo]

ESP wins on pickups alone. Real EMG's, P bass at the neck, MM at the bridge...and coil splittable at that. You get your P, you get your MM, you get your P/J.

 

[Marihino]

LTD. These Yamahas are good, they really are, but from now on they will sell for this sort of price very often. Regular price on the Surveyor was way more than twice that. The offer is probably due to the facelifted model coming, with blocks and binding. You can always sell that for the same money if you don't like it.

 

[GobBass]

There's no way the LTD Surveyor will cost $300 for long. In some quarters, the pickups and tuners would cover that.

EDIT: Just seen the Musicians Friend sale for the Surveyor-414 and 415. Spring on that.

 

[bassdr]

Thanks for the responses, I expected more Yamaha love. I have never owned an ESP and have always thought of them as entry level. Still that is a nice bass.

I am about ready to pull the trigger on the ESP, anybody have one? I would love to know how good the B-string is?

 

[Marihino]

there's a lot of Yamaha love here. I play a 5 string Yamaha BB myself (different model though) and am happy with it. Just, for this price, LTD is better value, more bass for your money. They are normally more expensive (while for BB425 this price won't be very unusual) and kind of rare. If you asked what to choose between LTD B205 and Yamaha BB1025 (which btw is about the usual price of LTD Surveyor) having an apportunity to buy them for the same price, everyone would advise you the Yamaha.

 

[gregnb3]

My problem as well, I was about to pull the trigger on the yamaha... But now more confused.. Man I miss my Spector ns5crfm.. Had to sell due to lay off..

 

[TMacATK]

Get the LTD. It is an incredible deal. I just bought one in ebony (also has an ebony fingerboard!) from audiomidi.com for $298 with free shipping, free gig bag, and free tuner. I already own a B404SM that has served me well for four years - been the one constant through Warwicks, Fenders, Ibanezes....etc. You won't regret it.

 

[loend68]

Get the LTD. It is an incredible deal. I just bought one in ebony (also has an ebony fingerboard!) from audiomidi.com for $298 with free shipping, free gig bag, and free tuner. I already own a B404SM that has served me well for four years - been the one constant through Warwicks, Fenders, Ibanezes....etc. You won't regret it.

Damn that's a good deal!

 

[mmbongo]

My problem as well, I was about to pull the trigger on the yamaha... But now more confused.. Man I miss my Spector ns5crfm.. Had to sell due to lay off..

The LTD will be more like your Spector because of the USA EMG pickups and the string spacing. The neck is totally different though.

And as far as entry level.....when I hear Yamaha I think $199 beginner bass. Sorry, I just do

 

[gregnb3]

The ebony ESP is on the way!! Talked the musician friend sales man into a 10% discount..269.99!

 

[dudelove]

esp ltd is the one

 

[bassdr]

OK, pulled the trigger on the black one. MF has a coupon code this weekend that is "take45" that takes $45 off any $299 purchase. Hopefully I am back here on this thread next week talking about the best $254 bass ever!

 

[gregnb3]

You got me by a few dollars... . Congrats, mine should arrive mon or tues...