ESP Unveils LTD Elite Basses

ESP has introduced a new line in their products called the LTD Elite series, which splits the difference price and quality between ESP’s high-end instruments and their more affordable LTD line. The new line is built in Japan and are based on the company’s most popular ESP models, including two basses: the J-4 and J-5.

ESP LTD Elite 4-string bass

Four and five-string models perspectively, the Elite J-4 and J-5 feature bolt-on construction and a 34? scale. The chambered body is ash with a quilted maple top, while the maple neck can be topped with either a maple or rosewood fingerboard.

ESP LTD Elite 5-string bass

The Elite basses are stocked with Seymour Duncan Vintage pickups and ESP’s KH-1 2-Band EQ.. Other features include Gotoh tuners, a Gotoh bridge with a string-through-body option, and Amber and See Through Black finishes.

ESP’s LTD Elite Basses will be shipping in early 2013 with street prices of $1,499 and $1,549. For more, check out the ESP website.

ESP LTD Elite J-4 Details:

  • Strings: 4
  • Construction: Bolt-on
  • Scale: 34?
  • Body: Chambered Ash with Quilted Maple Top
  • Neck: Maple with Thin U Neck Contour
  • Fretboard: Maple or Rosewood
  • Nut: Bone
  • Width at Nut: 38mm
  • Frets: 21 XJ Frets
  • Hardware: Chrome Hardware
  • Tuners: Gotoh Tuners
  • Bridge: Gotoh Bridge
  • Pickups: Seymour Duncan Basslines SJB-1 Vintage
  • Electronics: ESP KH­1 Active 2-Band EQ
  • Finishes: See Thru Black, Amber
  • Hardshell Case Included

ESP LTD Elite J-5 Details:

  • Strings: 5
  • Construction: Bolt-on
  • Scale: 34?
  • Body: Chambered Ash with Quilted Maple Top
  • Neck: Maple with Thin U Neck Contour
  • Fretboard: Maple or Rosewood
  • Nut: Bone
  • Width at Nut: 46mm
  • Frets: 21 XJ Frets
  • Hardware: Chrome Hardware
  • Tuners: Gotoh Tuners
  • Bridge: Gotoh Bridge
  • Pickups: Seymour Duncan Basslines SJ5­67­70 Vintage
  • Electronics: ESP KH­1 Active 2-Band EQ
  • Finishes: See Thru Black, Amber
  • Hardshell Case Included

In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.

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Share your thoughts

  1. nice take on the J Bass. comparable price to the deluxe. would like to try one for sure.

  2. I love matching headstocks.

  3. I wonder if they are built or assembled in japan. The LTD were being made in Indonesia I believe. I have a ESP/Edwards 128 qm that I love to death. I wish they would have put the ESP Cinnamon Preamp in it but the stock preamp isn’t bad.

  4. VLS

    I have this bass and it is 35″ scale. I measured the scale several times.

  5. VLS

    These basses have 35″ scale. I’ve got one 5 string