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

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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