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ESP

collapse expand iconDescription

The ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass Spalted Maple is built for beautiful performance, looks and tone. ESP crafted this bass with an ash body and satin-finished spalted maple top, providing optimal resonance, clarity and warmth. The combination of tone woods and 5-piece maple/rosewood neck gives this six-string bass outstanding tone and playability.

Powerful Pickups Deliver Versatile Tone

The ESP LTD B-206SM features SB-6 neck and bridge humbuckers that deliver modern, low-noise tone. An active 3-band EQ provides maximum tonal control, allowing you to shape your tone with the turn of a knob. Roll off the highs for a warmer, rounded tone or boost the mids for extra cut and punch. The tonal possibilities are endless.

Fast Neck Promotes Fluid Playing

The ESP LTD B-206SM has a bolt-on maple/rosewood neck with a thin U profile that plays fast and comfortably. A 350mm radius rosewood fretboard responds quickly and accurately to facilitate fluid solos and riffs. Twenty-four extra-jumbo frets provide ample space for wide bends and vibrato. The maple/rosewood neck construction provides a balanced tone with articulate highs, tight lows and a focused midrange.

Striking Looks and High-End Components

A spalted maple top gives the ESP LTD B-206SM a gorgeous yet understated look normally found on much more expensive basses. Black nickel tuners, knobs and a string-through bridge complement the spalted maple top. The bridge adjusts to any playing style, whether you prefer a high action for upright bass-like tone or low action for speedy playing.

Versatile Six-String Bass for Gigging and Recording

With pro features and components usually reserved for high-end basses, the ESP LTD B-206SM six-string bass is ideal for gigging, recording and practice. The balanced tone, fast neck and flexible electronics make this bass suitable for any genre from rock to jazz to metal.

ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass Spalted Maple
ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass Spalted Maple
ESP LTD B-206SM 6-String Bass Spalted Maple

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Ash body with spalted maple top
  • Bolt-on maple-walnut neck
  • 35" scale
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Standard 54mm nut
  • 24 XJ frets
  • Abalone dot inlays
  • Black nickel hardware
  • ESP-LTD tuners
  • ESP DB-6 bridge
  • ESP SB-6 pickup set
  • Volume and balance controls
  • ESP ABQ3 3-band active EQ
  • Case sold separately

collapse expand iconWarranty

Limited lifetime warranty on all guitars.
One year warranty on parts and electronics.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.63

30 Reviews

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

This is What I was Looking For
This is What I was Looking For
ShArP AxE !

Most Liked Positive Review

5

ESP B-206SM is downright amazing

I got this guitar recently, and I'm here to say WOW!! This bass is very under priced. I've played Warwicks, Schecters, and Ibanez 6 strings that just don't compare, even though they were much more expensive. The EQ is amazing. The natural wood is beautiful to say the least. I would highly recommend this bass to anyone. It came with great action and sounded wonderful right out of the box. 10/10 in my book.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Poor Quality Control by Guitar Center

Well packed, came on time. The setup was so low that the 3 high strings won't register on my tuner. They are literally laying on the fretboard. I tightened each tuner to the point where I was afraid to break string. This is my 6th bass but first 6 string. I don't get the feeling that anyone at GC checked this before shipping. What a letdown. The instrument quality is quite good. Yes, like other reviews this is a heavy beast but I thought the high C would be good for playing around with chords.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing10
  2. Jamming9
  3. Recording7
  4. Rock Concerts6
  5. Small Venues6
Cons
  1. Fret Buzz3
  2. Poor Pick Up2
  3. Heavy. Quite narrow string spacing1
  4. Heavy1
  5. String spacing is a little close1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced13
  2. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Fun To Play13
  2. Good Feel12
  3. Good Tone12
  4. Solid Electronics10
  5. Good Pick Up9

Reviewed by 30 customers

  • I would buy this product once and keep it

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 months ago

    byGraeme

    fromTampa, Florida

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Good tone. Versatile. Heavy - a lighter wood would ease shoulder strain

  • I would buy this product once and keep it

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted7 months ago

    byGraeme

    fromTampa, Florida

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Use as an inspiration for new ideas. The six string upper register serves to enable melodic exploration. The bass could do with being chambered so as to lessen the weight, or even the use of a lighter woodchoice to minimise shoulder fatigue on long sets or gigs

  • Beautiful and sounds heavenly

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byLogan

    fromIllinois

    My favorite bass...It's beautiful, sounds like heaven. It might be a little heavy for some people but it plays amazingly and I have nothing bad to say about it. I love ESP guitars and basses, and this is by far my favorite bass...ever!

  • greatest bass in it's class and above.

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byJohn M

    fromGreensboro N C

    Best 6 string that I've every played. It sounds so great that I have to make myself stop play it after hours and hours of playing it. It came right out of the box almost perfectly setup, plays so smoothly and i believe it sounds, plays, and feels like a very expensive guitar. No mistake the best bass for the money period!!!!

  • GC didn't do their job

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted5 years ago

    byBassHawk2012

    fromAlbuquerque, NM

    The bass is heavy but very well made and nicely finished. I bought it to play chords including the high C and it sounds absolutely amazing for chords from the 7th fret up. The neck is very nice, frets are great. Very nice quality overall! My issues are not with ESP.

  • Poor Quality Control by Guitar Center

    3

    submitted5 years ago

    byGunhawk2012

    fromAlbuquerque, NM

    Well packed, came on time. The setup was so low that the 3 high strings won't register on my tuner. They are literally laying on the fretboard. I tightened each tuner to the point where I was afraid to break string. This is my 6th bass but first 6 string. I don't get the feeling that anyone at GC checked this before shipping. What a letdown. The instrument quality is quite good. Yes, like other reviews this is a heavy beast but I thought the high C would be good for playing around with chords.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byJW

    fromOmaha,Nebraska

    Does this bass require a battery to play? I really don't like battery guitars

    Does this bass require a battery to play? I really don't like battery guitars

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I don't either but yes it does.

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byAlia

    fromVega Alta, Puerto Rico

    I'd like to know if the strings of this bass are High C - Low B. Thank you!

    I'd like to know if the strings of this bass are High C - Low B. Thank you!

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes, they are.