NAMM 2016: ESP LTD Builds New Basses for All Styles

ESP LTD are launching fifteen new bass guitars at the American NAMM 2016 convention, affirming their quickly-growing reputation for manufacturing top-quality bass guitars in all price classes. They've sat down with well-known artists like Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), jazz cat Bunny Brunel, Tom Araya (Slayer), as well as many others, to discuss how a good bass should be put together.

The result is a range of basses that are not limited to metal music but can be used for virtually any genre, including reggae, jazz, pop and funk. For the latter, the RB-1004SM STR by Rocco Prestia with its new red spalted maple top is a perfect example. It also has Aguilar pickups with split coils that are located relatively close to the neck for a thick, prominent layer.

In the metal category, the revised signature basses by front man/bassist of one of the 'Big 4' metal bands really stand out: the new satin black Tom Araya signature TA-204 FRX and the TA-604 FRX.

By far their most striking bass guitars in ESP LTD's new range are the two Multi-scales, the ESP LTD B-1004SE and the B-1005SE: basses with a fanned fret neck and a gorgeous bubinga finish, available in both a four and five-string version. The special fret design is made to optimise string tension, but is also improved ergonomically to enhance playing comfort. They have Nordstrand pickups, a Hipshot Solo bridge and a brand-new ESP-designed 3-band active EQ.

When it comes to multi-string bass guitars, ESP LTD's B-206SM can't go unannounced. The spalted maple body of this affordable six-string bass is enhanced by the See Thru Black Satin finish, which is also available in this B-205SM five-string version, as well as the B-204SM with four strings.

The Stream series began as an affordable range of bass guitars, but as it gained popularity, more professional models were added to it, like the Stream-1004 and the Stream-1005. For five-string bassists on a budget, ESP LTD offers the Stream-205.

If you're interested in a more classic-looking bass, they've included the LTD AP-204 in Charcoal Metallic andBurgundy Burst in their 2016 range.

ESP has also expanded their artist family with bassist Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Dead Daisies), who will also be presenting a signature bass: the attractive four-string LTD MM-4FMin a J and P pickup configuration and a maple neck. With great-looking details and a Dark See Thru Green Sunburst finish, it may seem simple on the outside, but it happens to have EMG X Series pickups and a Hipshot drop tuner!

Check out more news on our NAMM 2016 overview page!

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