The ESP LTD B-206SM is a six-string bass designed for adventurous players who want extended range capability with a striking visual presentation. It features an ash body with a spalted maple top, a five-piece maple and jatoba neck, and a jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets, providing full access across the entire tonal range from deep low B to a high C string. The ESP-designed SB-6 pickups with an active three-band EQ deliver a clear, well-defined tone that maintains articulation even on the lowest strings -- a common challenge for budget six-string basses. The sound is modern and balanced, with enough low-end authority and high-end sparkle to handle everything from solo bass arrangements to heavy progressive metal. The thin U neck profile is surprisingly comfortable for a six-string, keeping the wide fingerboard manageable for players transitioning from four or five-string instruments. The 35-inch scale length helps maintain tension and clarity on the low B string, which is a critical consideration for extended-range basses. Build quality is solid for the price range, with the spalted maple top providing a unique, organic appearance that varies from instrument to instrument. This bass is ideal for intermediate to advanced players exploring extended-range techniques in genres like jazz fusion, progressive rock, or modern metal. The wide neck and 35-inch scale require a significant physical adjustment for players accustomed to standard four-string basses.

Bass Guitars

A six-string bass with spalted maple top and active three-band EQ that maintains articulation across the extended range from low B to high C, with a 35-inch scale for optimal low-string tension.