For bass players venturing into the world of low-end frequencies, finding the right instrument that balances quality and affordability is paramount. Today, we dive deep into a comprehensive review of the LTD B-10 bass, an entry-level offering from LTD Guitars, a subsidiary of the renowned ESP Guitars. This Ltd Guitar Bass model is designed for beginners and budget-conscious musicians, promising a solid foundation for their musical journey. Let’s explore the features, playability, sound, and overall value of this instrument to see if it hits the right notes for aspiring bassists.
Unpacking the Features of the LTD B-10 Bass
The LTD B-10 bass is built with features tailored for beginners while incorporating elements that resonate with experienced players. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Scale Length: A standard 34” long scale, providing comfortable string tension and familiar feel for most bassists.
- Frets: Equipped with 24 extra-jumbo frets, offering extended range and easy playability across the fingerboard.
- Body Wood: Basswood body, known for its lightweight and balanced tonal characteristics, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions.
- Neck: Bolt-on maple neck with a thin U-shaped profile, designed for fast and comfortable playing, especially for smaller hands.
- Fingerboard: “Engineered hardwood” fingerboard, a durable and smooth surface for fluid finger movement.
- Pickups: A versatile pickup configuration featuring a split-coil neck pickup and a straight single-coil bridge pickup, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.
- Electronics: Active electronics powered by a 9V battery, providing a hotter output and greater tonal control with separate volume controls for each pickup and a “Tone Boost” circuit.
- Hardware: Adjustable truss rod and saddles, allowing for precise setup and intonation adjustments.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a gig bag and Allen keys, providing essential accessories for beginners.
Close-up of the LTD B-10 bass headstock showcasing the tuning pegs and LTD logo
Aesthetic Appeal and Playability: The Look and Feel of the B-10
The ltd guitar bass B-10 presents a sleek and understated aesthetic. It is typically available in a black satin finish, giving it a modern and professional look. The headstock design is distinct and adds a touch of visual interest, while the body shape maintains a classic and familiar silhouette, appealing to a wide range of players.
In terms of feel, the bass is noticeably light, especially when compared to heavier models like a traditional P-Bass. This lighter weight contributes to player comfort during longer practice sessions or performances. The satin black finish, while visually appealing, is noted to be somewhat delicate and prone to chipping, suggesting a need for careful handling. The hardware is chrome, adding to the instrument’s polished appearance, and features closed-back tuning knobs, contributing to tuning stability.
The maple neck is constructed from two pieces, with a joint between the neck and headstock. While a slight tonal variation between these parts might be visible, it does not impact playability. The neck’s finish is smooth and comfortable, avoiding the sticky feel sometimes found on lacquered necks. Its resilience is also noteworthy, as it reportedly remained straight even after a period of inactivity, requiring only minor adjustments.
Full body shot of the LTD B-10 bass guitar in black satin finish
The “engineered hardwood” fingerboard is a unique feature, presenting a look that blends characteristics of rosewood, pao ferro, and ebony, yet with a distinct feel. While subjective, the reviewer found it less enjoyable for daily playing compared to traditional fingerboard materials. However, a positive aspect is the well-finished fret edges, which are smooth and comfortable, a surprising detail for an instrument in this price range and origin of manufacture.
Navigating Fret Issues and Setup Considerations
The frets on the ltd guitar bass B-10 are a point of contention in the original review. Factory setup and quality control appear to be inconsistent. The reviewer’s initial experience involved a bass with significant fret buzz issues across multiple frets, requiring a replacement instrument. While the second bass was better, some fret buzz persisted, hinting at potential issues with fret installation, possibly related to protruding fret wires or uneven fret height. A higher action setup (string height) was required to minimize the buzz, which might compromise playing comfort for some. This highlights the importance of a thorough setup upon receiving the instrument, and potentially professional fretwork for optimal playability.
Close-up of the LTD B-10 bass fretboard and strings, highlighting the jumbo frets
Sound and Tonal Versatility of the LTD B-10 Bass
The ltd guitar bass B-10 is designed to be a sonically versatile instrument, especially for beginner bassists exploring different genres. It comes equipped with No-Name Brand™ factory strings (.045/.065/.085/.105 gauge), which were promptly replaced in the review with D’Addario NYXL strings (.045/0.105). The roundwound construction of these strings contributes to a bright and crisp tone, which is further enhanced by the active electronics system.
The active electronics, powered by a 9V battery, significantly boost the output of the bass, making it a loud instrument suitable for various musical styles. Each pickup has an independent volume control, allowing for blending the split-coil neck pickup and the single-coil bridge pickup to achieve a wide spectrum of tones.
The “Tone Boost” circuit is a unique feature that functions both as a traditional tone control and a signal booster. However, its operation is somewhat unconventional. The signal boost is most prominent in the last 15-20% of the knob’s rotation, and only when the tone is nearly maxed out. This design choice is questioned in the original review, as it leads to a noticeably quieter signal when the tone is not fully engaged, raising questions about the necessity of active electronics in this configuration. Despite this peculiarity, the ltd guitar bass B-10 is praised for its overall sound quality, particularly for a beginner instrument, offering a broad palette of tones that can be further expanded with effects pedals and amplifiers.
Angled view of the LTD B-10 bass body showing the pickups and controls
Final Verdict: Is the LTD B-10 Bass the Right Choice for You?
The ltd guitar bass B-10 stands as a commendable entry-level instrument, particularly considering its price point. The build quality is generally solid for a Chinese-made bass, although the initial fret issues encountered highlight potential inconsistencies in quality control. However, once setup issues are addressed, the B-10 offers good durability and tuning stability.
Its sound quality is a strong point, providing a versatile tonal foundation suitable for various musical genres. The active electronics and pickup configuration offer a wide range of sonic possibilities, making it a capable instrument for practice, rehearsals, and even performances. The unique “Tone Boost” circuit, while having a somewhat unusual implementation, adds another layer of tonal control.
For beginner bassists seeking an affordable and feature-rich instrument, the LTD B-10 bass is a strong contender. It provides a solid platform to learn and develop bass playing skills, offering a blend of playability, tonal versatility, and overall value. While it may require some initial setup attention, its strengths make it a worthwhile option in the entry-level bass market.
Detailed shot of the LTD B-10 bass bridge and strings
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Versatile sound with active electronics
- Comfortable neck profile
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Solid build quality for its class
Cons:
- Potential fret issues and inconsistent setup
- Delicate satin finish
- Unconventional “Tone Boost” circuit operation
Ratings:
- Build Quality: 6.9/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 6.5/10
- Sound Quality: 7.5/10
