ESP C-305

Not exactly sure on the year, but I got it on E-bay and I love the bass. It has a red quilted maple top with a 5-piece maple/walnut neck (very nice), It has a set of EMG-HZ pick ups with the B-30EQ (Volume, tone, lo-mid-hi).

I love the sound, before I got this bass I had a Squire Mex. P-Bass, that was a huge jump in sound and sound control variety. I have it stringed with blue steel med. lights, running through a carvin r600 and a custom 4 10 cab. with eminence deltas. I get a good 80's bright full sound, and it's just what I like.

Well, I got the bass used, so i'm not exactly sure what the factory set up was, but when i recieved it, there was alot of adusting i did to the bridge and neck, it might need a fret job, not sure. But after i set it up, it's the best.

Just like any other bass i think, it reacts alot to the heat and to cold, but other than that it's great. It is very dependable, i added some dunlop straplocks and that's about it. I might in the near future upgrade the bridge to a string through bridge, I upgraded the one on my P-bass and it made a HUGE difference, wow, so we'll see how the c-305 reacts to it.

Like i said, i got the bass used on Ebay, and it was missing a eq knob, (satin gold knob, the smaller one) i look all over just to find one, but no one had one or they gave me the run around. So i said to my self, "why can't i just call ESP directly, the guy said yeah, it's discontinued, we got the parts just layng around" and they sent me the knob for free, got it in one week. best service ever

I've been playing now for about seven years now, haven't experimented with very much but i now know what i like and what i have i love. I just have this bass and a P-Bass that i have now upgraded the bridge to a string through and hooked it up with EMG P pick ups and will soon be replacing the neck with a fretless one. It would be nice if ESP made the 305 with a string-through, that's all it lacks, other than that, it's perfect.

I just got this korean made bass with the natural bubinga top. It has a volume and balance knob as well as a 3 band eq. Soap bar Pups and gotoh style bridge and tuners. The neck sorta feels like a 4 string P bass neck when I grabbed it at the nut. It is very small and thin, yet has enough space for slap, and is very comforable.

mmmmmm the sound was great. It was a big difference compared to my versatile L2500....it expanded my pallet as well as range of tones. I got it all nasally and bridgey like the Jaco sound, but then again got it to sound all trebly and punky, then I also got it to sound dark and dead. The bass has so many sounds and its hard to see what environment it would work it, so I'll have to wait that part out.

The only bad part on my end was that by default the pickups weren't levelled too well, and the D and G string seemed to stand out more. When I plucked them hard, they overdrived my amp, so I'll need to get that fixed.

The factory setup was LOW...at least lower than what I'm used to, but it was comfortable. It was built very well other than the unbalanced pickups, it was practically perfect. The nut is made of cheap plastic, but I only payed 570 for this bass, so I can't complain, because I plan on getting a new one.

This bass seems solidly built, as well as LIGHT. I can trust it to be used without a backup, even though it is Korean made and corners seemed to be cut to assemble it.

I have yet to call costumer support other than to thank them, so I'm cool.

overall I'd give this bass a 9, cuz there is no such thing as a perfect bass, some love them, some hate them. This one is great. If it was stolen I would treat it like a kidnapped child, I would freak. The only thing I dislike about it is that it can easily overdrive the amp, but I think its because of the uneven pickups.

I would highly recommend this bass in any of its finishes because it is a steal! If you're4 looking for something elegant, comfortable, sexy and rich sounding, as well as under 700 bucks...this is your next bass!

2002 model, 24-frets, 5-string (C-305 DUH!)
I chose the Bubinga finish! YAY! Looks much better than in the pics. passive EMG-HZ exposed pole piece pickups with active 3-band EQ. Neck thru body. Came with a cable, all the tools you need, and a hardshell case that hugs the body and doesn't let the headstock and tuning pegs get smacked around in transit!!!

I also own a Tobias Growler 4. I like its tone better, but the ESP has a lot of options! I prefer to cut the neck pickup slightly (this helps when I break out with a distortion/wah combo!) I haven't taken it onstage quite yet, but it gets a great direct sound. It sounds good through my amp too! The low end is immaculate... highs in just the right range that won't blow your eardrums... and the mid can go from too little to too much... which is a good thing for me!

the action was ok... the neck was bowed up... and I can't reach the 24th fret without straining. My only other concern is that it isn't string thru body bridge... you can lose saddles if you forget to tighten them after adjustment, and the bridge will probably evenutally wear out... but I don't see any probems in the near future.

It takes a beating and asks for more. The hardware seems OK. I'm just gonna have to see how it goes. I've only had it a couple of months. The truss rod adjusts immediately (BONUS POINTS). The neck has a fast feel and likes arpeggios and scales to be played on it.

Never had to call! But they sent me a free catalog upon purchase and some sweet ESP stickers yay! I also dig the idea of custom finishes!

I recommend it for the low price and all the playability. It plays like a high end bass, costs like a lower end bass... at least try one out and see for yourself

2002 made in Korea. 24 fret, 5 ply maple walnut, 5 string, 35" scale neck. Neck through construction. Mahogany wings with quilt maple top. Smooth satin natural finish over body and neck. Anodized gold hardware. Two EMG HZ pickups with exposed pole pieces...like MM pickups. Active electronics. One volume, one pan, bass, treb and mid boosts. Body style is kind of similar to a Spector. Bridge is top load (Slim Tail from www.customshopparts.com). Tuners are ESP's but are like Gotoh. Neck is very comfortable and easy to play. I'd say it's more suited for finger style than slap because the string spacing is 16.5mm at bridge. Traded a MIA Jazz Deluxe 5 for it...I know...mine was worth a heck of alot more than this ESP but let me tell you...This ESP plays, sounds, looks, and feels SO much better!

I play alterna pop (finger style) and the neck on this feels wonderful. Very conducive to fast runs. I use no effects and with the preamp all the way up this bass has a throaty midrangey growl that cuts throught the mix without being obtrusive. The sound is very similar to a Music Man but with "something" else...it's smoother sounding probably due to the neck through design. The tone can go from dub thump to jaco (bridge pu soloed) sound. I play with pan at 50/50 and all preamp settings at 100% and the tone amazes me. My band mates actually look at me now when I'm playing because I have a much more "present" tone. Great for stage...haven't tried it in the studio yet...that's coming this weekend. No dislikes what so ever regarding the tone. The tone I get is what I've been looking for for over two years. I'm glad I found it...and I'm shocked I found it in a Korean made bass.

Such a subjective thing. I thought the action was WAY too high and the neck WAY too bowed but this could be how the "guy" at ESP who initially set up this bass likes a bass to be set up. Pickups were adjusted fine. After a truss rod adjustment and lowering the action (which entailed filing down each individual saddle per www.customshopparts recommendation...this was an unnecessary pain in the *ss.) I was able to obtain amazingly low action without suffering a loss of tone. After these adjustments (which took approx 1 and 1/2 hours) this bass plays exceedingly well. As far as playability now?...I'd put this bass up against any high end American bass. Nut was cut well, no fret buzzes so the frets I'm assuming were seated well. I guess I can't give it a "10" because I thought the "set up" wasn't right for myself. Now that I've adjusted it to my specs...it's a "10+"

Definitely feels solid. Alot heavier than my MIA Jazz Deluxe 5. Hardware seems like it will last forever. Finish is satin and I'm not too familiar with the durability of satin finishes but it seems sturdy enough. Strap buttons were nice and wide but I'm sure I'll replace with Schaller strap locks eventually. I feel confident I can depend on it and yes I use it without a back up because I only have this bass!

Have never dealt with ESP.

I've been playing for 13 years. I play through a Hartke 3500 amp and a Carvin 18" speaker cab. If it were lost or stolen I'd definitely find another one. With all the basses I've owned I'd have to say the only two that have lived up to my expectations have been my old Rickenbacker 4003 (god I miss it...but it's a 4 string and I'm solely a 5 string player now) and this ESP C-305. I love everything about it and hate nothing. My favorite feature is the comfortable neck. People would probably say I'm crazy for trading a MIA Jazz Deluxe 5 for this Korean made bass but it suits me and my style much more than the Jazz and personally I think it sounds much better.

This bass is 2001, made in Korea I believe...24 frets, 5 string. It consists of a 3 band EQ with a tone and volume knob. Came with two EMZ pickups. As far as I know it is an Active bass. The neck is very thin for a 5 stringer which is good because I have small hands...

I play in a christian rock band and gig all the time. I use a peavey basic 112 and the guitar sounds great, I also run through a DI. I've played on a few stacks like ampeg and SWR and the bass sound is very rich and punchy. If you want a jazz tone just turn the bass knob half way and turn up the treble, really, this guitar can do just about any sound

Well, when I first got it (about 3 months ago) it was slightly out of tune and the input jack was loose. The D and G strings were a little loose on the neck but besides that the bass looks and worked like a charm...

This bass is very well made, its neckthrough, made with 5 peices of wood. the back of the neck has mohagony stripes which makes it look very classy. This thing is built like a tank and I would FREAK if I had a scratch on it or if it was slightly bumped...

I ordered it through AXE music in Edmonton... Haven't had any problems, if so I see them.

I've been playing for almost a year and a half...I sold a Phil 5 string for this guitar for its thin neck, awesome tone and punch, and especially the looks...this baby suits my music and my style..which really is any style. If I lost this guitar, I would maybe consider buying a peavey cirrus or a dingwall, but when I think about it, my bass has almost an identical sound, so yeah i would buy another one...

Hooowhee! I'm the first person on Harmony to review a new bass model! Friends, this is the greatest day of my life. Now down to brass tacks. This is a multi-laminated, neck through model with two MONSTER (Music Man style) EMZ-hz pickups. Tone, volume, and 3-band EQ. Body is mahagony but you get your choice of several woods for the laminted top -- I chose flamed maple. Came with a case and a couple of adjustment tools but you can buy without. 24 frets but who's counting. A very solid bridge. All hardware is gold anodized.

The neck on this 5-string model is less than 1/2 centimeter wider than the neck on a 4-string P bass.

Nice contour in the back of the body for your chest to lean on.

Tone is very subjective, but I dig it. It has a more modern sound than a Fender. (Fenders have great tone, but what's always overlooked is that Fender doesn't have a monopoly on good tone. But I digress.) It has good unplugged tone, which always bodes well for the amplified tone. I'm still experimenting with the knobs so I can't speak for the range, but EMG-hz didn't get to be the number one pickup manufacturer at this price point for nothing.

Bass came very well set-up. No flaws that I can detect yet, although the nut on the jack was loose (even the mechanically challenged could tighten it). Note that the bottom strap lock is positioned in the center (which I prefer), not off-center as in the official pictures.

Bass is too new to answer these questions.

ESP gets a 2, only because they charge $5 for their friggin' catalog -- highway robbery if you ask me.

I suffer from a syndrome known as new bass euphoria (NBE, as it's known in the medical profession), so give the following its due weight. I'm totally stoked with this new bass. It's prettier than in pictures -- it has an amber stain and a soft satin sheen that looks very custom. It sounds wonderful, it's comfortable to play, and it looks custom. What else could you want?