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Average Price: $2,419

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Crafted with precision in Japan, the ESP E-II BTL-4 Electric Bass is a masterpiece designed for the discerning professional musician. This bass guitar stands out with its Seymour Duncan SSB passive pickup set, providing an exquisite range of tones that cater to any genre. Whether you're laying down smooth jazz grooves or driving hard rock riffs, the BTL-4 delivers unparalleled sonic versatility.

The instrument's alder body, topped with spalted maple, not only looks stunning but also ensures a rich, resonant sound. The ESP high-end active 3-band Cinnamon EQ system offers a wealth of tonal options, with controls for volume (featuring a push-pull preamp bypass), balance, and discrete adjustments for bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. This level of control empowers musicians to tailor their sound with precision, making it an invaluable tool for studio sessions and live performances alike.

High-end components are a hallmark of the E-II BTL-4, including Gotoh tuners, a Hipshot A style bridge, and a bone nut for superior tuning stability and sustain. The Schaller straplock ensures your bass remains secure during the most energetic performances. The included ESP hardshell form-fitting case offers both protection and portability, ensuring your investment travels safely.

Key Features:

  • Seymour Duncan SSB passive pickup set
  • ESP high-end active 3-band Cinnamon EQ system
  • Alder body with spalted maple top
  • Gotoh tuners and Hipshot A style bridge
  • Schaller straplock and bone nut
  • Includes ESP hardshell form-fitting case

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model E-II BTL-4
Finish Black Natural Burst
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP E-II BTL-4 feature?

The ESP E-II BTL-4 is equipped with active pickups, which provide a powerful and clear tone suitable for various music styles, especially rock and metal.

How does the active preamp in the ESP E-II BTL-4 enhance its performance?

The active preamp in the ESP E-II BTL-4 allows for greater tonal control and versatility, offering a wide range of sound-shaping options ideal for live performances and studio recording.

What is the neck profile of the ESP E-II BTL-4 like?

The ESP E-II BTL-4 features a comfortable maple neck designed for fast playability, making it suitable for both intricate bass lines and powerful riffs.

Is the ESP E-II BTL-4 suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the ESP E-II BTL-4 is designed with professional-quality features, including a high-grade ebony fretboard and 24 frets, making it an excellent choice for advanced bassists.

What kind of music genres is the ESP E-II BTL-4 best suited for?

With its active pickups and versatile tonal options, the ESP E-II BTL-4 is well-suited for genres like rock, metal, and jazz, providing a robust and dynamic sound.

csabillog

csabillog

EMMURE - (F)inally (U)nderstanding (N)othing [bass cover]

Video thumbnail for EMMURE - (F)inally (U)nderstanding (N)othing [bass cover] by csabillog

EMMURE - (F)inally (U)nderstanding (N)othing [bass cover]

csabillog

csabillog

Video thumbnail for E-II BTL-4 【Black Natural Burst】 by GWS ESP

E-II BTL-4 【Black Natural Burst】

GWS ESP

GWS ESP

Video thumbnail for E-II BTL-4 【Black Natural Burst】 by GWS ESP

E-II BTL-4 【Black Natural Burst】

GWS ESP

GWS ESP

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP E-II BTL-4.

Features and functionality

  • The volume pot uses an audio taper, causing a noticeable volume swell at the end of its range, which can affect tone and volume precision.

    Source
  • The push/pull feature on the volume pot allows preamp bypass, giving access to a pure tone unaffected by the preamp circuitry.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the audio taper pot with a linear pot can offer more consistent volume control and earlier treble cutoff, beneficial for specific tonal preferences.

    Source
  • Some users enhance their instrument's aesthetics with kanji decals, sourced from car accessory stores or platforms like eBay or AliExpress.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP Cinnamon Preamp/EQ in the E-II BTL produces a different mid-range growl and softer treble compared to active EMG combos, which may affect tonal consistency across different basses.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Noted for higher output and a boomy bass response, the E-II BTL may suit players seeking a powerful, distinctive sound, particularly in metal genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • The matte finish on the E-II BTL can wear down to a glossy shine in high-contact areas, making it challenging to maintain its original look.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Attempting to sand the matte finish for restoration can worsen its appearance; owners often opt for a complete gloss conversion instead.

    Source
  • To restore a matte finish, lightly rubbing 000 or 0000 bronze wool is recommended over steel wool to avoid magnetic debris on pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that matte finishes can become glossy in spots due to hand contact, leading some to prefer gloss finishes for a consistent look.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Occhiuti uses ESP E-II BTL-4

Joe Occhiuti

Bassist, Keyboardist

Ice Nine Kills

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post by Joe Occhiuti, he can be seen using the ESP E-II BTL-4 in Black Natural Burst. He began using this bass on the Ice Nine Kills' Wurst Vacation tour.

See how Gareth Murdock uses ESP E-II BTL-4

Gareth Murdock

Bassist

Alestorm

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo you can see Gareth Murdock using his ESP E-II BTL-4.

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