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Average Price: $2,090

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Crafted in the heart of Tokyo, the ESP E-II BTL-4 is a testament to Japanese precision and artistry. Known for their uncompromising quality, ESP E-II instruments deliver a dynamic blend of tone, feel, and reliability that caters to the discerning musician. The BTL-4, part of the revered BTL Series, is a versatile 4-string bass designed to adapt to any musical genre, making it an indispensable tool for both studio and live performances.

At its core, the ESP E-II BTL-4 boasts an alder body topped with spalted maple, delivering a rich and resonant foundation for your sound. Powering this sonic powerhouse are Seymour Duncan SSB passive pickups, renowned for their ability to capture and project every nuance of your playing. Paired with ESP’s proprietary high-end active 3-band Cinnamon EQ system, you have an extensive palette of tones at your fingertips. The controls are exceptionally versatile, featuring a volume knob with a push-pull preamp bypass, balance control, and discrete adjustments for bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, ensuring you can tailor your sound to perfection.

This bass is engineered with professional-grade components, including Gotoh tuners for superior tuning stability, a Hipshot A style bridge for enhanced sustain, and a bone nut for precise intonation. With the included ESP hardshell form-fitting case, your instrument is always ready for the road, offering protection and peace of mind.

Key Features:

  • Alder body with spalted maple top
  • Seymour Duncan SSB passive pickups
  • ESP high-end active 3-band Cinnamon EQ system
  • Volume with push-pull preamp bypass, balance, and discrete bass, midrange, and treble controls
  • Gotoh tuners and Hipshot A style bridge
  • 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 music is the ESP E-II BTL-4 best suited for?

The ESP E-II BTL-4, with its active pickups and 3-band EQ, is highly versatile and well-suited for genres that require a wide tonal range, such as rock, metal, and funk.

How does the neck profile of the ESP E-II BTL-4 affect playability?

The thin U profile of the bolt-on maple neck provides a comfortable grip, making it ideal for fast playing styles and easy navigation across the 24 frets.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Seymour Duncan SSB soapbar pickups?

The Seymour Duncan SSB soapbar pickups deliver a punchy, clear tone with excellent low-end definition, making them great for both aggressive and smooth bass lines.

Is the ESP E-II BTL-4 suitable for stage performances?

Yes, with its Hipshot A-style bridge, Gotoh tuners, and Schaller straplocks, the ESP E-II BTL-4 is designed for reliable tuning stability and security during live performances.

Does the ESP E-II BTL-4 support both active and passive playing styles?

The ESP E-II BTL-4 features active pickups and a preamp, offering a wide range of tonal adjustments and dynamic control suitable for active playing styles.

GWS ESP

GWS ESP

E-II BTL-4 【Black Natural Burst】

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-ll BTL-4.

Features and functionality

  • The ESP E-II BTL-4's volume pot features an audio taper, causing a noticeable volume swell at the end of the knob's range.

    Source
  • The term "Preamp thru SW" on the volume pot indicates a preamp bypass, allowing for a tone unaffected by the preamp circuitry.

    Source
  • The ESP Cinnamon Preamp/EQ, potentially paired with Seymour Duncan pickups, offers a unique mid-range growl and a softer treble, distinct from EMG setups.

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  • The ESP E-II BTL-4 is primarily offered in the Japanese market, with limited availability in the US, focusing on modern bass styles.

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Comparisons

  • The E-II BTL bass is an upgrade over the LTD line and was part of a continuation of LTD's B-Basses, indicating it targets a higher quality bracket.

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  • The B-204's neck is likened to a more rounded version of the Ibanez wizard profile, appealing to those familiar with Ibanez guitars.

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  • The Amaze bass, while similar to a Fender Jazz, features thinner, sharper horns and a smaller body.

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User experience

  • Some owners find the bass output higher than other models, complicating instrument swaps, particularly for fingerstyle metal players seeking a specific growl.

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  • A user reported a Surveyor 87 arrived with black greasy fingerprints and rattling pickups due to unscrewed mounting, reflecting on ESP's claimed inspection standards.

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  • US dealers can order various ESP models, including the Amaze, although they are not commonly stocked in US stores.

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Build quality

  • Some users report ESP LTD models can have unsanded areas near the headstock that absorb cleaning spray, indicating inconsistent finishing.

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  • A clover leaf on the E string tuner was found falling off upon delivery, and a replacement part sent by ESP was incorrect.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Issues with tuners slipping due to powder coating causing tight tolerances have been noted; adding Teflon grease can mitigate this problem.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Niilo Sevänen uses ESP E-ll BTL-4

Niilo Sevänen

Singer, Bassist

Insomnium

...
Verified via Photo

Niilo says: "Happy to be wielding ESP basses from now on! This gorgeous weapon here in my arms is ESP E-II BTL-4."

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