Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $951
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "ESP LTD AP-4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your dark side with the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal, a bass guitar that harmonizes stealth aesthetics with uncompromising sound quality. This electric bass guitar is designed for musicians who crave the perfect blend of classic style and modern edge. Its all-black hardware and Black Satin finish give it a distinct, menacing presence that commands attention on any stage. Crafted with an alder body and a bolt-on maple neck, the AP-4 Black Metal promises durability and comfort for those long sessions or live performances.
The AP-4 Black Metal is fitted with pro-level components, ensuring that it doesn’t just look the part but delivers in performance. The EMG 35CS pickup is engineered to provide a powerful, punchy tone with crisp clarity that cuts through any mix, making it ideal for both studio recording and live gigs. Paired with Grover tuners and a Babicz FCH-4 bridge, this bass guarantees precise tuning stability and exceptional sustain. Whether you’re a seasoned bassist or just starting out, the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal is a reliable and stylish companion that won’t let you down.
Key Features:
- Alder body with bolt-on maple neck
- Black Satin finish with black hardware
- EMG 35CS pickup for powerful tone
- Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability
- Babicz FCH-4 bridge for enhanced sustain
- Black LTD logo on the headstock
Product specs
| Available since | May 2019 |
| Colour | Black |
| Soundboard | Alder |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Frets | 21 |
| Scale | Longscale |
| Pickup System | H |
| Elektronic | Active |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal bass?
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The ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal features a thin U-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for bassists who prefer a slimmer neck for quick movement across the fretboard.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickup on the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal?
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The ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal is equipped with an active humbucker pickup, delivering a powerful and punchy tone with excellent clarity, suitable for aggressive playing styles and genres like metal and rock.
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Is the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal suitable for beginners?
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While the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal offers professional features and high-quality construction, its straightforward design and comfortable playability make it accessible for beginners who are serious about developing their skills.
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How does the ebony fretboard affect the sound of the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal?
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The ebony fretboard on the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal contributes to a bright and articulate tone, enhancing note clarity and providing a smooth playing surface for fast and precise finger movements.
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Does the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal bass come with a case or gigbag?
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The ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to consider purchasing one separately to protect your instrument during transport.
Videos
ESP Guitars USA
ESP Guitars: LTD AP-4 Bass Demo by Nikki Stevens
Reviews
PROS
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Ultra smooth neck with silky matte finish for enhanced playability
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Reversed headstock is a unique and appealing design feature
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Single volume knob simplifies controls, great for beginners
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Slim neck design aids playability for those with smaller hands
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Matte black finish is visually striking and stage-ready
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EMG pickup delivers powerful, resonant sound ideal for metal
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Excellent build quality expected from ESP
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Well-balanced, not prone to being top-heavy
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Ergonomic design makes it easy and comfortable to play
CONS
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Heavier than expected, may not suit all players
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Initial setup may require adjustments, such as neck curvature and tuning
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Limited control options; lacks tone knob for versatility
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Not the most versatile bass, best suited for metal genres
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD AP-4.
Features and functionality
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The ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal features EMG pickups, known for their warm, round tone, which some users find better suited for genres like dubstep rather than metal.
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The EMG 35CS pickup in the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal is noted for its low-impedance signal, providing a cleaner, interference-free output ideal for long cable runs.
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Active pickups in this model have a preamp within the pickup itself, ensuring a consistent, high-output signal without requiring an onboard EQ.
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The ESP LTD AP-4's active electronics configuration is highlighted for its immunity to signal loss and degradation, especially beneficial when using long cables or multiple pedals.
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Comparisons
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The P-Bass is often praised for its low mid rumble and clarity, making it more defined in the mix compared to the Ibanez SR series, which can blur with heavy guitars.
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EMG pickups in this bass are contrasted with Fishman and Bartolini designs, with EMGs offering a quieter, more defined signal through differential amplification.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users consider replacing stock pickups with Seymour Duncan SPB-3 for enhanced definition and bite, especially desirable for aggressive metal tones.
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Use cases and applications
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The ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal is considered for death and black metal, with a focus on adding thump and definition to complement heavy guitars.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Tom Angelripper of Sodom uses the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal bass, as seen in the official music video for "Friendly Fire" by Steamhammer / SPV. I confirmed this after attending two Sodom concerts in 2024, where I noticed Angelripper’s new bass. After speaking with the band’s techs, who mentioned it was an LTD model, and conducting further research, I identified it as the ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal. I even had the chance to see and touch the bass during the second show.
He plays here on stage his LTD AP-4 loaded with stock EMG active PJ set and with Babicz bridge .
As a performer and educator, Nikki Stevens is a highly-respected multi-instrumental musician with years of experience both on stage and giving music lessons at all levels. In this video, she tries out the LTD AP-4 bass, immediately recognizing the advantage of its excellent build quality and its high-end components like EMG P (neck) and EMG LJ (bridge) active pickups, Grover tuners, and Babicz bridge, all of which represent a big step up from typical less-advanced basses. More info: https://www.espguitars.com/products?categories=ap-series-basses-2
Album Usage
The ESP LTD AP-4 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Community setups
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