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Average Price: $700

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany Electric Bass is a bold choice for the adventurous bass player. With its distinctive design that echoes both futuristic and mythical inspirations, this bass ensures you stand out not just sonically but visually. The neck-through-body construction is a standout feature, combining a 5-piece maple and mahogany neck for unmatched sustain and resonance. This 35-inch scale bass guitar is crafted for speed and precision, thanks in part to its extra thin "U" neck contour.

Equipped with ESP-designed SB-4 humbuckers, the F-4E delivers a robust tonal range from deep, growling lows to crisp, articulate highs. The active 3-band EQ system provides extensive tonal sculpting, allowing you to fine-tune your sound to match any musical style. The sleek ebony fingerboard, adorned with 24 XJ frets, lends itself to effortless playability, ensuring that your fingers glide smoothly across every note.

Whether you're laying down a heavy groove or exploring melodic passages, the F-4E Mahogany is engineered to keep pace. Its ergonomic body shape, paired with a contoured mahogany body and ebony top, offers both comfort and striking aesthetics. Black nickel hardware, including LTD tuners and the BB-604 bridge, adds a touch of modern sophistication to this already remarkable instrument.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through-body construction with 35-inch scale
  • Contoured mahogany body with ebony top
  • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard; 24 XJ frets
  • Extra Thin "U" neck contour
  • ESP Designed SB-4 humbuckers with ABQ-3 3-band active EQ
  • Master Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble Boost/Cut, Balance controls
  • Black nickel hardware; LTD tuners; LTD BB-604 bridge

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model F-4E Mahogany
Year 2017 - 2020
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany's active pickups?

The ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany features ESP-designed active pickups that deliver a powerful, clear, and punchy tone, suitable for a wide range of genres from rock to metal. The active preamp with a 3-band EQ allows for detailed tone shaping.

Is the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany is well-suited for advanced players, offering features like a neck-through body design for enhanced sustain, a 24-fret ebony fretboard for extended range, and a 3-band active EQ for versatile sound control.

How does the neck profile of the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany affect playability?

The ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany has a U-shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip, especially for players who prefer a thicker neck. This design supports fast playing and is complemented by extra-jumbo frets for improved finger positioning.

What are the primary materials used in the construction of the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany?

The ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany features a mahogany body for warm tones, a 5-piece maple/mahogany neck for durability and stability, and an ebony fretboard for a smooth playing surface and bright sound characteristics.

Does the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany bass guitar come with a case?

No, the ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany does not come with a case. It is recommended to purchase a case separately to ensure the instrument's protection during transport and storage.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The F-4E's natural wood finish is praised for its unique aesthetic, but some lament the switch from an ebony to mahogany top.

    Source
  • The battery doors screw on, which some find inconvenient for quick changes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user reported the need to resolder wiring, which became an educational experience during their high school years.

    Source
  • One owner noted the D string had tuning stability issues after a few songs, though it may be an isolated case.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend upgrading the F-4E's generic pickups and preamp to enhance sound quality, with a Darkglass Tone Capsule being a favored option.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The B-1005 series is noted to be about 2.2 lbs lighter than the B-205 series, which may influence comfort and playability.

    Source
  • The natural finish of the B-4E isn't as glossy as online images suggest, providing a more subtle aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • The F-4E features a 35” scale, which some users find challenging, particularly if accustomed to shorter scales.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A rare spalted maple F-4E prototype was purchased for $585, highlighting potential value in finding unique models.

    Source
  • B-4E models can be found between $400-$450, offering substantial savings over the typical $600 price tag.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The B-4E neck is not as thin as the F series, but remains comfortable and may be preferred by players seeking a slightly thicker neck profile.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD F-4E Review: My starter Washburn XB-100 is no longer needed for anything I... | ESP | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The ESP LTD F-4E Mahogany bass is a metalhead's dream with its aggressive looks and versatile 3-band EQ. It delivers a variety of tones, from growling metal to bright jazz, making it adaptable for different genres. The bass is praised for its solid build, durability, and playability, with hardware that seems built to last. However, the review’s overwhelmingly positive tone raises questions about objectivity, especially with all aspects receiving perfect scores. While the bass is undoubtedly impressive, the lack of critique on possible flaws or areas for improvement leaves potential buyers seeking a more balanced assessment.

ESP LTD F-4E Bass Review (2023) | Guitar Lizard

guitarlizard.com

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