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Average Price: $601

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The ESP LTD Stream-204 is a bass guitar that seamlessly melds retro flair with modern precision, making it an enticing choice for both budding bassists and seasoned professionals. This 4-string electric bass sports a striking offset body design, constructed from resonant all-mahogany, ensuring that it fits snugly against your body whether you're in the heat of a live gig or a lengthy rehearsal session.

At the heart of the Stream-204's versatility are the ESP-designed SB-4B pickups, strategically placed at the bridge and neck positions. These pickups are celebrated for their ability to transition smoothly between clean, soaring tones and gritty, bottom-heavy vibes. Coupled with an active ABQ-2S 2-band EQ, the tonal possibilities are vast, offering bass and treble controls to customize your sound to perfection.

The playability is nothing short of exceptional, thanks to the smooth, Thin-U maple neck adorned with a roasted jatoba fingerboard. With 21 extra-jumbo frets, you’ll find both chording and aggressive bass lines effortlessly comfortable. The robust 34" bolt-on neck enhances sustain and ensures longevity, while the LTD DB-4 bridge and LTD tuners keep your tuning stable, even through the most dynamic performances.

Key Features:

  • 4-string electric bass with a stage-ready offset body design
  • Solid mahogany body for rich resonance
  • Thin-U maple neck with a roasted jatoba fingerboard
  • 34" scale with 21 extra-jumbo frets for effortless playability
  • ESP-designed SB-4B pickups for versatile tone
  • Active ABQ-2S 2-band EQ with bass and treble controls
  • LTD DB-4 bridge and LTD tuners for stable tuning and enhanced sustain

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Stream-204
Finish Black, Black Satin, Tobacco Sunburst
Year 2014 - 2020
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Jatoba, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the ESP LTD Stream-204 have?

The ESP LTD Stream-204 is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a classic and warm tone suitable for a variety of music styles.

Is the ESP LTD Stream-204 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the ESP LTD Stream-204 is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to play and adaptable to different music genres.

What is the body material of the ESP LTD Stream-204?

The body of the ESP LTD Stream-204 is made from mahogany, which contributes to its rich, resonant sound and sustain.

How many frets does the ESP LTD Stream-204 have?

The ESP LTD Stream-204 features 21 frets, providing a standard range that accommodates most playing styles and techniques.

Does the ESP LTD Stream-204 have an active preamp?

Yes, the ESP LTD Stream-204 includes an active preamp, allowing for enhanced tonal control and versatility.

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning visual appeal, especially in the Tobacco sunburst model

  • Versatile EQ offers a range of tones from rumble to bite

  • Lightweight mahogany body enhances playability

  • Comfortable feel with no sharp frets, suitable for long playing sessions

  • Interesting passive pickups with active EQ for unique sound options

  • Upgrade-ready platform with EMG-sized soap bar pickups

  • Attractive price point for a well-built bass

CONS

  • Slightly heavy bass, might require a comfortable strap

  • Limited tonal variety; may feel like a "one trick pony"

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP LTD Stream-204.

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners replace the stock preamp with a Darkglass Tone Capsule for improved frequency control, noting the original treble knob's limited impact.

    Source
  • Users note that stock pickups on models like the F4E could benefit from being 'hotter' for a more aggressive metal tone.

    Source

Build quality

  • A user reported a misalignment in the bridge grooves for saddle screws on the D-6 model, leading to a replacement.

    Source
  • The LTD Phoenix 1004 is praised for its flawless construction, with no visible gaps or imperfections, even after years of use.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • An owner mentioned needing to resolder wiring on their bass, which they found educational despite being a hassle.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The LTD Stream-204 is compared to other brands like Schecter for its metal-centric design but praised for its versatility in various musical styles.

    Source
  • The AP4 model is highlighted as a strong budget contender, often compared to the Frank Bello LTD J4 for its value.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players noted the LTD Stream-204's neck dive as a minor issue, affecting overall balance during play.

    Source
  • The B-205's neck feel is highly praised by players, emphasizing comfort and playability during extended sessions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • One user successfully plays a wide range of music genres on their LTD bass, from The Eagles to Muse, highlighting its versatility beyond metal.

    Source
  • Owners find the F-shape models visually appealing for metal, though some prefer the subtler design of natural wood finishes for versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neutral fret on LTD basses is at the 12th fret, causing more angled lower frets, which some find uncomfortable for first position playing.

    Source
  • The B4E model stands out for its lightweight build and 24-fret neck, aiding diverse genre play like rock, prog, and funk.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas "TJ" Bell uses ESP LTD Stream-204

Thomas "TJ" Bell

Guitarist, Bassist

Motionless In White

...
Verified via Photo

Thomas "TJ" Bell is confirmed to use the ESP LTD Stream-204 bass, as evidenced by a photograph where he is holding the instrument.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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