Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $667
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "ESP TA-204". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner thrash metal legend with the ESP TA-204, a signature model crafted for the iconic Slayer bassist, Tom Araya. This electric bass captures the raw power and intensity of Araya's performances at a price point that keeps it within reach for aspiring musicians.
With its sleek 35" scale length and bolt-on design, the TA-204 boasts a basswood body that provides a balanced tone, while the maple neck and roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets allow for smooth, fast playing. The signature Slayer pentagram inlays give this bass an unmistakable edge. Whether you're jamming in your garage or shredding on stage, the ESP Designed SB-4 humbuckers deliver a punchy, rich sound that cuts through the mix.
The TA-204 is equipped with practical features like volume, balance, and tone controls, ensuring you have the flexibility to sculpt your sound. The LTD BB-604 bridge and LTD machine heads provide rock-solid tuning stability, making this bass both a workhorse and a showstopper. Black hardware adds a touch of stealthy sophistication, completing the look of this metal-infused instrument.
Key Features:
- Tom Araya Signature Model
- 35" scale length
- Basswood body with bolt-on maple neck
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 XJ frets and Slayer pentagram inlays
- ESP Designed SB-4N & SB-4B Humbuckers
- Thin U neck profile
- Volume, balance, and tone controls
- LTD BB-604 bridge and LTD machine heads
- Black hardware
Product specs
| Available since | May 2016 |
| Signature | Tom Araya |
| Colour | Black |
| Body | Basswood |
| Soundboard | No |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Jatoba |
| Frets | 24 |
| Scale | Extra Longscale |
| Pickups | HH |
| Electronics | Passive |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the ESP TA-204 bass use?
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The ESP TA-204 bass is equipped with ESP Designed SB-4 pickups, which are passive and provide a powerful sound suitable for aggressive music styles.
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Is the ESP TA-204 bass suitable for playing metal music?
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Yes, the ESP TA-204 bass is designed with metal music in mind, featuring a signature design by Tom Araya of Slayer, with a long scale and powerful pickups ideal for heavy genres.
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What is the neck profile of the ESP TA-204 bass guitar?
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The ESP TA-204 features a maple neck with a roasted Jatoba fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience with 24 extra-jumbo frets for easy access to higher notes.
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Does the ESP TA-204 bass come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the ESP TA-204 bass does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection and transport.
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What is the scale length of the ESP TA-204 bass, and how does it affect playability?
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The ESP TA-204 bass has an extra-long scale length, which offers increased string tension and clarity, making it suitable for lower tunings often used in metal music.
Videos
Mike Bush
ESP-LTD TA-204 FRX Tom Araya's signature bass
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning finish and unique pentagram inlays enhance visual appeal
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Thin U neck allows quick transitions and comfortable playability
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ESP passive pickups deliver excellent, edgy sound for metal genres
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Solid construction feels balanced on knee or strap
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Comes with Allen keys for easy future adjustments
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Great craftsmanship and build quality for the price
CONS
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Thick neck may be uncomfortable for some players
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Pickups have excessive treble, lack depth
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Frequent reports of initial quality control issues
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Requires setup adjustments to avoid fret buzz
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Inlays are not real mother of pearl
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Some units arrived defective or with loose components
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP TA-204.
Comparisons
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The 604 model features active EMG pickups, while the 204 uses ESP-manufactured pickups, influencing the tonal characteristics significantly, especially for metal genres.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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EMG solderless kits are available for those considering upgrading the 204's pickups for enhanced tone without complex modifications.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for metal genres like Slayer and Metallica, the 604 offers superior sound due to the EMG pickups and neck-thru construction, making it a favorite among metal bassists.
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Some users view the bass as ideal for experimenting or "horsing about," especially given its lower cost and distinctive appearance.
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Features and functionality
Build quality
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The design, featuring pentagrams and edgy aesthetics, might be considered extreme by some, even fans of Slayer.
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Value and pricing
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A user highlights the TA-204FRX's affordability, acquiring it for less than $200, a significant deal compared to its usual cost near $1000 USD.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This "Rig Rundown" from from PremeirGuitar.com features the bassist and singer of Slayer, Tom Araya, and his guitar tech/brother discussing what gear he uses.
"I use my ESP's, these are the uh, signature basses. I have the EMG's, yeah this is a humbucker and I have one that is a single coil. ...It's about sound."
"I like to use STOCK because that way if someone asks 'what do you use?' I can say I use THIS and you can go to the store and buy it. "
"They make the LTD's. They're very similar to these (ESP ta-600), and I use those. I'll use the LTD's sometimes. They're the ones you get right off the rack, I don't want anything special, It costs too much money to get something specially made and I can go anywhere and get one..."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP TA-204, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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