Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $529

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Designed for those who demand performance and precision, the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass is an instrument that seamlessly blends style with functionality. Crafted in collaboration with Tom Araya, the legendary bassist of Slayer, this bass guitar is engineered to meet the demands of high-energy performances while delivering a robust and powerful sound. Equipped with EMG 35DC pickups, it ensures aggressive tones and a wide range of sonic versatility, making it ideal for both aggressive metal and versatile rock settings.

The neck-through-body design offers enhanced sustain and stability, ensuring that every note resonates with clarity and depth. The bass features a sleek fingerboard that provides smooth playability across all four strings, allowing rapid finger movements and intricate bass lines. With a unique inlay design and a commanding presence, the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass is not only a tool but a statement piece for any bassist who knows how to command the stage.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through-body construction for improved sustain
  • EMG 35DC active pickups for powerful and aggressive tones
  • Custom-designed inlays
  • High-quality hardware for reliable performance
  • Smooth fingerboard for effortless playability
  • Designed in collaboration with Tom Araya, legendary bassist of Slayer

Product specs

Brand ESP
Model Tom Araya Signature
Finish Black Satin
Year 2005 - 2025
Made In Japan
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black
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 type of pickups does the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass have?

The ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass features active pickups, which provide a high output and are ideal for heavy music genres like thrash metal.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass?

This bass has an alder body and a maple neck with an ebony fretboard, offering a balanced tone with a smooth playing surface.

How many frets does the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass have?

The ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass is equipped with 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and an extended playing range.

Is the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass suitable for playing metal music?

Yes, the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass is designed with metal in mind, featuring active pickups and a construction that supports aggressive playing styles.

Does the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass have a preamp?

No, the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass does not include an active preamp, focusing instead on the raw power of its active pickups.

What is the finish of the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass?

The bass features a Black Satin finish, providing a sleek and understated appearance that complements its aggressive tone.

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

ESP Tom Araya Slayer Signature Bass Kiso Custom Shop NAMM Exhibition EMG 35DC Up Close Video Review

Video thumbnail for ESP Tom Araya Slayer Signature Bass Kiso Custom Shop NAMM Exhibition EMG 35DC Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

ESP Tom Araya Slayer Signature Bass Kiso Custom Shop NAMM Exhibition EMG 35DC Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for ESP Guitars: Signature Series Spotlight - Tom Araya (Slayer) by ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars: Signature Series Spotlight - Tom Araya (Slayer)

ESP Guitars USA

ESP Guitars USA

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass.

Build quality

  • The bridge on the LTD F series can have sharp edges that may damage strings.

    Source
  • Active pickups on some models reportedly drain the battery even when unplugged.

    Source
  • Legitimate ESP models come with a formed case, distinguishing them from potential fakes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Tom Araya signature bass features distinctive aesthetics, including pentagrams and unique inlays, which some find extreme or humorous.

    Source
  • The ESP version includes a thick plastic insert between strings and the board for protection during shipping.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's considered a good deal to acquire the LTD TA-204FRX under $200, compared to the $1000 USD price available in some regions.

    Source
  • The TA-604 FRX is considered a higher quality build due to better components and construction, not necessarily double the performance for double the price.

    Source
  • The ESP version is priced significantly higher than the LTD version, with owners debating if the quality justifies the cost difference.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the TA-600 model particularly suitable for down tuning.

    Source
  • The TA-604 FRX, with EMG pickups and neck-through construction, is recommended for metal genres like Slayer and Metallica.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The TA-204 FRX uses ESP pickups, whereas the TA-604 FRX features EMG pickups, influencing tone quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • EMG 35DC pickups are suggested for upgrading the TA-204 FRX, with solderless kits available for easier installation.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend oiling the fretboard if it appears dry, which can occur even in legitimate models.

    Source

User experience

  • The ESP version is described as "magnificent" by a recent buyer, emphasizing its appeal for dedicated Slayer fans.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tom Araya uses ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass

Tom Araya

Singer, Bassist

Slayer

...
Verified via YouTube

"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. Today he made me try this one out because this is the main bass. I don't really switch basses unless it's out of tune and I notice it. I use one bass when I start and that's the same one I use the whole time." - Tom Araya

See how Tomasz Wróblewski uses ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass

Tomasz Wróblewski

Bassist

Behemoth

...
Verified via YouTube

In a bonus DVD clip from Metal Blade Records, Tomasz Wróblewski is seen using the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass during an interview with Behemoth.

L

Lord Angelslayer

Bassist

Archgoat

...
Verified via Photo

In a live photo, Lord Angelslayer is seen using the ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass.

See how Szabolcs Murvai uses ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass

Szabolcs Murvai

Bassist

Ektomorf

...
Verified via Photo

Szabolcs Murvai shared on Instagram that he bought an ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass as a personal gift, highlighting hashtags like #slayer and #tomaraya.

Album Usage

The ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ESP Tom Araya Signature Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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