Pricing and availability

Average Price: $400

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model B-204FM 4-String Flamed Maple Top Bass
Finish See-Thru Red
Year 2018
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the ESP LTD B-204FM bass guitar best suited for?

The ESP LTD B-204FM bass guitar is versatile and well-suited for a range of genres, including rock, metal, and jazz, thanks to its powerful pickup configuration and active preamp which offer a wide tonal range.

Does the ESP LTD B-204FM bass have active or passive pickups?

The ESP LTD B-204FM features passive pickups combined with an active preamp, providing a dynamic and flexible sound suitable for various musical styles.

How many frets does the ESP LTD B-204FM bass guitar have?

The ESP LTD B-204FM bass guitar has 24 frets, allowing for extended range and versatility in playing higher notes.

Is the ESP LTD B-204FM bass guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the ESP LTD B-204FM is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable double cutaway body shape and versatile sound, making it a great choice for learning various playing styles.

What is the body shape of the ESP LTD B-204FM bass?

The ESP LTD B-204FM bass features a double cutaway body shape, providing easy access to higher frets for more advanced playing techniques.

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Nate Navarro

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ESP LTD B-1004 - Demo by Nathan Navarro

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Nate Navarro

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Bass Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The B335 model includes ESP ASB-4 pickups, which are noted for their punchier tone compared to other stock options.

    Source
  • The Nordstrand Big Split pickups on the B1005 Multi-Scale model receive high praise for their performance.

    Source
  • The AP5 model is well-regarded for its solid build and playability in its price range, offering a reliable choice for players who own multiple brands.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock pickups and preamp with Aguilar soap bars and a Darkglass preamp significantly improves sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners report significant tonal improvements using EMG 35DCx and 35TWx pickups paired with an EMG BQS system in the B204 model.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners experienced issues with output jacks, recommending replacements for improved reliability.

    Source
  • The LTD B-1005 Multiscale is highly praised as one of the best basses owned, with plans to repurchase after selling.

    Source
  • The D-5NS has a neck-through design and Grover tuners, providing solid construction, but the low-B string can be relatively floppy.

    Source

Build quality

  • The sustain on models like the 205 SM is notably enhanced with new strings, highlighting excellent build quality and durability.

    Source
  • The F-4E model originally featured an ebony top, but has since switched to mahogany, impacting the aesthetic and possibly the tonal qualities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A B335 can be found for around $350 with a gig bag, and negotiation may lower the price further.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ESP LTD B206 is noted for its solid hardware and great playability, compared to an Ibanez, with simpler controls and a wider neck.

    Source
  • The B-100x series is noted to be approximately 2.2 pounds lighter than the B-20x series, a crucial factor for players concerned about weight.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • ESP LTD's 5-string models, like the F5E, can be difficult for some players to adjust to, leading to potential resale regret.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users found the B-206 needed tuner tightening and a preamp change; Darkglass Tone Capsule is a recommended choice.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ESP LTD AP-204 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The ESP LTD AP-204 is a budget-friendly bass that impresses with its solid construction, comfortable neck, and striking finish. It offers a versatile sound profile with its active P/J pickup setup, although its onboard electronics lean towards a bright tone. The lack of passive operation and inconvenient battery access are minor drawbacks. Overall, the AP-204 delivers excellent value for its price, making it a worthy contender for bassists seeking quality without breaking the bank.

positive

ESP LTD Vintage-204 Bass Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The ESP LTD Vintage-204 Bass Guitar offers impressive build quality and vintage aesthetics at an affordable price. Its satin finish and distressed look make it visually appealing, reminiscent of classic Fender designs. The bass features a comfortable maple neck and versatile P/J pickup configuration, delivering punchy low-end tones. However, the bridge pickup can sound a bit hollow, lacking the fullness of the neck pickup. Despite this, the Vintage-204 excels in playability and is a solid choice for beginners or as a backup instrument. With aftermarket pickups, it could become a truly formidable player.

positive

ESP LTD B-50 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The ESP LTD B-50 bass guitar delivers exceptional value for its price, boasting impressive playability and a solid build. Its sleek, comfortable design and responsive sound make it ideal for beginners or as a backup instrument. While the tonal options are limited, the core tone is versatile enough for various styles, with an active tone boost adding extra punch. However, it lacks advanced features and frills, reflecting its budget-friendly nature. Overall, the B-50 is a commendable entry-level bass, offering more than expected for its modest price tag.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
N

Nick Stewart

Bassist

As Blood Runs Black

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "As Blood Runs Black shred on FPE-TV" by fpe on YouTube, Nick Stewart is clearly seen playing an ESP LTD 4-string bass guitar.

See how Living Monstrosity uses LTD Bass Guitar

Living Monstrosity

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Living Monstrosity showcases their use of the ESP LTD Bass Guitar on their Facebook page, highlighting its stunning tone and comfortable feel.

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 LTD Bass Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
sazlyhadi_shaharin

sazlyhadi_shaharin

Gear IQ 124

devin_ian_schramm

devin_ian_schramm

Gear IQ 159

sazlyhadi_shaharin

sazlyhadi_shaharin

Gear IQ 124

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