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Description

Designed for the versatile bassist, the ESP LTD Surveyor 4-String Electric Bass is your ticket to unlocking a world of tonal possibilities. Whether you're grooving through smooth R&B lines or shredding in thrash metal, this bass has you covered. At the heart of its sound are the 3-coil, dual-mode EMG MMTW pickup at the bridge and the EMG 35P4 humbucker at the neck, both offering a spectrum of tones from deep growls to crystal-clear punches. The onboard 3-band EQ further enhances your ability to craft the perfect sound for any gig.

Built with a stunning swamp ash body and a maple neck, the Surveyor promises phenomenal resonance and sustain. Its double-cutaway design ensures not just aesthetic appeal, but also exceptional balance and comfort, allowing you to focus on what really matters—your music. The bolt-on neck construction adds an extra layer of attack and snap, while the U-contour neck profile gives you quick access to all 21 extra-jumbo frets. The fingerboard, accentuated by white binding and pearloid block inlays, adds a touch of elegance to its functional design.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the ESP LTD Surveyor-4 offers unmatched quality and performance, making it a staple for any serious bassist looking to broaden their sonic palette.

Key Features:

  • Swamp ash body with a maple neck for excellent resonance and sustain
  • EMG MMTW and 35P4 pickups for a wide range of tones
  • Onboard 3-band EQ for detailed sound customization
  • Bolt-on neck construction for enhanced attack and snap
  • 21 extra-jumbo frets with U-contour neck for easy playability
  • White binding and pearloid block inlays on the fingerboard for added style

Product specs

Brand ESP LTD
Model Surveyor-4 with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish 3 Tone Burst, Black
Year 2011 - 2013
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Material Ash
Body Shape Double Cutaway, J-Style
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass best suited for?

The ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass, with its active pickups and preamp, is versatile and excels in genres like rock, funk, and punk, offering powerful and clear tones that cut through the mix.

Does the ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass have active or passive pickups?

The ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass features active pickups, providing a higher output and more tonal flexibility compared to passive pickups.

What materials are used in the construction of the ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass?

The ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass is constructed with an ash body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, which contribute to its robust sound and comfortable playability.

How does the coil tap feature on the ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass work?

The coil tap mini switch on the bridge pickup allows you to split the humbucker into a single-coil, offering a wider range of tonal options for different playing styles.

Is the ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass suitable for beginners?

With its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound options, the ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass is suitable for beginners who are looking for a quality instrument to explore various musical styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about LTD Surveyor 4 String bass.

Build quality

  • Some owners prefer the Surveyor's neck and hardware over Fender's equivalent models, citing higher quality materials and construction.

    Source
  • The Surveyor 4 boasts high-quality, unbranded Gotoh-style tuners and a nicely figured, bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Surveyor is compared to Fender's MIM Special Edition Deluxe PJ Bass and Aerodyne Jazz Bass, offering similar specs but with perceived better hardware.

    Source
  • One owner felt the ESP LTD F-155DX outperformed the Ibanez GSR200, despite similar pricing, highlighting superior sound and build.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's noted that the LTD is priced similarly to, or slightly higher than, certain Fender models, challenging the typical budget perception.

    Source
  • A Surveyor-4 was purchased for $300, suggesting that these basses can be found at competitive prices, offering excellent value.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-term LTD owners report consistent satisfaction, with no significant issues over several years of use, contrasting with typical budget line expectations.

    Source
  • The Surveyor 4 is praised for its neck feel, with some users initially skeptical but later impressed after extended use.

    Source
  • Transitioning from Ibanez to ESP may require adjustment to the bulkier neck, but many find the change worthwhile due to ESP's playability and aesthetics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners have successfully used ESP LTD basses across diverse genres, from grunge and jazz to punk and musicals, noting their versatility.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Surveyor 4's capability to deliver PJ sound configurations, increasing its versatility for various musical styles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active electronics in some ESP LTD models allow for significant tonal versatility, making them suitable for various musical styles.

    Source
  • The Surveyor 4 features an EMG 35P P-bass pickup in the neck positioned slightly forward, and an EMG MMTW MusicMan pickup at the bridge, offering coil-tap capabilities for PJ sounds.

    Source

Critic Reviews

LTD Surveyor-4 Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The ESP LTD Surveyor 4 String bass is a standout for its flexibility and playability, making it a strong contender in its price range. It boasts a well-balanced body and an ultra-slim neck, offering a comfortable playing experience. The active circuitry and quality components provide a solid sound, while the EMG soapbar and MM-style humbuckers, combined with a three-band EQ, allow for impressive tonal versatility. Although the price is a bit steep, the tonal variety and quality build justify the investment. Overall, this bass is a great choice for those seeking both style and substance.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Greg Christian uses LTD Surveyor 4 String bass

Greg Christian

Bassist

Testament

...
Verified via YouTube

Greg shortly used this bass during the Legacy tour in 1987. He quickly replace it with a Ibanez soundgear bass in the same year. The video shown you can see him playing the ESP bass in the performance.

See how Aaron Pauley uses LTD Surveyor 4 String bass

Aaron Pauley

Bassist

...
Verified via Flickr

aaron is playing the surveyor bass in the picture

Genre Usage

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

Community setups

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pxlsnake

pxlsnake

Gear IQ 77

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