ESP LTD B204SM Electric Bass User Reviews

I'm loving this instrument. It's got heft, tone, and it's simply beautiful to look at. I bought this to replace a Michael Tobias Designs Grendel that I had lost in a freak accident. The tone on this beauty is easily as good as the Grendel was. It's got a lot of growl, and you can get the active EQ to overdrive, as well. I'm finding that the settings at the detented mid positions to be just about perfect. The Cleartone strings it came strung with are also quite good, and even though I ordered a set of Blue Steel Medium Gauge cryogenically treated strings to get my usual tone, I'm going to leave these on for awhile. The bass is quite heavy. The sustain is great, but it might be a bit tiring on stage for long periods of standing play. A comfort strap should alleviate any discomfort. Now I just have to find where I put them...hehe. I would have no hesitation recommending this instrument to anyone, and I am very pleased with this purchase.

Sound

The sound quality is outstanding. As good as basses two or three times and more it's modest price. With Zzounds pay as you play option, almost anyone can afford this lovely axe.

Features

The materials seem to be top notch. The knobs are all pewter colored, and made of metal. They should last a long time. The matching colored ESP/LTD branded tuners are quite nice, and could be compared to Gotoh, or any other top name brand, in both quality and feel.

Ease of Use

Easy to get the sound you want right out of the box. I simply had to tune it, plug it into my Focusrite Saffire Pro40, and I was getting great tones within minutes. Everything from low grunge to slapable funk tones, all easily accessed from the comprehensive 3 band active EQ, pickup blend control and volume knob.

Quality

The quality is outstanding. Easily compares with basses costing two to three times the price, and more. Not everyone will like the satin finish, but it works fine for me, as it's easy to maintain, clean and keep looking great. The neck is extremely straight, and the Indonesian craftsmanship seems to be as good I've seen from anywhere else.

Value

The value of this instrument should not be underestimated. It is a phenomenal value at this price, and made completely affordable with zZounds easy payment system.

Manufacturer Support

I haven't had to contact the manufacturer for support.

The Wow Factor

As I've already said before: this instrument is simply gorgeous. It looks great mounted on my wall of guitars. The spalted maple top is sublime.

Musical Background:

I've been playing for over 45 years. I play bass, guitars, mandolin, keyboards, and percussion.

Musical Style:

Rock/Jazz/Classical, with an emphasis on progressive rock.

50 of 50 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?

Submitted February 17, 2023 by Neil McEvoy in Malden, MA

"My Third ESP Bass - And It's a Keeper!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

This is my third ESP Bass - and my first 4-string in quite a while. I've been impressed with ESP basses since purchasing my first 5-string fretless several years ago. That was followed by a 5-string fretted B205SM.I'm trying to improve my slap technique and found the 5-string basses somewhat difficult to mute and I'm hoping this 4-string will help in that regard. There's heft to this beautiful instrument - but it's lighter than my 5-string ESPs. It's a visually-stunning bass and is obviously well-built (typical of ESPs). The bass doesn't appear to need a visit to the luthier as intonation out-of-the-box appears right-on.The slimmer neck is a nice change-of-pace from the 5-strings. Stock tuners are really nice and offer very fine adjustments to string tension. On-instrument controls offer a wide range of options, although I tend to keep tone controls at their "flat" position; there's a nice detent in the tone and pickup balance controls so it's easy to determine when each is in its "sweet spot."I'm happy to add a third ESP to my bass guitar collection and I highly recommend this axe!The service from zZounds in delivering this bass - OVERNIGHT - was incredible (but not surprising).

Musical Background:

Bass player for over 50 years (egad!)

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Bluegrass, some Country, R&B

Did you find this review helpful?

Submitted July 5, 2023 by a customer from gmail.com

"The best gunslinger of all"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

My band is always playing on the hottest music joints across the country. This baby’s voice has been deployed in all forms of music we called it deep & low play one and you’re be a believer. TONEY Miller Dayride Band

Did you find this review helpful?

Submitted December 3, 2018 by Gary Johnson in Austin, TX

"I'm jaded, but wow!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I own other ESP guitars, all incredibly nice, but in their price range, unbeatable!! Having said that, I was just amazed at the quality of this instrument. I'm picking up bass again after a bunch of years not owning one. I can't imagine a better guitar to get my chops together with. I've been doing this a long time, being in the retail end beginning in the late '60's, and have appraised MANY instruments, but if someone were to hand this bass to me, my estimate would have been WAY off!!The other reviewer of this bass said it looked like it should cost THREE time what it does. He speaks the truth!!

Musical Background:

Have been playing a LOOOONG time!! Don't play professionally any more, but you never know!!

Musical Style:

I try to dip my toes into ALL of the musical ponds!!!!

3 of 4 people (75%) people found this review helpful. Did you?

we're #1!

you're approved