ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
Description
ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
The AP-4 delivers a thin U-shaped neck profile and 400mm fingerboard radius that reward speed and precision across its 21 extra-jumbo frets. Its alder body with maple neck and macassar ebony fingerboard strikes a balance between lightweight responsiveness and tonal depth. This B-stock unit carries only cosmetic blemishes—playability and sound remain uncompromised—and arrives at a significant discount from retail.
Playability & Feel
The thin U contour neck promotes fast lateral movement while the 400mm fingerboard radius provides a nearly flat playing surface suited for precision technique. 21 XJ (Extra-Jumbo) frets reduce finger fatigue on aggressive material, and the molded 38mm nut offers comfortable string spacing for both fingerstyle and pick-driven approaches. On stage or in the studio, the neck sits naturally in your grip, enabling the snap and accuracy metal and rock bass lines demand.
Tone & Electronics
A single EMG 35CS active pickup paired with a Babicz FCH-4 bridge generates the punchy, articulate output that cuts through a dense mix with solid sustain and controlled low-end response. The straightforward volume-only control layout keeps your signal path direct and transparent, allowing the active pickup's clarity to dominate the tone character. In live settings, this bass delivers aggressive definition and reliability across rock and metal idioms.
Key Features
- Bolt-on construction for bright, punchy tonal response
- 34" scale length delivering balanced tension and full bass response
- Alder body with lightweight feel and well-rounded tone
- Maple neck with thin U contour for fast, comfortable playability
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with smooth playing surface
- 400mm fingerboard radius suited for precision and fast play
- 21 XJ (Extra-Jumbo) frets for durability and reduced finger fatigue
- Molded nut, 38mm width, for stable string spacing and control
- Single EMG 35CS active pickup delivering punchy, powerful tones
- Babicz FCH-4 bridge for enhanced sustain and stable intonation
- Black hardware and black satin finish completing the Black Metal aesthetic
- Grover tuners ensuring precise and stable tuning
- D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105) for balanced tension
The AP-4 combines aggressive styling with professional-grade components—EMG active electronics, Babicz bridge hardware, and premium tonewoods—built for touring and recording. At this B-stock price point, you're acquiring a gigging-ready instrument without compromise on quality or reliability.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with B-Stock inventory status. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. Acquire this premium ESP LTD AP-4 Precision Bass at a significant B-Stock discount while maintaining full manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD AP-4 is a 4-string precision bass built for speed and aggression, with a thin U-neck, 21 extra-jumbo frets, and an EMG 35CS active pickup that delivers punchy, articulate tone ideal for metal and hard rock. Intermediate to professional players will appreciate the fast fingerboard radius, comfortable 38mm nut, and bright bolt-on construction that cuts through dense mixes on stage. This B-Stock unit arrives at a significant discount with only minor cosmetic marks—playability and tone are completely uncompromised.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean, and will it affect playability or sound?
B-Stock means this unit carries minor cosmetic blemishes only—scratches or finish marks that have zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity. Sound and feel are completely uncompromised, and the bass arrives with full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Is the AP-4 suitable for genres outside metal and hard rock?
The AP-4 is optimized for metal, hard rock, and progressive styles where punchy articulation and controlled low-end cut through. It is not designed for jazz or folk applications where a warmer, rounder tone is typically preferred.
What pickup and electronics are included?
The AP-4 features a single EMG 35CS active pickup paired with a Babicz FCH-4 bridge and a volume-only control layout that keeps the signal path direct and transparent, allowing the active pickup's clarity to dominate.
How does the neck feel compared to standard bass necks?
The thin U-shaped neck contour with a 400mm fingerboard radius (nearly flat) and 21 extra-jumbo frets are designed for speed and precision, reducing finger fatigue during fast, aggressive playing while offering comfortable string spacing at the 38mm molded nut.
What scale length and string gauges come with the AP-4?
The AP-4 has a 34-inch scale length providing balanced tension and full bass response. It ships with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105 gauges) for balanced tension.
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