ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale Natural Satin Bass Guitar
Description
ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale Natural Satin Bass Guitar
The B-1004 Multi-Scale sits naturally in your hands with an ergonomic fret layout that feels right from the first note. The multi-scale design maintains optimal string tension across the fingerboard—36.25" scale on the lows for defined punch and articulation, 34" scale on the highs for responsive playability—eliminating the compromise between tension and feel that plagues conventional four-string basses. This is a workhorse for the stage and studio, built from premium tonewoods and high-end components that reward your touch with serious sonic range and refined playability night after night.
Construction & Materials
The B-1004 features a bolt-on swamp ash body topped with solid ziricote, an environmentally responsible tonewood that sounds as good as it looks. The neck is constructed from five-piece wenge and purple heart with a pau ferro fingerboard, delivering rock-solid stability and durability that players can rely on through years of gigging while developing character and patina with age.
Tone & Electronics
A pair of Nordstrand Big Splits hum-cancelling pickups feed into an active ABQ-3MS 3-band EQ system with dual mini-switches for real-time tone shaping on the fly. Master volume, balance, and independent bass, treble, and mid controls sit at your fingertips, plus switchable mid-frequency selection (800Hz or 400Hz) and active/passive mode—giving you the tonal range to cut through a mix tight and punchy or lay back warm and resonant, all from one instrument.
Key Features
- 36.25" to 34" multi-scale design optimizes string tension and ergonomics
- Swamp ash body with solid ziricote top
- 5-piece wenge and purple heart neck with pau ferro fingerboard
- 24 XJ frets with 400mm radius
- Extra thin U neck contour for comfortable fast playability
- 42mm black bone nut
- Gotoh tuners and Hipshot Solo bridge
- Nordstrand Big Splits pickups (neck and bridge)
- Active ABQ-3MS 3-band EQ with dual mini-switches
- Natural satin finish
- Black hardware
- D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105)
The ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale is built for players who demand innovative ergonomic design without sacrificing tonal depth or construction quality—a bass that earns its place in any serious player's rig.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale is a professional four-string bass built for touring musicians and session players who demand both comfort and tonal range. Its multi-scale design—36.25" on the low end, 34" on the high—locks in punchy, articulate tone without forcing you to retrain your hands, while the active EQ and hum-cancelling Nordstrand pickups give you warm, focused, or midrange-forward sounds on the fly. Premium swamp ash and ziricote construction paired with a thin, fast neck makes this a road-ready workhorse for jazz, funk, and studio work.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Touring
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multi-scale, and will it feel awkward if I'm used to conventional basses?
Multi-scale means the lower strings use a longer 36.25" scale for tighter, punchier tone, while higher strings use a shorter 34" scale for easier playability. Most players find the ergonomic benefit and consistent string tension worth the minimal adjustment—the fret spacing change is subtle enough that muscle memory transfers quickly.
How much tonal range does the active EQ system provide?
The ABQ-3MS 3-band EQ offers master volume, balance, bass, treble, and mid controls, plus a switchable mid-frequency selection between 800Hz and 400Hz for different instrument characters. You can also flip to passive mode if you prefer unpowered tone, giving you articulate, focused, or warm voicings depending on session needs.
What genres is this bass best suited for?
The B-1004 is optimized for jazz, funk, and studio sessions where articulate midrange and tonal control are essential. The punchy, hum-cancelling character works less well in folk or punk contexts where simpler, darker tone is preferred.
What's included with the bass?
The bass ships with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105), Gotoh tuners, a Hipshot Solo bridge, and a 42mm black bone nut. It does not include a case or cable.
How does the B-1004 compare to similar professional basses?
The B-1004 competes with the Ibanez SR1300, Yamaha BB1024X, and Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 in the pro four-string category. It stands out for its multi-scale design and switchable mid-frequency control, making it especially versatile for session work and touring where quick tonal adjustments and ergonomic comfort matter most.
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