LAP4BKMBLKS-B vs LSURVEYOR87RBCRK — Compare
ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock vs ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
The AP-4 is a high-gain, metal-focused instrument with active electronics and single-pickup aggression; the Surveyor '87 is a versatile, vintage-voiced dual-pickup bass suited to blues, funk, and rock. Choose the AP-4 if you play modern metal and need cutting clarity; choose the Surveyor '87 if you want warm tone and tonal flexibility across multiple genres.
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ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock | ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.20 | $1,099.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Precision Bass | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Pickup Configuration | P | — |
| Bridge | Hardtail | — |
| Year | 2020 | 2021 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
- ✓ Active EMG pickup delivers aggressive, punchy clarity ideal for metal and hard rock
- ✓ Single-pickup design keeps signal path direct and transparent
- ✓ B-stock pricing offers significant savings with cosmetic-only blemishes
- ✓ Extra-jumbo frets reduce fatigue during fast, technical playing
Why choose ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
- ✓ Dual Seymour Duncan pickups (Vintage P and Jazz) provide warm, full-bodied tone with high-end articulation
- ✓ Passive electronics with three-knob control allow intuitive tone-shaping across styles
- ✓ Versatile vintage voicing works equally well in blues, funk, rock, and studio settings
- ✓ Comes pre-strung with D'Addario XL165 strings, ready to play out of the box
Frequently asked questions
Can I use these basses in genres outside their listed focus areas?
The AP-4's active single pickup and aggressive voicing make it difficult to achieve warm, vintage tones needed in blues or funk. The Surveyor '87's dual pickups and passive electronics are more adaptable, but its vintage character may feel out of place in high-gain metal applications.
What is the actual price difference between these two basses?
Both are listed in the mid price tier. The AP-4 is B-stock, meaning it carries cosmetic blemishes and arrives at a significant discount from its original retail price, while the Surveyor '87 is listed at regular pricing.
How do their neck dimensions and playability compare?
Both have thin U contours, 34-inch scale, 21 XJ frets, 400mm radius fingerboards, and nearly identical nut widths (38mm AP-4 versus 42mm Surveyor '87). The difference is minimal; Surveyor '87 specs are slightly more defined (.760 at 1st fret, .840 at 12th), but both support fingerstyle and pick playing equally.
Which has better tone-shaping control for studio work?
The Surveyor '87 offers more tonal flexibility with its three-knob passive circuit (Volume, Balance, Tone) and two pickup blend, allowing dialing between warm P-bass and bright Jazz voicing. The AP-4's volume-only control prioritizes transparency and single-voice character.