LAP4BKMBLKS-B vs LTA204FRXBLKS — Compare
ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock vs ESP LTD Tom Araya TA-204 FRX Electric Bass Black Satin
The AP-4 is a B-stock deal offering active electronics and a slightly shorter 34" scale for studio precision and fast metal work, while the TA-204 FRX is a signature instrument with extended 35" scale and passive pickups built for aggressive live thrash metal performance. Choose the AP-4 for studio clarity and value; choose the TA-204 for stage intensity and extended range.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
ESP LTD Tom Araya TA-204 FRX Electric Bass Black Satin
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock | ESP LTD Tom Araya TA-204 FRX Electric Bass Black Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.20 | $699.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Precision Bass | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Pickup Configuration | P | P/J |
| Bridge | Hardtail | — |
| Year | 2020 | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
- ✓ B-stock pricing provides significant discount with no sound or playability compromise
- ✓ Active EMG pickup delivers transparent clarity ideal for studio recording and tight mixes
- ✓ 34" scale balances full bass response with easier reach for fast playing
- ✓ Straightforward volume-only signal path keeps tone direct and punchy
Why choose ESP LTD Tom Araya TA-204 FRX Electric Bass Black Satin
- ✓ 35" extended scale delivers deeper low end and extended range for aggressive tunings
- ✓ Signature model with road-tested design proven in thrash metal live performance
- ✓ Passive electronics and dual SB-4 pickups provide robust, no-frills reliability for touring
- ✓ Wider 40mm nut and roasted jatoba fingerboard offer modern stability in dense mixes
Frequently asked questions
What's the practical difference between 34" and 35" scale for metal playing?
The 35" extended scale on the TA-204 provides deeper low-end resonance and extended range, ideal for drop tunings in thrash metal. The 34" AP-4 offers slightly easier reach and faster lateral movement while still delivering full bass response, making it better suited to studio precision work.
Why does one have active electronics and the other passive?
The AP-4's active EMG pickup requires a battery but delivers consistent gain, clarity, and transparent signal shaping—perfect for studio recording where you want the pickup's voice front and center. The TA-204's passive SB-4 pickups are road-proof with zero battery dependency, offering natural tone color that thrives in loud, aggressive live settings.
Is B-stock a real concern for this AP-4?
No—B-stock means only cosmetic blemishes on finish or hardware. Playability, fret work, electronics, and tone are uncompromised, and you save significantly on a unit that functions identically to new retail stock.
Which handles drop tunings and low frequencies better?
The TA-204 FRX's 35" scale and focused low-end voice is explicitly designed for the extended range and bass intensity thrash metal demands. The AP-4's controlled low end and active pickup work well for metal but are optimized more for studio clarity than extreme low-frequency extension.