LF1004FMSTBLK-B vs LM1004BLK-B — Compare
ESP LTD F-1004 Electric Bass See Thru Black B-Stock vs ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock
The F-1004 is purpose-built for heavy music with a flamed maple top, thicker tone coloration, and 40mm nut, while the M-1004 prioritizes versatility across rock and funk with a wider 42mm nut and cleaner articulation. Choose the F-1004 if you play metal or progressive music; choose the M-1004 if you need a reliable all-rounder for live gigging and studio work.
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ESP LTD F-1004 Electric Bass See Thru Black B-Stock
ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD F-1004 Electric Bass See Thru Black B-Stock | ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,119.20 | $1,039.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | — | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Pickup Configuration | — | P/J |
| Bridge | — | String-Through Body |
| Year | 2020 | 2023 |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD F-1004 Electric Bass See Thru Black B-Stock
- ✓ Flamed maple top with See Thru Black finish for premium visual appeal
- ✓ Seven-piece maple/purple heart neck-through with mahogany body adds resonant warmth
- ✓ Fishman Fluence Soapbar pickups with multiple voicing modes excel in heavy music contexts
- ✓ Thinner 40mm nut designed for aggressive playing techniques
Why choose ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock
- ✓ Alder body and three-piece maple neck optimized for clarity and articulation across genres
- ✓ Fishman Fluence SB-1 pickups with humbucker/single-coil switching for broader tonal range
- ✓ Wider 42mm nut accommodates varied playing styles and hand sizes
- ✓ Engineered specifically for gigging and studio professionals who need consistent reliability
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two basses?
The F-1004's mahogany body with flamed maple top produces thicker, warmer resonance ideal for heavy music, while the M-1004's alder body delivers cleaner articulation and brightness suited to rock and funk. The F-1004 uses Soapbar pickups; the M-1004 uses SB-1 pickups with humbucker/single-coil switching for wider versatility.
Which bass is better for metal and drop tunings?
The F-1004 is specifically designed for metal and drop tunings, with a tone described as punchy, focused, and featuring a tight low end. The M-1004 is better suited to rock, funk, and studio/live work across multiple genres rather than heavy music specialization.
What's the difference in nut width, and does it matter?
The F-1004 has a 40mm nut, while the M-1004 has a 42mm nut. The narrower nut on the F-1004 accommodates more aggressive playing styles, while the wider nut on the M-1004 provides additional spacing for different hand sizes and playing approaches.
Are both basses professional-grade instruments?
Yes, both are rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional skill levels and feature neck-through construction, active electronics, and 35-inch scale length. The M-1004 is specifically marketed toward working musicians and gigging professionals, while the F-1004 targets heavy music specialists.