LFL4BLKREDBS vs LMLB4BLKBLAST — Compare
ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin vs ESP LTD Mlb-4 Bass in Black Blast
The FL-4 is a neck-through metal specialist with aggressive single-pickup output and maximum sustain, while the MLB-4 is a bolt-on versatile workhorse with dual pickups and active EQ for genre flexibility. Choose the FL-4 if you prioritize djent and progressive metal; choose the MLB-4 if you need funk, jazz, and tonal shaping across styles.
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ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin | ESP LTD Mlb-4 Bass in Black Blast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,899.00 | $2,099.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD Fred Leclercq | LTD Mike Leon |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 35" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Wenge |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Bolt-On |
| Bridge | Hipshot | — |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin
- ✓ Neck-through construction maximizes sustain and resonance for extended heavy riffs
- ✓ Single EMG 35P pickup delivers aggressive, punchy articulation tailored for modern metal
- ✓ Extra-thin U neck and 24 XJ frets support speed and precision for technical playing
Why choose ESP LTD Mlb-4 Bass in Black Blast
- ✓ Dual Nordstrand Big Splits pickups with individual volume controls for tonal flexibility
- ✓ Active three-band EQ (ABQ-3MS) lets you shape tone from focused fundamentals to aggressive presence
- ✓ Bolt-on neck design balances stability with traditional tonal characteristics for funk and jazz
Frequently asked questions
Which bass is better for metal and djent?
The FL-4 is purpose-built for metal and progressive genres, with a single high-output EMG pickup, neck-through construction for maximum sustain, and a design collaboration with metal bassist Fred Leclercq. The MLB-4 is more genre-agnostic and works well in metal but excels across funk and jazz.
Which has more tonal control?
The MLB-4 offers significantly more tonal shaping with two pickups, individual pickup volume controls, and a three-band active EQ. The FL-4 has a single pickup with no onboard EQ, relying on amp settings for tone sculpting.
What's the playability difference?
Both have extra-thin U neck contours and 400mm fingerboard radius for fast, responsive playing. The FL-4 adds 24 XJ stainless steel frets for durability; the MLB-4 uses a slightly wider 42mm nut (versus 40mm) for those preferring more string spacing.
How do construction methods affect tone and price?
The FL-4's neck-through design delivers maximum resonance and sustain at the cost of higher manufacturing complexity and repair difficulty. The MLB-4's bolt-on construction is more traditional, easier to service, and offers slightly different tonal characteristics while remaining in the same high price tier.