LM1004BLK-B vs LSURVEYOR87RBCRK — Compare
ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock vs ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
The M-1004 is a neck-thru instrument with active electronics and modern voice-switching for players needing maximum tonal versatility and sustain in demanding live and studio settings, while the Surveyor '87 is a lighter, bolt-on bass with passive vintage-voiced pickups suited to funk, jazz, and blues players who prefer traditional tone-shaping and ergonomic comfort. Choose the M-1004 if you need modern flexibility and rock-solid sustain; choose the Surveyor '87 if you favor classic, warm voicing and lighter weight.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock
ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock | ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,039.20 | $1,099.00 |
| 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 | 2023 | 2021 |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD M-1004 Electric Bass in Black B-Stock
- ✓ Neck-thru construction delivers superior sustain and stability for demanding performances
- ✓ Active Fishman Fluence pickups with humbucker/single-coil switching and voice selector offer extensive tonal range
- ✓ 35-inch scale provides extended low-end reach and tighter high-end articulation
- ✓ Professional-grade build with stainless steel frets and Macassar ebony fingerboard for durability
Why choose ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
- ✓ Lightweight at 9 lbs 12 oz reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions
- ✓ Seymour Duncan Vintage P and Jazz pickup pairing delivers warm, cutting tone ideal for funk and jazz
- ✓ Bolt-on construction with classic proportions offers time-tested reliability and simplicity
- ✓ Passive electronics and straightforward controls make tone-shaping intuitive without complexity
Frequently asked questions
Which bass has better sustain?
The M-1004's neck-thru construction provides superior sustain compared to the Surveyor '87's bolt-on design. This makes the M-1004 better for styles requiring long note decay, while the Surveyor '87 sustain is adequate for funk, jazz, and blues.
What's the main tone difference?
The M-1004 delivers articulate, punchy, high-output tone with modern clarity and flexible voice-switching via active electronics. The Surveyor '87 offers warm, vintage-voiced tone from passive Seymour Duncan pickups that cuts through without harshness, favoring classic character over versatility.
Which is easier to play for long sets?
The Surveyor '87 weighs 9 lbs 12 oz with a lightweight bolt-on body, making it more comfortable for extended playing sessions. The M-1004, being neck-thru, may feel slightly heavier and is engineered more for tonal performance than ergonomic lightness.
Do either work for metal or aggressive rock?
The M-1004 is engineered for rock, funk, and high-output performance styles and suits aggressive playing. The Surveyor '87 is explicitly not ideal for metal or djent genres, making the M-1004 the better choice for heavier styles.