LTA204FRXBLKS vs LTL5NAT — Compare
ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin vs ESP LTD TL-5 Bass in Natural
The TA-204 FRX is a 4-string extended-scale instrument built for metal and drop tunings with passive electronics and aggressive tone, while the TL-5 is a 5-string semi-hollow bass designed for jazz, fusion, and studio work with active electronics and warm projection. Choose the TA-204 if you play metal and need sustain in lower tunings; choose the TL-5 if you need versatility across jazz, fusion, and studio settings with lighter weight and natural resonance.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin | ESP LTD TL-5 Bass in Natural | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $719.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Modern Bass | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Semi Hollow |
| Scale | 35" Scale | 34" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 5 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Jatoba | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Mahogany |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Set-Neck |
| Pickup Configuration | P/J | — |
| Year | Unknown | 2020 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin
- ✓ Extended 35-inch scale supports drop tunings and sustain-hungry metal styles
- ✓ Thin, fast neck with 24 extra-jumbo frets suits aggressive playing and quick position shifts
- ✓ Passive electronics deliver straightforward, uncolored low-end aggression without digital coloration
Why choose ESP LTD TL-5 Bass in Natural
- ✓ 5-string configuration and 45mm nut width provide extended range for jazz and fusion repertoire
- ✓ Semi-hollow chambered mahogany body with spruce top naturally projects warmth and reduces fatigue on long sessions
- ✓ Active Fishman electronics with onboard tuner and preamp cut through studio and live mixes with punch and clarity
Frequently asked questions
Which bass works better for jazz and fusion?
The TL-5. It features 5 strings, active Fishman electronics with onboard tuner, and a warm semi-hollow tone optimized for articulate, punchy clarity in studio and live jazz contexts. The TA-204 is voiced specifically for metal and hard rock.
Which one handles drop tunings better?
The TA-204 FRX. Its extended 35-inch scale provides the longer string length needed to maintain clarity and sustain in drop-tuned metal applications. The TL-5's standard 34-inch scale is better suited to standard and half-step tunings.
What's the key tone difference?
The TA-204 delivers focused, aggressive, uncolored low end through passive pickups, while the TL-5 produces warm, punchy sustain with high clarity via active electronics and semi-hollow resonance. The TA-204 cuts through dense mixes with attitude; the TL-5 projects natural warmth.
Which is lighter to play on long gigs?
The TL-5. Its semi-hollow chambered construction is inherently lighter than the TA-204's solid basswood body, and the thin U-neck contour on both models suits extended play, but the TL-5's design emphasizes fatigue reduction during long studio and live sessions.