ESP E-II BTL-4 String Bass Guitar in Black Natural Burst B-Stock
Description
ESP E-II BTL-4 String Bass Guitar in Black Natural Burst
The E-II BTL-4 sits naturally in your hands during long gigs and studio sessions, thanks to its thin U-neck contour and 34" scale length. This four-string instrument pairs premium tonewoods with professional-grade hardware tuned for the demands of live performance and session work. The black natural burst finish reads cleanly on stage and integrates seamlessly into any band setting.
Playability & Construction
Built with an alder body, spalted maple top, and 3-piece maple neck, this bass produces solid resonance with neck geometry stable enough to handle road use. The thin U contour and 38mm bone nut reduce hand fatigue during extended sets, while the ebony fingerboard with 24 XJ frets and 305mm radius delivers precise intonation and responsive feel across the entire range.
Tone & Electronics
The Seymour Duncan SSB-4 pickups in neck and bridge positions nail articulate lows and defined midrange punch you need to cut through a mix. The passive circuit pairs with an active 3-band EQ offering bass, mid, and treble shaping, plus a preamp bypass switch on the volume control for tonal flexibility and extended playing without battery concerns.
Key Features
- Alder body with spalted maple top
- 3-piece maple neck with thin U contour
- Ebony fingerboard, 24 XJ frets, 305mm radius
- 34" scale, 38mm bone nut
- Bolt-on construction
- Seymour Duncan SSB-4 pickups (neck and bridge)
- Passive with active 3-band EQ and P/P preamp bypass
- Black Hipshot A-style bridge with black hardware
- Gotoh tuners and Schaller strap locks
- Elixir Nanoweb Light/Medium strings (.045–.105)
- Black natural burst finish
- Hardshell case included
The E-II BTL-4 delivers tonal clarity, ergonomic design, and dependable hardware built to withstand regular gigging and the demands of professional use.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections typical of floor models or return inventory, with light finish marks that are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the bass. The four-string configuration, neck, frets, electronics, and hardware all function flawlessly and perform exactly as ESP intended. Players gain access to a premium ESP E-II instrument at a significant B-Stock discount while retaining complete manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Country of Manufacture | Japan |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP E-II BTL-4 is a four-string bass built for session and live work, featuring a thin U-neck and articulate Seymour Duncan pickups paired with active EQ for tonal flexibility. Its stable maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and professional hardware deliver the precision and reliability touring and studio musicians depend on, without the fuss of constant battery monitoring thanks to the passive/active bypass. This B-Stock unit carries minor cosmetic marks only—playability, tone, and electronics are flawless—making it a smart value choice for intermediate to advanced players who gig or record regularly.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Beginner practice
- – Drop Tunings
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean for this bass?
B-Stock indicates this unit has minor cosmetic imperfections—light finish marks from floor or return inventory—with zero impact on playability, tone, or function. All electronics, hardware, frets, and construction are flawless and covered by full manufacturer warranty.
Can I bypass the active EQ for a simpler tone?
Yes. The volume control includes a preamp bypass switch, letting you run passive mode with just the Seymour Duncan pickups for warm, uncolored tone when you don't need the 3-band shaping.
Is this bass suitable for studio work and live gigging?
Yes. The stable neck geometry, professional-grade hardware (Hipshot bridge, Gotoh tuners), and articulate pickup character make it equally at home in the studio and on stage, with the thin U-neck keeping hand fatigue low during long sessions.
What neck profile does this have?
The E-II BTL-4 features a thin U-contour neck with a 38mm bone nut and 305mm radius, designed for smooth playability and reduced hand fatigue across extended playing.
How does this compare to other four-string session basses?
The E-II BTL-4 sits in the same performance tier as the Fender Jazz Bass and Ibanez SR, but offers the articulate pickup character and active flexibility of the Lakland 44-64, with a more ergonomic thin U profile and premium tonewoods like spalted maple.
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