What skill level is this bass suited for?

The Surveyor-204DX is designed for intermediate to advanced players and professionals. The 21 extra-jumbo frets, 40mm nut width, and thin U-profile neck make fast transitions and precise intonation accessible, and the active electronics reward players who know how to shape tone intentionally.

What genres does this bass work best for?

This is a great fit for funk, studio sessions, and live performance where clarity and punch are essential. The tight low end and articulate midrange excel in those contexts, though the modern active tone may be less suited to folk or traditional jazz applications.

How does the 34-scale compact size affect playability?

The 34-scale keeps the instrument balanced and responsive without feeling cramped, making extended playing sessions effortless. The lightweight poplar body and thin U-profile neck further reduce fatigue, especially valuable during long gigs or studio tracking.

What electronics and hardware are included?

The bass features dual ESP pickups (LJB bridge, LPD neck), active volume, balance, and tone boost controls for comprehensive shaping, and an LTD DB-4 fixed bridge for rock-solid tuning stability. It ships with factory D'Addario XL165 strings ready to play.

How does this compare to other compact active basses?

The Surveyor-204DX sits alongside the Ibanez SR505, Yamaha TRBX505, and Schecter Stiletto 5 as a modern, playable compact 4-string. ESP's roasted maple neck construction and dual pickup configuration offer solid stability and tonal versatility in the same performance class.

ESP LTD Surveyor-204DX Black Burst

The Surveyor-204DX is a compact 34" scale bass built for players who need reliability night after night. Its thin U-profile neck and lightweight poplar body make it comfortable during long sets, while the active electronics deliver the punch and clarity that cuts through a live mix. The striking Black Burst finish commands attention on stage and in the studio.

Playability & Construction

Built on a bolt-on maple neck with roasted maple construction, this bass resists neck dive and stays stable under gigging conditions. The Thin U profile pairs with a 40mm nut width and 21 extra-jumbo frets across a 400mm fingerboard radius, making fast passages and precise intonation accessible across the entire neck. The 34" scale keeps the instrument balanced and responsive without feeling cramped, ideal for players who want a comfortable feel without compromises.

Tone & Live Performance

The dual pickup configuration—ESP LJB bridge and ESP LPD neck pickup—captures everything from tight low end to articulate midrange, giving you versatility across different songs and styles. Active volume, balance, and tone boost controls let you dial in your tone quickly during soundcheck or mid-set, while the LTD DB-4 fixed bridge ensures tuning stays locked in through entire gigs. Factory-strung with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045, .065, .085, .105), the instrument is ready to play straight out of the box.

Key Features

Body: Poplar with burled poplar top
Neck: Roasted maple with Thin U profile
Scale: 34"
Fingerboard: Rosewood with 21 extra-jumbo frets
Fingerboard radius: 400mm
Nut width: 40mm
Pickups: ESP LJB (bridge) and ESP LPD (neck)
Active controls: Volume, balance, and tone boost
Bridge: LTD DB-4 fixed
Tuners: LTD vintage
Hardware: Black
Finish: Gloss lacquer, Black Burst

The Surveyor-204DX combines professional-grade electronics and hardware with a design built for both comfort and dependable road performance.

Condition	New
Dexterity	Right handed
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Country of Manufacture	South Korea