ESP LTD PHX-204DX BLACK BURST guitar
Description
ESP LTD Phoenix-204DX 4-String Bass – Black Burst
The Phoenix-204DX is a lightweight, ergonomic 4-string bass engineered for articulate, definition-focused recording and session work across any genre. Its thin U-profile neck and compact body contours support extended tracking takes without fatigue, while the active electronics deliver clarity and punch that cuts through a dense mix without loss of note definition. This is a studio bassist's instrument—straightforward, reliable, and voiced to sit tight in a mix.
Playability & Recording Feel
The thin U neck profile and 40mm nut width create a modern playing platform that favors precision and repeatable articulation without sacrificing comfort during extended takes and overdubs. A 34-inch scale length sits in the sweet spot for balanced tension and note clarity, while the 400mm radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 extra-jumbo frets supports both smooth legato tracking and aggressive articulation when needed in a session.
Tone Shaping & Active Electronics
Active electronics with bridge SB-4B and neck SB-4N humbucker pickups deliver focused, punchy lows and defined mids across the frequency spectrum. Volume, balance, and tone boost controls provide flexible shaping during tracking—the tone boost in particular adds presence and cut without muddiness, essential for sitting tight in a mix and maintaining clarity across overdubs.
Key Features
- Lightweight poplar body with bolt-on roasted maple neck
- 34-inch scale length
- Thin U neck profile
- 400mm radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 extra-jumbo frets
- 40mm nut width
- Bridge SB-4B pickup and neck SB-4N pickup (humbuckers)
- Active electronics with volume, balance, and tone boost controls
- Solid hardtail LTD DB-4 bridge
- LTD vintage-style tuners with black hardware
- Black Burst finish
- D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105)
The Phoenix-204DX combines lightweight construction, responsive active electronics, and stable hardware into an instrument built to deliver consistent, professional results across session after session.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Phoenix-204DX is a session-ready 4-string bass that captures focused, articulate lows and defined mids ideal for tracking funk, rock, and metal in the studio. Its active tone-boost circuit adds presence and cut without muddiness, helping you sit tight in a mix, while the thin neck and extra-jumbo frets support both smooth legato and aggressive picking techniques. Pick this for a versatile, punchy bass that translates well to tape and sits well in dense arrangements.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of neck does the Phoenix-204DX have?
The bass features a thin U-profile neck with a 40mm nut width and 400mm radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 extra-jumbo frets, designed for speed and precision playing while remaining comfortable during longer sessions.
Is this bass suitable for funk and metal?
Yes. The active SB-4B bridge and SB-4N neck humbuckers deliver punchy lows and defined mids with a tone-boost control that adds presence and cut—a tonal palette that works well across funk, rock, and metal genres.
What pickups and electronics does it have?
The bass is equipped with bridge SB-4B and neck SB-4N humbucker pickups paired with active electronics including volume, balance, and tone-boost controls for flexible frequency shaping.
What scale length and body construction does this bass use?
It has a 34-inch scale length for balanced tension and note clarity, paired with a lightweight poplar body and bolt-on roasted maple neck for stable, road-ready construction.
What strings come with it?
The Phoenix-204DX ships with D'Addario XL165 strings in a .045/.065/.085/.105 gauge.
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