ESP LTD PHX-204DX RED BURST guitar
Description
ESP LTD PHX-204DX 4-String Electric Bass Guitar — Red Burst
The PHX-204DX is a compact, lightweight 4-string bass engineered for studio recording and session work. Its thin U-shaped roasted maple neck and 40mm nut width deliver fast, responsive fretting with excellent stability for tracking bass lines across multiple takes. The Red Burst finish pairs visual appeal with a purposeful instrument built for professional and serious home-studio applications.
Playability & Construction
Bolt-on construction with a 34-inch scale provides the classic bass foundation while the thin U-shaped roasted maple neck resists humidity fluctuations—critical for maintaining consistent intonation during long recording sessions. The rosewood fingerboard features 21 extra-jumbo frets and dot inlays, supporting precision note placement and extended range articulation across a 400mm fingerboard radius.
Tone & Recording Character
Dual ESP SB-4 pickups (bridge and neck) feed into active electronics with dedicated volume, balance, and tone boost controls, allowing you to shape bass tone from warm, focused lows to bright, articulate highs within your mix. The LTD DB-4 fixed bridge ensures rock-solid intonation and solid body coupling to the poplar body topped with burled poplar, delivering punchy midrange and clear note definition that translates cleanly through your recording chain.
Key Features
- 4-string electric bass guitar
- Poplar body with burled poplar top
- Bolt-on construction, 34-inch scale (864mm)
- Thin U-shaped roasted maple neck
- Rosewood fingerboard with 21 extra-jumbo frets and dot inlays
- 400mm fingerboard radius; 40mm nut width
- Reverse headstock with LTD vintage tuners
- 2× ESP SB-4 pickups (bridge and neck)
- Active electronics with volume, balance, and tone boost controls
- LTD DB-4 fixed bridge
- Black hardware
- Red Burst finish
The PHX-204DX combines stable construction with versatile active electronics, making it a reliable choice for home-studio bassists tracking tones that sit well in mixed recordings and maintain performance consistency session to session.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The PHX-204DX is a versatile 4-string bass engineered for recording and mixing work, offering dual active pickups and flexible tone-shaping controls that capture everything from focused, warm lows to bright, articulate highs in the box. Its thin U-shaped roasted maple neck resists seasonal wood movement, ensuring session-to-session stability and precision fretting across its 21 extra-jumbo frets. The punchy midrange and clear note definition make it easy to sit the bass prominently in a mix or blend it as a supporting anchor.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Pop
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Gigging
Not the best pick for
- – Folk
- – Traditional Jazz
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and playing styles is this bass best suited for?
The PHX-204DX excels in funk, rock, pop, and studio sessions. Its punchy midrange and articulate highs make it less ideal for folk or traditional jazz, where a rounder, warmer tone is typically preferred.
What skill level do I need to play this bass?
This bass is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its thin neck and 21 extra-jumbo frets support precision fretting and extended range work, making it well-suited to working musicians and serious hobbyists.
How does the active electronics system work?
The dual ESP SB-4 pickups (bridge and neck) feed into active electronics with dedicated volume, balance, and tone boost controls. This setup lets you dial in anything from warm, focused lows to bright, articulate highs without swapping basses.
Is the 34-inch scale standard for a 4-string bass?
Yes, the 34-inch scale is the classic standard for 4-string electric basses, providing the familiar feel and playing geometry most bassists expect. The thin U-shaped roasted maple neck makes it fast and comfortable to play.
What are the comparable alternatives in this price range?
Similar mid-tier 4-string basses include the Ibanez SR500, Schecter Stiletto-4, and Lakland Skyline 44. The PHX-204DX stands out for its lightweight construction, roasted maple neck stability, and flexible active tone controls.
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