ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
Description
ESP LTD AP-4 String Bass Black Metal B-Stock
The AP-4 delivers a thin U-shaped neck profile and 400mm fingerboard radius that reward speed and precision across its 21 extra-jumbo frets. Its alder body with maple neck and macassar ebony fingerboard strikes a balance between lightweight responsiveness and tonal depth. This B-stock unit carries only cosmetic blemishes—playability and sound remain uncompromised—and arrives at a significant discount from retail.
Recording & Studio Performance
The thin U contour neck enables comfortable all-session playability, reducing hand fatigue during extended recording takes. The 400mm fingerboard radius provides a nearly flat playing surface that translates to consistent note articulation and intonation accuracy for overdub sessions. 21 XJ (Extra-Jumbo) frets support clean, repeatable tracking, and the molded 38mm nut ensures stable string-to-string spacing for predictable tracking tone across fingerstyle and pick-driven parts.
Tone & Direct-to-Interface Character
A single EMG 35CS active pickup paired with a Babicz FCH-4 bridge delivers punchy, articulate output with solid sustain and controlled low-end response ideal for home-studio recording. The straightforward volume-only control layout keeps the signal path direct and transparent, allowing the active pickup's clarity to cut through dense mixes and sit reliably within rock and metal productions.
Key Features
- Bolt-on construction for bright, punchy tonal response
- 34" scale length delivering balanced tension and full bass response
- Alder body with lightweight feel and well-rounded tone
- Maple neck with thin U contour for fast, comfortable playability
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with smooth playing surface
- 400mm fingerboard radius suited for precision and fast play
- 21 XJ (Extra-Jumbo) frets for durability and reduced finger fatigue
- Molded nut, 38mm width, for stable string spacing and control
- Single EMG 35CS active pickup delivering punchy, powerful tones
- Babicz FCH-4 bridge for enhanced sustain and stable intonation
- Black hardware and black satin finish completing the Black Metal aesthetic
- Grover tuners ensuring precise and stable tuning
- D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105) for balanced tension
The AP-4 combines professional-grade components—EMG active electronics, Babicz bridge hardware, and premium tonewoods—at a B-stock price point. The direct, punchy character and session-ready reliability make this instrument a capable foundation for consistent home-studio bass tracking and production work.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with B-Stock inventory status. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the guitar. Acquire this premium ESP LTD AP-4 Precision Bass at a significant B-Stock discount while maintaining full manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD AP-4 is a precision 4-string bass engineered for recording clarity and punch, pairing an EMG 35CS active pickup with a Babicz bridge to capture controlled low-end and articulate sustain. Home producers and engineers will value the straightforward volume-only signal path for transparent tracking, the fast neck geometry that makes multi-take sessions less fatiguing, and the direct tonal character that sits well in rock and metal mixes without need for heavy EQ. This B-Stock version offers the same professional tone at a reduced price, with only superficial cosmetic marks.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean, and will it affect playability or sound?
B-Stock means this unit carries minor cosmetic blemishes only—scratches or finish marks that have zero impact on playability, tone, or structural integrity. Sound and feel are completely uncompromised, and the bass arrives with full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Is the AP-4 suitable for genres outside metal and hard rock?
The AP-4 is optimized for metal, hard rock, and progressive styles where punchy articulation and controlled low-end cut through. It is not designed for jazz or folk applications where a warmer, rounder tone is typically preferred.
What pickup and electronics are included?
The AP-4 features a single EMG 35CS active pickup paired with a Babicz FCH-4 bridge and a volume-only control layout that keeps the signal path direct and transparent, allowing the active pickup's clarity to dominate.
How does the neck feel compared to standard bass necks?
The thin U-shaped neck contour with a 400mm fingerboard radius (nearly flat) and 21 extra-jumbo frets are designed for speed and precision, reducing finger fatigue during fast, aggressive playing while offering comfortable string spacing at the 38mm molded nut.
What scale length and string gauges come with the AP-4?
The AP-4 has a 34-inch scale length providing balanced tension and full bass response. It ships with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105 gauges) for balanced tension.
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