ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin
Description
ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin
The FL-4 is engineered for studio and session work, delivering a distinctly modern recording character with its extra-thin U-contoured neck and lightweight ergonomic profile. Designed in collaboration with Fred Leclercq, this four-string bass balances aggressive articulation with refined playability, making it an ideal choice for producers and engineers tracking bass parts that demand clarity and sustain. The neck-through construction and premium tonewoods ensure tonal consistency and resonance across extended tracking sessions.
Playability & Studio Comfort
The extra-thin U neck contour paired with a 400mm fingerboard radius and 24 XJ stainless steel frets creates a fast, responsive playing surface that translates to tight, accurate takes with minimal finger noise. The 40mm molded nut maintains proper string spacing while keeping the instrument comfortable during long recording sessions, reducing fatigue and capturing consistent performances.
Tone & Mix Presence
An EMG 35P bridge pickup delivers the aggressive, articulate output needed to cut through dense mixes while maintaining definition, while the neck-through alder body and 5-piece maple/purpleheart neck provide a solid harmonic foundation that sits well in professional recordings. The Hipshot A-style bridge and Grover Mini tuners ensure reliable tuning stability and precise intonation adjustment across take after take.
Key Features
- Neck-through construction for maximum sustain and body resonance
- 34" scale length — standard four-string configuration
- Alder body with black red burst satin finish
- 5-piece maple/purpleheart neck with extra-thin U contour
- Macassar ebony fingerboard with black binding and red offset dot inlays
- 24 XJ stainless steel frets with 400mm radius
- 40mm molded nut
- EMG 35P bridge pickup
- Hipshot A-style bridge
- Grover Mini tuning machines
- Black hardware throughout
- Includes deluxe ESP hardshell case
Purpose-built for studio tracking and session work, this instrument combines professional-grade components, modern ergonomics, and the tonal character to capture bass parts that define a mix.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD FL-4 is a neck-through session bass engineered for studio tracking in modern metal, progressive, and djent contexts where articulate, punchy tone is essential. The EMG 35P pickup and alder/maple-purpleheart construction deliver high output with defined midrange character and tight low-end definition that records clearly and sits well in dense mixes. Its responsive 24-fret, extra-thin neck and 400mm radius fingerboard make it easy to track complex parts and layer bass lines with precision.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Djent
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bass suitable for beginners?
No. The FL-4 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its extra-thin neck contour, 24-fret layout, and aggressive tone character are optimized for metal, progressive, and djent styles rather than foundational jazz or folk playing.
What pickup does it have and how does it sound?
The FL-4 features an EMG 35P bridge pickup paired with alder body and 5-piece maple/purpleheart neck, delivering aggressive, articulate output with punchy mids and a tight low end—ideal for cutting through heavy music in live and studio settings.
What neck profile and fretboard specifications should I expect?
The bass has an extra-thin U-contoured neck with a 400mm fingerboard radius, 24 XJ stainless steel frets, and a Macassar ebony fingerboard with black binding and red offset dot inlays. The 40mm molded nut maintains proper string spacing for comfortable extended playing.
Does it come with a case?
Yes, the FL-4 includes a deluxe ESP hardshell case for protection and transport.
What hardware does it use for tuning and bridging?
The bass features a Hipshot A-style bridge for precise intonation adjustment and Grover Mini tuning machines for reliable tuning stability. All hardware is black to match the instrument's aesthetic.
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