LB204DXREDB vs LPHX200DXREDB — Compare
ESP LTD B-204DX Bass in Red Burst vs ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Electric Guitar in Red Burst
The B-204DX is a 4-string bass guitar designed for low-end playing and rhythm work, while the Phoenix-200DX is a 6-string electric guitar built for lead and chord work. Choose the bass if you want to anchor a band's rhythm section; choose the guitar if you want to play melodies, solos, and full chord voicings.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Electric Guitar in Red Burst
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-204DX Bass in Red Burst | ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Electric Guitar in Red Burst | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $499.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD B Series Bass | LTD Phoenix |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 6 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 22 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
| Bridge | — | Tune-O-Matic / Stopbar |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD B-204DX Bass in Red Burst
- ✓ Purpose-built bass with active tone-shaping for sculpted low-end and mids
- ✓ 34-inch scale and extended fingerboard radius designed for bass-specific technique
- ✓ Roasted maple neck offers fast playability for extended technical passages
- ✓ Four-string simplicity keeps focus on groove and feel
Why choose ESP LTD Phoenix-200DX Electric Guitar in Red Burst
- ✓ More affordable entry point to electric guitar playing
- ✓ Pickup split switch adds tonal flexibility beyond standard humbuckers
- ✓ Thinner neck profile reduces hand fatigue during long sessions
- ✓ 6-string range covers full melodic and harmonic possibilities
Frequently asked questions
Can I play both bass and guitar on one of these?
No. The B-204DX is a bass with four strings tuned to low frequencies; the Phoenix-200DX is a guitar with six strings tuned to standard pitches. They serve completely different roles in a band.
Which is better for a beginner?
The Phoenix-200DX is listed as intermediate and up, while the B-204DX supports beginner through advanced. However, both require some experience; neither is marketed as true beginner-friendly for someone with zero instrument background.
How do the necks compare?
Both have thin U-contours and roasted maple for speed and comfort. The B-204DX has a 40mm nut (wider, standard for bass), a 34-inch scale, and 24 frets; the Phoenix-200DX has a 25.5-inch scale with 22 frets and thinner neck measurements (0.808" to 0.896") optimized for single-note work.
Which has more tone-shaping options?
The B-204DX offers dedicated active controls for Volume, Balance, Bass, and Treble; the Phoenix-200DX uses passive humbuckers with a single push-pull pickup split. The bass provides more real-time sculpting, while the guitar offers quick tonal switching.