LB204SMFLNS vs LTA204FRXBLKS-U — Compare
ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin vs ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin Open Box
The B-204SM is a fretless jazz and studio workhorse built for expressive intonation control and warm resonance, while the TA-204 FRX is Tom Araya's signature metal bass engineered for aggressive low-end attack and extended-range drop tunings. Choose the B-204SM if you play fretless styles like jazz and funk; choose the TA-204 FRX if you need a fretting instrument for metal and extreme music.
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ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin
ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin Open Box
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin | ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin Open Box | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.00 | $615.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Series | LTD B Series Bass | LTD Tom Araya |
| Body | Modern Bass | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 35" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Jatoba |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | P/J | P/J |
| Bridge | String-Through Body | — |
| Year | 2022 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | Used |
Why choose ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin
- ✓ Fretless design with roasted jatoba fingerboard for expressive, articulate pitch control
- ✓ Ash body with spalted maple top delivers warm, natural resonance ideal for jazz and studio work
- ✓ Passive/active 3-band EQ provides tonal sculpting while preserving core fretless character
- ✓ Through-body bridge maximizes sustain and clarity for sustained fretless notes
Why choose ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin Open Box
- ✓ Extended 35-inch scale and extra-jumbo frets support aggressive metal and drop-tuning applications
- ✓ Passive electronics deliver direct, unfiltered response without digital coloration
- ✓ Lightweight basswood bolt-on construction ensures efficient tonal transfer and mechanical precision
- ✓ Tom Araya signature model with proven Slayer touring pedigree
Frequently asked questions
Can I use either bass for both metal and jazz?
No. The B-204SM is specifically designed for fretless playing and excels in jazz, funk, and progressive contexts. The TA-204 FRX is a fretting instrument optimized for metal and extreme music; it cannot replicate fretless technique. Each instrument serves a distinct musical purpose.
What is the key construction difference between these two?
The B-204SM features a through-body bridge and ash/spalted maple construction for resonant tone, while the TA-204 FRX uses a bolt-on basswood body with bridge for direct, efficient response. The B-204SM also includes active EQ; the TA-204 FRX is passive only.
How do the fingerboards differ?
Both feature roasted jatoba fingerboards and 24 fret markers/frets, but the B-204SM is fretless (markers only, no physical frets) with a 400mm radius for intonation reference, while the TA-204 FRX has 24 extra-jumbo physical frets on a 35-inch extended scale for rapid metal position shifts.
Which is better for studio recording?
The B-204SM is purpose-built for studio sessions with its articulate, warm resonance and active 3-band EQ for tonal control. The TA-204 FRX is designed for aggressive live performance and dense metal mixes, not traditional studio recording applications.