LB204SMNSLH-B vs LTA204FRXBLKS — Compare
ESP LTD B-204SM Left Handed Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock vs ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin
The B-204SM is a versatile left-handed bass with active EQ for tonal shaping across rock, metal, jazz, and alternative styles, while the TA-204-FRX is a right-handed signature model built for aggressive metal and drop tunings with a longer 35-inch scale and passive electronics. Choose the B-204SM if you're left-handed and want genre flexibility; choose the TA-204-FRX if you're right-handed, play metal exclusively, and prefer simplicity and extended range.
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ESP LTD B-204SM Left Handed Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD B-204SM Left Handed Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock | ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $559.20 | $699.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Precision Bass | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 35" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Jatoba |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | P/J | P/J |
| Bridge | Fixed | — |
| Year | 2023 | Unknown |
| Condition | Refurbished | New |
Why choose ESP LTD B-204SM Left Handed Bass Guitar in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
- ✓ Left-handed configuration — rare and essential for left-handed players
- ✓ Active 3-band EQ allows aggressive shaping from warm lows to midrange bite
- ✓ Shorter 34-inch scale suits jazz and alternative players as well as metal
- ✓ More tonal versatility across rock, metal, jazz, and alternative genres
Why choose ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin
- ✓ Extended 35-inch scale delivers extra sustain and extended low-end reach for drop tunings
- ✓ Passive electronics mean no battery, simpler signal path, and uncolored tone
- ✓ Extra-jumbo frets enable aggressive technique and precision in fast playing
- ✓ Tom Araya signature design built specifically for metal and thrash metal intensity
Frequently asked questions
Which bass is better for jazz?
The B-204SM is significantly better for jazz because it has active 3-band EQ for tonal shaping, a more neutral 34-inch scale, and the description explicitly lists jazz as a best-fit genre. The TA-204-FRX is voiced for metal and drop tunings, not jazz.
What's the main scale difference and why does it matter?
The B-204SM has a 34-inch scale; the TA-204-FRX has a 35-inch extended scale. The longer scale on the TA-204 provides extra sustain and deeper low-end definition for drop tunings and metal, while the 34-inch on the B-204SM offers tighter, faster playability suited to varied styles.
Why does one have active EQ and the other doesn't?
The B-204SM uses a passive/active hybrid system to provide tonal shaping for multiple genres without full battery drain. The TA-204-FRX uses passive electronics to keep the signal path simple and uncolored, which is preferred by metal players who value direct, aggressive tone without processing.
Are both equally playable for advanced players?
Yes, both support intermediate to professional skill levels. The B-204SM prioritizes comfort with an Extra Thin U neck; the TA-204-FRX prioritizes speed and reach with a thin U contour and 24 extra-jumbo frets. Choose based on your playing style and hand orientation (left vs. right).