LFL4BLKREDBS-B vs LPHX1004TSBS-B — Compare
ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin B-Stock vs ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass in Tobacco Sunburst Satin B-Stock
The FL-4 is a specialized metal machine with an extra-thin neck and aggressive single EMG pickup for technical playing and drop tunings, while the PHOENIX-1004 is a versatile studio and live workhorse with dual Fishman pickups and warm mahogany construction suited to funk and progressive styles. Choose the FL-4 if you play technical metal; choose the PHOENIX-1004 if you need broad tonal flexibility across multiple genres.
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ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin B-Stock
ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass in Tobacco Sunburst Satin B-Stock
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin B-Stock | ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass in Tobacco Sunburst Satin B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,519.20 | $1,119.20 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 34" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 21 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Unknown / Other | Unknown / Other |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Condition | Refurbished | Refurbished |
Why choose ESP LTD FL-4 Fred Leclercq Bass Black Red Burst Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Extra-thin neck profile and aggressive body contour optimized for speed and technical metal
- ✓ Punchy, high-output EMG 35P pickup cuts through dense metal arrangements
- ✓ Neck-thru construction with maple/purpleheart ensures tight sustain for drop tunings
Why choose ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass in Tobacco Sunburst Satin B-Stock
- ✓ Dual Fishman Fluente pickups with switchable single-coil mode for broad tonal versatility
- ✓ Warm mahogany body delivers rich harmonic complexity ideal for funk and progressive
- ✓ Separate neck and bridge volume controls plus master tone with push/pull function for detailed sound shaping
Frequently asked questions
Which bass is better for beginners?
Neither—both require intermediate to advanced skill. The FL-4 demands technical proficiency for metal, while the PHOENIX-1004 is better suited to players already comfortable with complex grooves and sound-shaping controls.
What's the key tone difference?
The FL-4 delivers punchy, aggressive tone through a single active humbucker optimized for metal clarity and cutting power. The PHOENIX-1004 produces warm, harmonically rich tone with broad range thanks to dual passive Fishman pickups, making it more versatile across genres.
How do the necks compare?
The FL-4 has an extra-thin U profile for maximum speed in technical passages, while the PHOENIX-1004 uses a standard thin U profile. Both have 24-fret (FL-4) and 21-fret (PHOENIX-1004) extra-jumbo stainless steel frets on identical 15.75-inch Macassar ebony fingerboards.
Which offers more sound-shaping control?
The PHOENIX-1004 provides more detailed control with separate neck and bridge volume knobs plus a master tone with push/pull switching. The FL-4 uses a single volume knob for simpler, more immediate dynamic response suited to metal applications.