LORION4BLKBLAST vs LTA604FRXBLKS — Compare
ESP LTD Orion-4 Electric Bass Black Blast vs ESP LTD TA-604-FRX/BLKS bass
The Orion-4 is a lightweight, versatile studio and jazz workhorse with a balanced tone and ergonomic bolt-on design, while the TA-604 FRX is a heavier, sustain-focused metal instrument with aggressive active electronics and a longer 35-inch scale. Choose the Orion-4 for funk, jazz, and studio flexibility; choose the TA-604 FRX for metal, hard rock, and players who need tight lows and maximum output.
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Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Orion-4 Electric Bass Black Blast | ESP LTD TA-604-FRX/BLKS bass | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,899.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | Modern Bass | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 35" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 21 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Active HH |
| Bridge | Hipshot | — |
| Year | 2023 | — |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Orion-4 Electric Bass Black Blast
- ✓ Lightweight swamp ash body reduces fatigue during long sessions
- ✓ Versatile Nordstrand Big Splits pickups and 2-band EQ handle vintage to modern tones
- ✓ Comfortable 1.5-inch nut width and thin U-profile neck suit fingerstyle and pick playing equally
- ✓ 34-inch scale and bolt-on construction ideal for studio work and quick repositioning
Why choose ESP LTD TA-604-FRX/BLKS bass
- ✓ Neck-thru maple construction delivers superior sustain and resonance for heavy styles
- ✓ Twin EMG 35DC active pickups provide tight lows, punchy mids, and aggressive output
- ✓ 40mm nut width and 24 extra-jumbo frets optimized for precision and fast action in metal
- ✓ 35-inch scale and active electronics handle drop tunings and high-output demands
Frequently asked questions
Which bass is better for metal and drop tunings?
The TA-604 FRX. Its 35-inch scale, neck-thru construction, and tight-lows active EMG pickups are engineered for heavy music and extended lower tunings. The Orion-4 is explicitly not ideal for thrash metal or drop tunings due to its lighter design and balanced EQ voicing.
Which one is more comfortable for long studio sessions?
The Orion-4 edges ahead thanks to its lightweight swamp ash body and thin U-profile neck designed to reduce fatigue. The TA-604 FRX's neck-thru construction adds weight for sustain, which some players prefer but others may find tiring during extended work.
What's the tone difference between the pickups?
Nordstrand Big Splits on the Orion-4 deliver articulate, balanced response with tonal range from vintage warmth to modern clarity via the 2-band passive EQ. EMG 35DC on the TA-604 FRX provide aggressive, high-output tone with tight lows and punchy mids optimized for metal and rock.
Which nut width suits fingerstyle players better?
The Orion-4's 1.5-inch nut width is more approachable for traditional fingerstyle, while the TA-604 FRX's 40mm nut is wider and designed for definition between strings in aggressive playing. Both use thin U-profiles for comfort, but the Orion-4 edges out for pure fingerstyle accessibility.