LSURV204DXBLKB vs LSURV204DXREDB — Compare
ESP LTD SURVEYOR-204DX BLACK BURST guitar vs ESP LTD SURVEYOR-204DX RED BURST guitar
These are essentially the same bass model (Surveyor-204DX) in different finishes—Black Burst vs. Red Burst—with identical hardware, electronics, and playability specs. Choose based purely on aesthetic preference and minor skill-level positioning: Black Burst targets intermediate-to-professional players, while Red Burst is marketed more broadly to beginners through advanced.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD SURVEYOR-204DX BLACK BURST guitar | ESP LTD SURVEYOR-204DX RED BURST guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 | $549.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Year | Unknown | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD SURVEYOR-204DX BLACK BURST guitar
- ✓ Black Burst finish delivers bold, professional stage presence
- ✓ Explicitly positioned for advanced and professional skill levels
- ✓ Modern clarity and punchy tone emphasized in description
Why choose ESP LTD SURVEYOR-204DX RED BURST guitar
- ✓ Red Burst offers warm, vintage-inspired visual character
- ✓ Beginner-friendly positioning makes it accessible to newer players
- ✓ Home recording explicitly listed as a strength
Frequently asked questions
Are the electronics and tone actually different between these two?
No. Both use identical ESP LJB and LPD pickup pairs with the same active volume, balance, and tone boost controls. Black Burst emphasizes modern clarity and punch; Red Burst describes the same electronics as vintage-inspired and flexible—the difference is marketing language, not tone.
Which is better for beginners?
Red Burst is explicitly marketed for beginners through advanced, while Black Burst targets intermediate and professional players. However, the bass itself—neck profile, scale, fret count, playability—is identical, so either works for any skill level.
What are the key shared specs I should know?
Both feature a 34-inch scale, roasted maple thin U-profile neck, 40mm nut width, 21 extra-jumbo frets, 400mm fingerboard radius, poplar body with burled top, and LTD DB-4 fixed bridge. Factory strung with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045–.105).
Will either handle drop tunings or extended range?
Red Burst is explicitly listed as not ideal for drop tunings or extended range. Black Burst has no such caveat, though both are four-string 34-inch basses with standard tuning in mind.