LSURVEYOR87RBCRK vs LTA604FRXBLKS — Compare
ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle vs ESP LTD TA-604 Frx Bass in Black Satin
The Surveyor '87 is a vintage-voiced, bolt-on bass built for blues, funk, and rock with warm, articulate tone; the TA-604 FRX is a modern neck-thru metal machine with aggressive active electronics and tight punch. Choose the Surveyor for classic styles and smooth playability, or the TA-604 for metal, hard rock, and maximum output control.
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ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
Specs side by side
| ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle | ESP LTD TA-604 Frx Bass in Black Satin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Brand | ESP LTD | ESP LTD |
| Body | — | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | — | 35" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | — | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | — | Maple |
| Neck Construction | — | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | — | Active HH |
| Year | 2021 | — |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle
- ✓ Vintage-voiced Seymour Duncan pickups deliver warm, full-bodied tone perfect for funk and blues
- ✓ Passive electronics keep things simple and transparent
- ✓ Thin U-contour neck with comfortable 42mm nut feels approachable for most hand sizes
- ✓ Rainbow Crackle finish makes a striking visual statement
Why choose ESP LTD TA-604 Frx Bass in Black Satin
- ✓ Neck-thru construction maximizes sustain and resonance across the entire range
- ✓ Twin EMG 35DC active pickups provide tight lows, punchy mids, and minimal noise—essential for metal
- ✓ 24 extra-jumbo frets and 35-inch scale deliver extended range and precision for aggressive styles
- ✓ Active tone-shaping circuitry grants surgical control over your signal before amplification
Frequently asked questions
Which bass is better for metal and hard rock?
The TA-604 FRX is purpose-built for metal with tight lows, aggressive active pickups, and a 35-inch scale that supports extended range and heavy tunings. The Surveyor '87's warm, vintage tone is optimized for blues and funk, making it less ideal for metal.
What's the main difference in how these necks feel?
Both have a thin U contour, but the Surveyor '87 features a 34-inch scale with a 42mm nut, while the TA-604 FRX has a longer 35-inch scale with a 40mm nut. The TA-604's neck-thru construction also feels more rigid, while the Surveyor's bolt-on construction is slightly more resonant and traditional.
Which electronics system is easier to use?
The Surveyor '87 uses simple passive tone controls with no batteries or complexity—ideal for plug-and-play players. The TA-604 FRX employs active electronics requiring a battery, but they offer far more precise tone-shaping for studio and live work.
Are these basses suitable for jazz?
The Surveyor '87's articulate highs and warm lows can work in jazz settings, though it leans toward blues and funk voicing. The TA-604 FRX is explicitly not ideal for jazz due to its aggressive character and tight, punchy voice designed for modern heavy styles.