LSURVEYOR87RBCRK vs LTA604FRXBLKS — Compare
ESP LTD Surveyor '87 Electric Bass Rainbow Crackle vs ESP LTD TA-604-FRX/BLKS bass
The Surveyor '87 is a vintage-voiced, bolt-on bass built for funk, jazz, and blues with warm low-end character, while the TA-604 FRX is a neck-thru metal machine with aggressive active pickups and tight, punchy output. Choose the Surveyor for classic grooves and studio versatility; choose the TA-604 for heavy music and maximum articulation.
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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/BLKS bass | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
- ✓ Warm, vintage-voiced Seymour Duncan pickups cut through without harshness — ideal for jazz and funk
- ✓ Lighter weight (9 lbs 12 oz) and ergonomic thin U neck reduce fatigue during long sessions
- ✓ Mid-tier price point offers excellent value for intermediate to professional players
- ✓ Passive electronics keep signal path simple and tone natural
Why choose ESP LTD TA-604-FRX/BLKS bass
- ✓ 35-inch scale and 24 extra-jumbo frets provide extended range and fast action for aggressive playing
- ✓ Twin active EMG 35DC pickups deliver tight, punchy low-end with minimal noise — built for metal
- ✓ Neck-thru construction ensures superior sustain and resonance
- ✓ Professional-grade hardware (Grover tuners, LTD BB-604 bridge) maintains pitch stability under heavy use
Frequently asked questions
Which bass is better for metal?
The TA-604 FRX is purpose-built for metal and hard rock, with active EMG pickups, tight low-end, and a 35-inch scale optimized for aggressive styles. The Surveyor '87 is explicitly not ideal for metal due to its warm, vintage-voiced character.
What's the main playability difference?
The Surveyor '87 features a 34-inch scale with thinner neck dimensions (.760" at 1st fret), designed for comfort and speed in vintage styles. The TA-604 FRX has a longer 35-inch scale with 24 extra-jumbo frets and 40mm nut, built for extended range and modern precision playing.
How do the tones differ?
The Surveyor '87 has warm, full-bodied tone with articulate highs from passive Seymour Duncan Vintage pickups — cuts through without harshness. The TA-604 FRX uses active EMG 35DC pickups for tight, punchy mids and aggressive high output with minimal noise.
Which construction style matters more?
The Surveyor '87 uses bolt-on construction, which is lighter and easier to repair but potentially less resonant. The TA-604 FRX uses neck-thru maple construction for superior sustain and resonance throughout the instrument.