ESP E-II BTL-4 String Bass Guitar in Black Natural Burst

ESP E-II BTL-4 String Bass in Black Natural Burst

SKU
EIIBTL4BLKNB
Color
Natural
$2,599.00
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Description

ESP E-II BTL-4 String Bass Guitar in Black Natural Burst

The E-II BTL-4 is engineered for session and production work, delivering articulate, controlled low-end that tracks cleanly through your interface and sits naturally in the mix. Its thin U-neck contour and 34" scale reduce hand fatigue during long recording takes, while premium tonewoods and professional-grade hardware ensure reliable performance across multiple projects. The black natural burst finish integrates seamlessly into any studio aesthetic and works across genres without visual distraction.

Recording Character & Build

The alder body, spalted maple top, and 3-piece maple neck produce solid fundamental tone with stable resonance under the demands of close-miking and DI recording. The thin U contour and 38mm bone nut keep finger tension consistent, reducing tracking fatigue, while the ebony fingerboard with 24 XJ frets and 305mm radius maintains precise intonation across takes—critical for seamless overdubs and tight comping.

Tone & Electronics

The Seymour Duncan SSB-4 pickups in neck and bridge positions capture definition in both attack and sustain, translating to clear, present bass lines that anchor a mix without muddiness. The passive circuit pairs with an active 3-band Cinnamon EQ offering bass, mid, and treble shaping—allowing real-time tonal adjustment between takes—plus a preamp bypass switch on the volume control for quick A/B comparisons and pure passive tone when tracking requires transparency.

Key Features

  • Alder body with spalted maple top
  • 3-piece maple neck with thin U contour
  • Ebony fingerboard, 24 XJ frets, 305mm radius
  • 34" scale, 38mm bone nut
  • Bolt-on construction
  • Seymour Duncan SSB-4 pickups (neck and bridge)
  • Passive with active 3-band Cinnamon EQ and P/P preamp bypass
  • Black Hipshot A-style bridge with black hardware
  • Gotoh tuners and Schaller strap locks
  • Elixir Nanoweb Light/Medium strings (.045–.105)
  • Black natural burst finish
  • Hardshell case included

The E-II BTL-4 combines recording clarity, ergonomic comfort for extended sessions, and stable hardware into a tool built for professional production demands.

More Information
Dexterity Right handed
Condition New
Country of Manufacture Japan
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At a Glance

The E-II BTL-4 captures articulate lows and defined midrange through its Seymour Duncan SSB-4 pickups and hybrid passive/active tone-shaping, letting you dial in clarity for funk and jazz sessions or step into pure passive mode when you want straightforward character. Its 24-fret ebony fingerboard and 305mm radius keep intonation tight across takes, while the preamp bypass switch lets you work battery-free if you're stacking overdubs or need one less thing to manage between recording passes.

Who This Is For

Great for

  • Studio Sessions
  • Live Performance
  • Funk
  • Jazz

Not the best pick for

  • Thrash Metal
  • Drop Tunings

Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bass come with a case?

Yes, a hardshell case is included with the E-II BTL-4.

Can I play this bass passively without the active EQ?

Yes, the 3-band Cinnamon EQ includes a preamp bypass switch on the volume control, so you can switch to pure passive operation whenever you want.

What kind of strings come on it?

The bass ships with Elixir Nanoweb Light/Medium strings in .045–.105 gauge.

How does the thin U-neck compare to typical jazz bass necks?

The thin U contour and 38mm bone nut are designed to reduce hand fatigue during long sessions, offering a slimmer grip than traditional J-bass profiles while maintaining the clarity and articulation that session and live players need.

Is this bass suitable for drop tunings or heavier music?

The E-II BTL-4 is voiced for articulate lows and tonal clarity in funk and jazz contexts; it is not optimized for drop tunings or thrash metal applications.

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