ESP LTD AP-204 Electric Bass Black Satin
ESP LTD AP-204 Electric Bass Guitar Black Satin
Out of stock
- SKU
- LAP204BLKS
- Color
- Black
Description
ESP LTD AP-204 Electric Bass Black Satin
The AP-204 is engineered for tracking and session work, offering a thin U-profile neck and compact 34" scale that translates to tight, articulate recordings. The roasted jatoba fingerboard and 21 extra-jumbo frets enable precise intonation and fast note definition, while the mahogany body in black satin finish maintains a professional, neutral appearance in any studio setting. This four-string bass is built for producers and engineers seeking reliable active electronics and straightforward, punchy tone that sits cleanly in the mix.
Playability & Construction
The bolt-on mahogany body combined with a maple neck and thin U contour creates an instrument that records with immediate responsiveness and minimal neck vibration during overdubs. The 400mm fingerboard radius and 21 extra-jumbo frets flatten out the playable surface, allowing for consistent finger placement and cleaner takes during long recording sessions, while the 38mm nut width keeps string separation tight for focused bass articulation across all four strings.
Tone & Electronics
Powered by ESP Designed LDP (neck) and LDJ (bridge) pickups with active electronics, the AP-204 delivers punchy mids and controlled lows shaped by the ABQ-2S Bass-Treble Stack control layout for surgical EQ adjustments in the mix. The LTD DB-4 bridge and chrome hardware ensure stable tuning across multiple takes and solid sustain, while the included D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105) provide a balanced starting point for tracking and production work.
Key Features
- Mahogany body with black satin finish
- Bolt-on maple neck with thin U contour
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard
- 34" scale length
- 21 extra-jumbo frets
- 38mm nut width
- 400mm fingerboard radius
- ESP Designed LDP (neck) and LDJ (bridge) active pickups
- ABQ-2S Bass-Treble Stack active electronics
- LTD DB-4 bridge with chrome hardware
- LTD tuners
- D'Addario XL165 strings included
The AP-204 combines quality materials, responsive active electronics, and practical hardware to deliver a dependable bass that captures both technical precision and controlled expression across diverse production scenarios.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
Reviews
At a Glance
The ESP LTD AP-204 is a compact four-string bass engineered for home recording and studio tracking in funk, pop, and rock contexts, with active electronics and a responsive neck that capture articulate, punchy tone in the mid and low frequencies. The included D'Addario XL165 strings and stable hardware provide a neutral starting point for recording, while the thin U profile and extra-jumbo frets make it easy to lock in tight performances across multiple takes. For bedroom producers and engineers tracking their own bass parts, the AP-204 delivers balanced, sit-in-the-mix clarity without requiring extensive EQ or outboard gear.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Pop
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Home Recording
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Upright Bass applications
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is the AP-204 right for?
The AP-204 is designed for beginner and intermediate players. The thin U-profile neck, extra-jumbo frets, and 38mm nut width make it comfortable and forgiving for developing your technique, while the responsive active electronics and balanced tone reward players ready to explore funk, pop, and rock styles.
What strings come with it and can I change them easily?
The AP-204 ships with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105 gauge), providing a balanced starting point. The LTD DB-4 bridge and LTD tuners are standard hardware that work with any standard four-string bass strings.
How does the active electronics system work?
The AP-204 features ESP-designed LDP (neck) and LDJ (bridge) pickups paired with an ABQ-2S Bass-Treble Stack control layout, giving you dedicated knobs to shape punchy mids and control lows. Active electronics amplify the signal for consistent output and tone shaping across a range of playing styles.
Is this bass suitable for jazz?
The AP-204 is optimized for funk, pop, and rock—styles where articulate, punchy tone and fast response are priorities. Traditional jazz typically calls for warmer, rounder tone characteristics that this bass is not designed to deliver.
What does the roasted jatoba fingerboard offer?
Roasted jatoba is a durable, tightly-grained wood that resists wear and moisture while providing a smooth playing surface. Combined with the 21 extra-jumbo frets and 400mm radius, it flattens out the playable area and reduces finger fatigue during extended sessions.
Similar Guitars
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.