ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin
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- SKU
- LB204SMFLNS
- Color
- Natural
. 
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Add the matching hard caseESP CBBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for B/D Series Basses (Case Only)
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Description
Sound & Tone
The fretless roasted jatoba board and 34" scale give this bass a smooth, vocal attack with the sliding portamento and singing sustain that fretless players chase, while the ash body and spalted maple top keep the fundamental clear and defined. Passive ESP-designed SB-4N and SB-4B pickups deliver a natural, woody voice that you can reshape with the active 3-band EQ, from mellow neck-heavy warmth for jazz and ballads to a brighter bridge bite for funk and fusion lines. The string-through BB-604 bridge helps notes bloom and hold, which suits melodic soloing, fretless-style R&B, and expressive session work where intonation and note decay carry the phrasing.
ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Stain Finish
The B-204SM is a nimble, expressive fretless engineered for articulate studio recording and nuanced session work. Its extra thin U-shaped neck and roasted jatoba fingerboard enable precise intonation control during takes, while the spalted maple top contributes focused midrange character to your mix. This instrument captures the vocal, dynamic qualities fretless bass brings to contemporary production without compromise.
Recording Performance & Ergonomics
The 5-piece maple/jatoba neck with extra thin U contour minimizes fatigue during overdub sessions, and the 400mm fingerboard radius supports consistent intonation across the range. The 40mm molded nut maintains balanced string spacing for clean articulation, while the 24 fret markers on the fretless board provide reference points for tracking without cluttering your tone's natural character.
Tone & Session Flexibility
The passive pickup setup with ESP-designed SB-4N and SB-4B pickups translates the ash body and spalted maple top into a focused, midrange-rich signal ideal for blending with modern production. The active 3-band EQ (volume, balance, and ABQ-3 tone control) allows real-time tonal adjustment during recording or live overdub work. The LTD BB-604 string-through bridge with black nickel hardware delivers the sustain and clarity essential for fretless articulation to cut through dense mixes.
Key Features
- Fretless Design with 24 fret markers for intuitive intonation reference
- Bolt-On Construction for reliable sustain and resonance
- 34" Scale — standard bass scale for balanced tension and traditional feel
- Ash Body with spalted maple top for tonal clarity and visual character
- 5-Piece Maple/Jatoba Neck — stable, durable, and responsive
- Roasted Jatoba Fingerboard — naturally durable without finish, ideal for fretless playing
- Extra Thin U Neck Contour for reduced hand fatigue and modern playability
- Passive Electronics with Active 3-Band EQ — flexible tone shaping with plug-and-play simplicity
- LTD BB-604 String-Through Bridge with black nickel hardware
- D'Addario XL165 Strings (.045/.065/.085/.105) included
The B-204SM combines refined ergonomics, expressive electronics, and focused sonic character—a fretless bass built for producers and engineers tracking sources that demand harmonic depth and expressive control.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
Specifications
| Body Style | Modern Bass |
|---|---|
| Scale Length | 34" Scale |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Pickups | P/J |
| Bridge | String-Through Body |
| Strings | 4 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Model Year | 2022 |
| Made In | Indonesia |
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Jazz, Funk, Progressive, Studio Sessions, Live Performance |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Articulate, warm resonance, expressive midrange, sustained clarity, natural decay |
| Less specialized for | Metal, Punk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level does this bass require?
The B-204SM is designed for advanced and professional players. Fretless bass demands precise intonation control and technique; this instrument's 24 fret markers provide intuitive reference, but mastery of fretless playing is essential to realize its tonal potential.
What genres is this bass best suited for?
The B-204SM excels in jazz, funk, progressive, and studio sessions where expressive intonation and warm midrange articulation are valued. It is not optimized for metal or punk, where fretted basses and higher output characteristics are typically preferred.
What does the roasted jatoba fingerboard offer?
Roasted jatoba provides natural durability without applied finish, ideal for the constant string contact and hand movement of fretless technique. It resists wear and maintains responsiveness throughout extended playing sessions.
What electronics does it have?
The bass features passive ESP-designed SB-4N and SB-4B pickups paired with an active 3-band EQ (volume, balance, and ABQ-3 tone control). This combination allows flexible tone sculpting while preserving the instrument's natural fretless character.
What is included with this bass?
The B-204SM ships with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105 gauge) included.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $45 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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