ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Stain Finish B-Stock
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Out of stock
- SKU
- LB204SMFLNS-B
- Color
- Natural
. 
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CBBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for B/D Series Basses (Case Only)
$229.00
Description
ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Stain Finish
The B-204SM is a precision fretless instrument engineered for nuanced studio recording and session work. Its extra thin U-shaped neck and roasted jatoba fingerboard enable the micro-intonation control essential to capturing expressive bass tracks, while the spalted maple top contributes visual character and tonal clarity to any production. Built for producers and engineers tracking bass parts that demand articulation and warmth without compromise.
Playability & Ergonomics for Extended Sessions
The 5-piece maple/jatoba neck with extra thin U contour minimizes hand fatigue during long tracking days, and the 400mm fingerboard radius provides consistent feel across all registers during intonation work. The 40mm molded nut maintains comfortable string spacing for accurate finger placement, while the 24 fret markers on the fretless board serve as visual reference points, keeping sessions efficient without sacrificing the visual clarity of the fingerboard.
Tone Capture & Studio Electronics
The passive pickup setup with ESP-designed SB-4N and SB-4B pickups captures the natural resonance of the ash body and spalted maple top, translating directly to warm, articulate recordings, while the active 3-band EQ (volume, balance, and ABQ-3 tone control) provides flexible tone shaping at the bass during mixing and source management. The LTD BB-604 string-through bridge with black nickel hardware maximizes sustain and clarity—critical attributes for fretless bass definition in 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 for controlled tracking, expressive tone-shaping capabilities, and tonal character ideal for modern production—a fretless bass built for studio players who understand how the instrument's precision translates to professional recordings.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with open-box or floor display handling. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the bass. Save significantly on this premium ESP LTD fretless instrument while receiving the same full manufacturer warranty and exceptional build quality as a new unit.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
About this B-Stock unit
| Condition | B-Stock - cosmetic blemish, fully functional |
|---|---|
| Price vs new | $130 under the new unit ($649) |
Prefer a brand-new one? ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Satin is in the catalog at $649.
Specifications
| Body Style | Modern Bass |
|---|---|
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| 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 midrange, clear sustain, expressive dynamics, natural resonance |
| Less specialized for | Metal, Thrash Metal, Punk (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean for this bass?
B-Stock means this unit is fully functional with the same tone, playability, and build quality as new, but features minor cosmetic imperfections from open-box or floor display handling. These marks are purely superficial and have zero impact on the instrument's structural integrity, electronics, or sound.
Is this fretless bass suitable for beginners?
No—this is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who already understand fretless technique and intonation demands. The 24 fret markers guide positioning, but success requires prior fretless experience or dedicated ear training.
What genres and styles is this bass best suited for?
The B-204SM excels in jazz, funk, progressive, and studio session work where articulation and expressive dynamics are valued. It is not recommended for metal, thrash metal, or punk styles.
What pickup and electronics setup does it have?
It features passive ESP-designed SB-4N and SB-4B pickups paired with an active 3-band EQ (volume, balance, and ABQ-3 tone control), giving you natural resonance with flexible tone-shaping capability when needed.
What neck and fingerboard specs should I know about?
The 5-piece maple/jatoba neck has an extra-thin U contour for reduced hand fatigue, a 400mm fingerboard radius for balanced playability, a 40mm molded nut for comfortable string spacing, and a roasted jatoba fingerboard that is naturally durable without finish—ideal for fretless playing.
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. Marketplaces collect sales tax as the facilitator in most states, so the same listed price can cost more there. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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