ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK BLAST bass
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ESP LTD MLB-4 Mike Leon Bass in Black Blast
In stock
- SKU
- LMLB4BLKBLAST
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The swamp ash body and 35-inch scale give the MLB-4 a tight, focused low end with strong note definition, while the wenge/purpleheart neck and Macassar ebony fingerboard add snap and attack. Twin Nordstrand Big Splits pickups voice it punchy and articulate, and the ABQ-3MS three-band EQ with individual pickup volumes lets you dial anything from thick, fundamental-heavy support to cutting midrange bite. It suits aggressive modern rock and metal, hardcore and punk, and any style where a fast, clear-sounding bass needs to stay audible under heavy guitars.
ESP LTD MLB-4 Mike Leon Bass in Black Blast
The MLB-4 is a precision-crafted 4-string bass engineered to capture articulate, modern tone with comfortable ergonomics for extended tracking sessions. Its slim Extra Thin U neck contour and 35-inch scale length enable fast, accurate playing across extended ranges, while the swamp ash body and premium active electronics package ensure clarity and responsiveness that translates clearly to tape and digital recorders in any studio context.
Design & Build Quality
This bass features bolt-on neck construction with a substantial 5-piece wenge/purpleheart neck for tonal stability and sustain. The Macassar ebony fingerboard accommodates 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets on a 400mm radius, providing durability and smooth playability across take after take, while the 42mm nut width and Extra Thin U contour support precise finger positioning and reduced hand fatigue during long recording days.
Tone & Recording Character
Two Nordstrand Big Splits pickups deliver articulate, punchy tone with exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum, capturing definition that sits well in dense mixes. The ABQ-3MS three-band EQ paired with individual volume controls for each pickup grant extensive sonic shaping, from focused fundamentals to aggressive presence—all powered by active electronics for consistent output, stable signal level, and dynamic range that holds up through editing and processing.
Key Features
- Swamp ash body with Black Blast finish
- 5-piece wenge/purpleheart neck with bolt-on construction
- Macassar ebony fingerboard
- 400mm fingerboard radius
- Extra Thin U neck contour
- 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
- 35-inch scale length
- 42mm nut width
- Gotoh tuners and Gotoh 404BO-4 hardtail bridge
- Two Nordstrand Big Splits pickups
- Individual pickup volume controls with ABQ-3MS three-band EQ
- Includes B Bass form-fit case and D'Addario XL165 strings
This MLB-4 combines professional-grade construction with versatile active electronics, delivering studio-ready tone across contemporary musical styles and session demands.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CBBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for B/D Series Basses (Case Only)
20% off with this guitar: $183.20 $229.00
It ships inside the same box — and your guitar arrives protected.
Specifications
| Scale Length | 35" Scale |
|---|---|
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Neck Wood | Wenge |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Strings | 4 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Made In | South Korea |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Modern Rock
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box and what does B-Stock mean?
B-Stock means the bass is fully functional with minor cosmetic imperfections, typically light marks or finish variations that do not affect playability or tone. The bass includes all hardware, electronics, and components as specified.
Is this bass suitable for traditional jazz and folk styles?
No. The MLB-4 is voiced for modern styles—funk, progressive, and modern rock—where punchy articulation and bright presence are priorities. Its character is not optimized for the warm, traditional tones typical of jazz and folk playing.
What skill level do I need to get the most from this bass?
This bass is designed for intermediate to advanced players and professionals. Its active electronics, narrow nut width, and demanding pickup set reward technical control and knowledge of EQ shaping.
How does the active EQ system work?
The ABQ-3MS three-band EQ offers individual pickup volume controls, allowing you to blend the two Nordstrand Big Splits pickups and shape tone from focused fundamentals to aggressive presence across a wide frequency range.
How does the Extra Thin U neck contour affect playability?
The Extra Thin U contour combined with the 42mm nut width supports precise finger positioning and reduces hand fatigue during extended play, making it comfortable for long studio sessions and live performances.
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