ESP LTD TA-204 Frx Bass in Black Satin B-Stock
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- SKU
- LTA204FRXBLKS-B
- Color
- Black
. Description
Sound & Tone
The 35" scale and bolt-on maple/basswood construction give this bass a tight, defined low end with strong sustain, keeping low notes articulate rather than woolly even at fast tempos. The passive ESP Designed SB-4 pickups, blended with the Volume/Balance/Tone layout, run from a rounder neck-position thump to a harder, more cutting bridge tone that punches through dense, distorted guitars. With its thin U neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets and flat 400mm radius, it favors aggressive pick and fast fingerstyle work in metal, thrash and hard rock contexts.
ESP LTD Tom Araya TA-204 FRX Electric Bass Black Satin
The TA-204 FRX is engineered for studio and live tracking with a thin, fast neck profile and a 35" extended scale that captures clarity and sustain across dense arrangements. This signature model delivers the low-end intensity needed for heavy material, combining a lightweight basswood body with robust hardware and passive electronics for transparent, uncolored signal path performance. The black satin finish and pentagram inlays establish a professional aesthetic that works across any session environment.
Playability & Feel
A thin U neck contour with 24 extra-jumbo frets and 400mm fingerboard radius enable precise intonation and fluid movement across the entire 35" scale, critical for tracking multiple takes and maintaining consistent tone throughout sessions. The 40mm nut width and roasted jatoba fingerboard provide the stability and definition needed to cut through dense mix scenarios without muddiness.
Tone & Electronics
ESP Designed SB-4 pickups (SB-4N at neck, SB-4B at bridge) paired with passive Volume/Balance/Tone controls deliver a focused, articulate low end with zero electronic coloration—ideal for recording and post-production flexibility. The LTD BB-604 bridge and black hardware ensure solid intonation stability and clean tonal transfer through the bolt-on construction, translating accurately to the mix.
Key Features
- Bolt-on basswood body with black satin finish
- Roasted jatoba fingerboard with 24 extra-jumbo frets
- Maple neck with thin U contour and 400mm fingerboard radius
- 35" extended scale for extended range and tonal clarity
- 40mm molded nut width
- ESP Designed SB-4N neck pickup and SB-4B bridge pickup
- Passive electronics with Volume/Balance/Tone layout
- LTD BB-604 bridge with black hardware
- Factory-strung with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105)
Designed for engineers and producers tracking aggressive material with demanding tonal requirements, the TA-204 FRX delivers speed, sustain, and uncompromising low-end definition in any studio context.
This specific B-Stock unit features minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with standard B-Stock inventory practices. These marks are purely superficial and have absolutely zero impact on the playability, tone, or structural integrity of the bass. You're acquiring a premium ESP LTD instrument at a significant B-Stock discount while retaining full manufacturer warranty coverage.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
This guitar ships without a case
Add the matching hard caseESP CFRXBASSFF Form-Fit Hardshell Case for FRX Bass (Case Only)
Specifications
| Body Style | Modern Bass |
|---|---|
| Body Wood | Basswood |
| Scale Length | 35" Scale |
| Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Jatoba |
| Fingerboard Radius | 400mm |
| Nut Width | 40mm |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Neck Profile | Thin U |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Pickups | P/J |
| Pickup Models | ESP Designed SB-4N (neck), ESP Designed SB-4B (bridge) |
| Bridge | Fixed |
| Strings | 4 |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Made In | Indonesia |
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Thrash Metal
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Drop Tunings
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
- – Traditional Blues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B-Stock mean for this bass?
B-Stock means this TA-204 FRX is fully functional with zero impact on playability, tone, or structure—it has only minor cosmetic imperfections on the finish or hardware. You get the complete manufacturer warranty and a premium instrument at a significant discount.
Is the 35-inch scale and thin neck right for fast metal playing?
Yes. The thin U-neck contour, 24 extra-jumbo frets, and 400mm fingerboard radius are designed specifically for rapid position shifts and aggressive technique across the extended 35-inch scale, making it ideal for thrash and drop-tuning work.
What kind of tone does the passive pickup setup deliver?
The ESP Designed SB-4 pickups (SB-4N neck, SB-4B bridge) paired with passive Volume/Balance/Tone controls produce a focused, articulate low end with tight sustain and modern aggression—no digital processing, just direct signal transfer through the bolt-on construction.
What tuning range does this bass handle?
Factory-strung with D'Addario XL165 strings (.045/.065/.085/.105), the 35-inch extended scale and robust hardware support standard and drop tunings. The roasted jatoba fingerboard and maple neck provide the stability needed for lower, heavier tunings.
How does this compare to other modern 5-strings in this class?
The TA-204 FRX sits alongside the Schecter Stiletto Custom-5 and Ibanez SR505 as a performer-grade 5-string, but its extended 35-inch scale, thin neck profile, and signature passive electronics make it the choice for players prioritizing speed, sustain, and uncompromising low-end aggression in metal and hard rock.
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