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Best ESP 4-String Heavy Basses 2025

Premium ESP 4-string heavy basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $2,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Metal For Hard Rock For Punk For Heavy Music For Aggressive Playing For High-Gain Amps
BRANDS: ESP
ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal

by ESP
Hard Rock Punk Metal
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • Often more expensive

ESP LTD AP-4 Black MetalElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Macassar ebonyNeck profile: Thin U21 XJ...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 458891
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD M-4 Black Metal BLKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

ESP LTD M-4 Black Metal BLKS

by ESP
High-Gain Amps Metal Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical contexts
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres

ESP LTD M-4 Black Metal BLKSElectric BassBody: Alder3-Piece neck: MapleFingerboard: Macassar ebonyNeck profile: Thin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 604754
$1,319
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD Phoenix-1004 TSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

ESP LTD Phoenix-1004 TSS

by ESP
Hard Rock High-Gain Amps Heavy Music
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD Phoenix-1004 TSSElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: 5-Piece mahogany/walnutNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 548138
$1,649
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK Blast - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK Blast

by ESP
Heavy Music High-Gain Amps Punk
Key Feature:
• Professional heavy sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK BlastElectric BassMike Leon Signature ModelBody: Swamp Ash5-Piece Bolt-on neck: Wenge /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584670
$2,529
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD FL-4 Black Red Burst Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

ESP LTD FL-4 Black Red Burst Satin

by ESP
Heavy Music Metal Aggressive Playing
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres

ESP LTD FL-4 Black Red Burst SatinElectric BassFred LeClercq Signature ModelBody: Alder5-Piece neck-through-body neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 584685
$2,474
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD F-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

ESP LTD F-4

by ESP
Hard Rock Heavy Music Aggressive Playing
Key Feature:
• Modern hardware and electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD F-4Electric BassBody: Mahogany3-Strip neck-through-body neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: extra thin...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 548228
$1,484
Buy at Thomann View Details
ESP LTD Orion 4 Signature BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

ESP LTD Orion 4 Signature BL

by ESP
Heavy Music Punk Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Modern hardware and electronics
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Professional heavy sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • May not suit all musical contexts

ESP LTD Orion 4 Signature BLElectric BassBody: Swamp ashNeck: 3-Piece maple neckNeck binding: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 548124
$2,144
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String Heavy Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 4-string heavy basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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