Head to head
ESP B-204DX Black Burst vs Schecter Riot-8 Session
The verdict
The ESP B-204DX Black Burst comes out ahead overall — 80 to 68 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP B-204DX Black Burst wins on
- Better build (87 vs 65)
- Better playability (81 vs 75)
- Better value (83 vs 66)
- Lower price ($549 vs $899)
Schecter Riot-8 Session wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | B-204DX Black Burst | Riot-8 Session |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 68 |
| Build | 87 | 65 |
| Playability | 81 | 75 |
| Sound | 68 | 68 |
| Value | 83 | 66 |
Full specifications
| Spec | B-204DX Black Burst | Riot-8 Session |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | Schecter |
| Type | Bass | Bass |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | — |
| Body wood | Poplar | Swamp Ash |
| Neck wood | Roasted Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Maple |
| Strings | 4 | 8 |
| Frets | 24 | 24 |
| Scale | 34" | 34" |
| Pickups | ESP SB-4N / ESP SB-4B | EMG 35J / EMG 35DC |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $549 | $899 |
| Bridge | LTD DB-4 | Schecter Custom Bass String Thru (or Top Load) |
| Bridge pickup | ESP SB-4B | EMG 35DC |
| Case | B BASS FORM FIT CASE | — |
| Case Included | N | — |
| Construction | Bolt-On | Bolt-on |
| Controls | Volume/Balance/Bass/Treble | Master Volume/Blend/3-Band EMG Active E/Q |
| Finish | Black Burst | — |
| Fretboard radius | 400mm | 12" (305mm) |
| Hardware | Black | Black |
| Neck pickup | ESP SB-4N | EMG 35J |
| Neck profile | Thin U | "C" |
| Nut | Molded | Graph Tech XL Black Tusq |
| Nut width | 40mm | 1.574" (40mm) |
| Scale length | 34" | 34" (863mm) |
| Strap Button | Standard | — |
| Tuners | LTD | Grover |
| Battery Compartment | — | 18-volt w/Screw Plate |
| Dexterity | — | Right Handed |
| Fretboard inlay | — | Ebony Side Blocks |
| Guitar Colors | — | Aged Natural Satin (ANS) |
| Knobs | — | Metal Knurled w/ Set Screw |
| Thickness | — | @ 1st Fret- .826" (21mm)/ @ 12th Fret- .905" (23mm) |
| Top Contour | — | Flat Top w/Bevel Edge |
| Truss rod | — | 2-Way Adjustable Rod w/ 5/32" (4mm) Allen Nut |