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Head to head

ESP FL-4 BLACK RED BURST SATIN vs ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST

ESP FL-4 BLACK RED BURST SATIN
Bass$1,899
No ratings yet
76Overall / 100
ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST
Bass$2,099
No ratings yet
77Overall / 100

The verdict

The ESP FL-4 BLACK RED BURST SATIN and ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST are closely matched overall — 76 to 77 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

ESP FL-4 BLACK RED BURST SATIN wins on
  • Better value (73 vs 67)
  • Lower price ($1,899 vs $2,099)
ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST wins on
  • Better sound (68 vs 60)

Scorecard

Estimated scores
MetricFL-4 BLACK RED BURST SATINMLB-4 BLACK BLAST
Overall7677
Build8787
Playability8181
Sound6068
Value7367

Full specifications

Specification comparison
SpecFL-4 BLACK RED BURST SATINMLB-4 BLACK BLAST
BrandESPESP
TypeBassBass
Years——
CountryJPJP
Body woodAlderSwamp Ash
Neck wood5Pc Maple / Purpleheart5Pc Wenge / Purpleheart (Black Satin / Open Pore)
FretboardMacassar EbonyMacassar Ebony
Strings44
Frets2424
Scale34"35"
PickupsEMG 35PNordstrand Big Splits / Nordstrand Big Splits
Rating——
Price$1,899$2,099
BridgeHipshot A StyleGotoh 404BO-4
Bridge pickupEMG 35PNordstrand Big Splits
CaseFL BASS FORM FIT CASEB BASS FORM FIT CASE
Case IncludedYY
ConstructionNeck-ThruBolt-On
ControlsActiveActive
FinishBLACK RED BURST SATINBlack Blast
Fretboard radius400mm400mm
HardwareBlackBlack
Neck profileExtra Thin UExtra Thin U
NutMoldedMolded
Nut width40mm42mm
Scale length34"35"
Strap ButtonStandardStandard
TunersGrover MiniGotoh
Neck pickup—Nordstrand Big Splits

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