Head to head
ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST vs ESP TA-604 Frx BLACK SATIN
The verdict
The ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST and ESP TA-604 Frx BLACK SATIN are closely matched overall — 77 to 79 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP MLB-4 BLACK BLAST wins on
No standout advantage.
ESP TA-604 Frx BLACK SATIN wins on
- Better value (76 vs 67)
- Lower price ($1,599 vs $2,099)
Scorecard
| Metric | MLB-4 BLACK BLAST | TA-604 Frx BLACK SATIN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 77 | 79 |
| Build | 87 | 87 |
| Playability | 81 | 81 |
| Sound | 68 | 68 |
| Value | 67 | 76 |
Full specifications
| Spec | MLB-4 BLACK BLAST | TA-604 Frx BLACK SATIN |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | ESP |
| Type | Bass | Bass |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | JP |
| Body wood | Swamp Ash | Maple |
| Neck wood | 5Pc Wenge / Purpleheart (Black Satin / Open Pore) | 3Pc Maple |
| Fretboard | Macassar Ebony | Macassar Ebony |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 24 | 24 |
| Scale | 35" | 35" |
| Pickups | Nordstrand Big Splits / Nordstrand Big Splits | EMG 35DC / EMG 35DC |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $2,099 | $1,599 |
| Bridge | Gotoh 404BO-4 | LTD BB-604 |
| Bridge pickup | Nordstrand Big Splits | EMG 35DC |
| Case | B BASS FORM FIT CASE | FRX BASS FORM FIT CASE |
| Case Included | Y | Y |
| Construction | Bolt-On | Neck-Thru |
| Controls | Active | Active |
| Finish | Black Blast | BLACK SATIN |
| Fretboard radius | 400mm | 400mm |
| Hardware | Black | Black |
| Neck pickup | Nordstrand Big Splits | EMG 35DC |
| Neck profile | Extra Thin U | Thin U |
| Nut | Molded | Molded |
| Nut width | 42mm | 40mm |
| Scale length | 35" | 35" |
| Strap Button | Standard | Standard |
| Tuners | Gotoh | Grover |