Head to head
ESP Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN vs Gibson Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass, Ebony
The verdict
The ESP Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN comes out ahead overall — 78 to 71 on our estimated score.
Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.
ESP Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN wins on
- Better playability (81 vs 72)
- Better sound (68 vs 60)
- Better value (68 vs 61)
- Lower price ($6,499 vs $6,999)
Gibson Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass, Ebony wins on
No standout advantage.
Scorecard
| Metric | Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN | Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass, Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 71 |
| Build | 91 | 87 |
| Playability | 81 | 72 |
| Sound | 68 | 60 |
| Value | 68 | 61 |
Full specifications
| Spec | Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN | Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass, Ebony |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | Gibson |
| Type | Bass | Bass |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | US |
| Body wood | Alder | Mahogany |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Maple | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Indian Rosewood |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 24 | 20 |
| Scale | 35" | 30.5" |
| Pickups | EMG 35DC / EMG 35DC | Rhythm SG Bass |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $6,499 | $6,999 |
| Bridge | Gotoh 404BO-4 | Kluson High Mass |
| Bridge pickup | EMG 35DC | Rhythm SG Bass |
| Case | FRX BASS FORM FIT CASE | Gene Simmons EB-0 Bass Hardshell with Gene Simmons Signature Reproduction |
| Case Included | Y | — |
| Construction | Neck-Thru | — |
| Controls | Active | Master Volume, Master Tone; CTS Potentiometers, Ceramic Capacitor |
| Finish | Black Satin | Chrome VOS |
| Fretboard radius | 400mm | 304.8mm / 12.0in |
| Hardware | Black | — |
| Neck pickup | EMG 35DC | — |
| Neck profile | Thin U | — |
| Nut | Graphite | Corian |
| Nut width | 40mm | 40.64mm / 1.6in |
| Scale length | 35" | 774.7mm / 30.5in |
| Strap Button | ESP Strap Lock | — |
| Tuners | Gotoh | Grover Mini Bass |
| Accessories | — | Certificate of Authenticity |
| Binding | — | Single-ply White, Top |
| Body Finish | — | Nitrocellulose VOS |
| Body shape | — | EB-0 |
| Body Styles | — | EB |
| Control Knobs | — | Black Speed |
| Fretboard inlay | — | Acrylic Dot |
| Fret Count | — | 20 |
| Headstock | — | Silver Gene Simmons Logo on Back of Headstock |
| Headstock Inlay | — | Gibson Logo and Crown in Mother of Pearl |
| Joint | — | Glued In, Set Neck; Hide Glue Fit |
| Model | — | BSGSEB0EBCH1 |
| Output Jack | — | 1/4" Switchcraft |
| Pickguard | — | Gene Simmons EB-0, Black 4-ply |
| Pickup Covers | — | Chrome, with Chrome EB-0 Hand Rest Over Bridge |
| Profile | — | Gene Simmons 1959 EB-0 |
| Strap Buttons | — | Aluminum |
| String gauges | — | .045, .065, .085, .105 |
| Tailpiece | — | String Ferrules, Top and Back |
| Truss rod | — | Standard |
| Truss Rod Cover | — | Non Vintage; Gene Hot Stamp in White |
| Tuner Plating | — | Chrome VOS |