Head to head
ESP Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN vs Jackson USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB V
The verdict
The ESP Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN comes out ahead overall — 78 to 68 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 build (91 vs 71)
- Better playability (81 vs 72)
- Better value (68 vs 58)
Jackson USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB V wins on
- Lower price ($6,000 vs $6,499)
Scorecard
| Metric | Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN | USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB V |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 68 |
| Build | 91 | 71 |
| Playability | 81 | 72 |
| Sound | 68 | 68 |
| Value | 68 | 58 |
Full specifications
| Spec | Tom Araya Frx BLACK SATIN | USA Signature David Ellefson Concert Bass CB V |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ESP | Jackson |
| Type | Bass | Bass |
| Years | — | — |
| Country | JP | — |
| Body wood | Alder | Alder |
| Neck wood | 3Pc Maple | Quartersawn Maple |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Strings | 4 | 4 |
| Frets | 24 | 21 |
| Scale | 35" | 34" |
| Pickups | EMG 35DC / EMG 35DC | EMG® 40CS / EMG® 40DC |
| Rating | — | — |
| Price | $6,499 | $6,000 |
| Bridge | Gotoh 404BO-4 | Jackson HiMass™ |
| Bridge pickup | EMG 35DC | EMG® 40DC |
| Case | FRX BASS FORM FIT CASE | — |
| Case Included | Y | — |
| Construction | Neck-Thru | Neck-Through-Body with Graphite Reinforcement and Scarf Joint |
| Controls | Active | Volume, Blend, High, Low, Mid |
| Finish | Black Satin | Satin Silver |
| Fretboard radius | 400mm | 12"-16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Hardware | Black | — |
| Neck pickup | EMG 35DC | EMG® 40CS |
| Neck profile | Thin U | — |
| Nut | Graphite | Graphite |
| Nut width | 40mm | 1.75" (44.45 mm) |
| Scale length | 35" | 34" (86.36 cm) |
| Strap Button | ESP Strap Lock | — |
| Tuners | Gotoh | Hipshot® Non-Locking |
| Body Binding | — | Black |
| Body Finish | — | Satin |
| Body shape | — | Concert™ Bass |
| Commodity Code | — | 9207901000 |
| Control Knobs | — | Dome-Style |
| Fret Size | — | Jumbo |
| Hardware Finish | — | Black |
| Headstock | — | Jackson® Pointed 5-In-Line |
| Headstock Binding | — | White |
| Neck Binding | — | White |
| Neck Finish | — | Hand-Rubbed Urethane |
| Neck Plate | — | None |
| Orientation | — | Right-Hand |
| Pickguard | — | None |
| Position Inlays | — | Outlined Sharkfin |
| Product Name | — | USA Signature David Ellefson Concert™ Bass CB V, Ebony Fingerboard, Satin Silver |
| Saddle Height Wrench | — | Yes |
| Series | — | Artist Signature |
| Special Electronics | — | Active Electronics |
| Strap Buttons | — | Standard |
| String Nut | — | Graphite |
| Switching | — | Blend Control |
| Truss rod | — | Dual-Action |
| Truss Rod Nut | — | Truss Rod Adjustment at Nut |
| Truss Rod Wrench | — | Yes |