ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Bass in Natural Stain Finish

The B-204SM is a nimble, expressive fretless that rewards precision and sensitivity from the player. Its extra thin U-shaped neck and roasted jatoba fingerboard invite hours of comfortable playing, while the spalted maple top adds visual appeal to an already refined instrument. This is a serious choice for players seeking articulate fretless tone without compromise.

Playability & Feel

The 5-piece maple/jatoba neck with extra thin U contour delivers minimal hand fatigue during extended sessions, and the 400mm fingerboard radius provides a balanced feel across all positions. The 40mm molded nut maintains comfortable string spacing, while the 24 fret markers on the fretless board guide intonation without the visual clutter of a fretted design.

Tone & Electronics

The passive pickup setup with ESP-designed SB-4N and SB-4B pickups captures the natural resonance of the ash body and spalted maple top, while the active 3-band EQ (volume, balance, and ABQ-3 tone control) provides sculpting power when needed. The LTD BB-604 string-through bridge with black nickel hardware maximizes sustain and clarity, essential for fretless articulation.

Key Features

• Fretless Design with 24 fret markers for intuitive intonation reference
• Bolt-On Construction for reliable sustain and resonance
• 34" Scale — standard bass scale for balanced tension and traditional feel
• Ash Body with spalted maple top for tonal clarity and visual character
• 5-Piece Maple/Jatoba Neck — stable, durable, and responsive
• Roasted Jatoba Fingerboard — naturally durable without finish, ideal for fretless playing
• Extra Thin U Neck Contour for reduced hand fatigue and modern playability
• Passive Electronics with Active 3-Band EQ — flexible tone shaping with plug-and-play simplicity
• LTD BB-604 String-Through Bridge with black nickel hardware
• D'Addario XL165 Strings (.045/.065/.085/.105) included

The B-204SM combines refined ergonomics, expressive electronics, and a distinctive visual aesthetic—a fretless bass built for players who understand the instrument's demands and rewards.