ESP LTD D-4 Black Natural Burst Satin (Open Box)

The ESP LTD D-4 Black Natural Burst Satin is a versatile four-string electric bass designed for players who want professional-style construction, powerful active tone shaping and effortless access across the entire fingerboard.

Its seven-piece maple and jatoba neck runs through the mahogany body, creating a solid, responsive feel with excellent sustain. A richly figured burled poplar top gives each instrument its own distinctive appearance, enhanced by the dark Black Natural Burst Satin finish and matching black hardware.

Two ESP Designed SB-4 passive humbuckers provide a clear, punchy foundation, while the active ABQ-3 three-band EQ allows detailed control over the bass, middle and treble frequencies. From deep modern lows to articulate fingerstyle sounds and aggressive picked tones, the D-4 can adapt to a wide range of musical settings.

This example is offered in open-box condition and has been inspected by the Fair Deal Music team before sale.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	ESP LTD
Model	D-4
Finish	Black Natural Burst Satin
Instrument Type	Four-string electric bass guitar
Condition	Open Box
Construction	Neck-through-body
Body	Mahogany with burled poplar top
Scale Length	34 inches
Pickups	Two ESP Designed SB-4 humbuckers
Electronics	Active three-band EQ
Main Appeal	Neck-through construction with versatile active tones
Best For	Rock, metal, alternative, funk, studio work and live performance
Skill Level	Intermediate and advanced

Condition Overview

Open Box Condition

This instrument has had its original packaging opened and may have been handled for inspection, photography, demonstration or display purposes. It is not being sold as a factory-sealed example.

The bass has been checked by the Fair Deal Music team and is supplied ready to play. Please examine the product photographs carefully, as they show the exact cosmetic condition of the instrument available.

What’s Included?

• ESP LTD D-4 Black Natural Burst Satin bass guitar

• No case or gig bag is included

Condition Notes

Any signs of handling or cosmetic imperfections associated with its open-box status are represented in the product photographs.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has inspected the D-4’s pickups, active EQ, controls, output, tuning machines, bridge, neck, fingerboard and general playability.

The electronics have been tested to ensure that the volume, pickup balance and three-band EQ controls operate correctly. The instrument has also been checked for stable tuning and consistent performance across the fingerboard.

Service and Setup Work Performed

The bass has received a general inspection, tuning check and playability assessment before being offered for sale.

Individual setup preferences can vary according to playing technique, preferred string height, string gauge and tuning.

Why Choose the ESP LTD D-4?

Neck-Through Construction

The D-4 uses a seven-piece maple and jatoba neck that extends through the centre of the body rather than being bolted or glued into a separate neck pocket.

This creates a direct connection throughout the instrument, supporting excellent sustain, consistent resonance and smooth access to the highest frets.

Mahogany Body with Burled Poplar Top

Mahogany body wings give the D-4 a strong fundamental response with a full and controlled low end.

The burled poplar top provides dramatic natural figuring beneath the Black Natural Burst Satin finish. As the figuring varies naturally, each bass has its own individual visual character.

Dual ESP Designed SB-4 Pickups

The D-4 is equipped with ESP Designed SB-4N and SB-4B passive humbucking pickups.

These pickups deliver a powerful, clear response with reduced unwanted noise. Blending between them allows the player to move from warmer, rounder neck-position sounds to tighter and more defined bridge-pickup tones.

Active ABQ-3 Three-Band EQ

ESP’s active ABQ-3 preamp provides independent control over the bass, middle and treble frequencies.

This makes it possible to shape the D-4 for different amplifiers, venues, recording situations and musical styles without relying entirely on external equipment.

Boost the low frequencies for a larger modern bass sound, emphasise the middle frequencies for additional presence or add treble for greater attack and definition.

Five-Control Layout

The D-4 provides dedicated controls for:

• Master volume

• Pickup balance

• Bass EQ

• Middle EQ

• Treble EQ

This layout offers detailed tonal adjustment while remaining intuitive enough for quick changes during rehearsals, performances and recording sessions.

Comfortable Thin U Neck

ESP’s Thin U neck profile provides a smooth and manageable playing feel.

It is substantial enough to feel stable under the hand while remaining streamlined for fast position changes, technical passages and extended playing sessions.

Full Two-Octave Fingerboard

The roasted jatoba fingerboard features 24 extra-jumbo frets, providing a full two-octave range on every string.

This extended range is particularly useful for melodic bass parts, soloing, upper-register chords and modern progressive playing.

String-Through Bridge

The LTD BB-604 bridge allows the strings to be routed through the body.

This provides a secure anchor point and contributes to the bass’s solid, responsive feel. The bridge also offers the adjustment needed for accurate intonation and comfortable string height.

Grover Tuning Machines

Grover bass tuners provide smooth, dependable adjustment and stable tuning.

They complement the D-4’s performance-focused design and make precise tuning changes easy both on stage and in the studio.

Why Choose a Neck-Through Bass Guitar?

A neck-through bass uses a central neck section that continues through the body of the instrument. The outer body sections are attached to this central structure.

This design removes the traditional neck joint and creates a smooth transition into the upper register. Players who regularly use the full fingerboard may find this particularly comfortable.

Neck-through construction is also associated with:

• Strong sustain

• Consistent resonance

• Excellent upper-fret access

• A stable and connected playing feel

• Smooth note response across the fingerboard

For touring, recording and technically demanding playing, these qualities make the D-4 a highly capable instrument.

Who Is It For?

Intermediate Players

The D-4 is an excellent upgrade for progressing bassists who want to explore active electronics, neck-through construction and a broader tonal range.

Advanced Players

Experienced musicians will appreciate its upper-fret access, detailed EQ system and ability to adapt quickly to different live and studio requirements.

Rock and Metal Bassists

The strong output, extended sustain and controllable midrange make the D-4 particularly effective for distorted guitars, lower tunings and dense arrangements.

Recording Musicians

Its active three-band EQ allows tones to be shaped before the signal reaches an amplifier, audio interface or recording console.

Versatile Live Performers

Players working across several musical styles can use the pickup balance and EQ controls to make fast tonal adjustments between songs.

Sound and Playing Character

The D-4 combines a strong fundamental low end with clear note definition and an articulate attack.

Blending towards the neck pickup produces a fuller and rounder sound that works well for fingerstyle playing, sustained notes and traditional bass parts.

Moving towards the bridge pickup creates a tighter response with greater midrange definition, making it useful for faster passages, picked playing and bass lines that need to remain clearly audible within a busy mix.

The active EQ can then be used to refine either pickup blend for a wide range of sounds, including:

• Deep modern bass tones

• Clear fingerstyle sounds

• Aggressive picked rock bass

• Defined progressive and metal tones

• Mid-focused studio sounds

• Bright slap-style articulation

• Warm supporting bass lines

Black Natural Burst Satin Finish

The Black Natural Burst Satin finish darkens towards the edges while allowing the natural figuring of the burled poplar top to remain visible through the centre.

Its satin surface gives the instrument a smooth, understated appearance rather than a highly reflective gloss finish.

Combined with the black bridge, tuners, control knobs and pickups, it gives the D-4 a modern aesthetic that feels equally suited to professional stages and studio environments.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	ESP LTD
Series	D Series
Model	D-4
Orientation	Right-handed
Instrument Type	Four-string electric bass guitar
Finish	Black Natural Burst Satin
Body Shape	Double cutaway
Construction	Neck-through-body
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Burled poplar
Neck Material	Seven-piece maple and jatoba
Neck Profile	Thin U
Neck Finish	Satin
Scale Length	34 inches / approximately 864mm
Fingerboard Material	Roasted jatoba
Fingerboard Radius	400mm
Fingerboard Inlays	Offset dot inlays
Number of Frets	24
Fret Size	Extra jumbo
Nut Width	40mm
Nut Type	Moulded
Neck Pickup	ESP Designed SB-4N humbucker
Bridge Pickup	ESP Designed SB-4B humbucker
Pickup Type	Passive
Preamp	ESP ABQ-3 active three-band EQ
Controls	Volume, pickup balance, bass, middle and treble
Bridge	LTD BB-604 with string-through-body routing
Tuning Machines	Grover
Hardware Colour	Black
Number of Strings	Four
Factory Tuning	E standard
Factory Strings	D’Addario XL165
Factory String Gauges	.045, .065, .085 and .105

Power Requirements

The ESP ABQ-3 active preamp requires a 9V battery.

To preserve battery life, the instrument cable should be unplugged from the bass when it is not in use.

ESP LTD D-4 Compared with Other Bass Guitars

Compared with the ESP LTD B-204SM

The B-204SM uses a bolt-on neck and a spalted maple-topped ash body, giving it a different feel and tonal foundation.

The D-4’s neck-through construction provides smoother upper-fret access and a more continuous connection between the neck and body.

Both models provide dual ESP Designed pickups and active EQ, but the D-4 is aimed at players who specifically value neck-through construction.

Compared with the ESP LTD D-5

The D-5 shares the D-4’s neck-through design, active electronics and distinctive construction but adds a low B string.

The D-4 is the better choice for players who prefer the familiar spacing, lighter feel and traditional range of a four-string bass.

The D-5 suits musicians who require additional low-range notes without changing tuning.

Compared with a Passive Four-String Bass

A conventional passive bass usually provides a simpler control layout and does not require a battery.

The D-4’s active EQ offers considerably more control over the frequency response, making it easier to adapt the instrument to different rooms, amplifiers and musical styles.

Compared with a Bolt-On Bass

A bolt-on bass can provide a pronounced attack and traditional playing response.

The D-4’s neck-through construction instead prioritises sustain, smooth upper-register access and a connected feel across the instrument.

Pairs Perfectly With

The ESP LTD D-4 works particularly well with:

• High-powered bass amplifiers

• Modern bass cabinets

• Audio interfaces and recording equipment

• Compressor pedals

• Bass overdrive and distortion pedals

• Multi-effects processors

• Drop-tuning and pitch-shifting effects

• Strap locks for live performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the pickups active?

The ESP Designed SB-4 pickups are passive humbuckers. They feed an active ABQ-3 preamp, which provides the three-band EQ.

What does the pickup balance control do?

The balance control blends between the neck and bridge pickups. Turning it in either direction emphasises one pickup, while the centre position combines both.

Can the D-4 be used for slap bass?

Yes. The active treble and bass controls can produce a bright, defined response with strong low-frequency impact for slap and pop techniques.

Is it suitable for metal?

Yes. Its strong output, clear note definition and adjustable midrange make it particularly effective for rock, progressive music and metal.

Can it produce warmer traditional bass tones?

Yes. Blending towards the neck pickup and reducing the treble produces a smoother, rounder response suitable for more traditional bass parts.

Is the D-4 suitable for recording directly into an interface?

Yes. Its active preamp provides a strong, adjustable output that can work very effectively when connected directly to a suitable instrument input.

What is the advantage of the 400mm fingerboard radius?

The relatively flat 400mm radius supports fast playing, wide string bends and a consistent feel across the fingerboard.

Can the strings be fitted through the bridge rather than the body?

The LTD BB-604 design supports string-through-body installation. Stringing method and compatibility should be considered when selecting replacement strings.

Is this bass suitable for alternative tunings?

Yes. Its stable bridge and 34-inch scale make it suitable for alternative tunings. A setup and heavier strings may be required for substantially lowered tunings.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The ESP LTD D-4 Black Natural Burst Satin is a highly capable modern bass that combines neck-through construction, versatile electronics and impressive visual detailing.

Its dual SB-4 humbuckers provide a clear and powerful foundation, while the active three-band EQ gives players enough control to handle everything from warm supporting lines to aggressive rock and metal tones. The Thin U neck, 24 extra-jumbo frets and smooth upper-fret access make it equally comfortable for traditional bass duties and more technical playing.

For bassists seeking a distinctive four-string with professional-style construction and extensive tonal flexibility, this open-box D-4 represents excellent value.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think. We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available. It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.