Sound & Tone
The swamp ash body and 35-inch scale give the MLB-4 a tight, focused low end with strong note definition, while the wenge/purpleheart neck and Macassar ebony fingerboard add snap and attack. Twin Nordstrand Big Splits pickups voice it punchy and articulate, and the ABQ-3MS three-band EQ with individual pickup volumes lets you dial anything from thick, fundamental-heavy support to cutting midrange bite. It suits aggressive modern rock and metal, hardcore and punk, and any style where a fast, clear-sounding bass needs to stay audible under heavy guitars.
ESP LTD MLB-4 Mike Leon Bass in Black Blast
The MLB-4 is a precision-crafted 4-string bass engineered to capture articulate, modern tone with comfortable ergonomics for extended tracking sessions. Its slim Extra Thin U neck contour and 35-inch scale length enable fast, accurate playing across extended ranges, while the swamp ash body and premium active electronics package ensure clarity and responsiveness that translates clearly to tape and digital recorders in any studio context.
Design & Build Quality
This bass features bolt-on neck construction with a substantial 5-piece wenge/purpleheart neck for tonal stability and sustain. The Macassar ebony fingerboard accommodates 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets on a 400mm radius, providing durability and smooth playability across take after take, while the 42mm nut width and Extra Thin U contour support precise finger positioning and reduced hand fatigue during long recording days.
Tone & Recording Character
Two Nordstrand Big Splits pickups deliver articulate, punchy tone with exceptional clarity across the frequency spectrum, capturing definition that sits well in dense mixes. The ABQ-3MS three-band EQ paired with individual volume controls for each pickup grant extensive sonic shaping, from focused fundamentals to aggressive presence—all powered by active electronics for consistent output, stable signal level, and dynamic range that holds up through editing and processing.
Key Features
- Swamp ash body with Black Blast finish
- 5-piece wenge/purpleheart neck with bolt-on construction
- Macassar ebony fingerboard
- 400mm fingerboard radius
- Extra Thin U neck contour
- 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets
- 35-inch scale length
- 42mm nut width
- Gotoh tuners and Gotoh 404BO-4 hardtail bridge
- Two Nordstrand Big Splits pickups
- Individual pickup volume controls with ABQ-3MS three-band EQ
- Includes B Bass form-fit case and D’Addario XL165 strings
This MLB-4 combines professional-grade construction with versatile active electronics, delivering studio-ready tone across contemporary musical styles and session demands.
