Choosing between these ESP LTD electric basses comes down to more than the body shape: the JC-4 is a new, bolt-on John Campbell signature model, while the Phoenix-1004 is a Certified-Refurbished B-Stock bass with neck-through construction. The decision is whether the JC-4's specified hardware and Stream-inspired format or the Phoenix-1004's construction and electronics better match what you want from a 34-inch bass.
Quick verdict
Pick the ESP LTD JC-4 John Campbell Streamer Bass if a new-condition bass, bolt-on construction, a swamp ash body, and Hipshot Ultralight tuners are the priority. Its dark grey metallic satin finish and John Campbell signature designation give it a distinctly focused identity.
Choose the ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass Guitar when neck-through construction, a five-piece mahogany and walnut neck, stainless-steel frets, and Fishman Fluence SB-1 active pickups matter more. The listed-price spread between the two is $869.01, so condition and construction are central to this choice as well.
At-a-glance comparison
| Detail | ESP LTD JC-4 John Campbell Streamer Bass | ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 2,099.00 | USD 1,229.99 |
| Condition | New | Certified - Refurbished |
| Construction | Bolt-on | Neck-through-body |
| Scale and fingerboard | 34-inch scale; Macassar ebony; 21 extra-jumbo frets | 34-inch scale; Macassar ebony; 21 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets |
| Listed finish | Dark Grey Metallic Satin | Silver Sunburst Satin |
Where each bass stands out
The JC-4 centers on its signature Stream format. Its swamp ash body joins a five-piece maple and purple heart neck with a thin-U contour. Split block inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers add specific visual appointments, while the listed Hipshot Ultralight tuners make its hardware package a key reason to consider it.
The Phoenix-1004 emphasizes its neck-through layout and component list. It pairs mahogany body wings with a five-piece mahogany and walnut neck, plus a brushed black pickguard, reverse headstock, LTD vintage tuners, and Gotoh 201B-4 bridge. Its Fishman Fluence SB-1 active pickups distinguish it from the JC-4's stated specification.
Product notes
ESP LTD JC-4 John Campbell Streamer Bass - Dark Grey Metallic Satin
The JC-4 is the clearer fit for a shopper seeking a new ESP electric bass built around the John Campbell signature model. Its 34-inch bolt-on design combines a swamp ash body with a five-piece maple and purple heart neck, and it carries a Macassar ebony fingerboard with split block inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers. Hipshot Ultralight tuners are another concrete reason to favor this model, alongside the dark grey metallic satin finish and Stream body shape. The main limitation is its position at the higher listed price of the two choices. Choose it when the new condition, bolt-on construction, and its particular signature styling outweigh the price gap.
ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass Guitar - Silver Sunburst Satin - B-Stock
The Phoenix-1004 makes the strongest case for players drawn to neck-through-body construction and a feature set that includes Fishman Fluence SB-1 active pickups. Its five-piece mahogany and walnut neck is paired with mahogany body wings, a satin neck-back finish, and a Macassar ebony fingerboard carrying 21 extra-jumbo stainless-steel frets. Details such as the reverse headstock, brushed black pickguard, LTD vintage tuners, and Gotoh 201B-4 bridge give this silver sunburst satin bass a separate visual and component direction from the JC-4. Its key limitation is the Certified-Refurbished condition and B-Stock designation rather than new condition. Choose it when those listed construction and pickup details are your priority.
Final choice by use case
Go with the ESP LTD JC-4 John Campbell Streamer Bass for a new-condition signature bass with bolt-on construction, a swamp ash body, and Hipshot Ultralight tuners. Select the ESP LTD PHOENIX-1004 Bass Guitar for its neck-through-body design, stainless-steel frets, and Fishman Fluence SB-1 active pickups, provided its Certified-Refurbished B-Stock status suits your preference.
