Two basses at very different listed prices can make the choice feel bigger than it needs to be. The Glarry GMB101 is a new, short-scale acoustic-electric bass with a 30-inch scale and a basswood body. The ESP LTD B-1004 is a used, multi-scale electric bass with a swamp ash body, ziricote top, and Nordstrand Big Splits pickups. This head-to-head separates the two so you can decide which one fits your hands, sound, and playing goals.
Quick verdict
If you want a lighter, easier-to-reach acoustic-electric bass with a built-in control section, the Glarry GMB101 is the short-scale pick. If you want a multi-scale fretboard, active three-band EQ, and professional-grade performance, the ESP LTD B-1004 is the extended-control pick. The right call depends on whether comfort or tonal headroom matters more.
At a glance
| Product | Listed price | Body construction | Scale and neck | Electronics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glarry GMB101 | USD 108.99 () | Solid basswood body | 30-inch short scale, maple neck, rosewood fretboard | Bass, middle, treble, and presence sliders with volume knob |
| ESP LTD B-1004 | USD 1,449.00 () | Swamp ash body with ziricote top, solid electric | Multi-scale fretboard, wenge/purple heart neck | Nordstrand Big Splits pickups and 3-band active EQ |
Where the Glarry wins
The Glarry GMB101 stands out on reach and weight. Its 30-inch short scale makes fretting less of a stretch, and the basswood body keeps the total weight under 5 lbs. The rosewood fretboard and maple neck are matched to a single cutaway for easier upper-fret access. It also comes with a gig bag, strap, instrument cable, and picks, so you have the basics covered from day one.
Where the ESP wins
The ESP LTD B-1004 wins on tonal range and hardware. The multi-scale fretboard is designed to balance string tension from the low strings to the high strings. Nordstrand Big Splits pickups feed a 3-band active EQ, while the Hipshot Solo bridge and Gotoh tuners hold the setup together. A TKL padded gig bag is included, and the instrument shows little to no play wear.
Product notes
Glarry GMB101 Black Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar
The Glarry GMB101 is built around comfort. The 30-inch short scale keeps the neck friendly, and the basswood body weighs just under 5 lbs. The rosewood fretboard and maple neck give it a familiar acoustic feel, and the single cutaway helps when you climb toward higher frets. Electronics include bass, middle, treble, and presence sliders plus a volume knob. It ships with a gig bag, strap, cable, and picks, which makes it a straightforward choice for a first acoustic-electric bass. The limitation to keep in mind: the electronics require a 9V battery, and this is a short-scale acoustic-electric rather than a multi-scale electric.
ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale 4 String Electric Bass Guitar - Natural
The ESP LTD B-1004 is aimed at players who want a more involved setup. The multi-scale fretboard balances string tension across the fingerboard, and the swamp ash body with ziricote top pairs with a wenge/purple heart neck. Nordstrand Big Splits pickups and a 3-band active EQ give you extensive tonal shaping, and the Hipshot Solo bridge plus Gotoh tuners are built for reliable performance. A TKL padded gig bag is included, and the used instrument is in excellent, near-mint condition. The trade-offs are the much higher listed price and the right-handed multi-scale layout, which may take time to feel natural if you have played only a straight-scale bass.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Glarry GMB101 when you want a 30-inch short scale, a lighter basswood body, and the option to play acoustically or run through an amp. Choose the ESP LTD B-1004 when multi-scale ergonomics, active electronics, and a fuller control setup matter more than a compact scale and lighter weight. Both are right-handed 4-string basses, but they solve very different playing problems.
