Choosing among guitars basses here comes down to more than finish: one player may want the lowest listed price, while another may prioritize a particular construction, a new-condition designation, or a distinct signature look. These four right-handed, solid-body basses span a $1,240 listed-price range, so the most useful choice is the one that matches your playing brief rather than simply the highest figure.
Quick take
All four share the basic right-handed solid-body format. The meaningful dividing lines are price placement, condition, wood and fretboard combinations, construction, and visual identity. Listed prices run from $559 to $1,799; decide first whether the lower entry point or a specific build profile matters more to you.
Listed-price comparison
| Bass | Listed price | Build cues | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edwards SGB-115S PYTHON | USD 1,769.00 | Alder body; rosewood fretboard | |
| ESP E-II BTL-4 | USD 1,799.00 | Swamp ash body; ebony fretboard | |
| ESP LTD TA-204 FRX | USD 559.00 | 35-inch scale; 24 extra-jumbo frets | |
| ESP LTD F-4 Black Metal | USD 1,299.00 | Neck-through construction; 35-inch scale |
Decision matrix
- Make the listed price your first filter: Choose the ESP LTD TA-204 FRX Tom Araya Black Satin Electric Bass Guitar B-Stock TA204.
- Start with a new-condition instrument: Focus on the ESP LTD F-4 Black Metal Electric Bass Guitar Black Satin Brand New F4.
- Want an active MIJ bass with a case in the title: The ESP E-II BTL-4 Bass Black MIJ Japan 4-String Active w/ Case - Fully Working fits that brief.
- Looking specifically for PJ naming and the PYTHON finish: The Edwards SGB-115S PYTHON Sexx George Signature MIJ Japan PJ Electric Bass Rare is the focused choice.
Product notes
Edwards SGB-115S PYTHON Sexx George Signature
This used Edwards model is a strong fit when Japanese origin and its specific wood pairing are central to the decision. It combines an alder body with a rosewood fretboard and is identified as right-handed, providing clear construction and orientation details. Those details make it the most natural pick for someone who wants this particular Edwards configuration rather than another black-finish bass. Its limitation is the used condition, which may not match a shopper whose priority is a new designation. The higher end of the listed-price range also makes the distinctive signature presentation the main reason to choose it.
ESP E-II BTL-4 Bass
The ESP E-II BTL-4 is the choice for a player drawn to a clearly defined wood-and-neck specification. Its swamp ash body, ebony fretboard, maple neck, and 24 frets create a distinct set of listed build details within this group. The black finish keeps the appearance direct, while the model's MIJ identification adds to its particular appeal. The limitation is used condition with visible cosmetic wear described on the back, lower back edge, and near the neck joint. Pick this one when those materials and neck details matter more than having a fresh exterior.
ESP LTD TA-204 FRX Tom Araya
The TA-204 FRX brings a Tom Araya and Slayer-oriented identity to the group while also offering a 35-inch scale, basswood body, maple neck, roasted jatoba fingerboard, and 24 extra-jumbo frets. Those listed details give it a purposeful long-scale, metal-focused profile beyond its black satin finish. It is the natural selection for a shopper who wants that combination of signature association and construction at the group's lowest listed price. The trade-off is its B-Stock/open-box designation; the description notes that a cosmetic blemish may be present.
ESP LTD F-4 Black Metal
The F-4 Black Metal is for the player who wants the sculpted F Series body in an all-black Black Metal presentation. Its neck-through-body construction, 35-inch scale, extra-jumbo frets, Macassar ebony fingerboard, and single-pickup layout give it a very specific configuration. Black satin finish, black hardware, and no fretboard inlays further reinforce that visual direction. This is the new-condition option in the comparison, rather than a used or open-box choice. One limitation is that the ESP FRX hard case is priced separately at $235, so the bass's listed price does not include that case.
Final recommendation by use case
Choose the ESP LTD TA-204 FRX when the lowest listed outlay is the deciding factor. Choose the ESP LTD F-4 Black Metal for a new-instrument brief and F Series styling. The ESP E-II BTL-4 is the targeted answer for active electronics and the case named in its title. Select the Edwards SGB-115S PYTHON when the PJ signature identity and PYTHON finish are the reasons you are shopping in the first place.
