ESP LTD Viper-304

Made in Korea, 21 frets.
2 active EMG humbuckers. sounds good for a metal tone, though i replaced the bridge pickup with an EMG with more low end to get a heavier sound out of it. i replaced the ESP tuning keys with grovers, due to damafe i inflicted on it onstage. In my opinion the ESP tuning keys were equally as good.

It was used in a screamo band and suited them just find before it was sold to me and used in a tech metal band (in vain of dillinger escape plan) and fitted each style perfectly. very versitile. the stock emgs's sounded great and putting in a new pickup was a simple task.

this thing has undergone relentless touring and literally been electricuted and beaten to hell and it shows in the buzzing. after a setup it sounds real nice but i've found this needs set ups a little more often then other basses i've used in the past.

it feels great to play and is solid as a rock. the body and input has been heavily abused onstage but it doesnt hurt the sound, it stands up to beatings more than anything else i've used. highly durable through relentless touring.

i have been playing for 3 years, guitar for 5. i own an ampeg 810, ampeg svt2pro head, with rack units. this bass is a fine addition and i would absolutel buy it again, though probably the next model up (viper 404)

2004, made in Korea, 4 strings,sort of "skewed EB/SG shape" mahogany body, set maple neck, 21 frets rosewood fingerboard, white binding on headstock and 'board.
2x EMG HZ passive humbuckers, 3 band EMG active EQ.
String thru or string anchor in bridge.
Decent, fat, 34'' scale neck, wish it wasn't painted but I keep a rag handy at gigs to wipe down.
Very heavy bass. Didn't come with case, bought a gig bag to get it home(ritter....excellent bag!)
Gets a ten because of the string thru/set neck/pickup blend/eq nd graphite nut and hipshot type bridge!

Very versatile sound wise, the eq cut/boost is very broad ranging and kicks out alot of signal, the humbuckers are lovely and quiet hiss wise, but lots of output even with eq knobs set flat.
Actually, set flat it's natural tone is quite scooped and a good slap tone can be gotten with just the bass into a d.i. box (behringer) into my pc!!
A little hiss when treble is rolled right on, but it's managable.
Roll on middle a little and a good "honk" can be had playing fingerstyle by the bridge.
It cuts the band well and I can get any sounds I might need and alot I don't too!
Excellent sustain, actually best I ever got on a bass!
Gets a nine just because of the hiss on the high freq!

Action was a little high and still some fret buzz on 2-3rd frets, came with 45-100 strings.
I fitted 50-110, filed the nut a little, lowered the action and no truss-rod adjustment was needed because the heavier strings pulled some neck relief in.
No flaws/marks or any untidy build at all.
This is my first Korean instrument, and I'm impressed. The build quality is the best of all my instruments.
The pots feel lovely and robust, not light and cheap, and the jack socket is reasuringly positive.
If I really had to pick fault, the nut potruded slightly on the treble side, but you'd really have to be nit picking to find it!
Fretboard was a little dry, oiled it with some lizard spit orange oil and it's lovely.
Tuners feel very reliable, had it about 7months now and they're still tight.
Paint is very resistant to scratches and bangs.
I beat on it when I play,but I look after it otherwise!

It is very durable and solid.
I gig it as often as I can, it has replaced my stingray for now because it seems like it will last longer, and I bought it as a "beater", but it's so great sounding I use it more anyhow.
I replaced the strap buttons with schaller strap locks, black, like the hardware.
I do gig it with no back up...just a spare set of strings!
9 because I replaced strap buttons, it is a very heavy bass and I wouldn't like to drop it!

never tried, it has a warranty card, says it was inspected in USA and has support details on it.
Haven't needed anything yet!

Played for 12 years mainly guitar.
Have a MM stingray and a peavey cirrus too, this Ltd. does what they do, and then some!
I tried maybe 50 basses, but this one was value for money!
I use it bass-crybaby wah-bassballs-marshall jackhammer-boss ceb3-boss 7 band bass eq-boss limiter/enhancer-behringer mic 200(on the valve setting!) then into my Hartke combo, I leave the basses onboard eq flat,and mostly use the both pups on, maybe rolling to the neck when I need to take some treble out!
I am very pleased with this bass!
If it were stolen I'd cry.Lots.