• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

ESP Viper 414

Hi folks. Anyone have any experience with this bass? I'm saving up for a new 4 string as I've been using 5's for quite some time now and kinda miss having a 4 string hanging about. This bass has caught my eye but unfortunately I have no option to try one out so I'd be grateful for any opinions on this one. Cheers.
 
I've had this bass for couple of months now and I'm quite pleased with it. Overall finish (paint, construction) is top notch, could be compared to American Fenders. Neck is quite thin, which fits me perfectly.
Soundwise, the active EQ gives you good control over the sound, but you wont get rid of the Vipers own sound, which is guite "metallic" and agressive, at least in my opinion. You can get quite smooth sound of it with the EQ, though I like the agressive tone myself.

Overall, great bass for the prize (I paid a bit over 700€ for mine), and I could recommend it to anyone, if you can handle the agressive sound. Only minus would be a minor dead spot on the 4th fret of the A-string (in EADG-tuning), though it haven't really bothered me.