Yamaha BB3000

[Alex1984]

Yes, I've done my research on these basses already, here and on Google. I'm wondering what people's views on them are currently. Between the few variants of this bass, which one do people seem to like best, BB3000, BB3000A, BB3000S, or maybe the reverse PJ BB2000? Also, I read somewhere that these things have a special machine head that allows the torque to be adjusted, how exactly does one do that?

[Alex1984]

No one?

[Spaldo]

I'm trying to track down an original 80's (passive) BB3000..... I nearly bought a 3000A recently but I'm not a fan of Yamaha's active electronics

I've owned a bunch of Yamaha BB's, and I think the adjustment you're referring to was done with a small crescent shaped tool (supplied) which tightened a ring on the shaft of the tuner. Pain in the arse if you lost the tool....

[Alex1984]

How are the passive ones? I happened upon a white BB3000S, all original in pretty good condition for the age.

[Spaldo]

http://youtu.be/mfP0E2-0FFs

Check the tones on this baby....

[JacobWhaler]

These basses are super cool!

[Alex1984]

It plays pretty nice, didn't get to hear it through an amp though, how do the pickups sound?

I started playing on an RBX370, so I have a soft spot for Yamahas.

[bassclef112]

Originally Posted by Alex1984

Yes, I've done my research on these basses already, here and on Google. I'm wondering what people's views on them are currently. Between the few variants of this bass, which one do people seem to like best, BB3000, BB3000A, BB3000S, or maybe the reverse PJ BB2000? Also, I read somewhere that these things have a special machine head that allows the torque to be adjusted, how exactly does one do that?

I have an '84 BB3000S and I love it. It's one of my favorites. They come and go with some regularity, but when I bought mine there was a BB drought so I wound up buying on the high side. No regrets, as it is in excellent condition and is easily worth it to me. The passive P/J setup is voiced extremelt well, like a P/J on steroids, with V-V-T. Big & fat, clear & punchy and combinations thereof easily achieved. Build fit and finish is first class. These were Yamaha's top of the line in their day and it's clear why.

Yes, the machines can be adjusted for resistance. There's a little collar that turns and originally required a specially shaped wrench (don't bother trying to find one of those if you don't have one). It can still be easily adjusted - a pair of needlnose pliers with a piece of cloth covering the jaws so you don't scratch the finish will do the trick and get it however you want it.

If you can grab one of these basses at $500 or less it's a great bang for the buck.

[homey]

I have a BB3000S in black finish. I am not sure about the age but it looks pretty clean. I got it last year for $200 USD. It came with the OHSC and a leather strap. It is my main gear now. I love those passive ones more than others from Yamaha. MIJ build is needless to say, top quality. Sound of 4 strings are very balance. Tone adjustment is easy. This one made me believe neck-thru is the only way to go for basses.

[Joebone]

I've had a couple of BB2000 and two BB3000 - one passive, the the other an active fretless.

Did not care for the electronics on the active.

The passive basses are excellent instruments - great design, great quality control.

The 2000 has that reverse P/J, which is very effective. The 2000 only has a three-way toggle for PU selection, but that could be converted to V/V/T if one wished. IME, the 2000's are heavier than the 3000, but also sound a bit better - probably a function of both body mass and that reverse P/J.

I regret selling one 2000 in particular. It weighed a ton, but had a beautiful, blooming sound.

I do have a fretless BB2000 on the premises - a very fine axe. I mostly play five-string, but this one is going nowhere...with flats, it provides a good emulation of an upright.