The following is IMO... and feel free to ask questions... happy reading...
NB: Yes... I have played the Japanese Yamaha Super BB 2024x and the Yamaha BB 1024x (which I now own... I'll post pics soon)...
Justified Hype
In 2010, Yamaha announced the resurrection of an iconic 80s instrument, the BB or Broad Bass. These hardy Japanese monsters graced the hands of great session players like Nathan East and other band-orientated notables including Billy Sheehan, Paul McCartney and Tony Kanal. The BB became a pet project for Yamaha long before 2010 and endorsee-artist input was used extensively throughout the development period (according to Yamahas YouTube channel, representatives at NAMM 2010/2011 and statements made on their website).
Listen here (YouTube - yamahacorporation's Channel - and search BB Bass) to the likes of Lee Sklar, Nathan East, James Lomenzo, Marco Mendoza and Glenn Hughes sing the praises of these basses and despite the fact that most will think
Well, the check is in the mail not to mention the free bass; and, while were on the subject, doesnt Lee Sklar advocate the sheer brilliance of Dingwall basses? Oh, and dont get me started about James Lomenzos rampant endorsement jumping
All valid points but your rational scepticism is better off left in check, at least until this bass is actually in your funky paws.
Unfortunately, Yamahas advertorial hype failed to align with production or availability timelines and while curious bassists spied Michael Anthony and Justin Meldal-Johnson pumping out the low-end on a range of prototype Super BBs many in the bass community were left wondering whats the hold up?
The companys next blunder occurred at price-point Even Justin Meldal-Johnsen was quick to point out, in late 2009, (in reference to the Prototype hed gigged with Nine Inch Nails) I will say that the one Im playing (of which I know has a production duplicate) is NOT budget minded. Rumour regarding price spiralled and many endorsees were quick to confirm such speculation. Perhaps, in their infinite wisdom, the Yamaha marketing team firmly believed that in order to sell a high-end passive P/J bass, to a market swamped by US built counterparts, produced largely by the big F they would need to ensure that these basses were highly sort after yet slightly out of reach; certainly, Dennis Websters (Yamaha Marketing Manager) rhetoric supports such assumptions These basses are the quintessential ultra high-end players instruments.
So, how much do they actually cost? Well, for the most part this seems, oddly enough, to be a question of geography rather than economy. In Australia the Japanese built 2024, 2025, 2024x and 2025x BB basses retail for a wallet bashing RRP $5400, the Indonesian duplicates 1024, 1025, 1024x and 1025x instruments are priced from RRP $1499 and the entry level, featureless look-a-likes 424, 425, 424x and 425x axes range from RRP $500 700 (all figures in AUD).
Now for Yamahas next fumble, a matter of distinction; Yamaha have produced THREE new BB lines and at face value they all look the same (cosmetically), probably not ideal when youre selling to a somewhat image driven commercial market. Lets be honest, even the least egotistical of bassist enjoys showing off their new modified, upgraded, slightly better than yours battle axe.
Its probably best to separate the boys from the men, that being said, lets evaluate
Link Removed
Having had a chance to A-B the 2000 Japanese built series and the Indonesian 1000 series brought to the fore a less than impressive, though pleasantly surprising revelation. Despite the missing A.R.E. and I.R.A. (read about them here - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) technologies in the Indonesian line, Yamaha have reaffirmed their reputation as builders of fine, affordable basses.
The phrase sucks the doors off is rarely seen in bass guitar reviews and probably with good cause but in this instance these words seem some how appropriate, thus, The Yamaha BB1024x sucks the doors off all other passive P/J basses in its price range, in fact, this bass gives instruments twice the price a serious run for their money. Three key factors account for the power and performance of this bass: construction, resonance and tone.
In the case of the 1024x and its series siblings, the build techniques are consistent with their Japanese counter parts; constructed of a three-piece Alder body with a spline joint, the pickups and bridge are all mounted on the one piece of timber enhancing resonance and as quasi-scientific or spurious as these enhancements seem, in the flesh the unique three-piece construction makes one hell of an audible difference. A-B your favourite passive P/J (USA and custom shop models inclusive) against the 1024x BB and youll be amazed. The resonance of this bass brings life to Nigel Tufnels expression listen to the sustain you can go and have a bite and thatd still be going ah. The notes fly from the fingerboard, holding sound and strong for a phenomenal length of time. It seems strange to note the musicality of an instrument but the integrity and sonic balance in this instance is something to marvel.
In terms of pickups, the Yamaha BB 1024x makes use of precision style split blade alnico magnets in the front and a ceramic single blade (jazz) pickup at the bridge (again, the same can be found in the Japanese Super BBs). Nathan East reveals, they (Yamaha artists and designers) tried a lot of pickups until they settled on the pair designed by YASH (Yamaha Artist Service Hollywood) and the time was well spent. This P/J is incredibly hot, the output level destroys the average punch of passive pickups and if not for the vintage vibe, youd be forgiven for mistaking the sound for an active bass. From a less adoring standpoint it would be safe to say that the pickups may be a little bright for some players tastes.
Another factor for review is the quarter-sawn five-piece neck (its important to note that this is the only quality feature found in the entry level 400 series); its one solid piece of lumber and adds, once again, more integrity to the build quality of the BB bass. The neck is a little chunky but far from excessively so, it might be likened to a Stingray or heavy set Precision and the finish is reminiscent of Ernie/Ball Music Man instruments; not quite satin, just a simple natural finish. The nickel-silver nut and mother of pearl inlays are really just icing on the cake.
There are far too many incredible features to mention, so indulge the hype and pickup a Yamaha BB 1024x today
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
NB: Yes... I have played the Japanese Yamaha Super BB 2024x and the Yamaha BB 1024x (which I now own... I'll post pics soon)...
Justified Hype
In 2010, Yamaha announced the resurrection of an iconic 80s instrument, the BB or Broad Bass. These hardy Japanese monsters graced the hands of great session players like Nathan East and other band-orientated notables including Billy Sheehan, Paul McCartney and Tony Kanal. The BB became a pet project for Yamaha long before 2010 and endorsee-artist input was used extensively throughout the development period (according to Yamahas YouTube channel, representatives at NAMM 2010/2011 and statements made on their website).
Listen here (YouTube - yamahacorporation's Channel - and search BB Bass) to the likes of Lee Sklar, Nathan East, James Lomenzo, Marco Mendoza and Glenn Hughes sing the praises of these basses and despite the fact that most will think
Well, the check is in the mail not to mention the free bass; and, while were on the subject, doesnt Lee Sklar advocate the sheer brilliance of Dingwall basses? Oh, and dont get me started about James Lomenzos rampant endorsement jumping
All valid points but your rational scepticism is better off left in check, at least until this bass is actually in your funky paws.
Unfortunately, Yamahas advertorial hype failed to align with production or availability timelines and while curious bassists spied Michael Anthony and Justin Meldal-Johnson pumping out the low-end on a range of prototype Super BBs many in the bass community were left wondering whats the hold up?
The companys next blunder occurred at price-point Even Justin Meldal-Johnsen was quick to point out, in late 2009, (in reference to the Prototype hed gigged with Nine Inch Nails) I will say that the one Im playing (of which I know has a production duplicate) is NOT budget minded. Rumour regarding price spiralled and many endorsees were quick to confirm such speculation. Perhaps, in their infinite wisdom, the Yamaha marketing team firmly believed that in order to sell a high-end passive P/J bass, to a market swamped by US built counterparts, produced largely by the big F they would need to ensure that these basses were highly sort after yet slightly out of reach; certainly, Dennis Websters (Yamaha Marketing Manager) rhetoric supports such assumptions These basses are the quintessential ultra high-end players instruments.
So, how much do they actually cost? Well, for the most part this seems, oddly enough, to be a question of geography rather than economy. In Australia the Japanese built 2024, 2025, 2024x and 2025x BB basses retail for a wallet bashing RRP $5400, the Indonesian duplicates 1024, 1025, 1024x and 1025x instruments are priced from RRP $1499 and the entry level, featureless look-a-likes 424, 425, 424x and 425x axes range from RRP $500 700 (all figures in AUD).
Now for Yamahas next fumble, a matter of distinction; Yamaha have produced THREE new BB lines and at face value they all look the same (cosmetically), probably not ideal when youre selling to a somewhat image driven commercial market. Lets be honest, even the least egotistical of bassist enjoys showing off their new modified, upgraded, slightly better than yours battle axe.
Its probably best to separate the boys from the men, that being said, lets evaluate
Link Removed
Having had a chance to A-B the 2000 Japanese built series and the Indonesian 1000 series brought to the fore a less than impressive, though pleasantly surprising revelation. Despite the missing A.R.E. and I.R.A. (read about them here - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) technologies in the Indonesian line, Yamaha have reaffirmed their reputation as builders of fine, affordable basses.
The phrase sucks the doors off is rarely seen in bass guitar reviews and probably with good cause but in this instance these words seem some how appropriate, thus, The Yamaha BB1024x sucks the doors off all other passive P/J basses in its price range, in fact, this bass gives instruments twice the price a serious run for their money. Three key factors account for the power and performance of this bass: construction, resonance and tone.
In the case of the 1024x and its series siblings, the build techniques are consistent with their Japanese counter parts; constructed of a three-piece Alder body with a spline joint, the pickups and bridge are all mounted on the one piece of timber enhancing resonance and as quasi-scientific or spurious as these enhancements seem, in the flesh the unique three-piece construction makes one hell of an audible difference. A-B your favourite passive P/J (USA and custom shop models inclusive) against the 1024x BB and youll be amazed. The resonance of this bass brings life to Nigel Tufnels expression listen to the sustain you can go and have a bite and thatd still be going ah. The notes fly from the fingerboard, holding sound and strong for a phenomenal length of time. It seems strange to note the musicality of an instrument but the integrity and sonic balance in this instance is something to marvel.
In terms of pickups, the Yamaha BB 1024x makes use of precision style split blade alnico magnets in the front and a ceramic single blade (jazz) pickup at the bridge (again, the same can be found in the Japanese Super BBs). Nathan East reveals, they (Yamaha artists and designers) tried a lot of pickups until they settled on the pair designed by YASH (Yamaha Artist Service Hollywood) and the time was well spent. This P/J is incredibly hot, the output level destroys the average punch of passive pickups and if not for the vintage vibe, youd be forgiven for mistaking the sound for an active bass. From a less adoring standpoint it would be safe to say that the pickups may be a little bright for some players tastes.
Another factor for review is the quarter-sawn five-piece neck (its important to note that this is the only quality feature found in the entry level 400 series); its one solid piece of lumber and adds, once again, more integrity to the build quality of the BB bass. The neck is a little chunky but far from excessively so, it might be likened to a Stingray or heavy set Precision and the finish is reminiscent of Ernie/Ball Music Man instruments; not quite satin, just a simple natural finish. The nickel-silver nut and mother of pearl inlays are really just icing on the cake.
There are far too many incredible features to mention, so indulge the hype and pickup a Yamaha BB 1024x today
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
