80s Yamaha or Aria P-bass... advice?

[Bluebard]

Hey bass dudes,

Ever since getting into Snarky Puppy and listening to Michael League's basslines, I've been GASing for the P-bass sound. There are a few affordable Japanese options from the 80s that I'm considering, with very similar prices, and I don't know which to choose.

The first is a Yamaha BB300. One passive split-coil. I hear good things about them.
The second is an Aria Pro II RSB Formula. Active pickups, one split-coil and one single. I've heard lots of good things about old Matsumoku Aria basses, but I can't find any info on this particular model - the Formula.
The third is a 1985 Kingston P-bass copy - looks like a Fender P. The seller says it was probably made in the Tokai or Kawai factory. I've heard the 60s Kingstons were crap, but what about the 80s ones?

Which would you choose? Any chance that anyone has experience with both basses, and can provide some comparison of their qualities, tone, advantages/disadvantages, etc? Any advice on how they compare / which is better would be much appreciated!

Thanks guys!

 

[Belka]

You could probably find a decent Japanese Fender P from the '80s, '90s or '00s for around $500.

 

[Bluebard]

You could probably find a decent Japanese Fender P from the '80s, '90s or '00s for around $500.

Indeed, but that's over my budget. I know that both the basses I'm looking at are decent instruments (for a lot less than $500), and that's why I'm looking at them. But thanks for your response!

 

[TUEP]

Look for a MIJ Ibanez SR-800 from around that same time period. P/J config, sounds awesome and they go for cheap.

 

[cdef]

IMO you can't go far wrong with anything Yamaha. Their quality control is legendary, even if their production facilities are all over the Far East.

 

[Bluebard]

IMO you can't go far wrong with anything Yamaha. Their quality control is legendary, even if their production facilities are all over the Far East.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind!

 

[bgmww]

Get the yammy... Fantastic basses

 

[two fingers]

Yamaha. Hands down. Not only is the quality on part with the Aria, but the "vibe" of that bass will be more like that if a P bass.

There are scenarios where I would advise getting the Aria. This is not one of them.

 

[TrustRod]

Lots of great choices in the Yamaha BB series though many are reverse P which sounds a little different. I have a BB415 which gets a great "Forget Me Nots" tone. Paid $200.

 

[Bluebard]

Went for the Yammy. Here she is:

Yamaha BB300 80's Red

Thanks for the advice guys!
Now I've just got to sell my Ibanez Artcore AFB200 to refund myself the money for the Yamaha - otherwise, I'll feel guilty having five basses in my apartment x'D

 

[bgmww]

Went for the Yammy. Here she is:

Yamaha BB300 80's Red

Thanks for the advice guys!
Now I've just got to sell my Ibanez Artcore AFB200 to refund myself the money for the Yamaha - otherwise, I'll feel guilty having five basses in my apartment x'D

Congrats, bro. That's a really nice bass

 

[Bluebard]

This Yammy is a great bass - thanks for the advice guys!

 

[silvertina]

Can't go wrong with a Yamaha P!
Here's mine, got it for about $180

 

[Killed_by_Death]

you almost made the right choice

 

[Bluebard]

Can't go wrong with a Yamaha P!
Here's mine, got it for about $180
View attachment 955669

I got mine for $150, only now I've got to buy some flatwounds for it, which will be another $20-$30. Trying to decide between GHS Precision flats and Dunlop Flats (which I realize are completely different varieties of strings). I could go for the versatility of the Dunlops (as they have a bit more brightness to them, I hear) but I still want the old school thump of the Precision flats available, and I'm wondering if one can get that old school thump with the Dunlop flats.

 

[Bluebard]

you almost made the right choice

Haha I think I made the right choice considering my price range - but I agree your BB400 is very beautiful; I much prefer the natural wood grain to the red paint on mine.

 

[PawleeP]

here we go!