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Could use your input between two basses

C

Coward Of Reali

Oct 13, 2003
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#1
I'm in the market for a new p-bass I've narrowed the choice down between the new Squire classic vibe p-bass. It sounded and felt better than any of the Fenders, for $350.
Or A Yamaha BB414 with active electronics. I kind of like that extra jazz pickup and the neck is pretty nice. That costs $450. I play alot of general rock, funk, country, alternative, punk,some jazz, and some metal everynow and then.
I'm torn. What would you all choose?
 
#4
I own a BB414 and it's wonderful.

Pros: I much prefer the string spacing over most fenders, they are slightly closer together. The sound is fantastic - especially in the upper register. It has a very round, full tone that I only wish I could get out of my fender P.

Cons: I find the BB414 slightly less playable mainly due to the neck, but you stated the neck as a pro, so who knows :)

I don't get much use out of the extra jazz pickup, but it can sound cool for some playing styles.

My opinion: Go with the BB414. The quality is much higher than the Classic vibe P-bass, and more variety. Plus, i think it looks great!
 
#5
DevinRing said:
I own a BB414 and it's wonderful.

Pros: I much prefer the string spacing over most fenders, they are slightly closer together. The sound is fantastic - especially in the upper register. It has a very round, full tone that I only wish I could get out of my fender P.

Cons: I find the BB414 slightly less playable mainly due to the neck, but you stated the neck as a pro, so who knows :)

I don't get much use out of the extra jazz pickup, but it can sound cool for some playing styles.

My opinion: Go with the BB414. The quality is much higher than the Classic vibe P-bass, and more variety. Plus, i think it looks great!
Click to expand...

I'm just curious since I've never played one, but how heavy is your BB414? I've heard they tend to be on the hefty side, which is why I haven't picked one up.
 
#9
I've played both and very soon I'll own both. Now I just have the yamaha. Btw, the 414 with active electronics is called 614. I actually bought that first but traded it in for the passive version, the 414 which I prefer. It's a wonderful bass. Absolutely ridiculously good for the money. It goes very close to a P, but the bridge J is incredibly nice too. Soloed, it has more of that super nasal and barky growl than any of my fenders while still sounding pretty fat. And the bass is wonderful to record DI. I couldn't recommend one more. But you honestly can't go wrong with either.

What comes to the weight, the yamaha is definately the lightest bass I own. But I do tend to go for the heavy woods usually.
 
#12
addylewis said:
Personally although I've never played one for some reason I think of yamaha's as a beginners bass...I know I'm probably wrong, but a squier looks more pro IMO simply because its an offshoot of Fender...
Click to expand...
Don't overlook Yamaha basses. Everything in their line is incredibly high quality -- from the beginner gear to the advanced.

Also, their high-end basses can stand up to anything available in the market.
 
#17
Like someone else pointed out, the BB414's are passive while the BB614's are active so that makes a difference in your comparison right there, you're comparing a vintage-y, passive P-Bass with an active PJ with no passive option.
You're going to get very different sounds from each one.

I just got a 614 right before Christmas and I find it does a great job with the classic rock I'm playing now.
I've never played the CV P Bass, so I cant comment directly on that one, but I can say that the Squier CV series generally gets very favorable reactions around here.
 
#19
I have the 5 string 415 and its great.
In all, I own 5 Yamaha's (2-RBX5A2, 1-BB415, 2-BBN405) and their quality, regardless of price, is superb.
I use them on the road because I don't want to fly with my expensive or otherwise vintage instruments.
Yamaha's have excellent hardware and good sounding electronics. They intonate well and play in tune. I've used them in the studio with excellent results.
I wouldn't buy a B brand like a Squire if you can buy a Yamaha.
 

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