GAS? Or maybe something I ate?

Chas, you're takin' me back, man. Ever since they first appeared (I think in the late 70s) I have always loved Yamaha's BB series. In fact their BB1200 (not sure if that's the exact model #) sounded about as close to a good Pre-CBS P-bass as one could get without actually buying an old Fender. I only played one BB300 a long time ago, but I remember how good it sounded, and how little it cost. This was another sleeper bass that never really caught on. I never played a BB350, but, I believe that they were the predecessor of the current BB4N series, of which I am a very satisfied owner. (BB5NII same bass, only 5 strings) As I've been saying since I got my BB back in June, These basses sound very close to standard Fenders, only noticeably more growly. I would agree with you that the older BBs did sound sweeter than the current BBs, in that they had a more traditional Motown like tone. I'd say you got yourself a real winner. It'll probably sound like a good 70s fretless Jazz. Enjoy it.

Mike J.
Everybody: Watch out for those Yamahas, they'll sneak up on you!

 

FWIW - the latest Bass Player reviews the Yammer BB1500A (Taiwanese). Shiraki just loved it; called it "Tone Chameleon"....Cons: Only a few tweaks from perfection."

It's not much to look at but what can you say? It received 5's for Value, Sound, and Playability and received a Top Tone Award.

That may be my next release of GAS....first, I just have to get over the shock of considering a bass made in the Orient.

 

Rickbass, I just got the latest issue of Bass Player yesterday and saw that beautiful Yamaha. As to what I've quoted by you above, don't let this stop you. I'd rather buy American too, but, ya gotta give credit where credit is due. And Yamahas for the most part are way underrated.

Mike J.

 

I thought I was the only one with GAS! I think this is yet another derivation of terrorism! Just keep floating ideas about all those basses past, present and future, and they'll never do anything productive again. Hope you have fun with the new bass!

 

I'd have to agree, the old Yamaha BB basses were really sweet.

I had one for the longest time and I loved the way it felt and sounded. Thanks for the memories...now I miss it!!!

 

I have a BB300, exactly like the one Chasarms describes. The thing is great, a seriously under-rated bass. Have fun with the 350!!!

 

There's no doubt in my rational mind that Japan has put out some good sound, Michael.

My reluctance to own one is emotional. My formative bass years were spent surrounded by guys with Lindells, Teisco del Reys, and all the other stuff when the saying was "MIJ means crap." Four friends' had US instruments that were clearly better sounding and louder to my unrefined, 12-year old, ears than all the Japanese stuff at the time -- (a National, a Danelectro, a Gibson, and a Dwight/Supro). Later on, I had a Japanese EB3 knockoff and it was almost the equal of a real EB3 except for the tuners and the rosewood.

I'll get over it. It's just the same sort of thing as hotels that don't have a "13th Floor" button in their elevators.

 

I always get GAS after I cycle off of my creatine. Also, herpes are not a bad thing, they're a good thing -- STDs build character! Woooooo!

 

...Wind Controller and Sound Module. Talk about a change of pace for an ex-clarinetist. The Yamaha name is not shabby. Lots of high end musical instruments.

 

I have 2 1200s and a 3000, all neckthroughs. Because of it's pj emg setup and jazz neck, the 3000 is my main working bass.

My real sweetheart is my old 1200 cherry sunburst that I had coverted to fretless. Neck heavy, just plain heavy, I still pick it up whenever I want sing through my bass.

BTW, there's a nice 1200 that looks a lot like that cherry sunburst on ebay. Looks like somebody added a finger rest. Some of the photos have the perspective a bit skewed, the headstocks not THAT big. If I didn't already have 2, well maybe if the price stays low,.....

 

We may be dealing with the urge to buy a new bass now and then, but there are many other hobbies far more expensive. I saw a guy on the road the other day with his decked out flats fishing boat behind a beautiful black F150 XLT. The boat was reading to go with four poles stuck in the holders and a Saltwater Series Yamaha 250 ready to be ignited. I turned to my boys and said, you know how many basses it costs to buy that boat and the truck to pull it, much less fix it when it invaribly breaks down? Makes a $600 bass pale in comparison!