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Getting back into it..Yamaha BB414 questions

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by fourstringdrums, Dec 3, 2005.

  1. Dec 3, 2005 #1
    fourstringdrums

    fourstringdrums Decidedly Indecisive Supporting Member

    Oct 20, 2002
    Massachusetts
    Hey guys,

    I haven't been around in a few months. I decided to take a break from the bass completely, but now I'm getting the itch to atleast get another bass to have around for when the urge strikes.

    I've been thinking about getting a Yamaha BB414. Judging from reviews on here and Harmony Central, it looks like a great bass for the money that I can have around for when the mood hits, but also have something that has a playability, tone and build quality that won't make me want to upgrade any time soon should I start playing more. I just have a few questions I couldn't find answers to in threads.

    What is the neck heel like? Is it contoured in anyway or is it square? Does anyone have pics of the back of their BB414?

    How does the neck pickup solo'd compare to the classic P-Bass tone? Also, has anyone tried flats on a BB414? I'm looking for old school thump, but also versatility which I should get from the pup config.

    Finally, does Yamaha make a case or atleast a gig bag that fits this bass or can I get one that does?

    Unfortunately my only local music store just sold a BB414 so I never got a chance to try it out first and they usually won't order anything just so you can try it (especially this bass, the owner said he couldn't wait to get rid of it. He just didn't like the larger body style. Big deal..that's one of the things I like about it) :) Thankfully MF has a 45 day return should I not care for it.
     
  2. Dec 3, 2005 #2
    stingray5bbx

    stingray5bbx

    Feb 11, 2005
    I have a japan only BB-X/BB-1600. Not sure what the difference is. neck heel is square.. Pbass style...and position not best for soloing.

    P pickup is oldschool as it gets, i'm not kidding. The J is thin and bright, and mixed is a tone beauty. There is A LOT of thump. I'm still trying to find the perfect strings for it. The bass is very fun to play. I am considering adding an active pre amp to it and will be posting questins about it soon.

    Negative - my bass is abit neck heavy for being a light bass (well..compared to my stingray5). I may need to try a more "sophisticated" strap...

    Solid bass none the less. Once agian, i'm not sure if there are material, assembly, or quality difference for US Products compared to Japan, but even if there are, Yamaha has also had excellent qualiy control.
     
  3. Dec 3, 2005 #3
    SteveC

    SteveC Moderator Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2004
    NE ND
    If I buy a passive 4, it'll be a BB414. I like the neck, hard to tell you what it's like.
     
  4. Apr 18, 2006 #4
    Grimlock

    Grimlock

    Apr 17, 2006
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Hey,

    I'm glad you asked these questions! I was actually really curious about the Soapbar bridge P/U;The Yamaha website leaves you in the dark, and it's difficult to find any info on Bass Soapbars in general.

    Questions:
    i) Does the Bridge Soapbar on the Yammy BB single-coil?
    ii) Does it sound like a Rickenbacker P/U?
    ii) Would it be easy to replace it with a standard sized J pick up?
    iii) Is there anything special about it, really? I mean, would you buy it for another guitar if it were available to be purchased separately?

    I'm at a toss-up right now with my next bass purchase, and since I own the Yamaha Pacifica 812 "Fat Strat", I'm already pleased with Yammy's product.

    Oh Yeah! Here's a pic of the back of the Yammy BB414:
    http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=bass/product/images/page=1/base_pid=519164
     
  5. Apr 18, 2006 #5
    bassomane

    bassomane

    Apr 3, 2002
    Austria
    The bridge PU is a singlecoil and the P Pickup is a humbucker and yes the singlecoil hums. The size is unique and cannot be replaced. Don't buy this bass if you want to upgrade the pickups but there is no need for doing this. These pickups sound superb!!!
     
  6. Apr 18, 2006 #6
    Grimlock

    Grimlock

    Apr 17, 2006
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Alrighty. I don't think I'd replace the pickups were I to get the BB414.

    I tried a BB415 5-string at a local music store and was disappointed by what I heard. Then again, the pickup selector switch was broken on the thing, and God knows what kind of effect that had on the sound.

    My current dillema is deciding whether I should buy the Yammy, or a MiM Fender Jazz. I was impressed by the versatility of the Jazz, but would rather own a proper MiA Deluxe Jazz, which I can't afford.

    Anyways, I'm rambling.

    Q: When the both pickups are selected, is the hum cancelled on the soapbar?

    [Sorry, fourstringdrums. I sort of hijacked your thread]
     
  7. Apr 19, 2006 #7
    bassomane

    bassomane

    Apr 3, 2002
    Austria
    When both pickups are selected you get a little hum from the bridge pickup. The curious is that I have no problem live, while I can notice the hum clearly in the bedroom. The shielding seems to be very good if you stand right in front of your amp. If you turn around you will get the loud hum.
     
  8. Apr 19, 2006 #8
    BurningSkies

    BurningSkies CRAZY BALDHEAD

    Feb 20, 2005
    Syracuse NY
    Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
    I don't have much to add besides that I like the new Yamaha BB series.

    And it's good to see you considering playing again. I thought it sad a while back when you quit.