Help identifying authenticity of Yamaha BB2000 (possible modifications)

[giacass]

Hello everyone!

I need help identifying if this bass is an original Yamaha BB2000 or a modified BB series model.

Neck-through ✔

Inverted split-coil pickup ✔

Bridge pickup and bridge might not be original

2 knobs + switch configuration is unusual

Sunburst refinish looks non-standard
Can you help me identify:

– if the body and neck are BB2000

– which parts are original

– estimated market value

Any Yamaha BB Club members: your input is especially appreciated!

Thank you!
Greetings from Italy

 

[mikezimmerman]

The bridge, bridge pickup, control layout, and finish appear to match pretty much every other picture I can find of a BB2000. What makes you think that they are not original?

Here is a copy of the BB pages from the late 70s-early 80's Yamaha catalog showing pictures of the BB models from that period: https://yamahabass.wordpress.com/yamaha-prospect-outtakes/

 

[ravelax]

100% original. Nice bass!

 

[UNICORN BASS]

That's what I thought but I am no expert, nice bass.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Hello everyone!

I need help identifying if this bass is an original Yamaha BB2000 or a modified BB series model.

Neck-through ✔

Inverted split-coil pickup ✔

Bridge pickup and bridge might not be original

2 knobs + switch configuration is unusual

Sunburst refinish looks non-standard
Can you help me identify:

– if the body and neck are BB2000

– which parts are original

– estimated market value

Any Yamaha BB Club members: your input is especially appreciated!

Thank you!
Greetings from Italy

 

[giacass]

The bridge, bridge pickup, control layout, and finish appear to match pretty much every other picture I can find of a BB2000. What makes you think that they are not original?

Here is a copy of the BB pages from the late 70s-early 80's Yamaha catalog showing pictures of the BB models from that period: Yamaha Brochure Outtakes

Your link is really very helpful! I've been looking for a lot of information but I didn't see this breakdown. Now I can better understand the configuration... very helpful! Top!

The bridge, bridge pickup, control layout, and finish appear to match pretty much every other picture I can find of a BB2000. What makes you think that they are not original?

Here is a copy of the BB pages from the late 70s-early 80's Yamaha catalog showing pictures of the BB models from that period: Yamaha Brochure Outtakes

Your link is really very helpful! I've been looking for a lot of information but I didn't see this breakdown. Now I can better understand the configuration... very helpful! Top!

 

[poochiecheeks]

I had a black fretless Japanese Broadbass model 2000 that looked absolutely identical to that except for being black and having some light striping in the fingerboard. Ive owned 3 BB2000s and that looks real to me. The cases had green interior though I think

 

[booch29]

Legit

 

[Caramello]

Hello everyone!

I need help identifying if this bass is an original Yamaha BB2000 or a modified BB series model.

Neck-through ✔

Inverted split-coil pickup ✔

Bridge pickup and bridge might not be original

2 knobs + switch configuration is unusual

Sunburst refinish looks non-standard
Can you help me identify:

– if the body and neck are BB2000

– which parts are original

– estimated market value

Any Yamaha BB Club members: your input is especially appreciated!

Thank you!
Greetings from Italy

That bass is on my wish list for a long time (if we are talking about the same bass on MercatinoMusicale)..it seems you'll be the next owner

 

[depalm]

Pretty much original. Had one… miss it.

 

[2thAche]

Very cool bass

 

[Low Main]

Not sure what the case is but doesn't matter that much if it's not original. Looks like the bass fits it well.

I'm guessing you didn't get the small spanner wrench for the tuners.

 

[Isaac_James]

Yamaha used to use the engraved bridges and bridge pickups with a single, fat bar rail. The most recent generation of BBs ditched the unusual pickup style, the benefit is that now they are Fender standard shape and size so they can be more easily swapped out but the big bar pickups were a unique touch, and I really wish I could find a 5 string equivalent (the closest I've seen is the Norstrand Big J Blade).

Is the fretless board original on this? I know Yamaha has made some fretless models, but I thought they indicated that on the headstock. Regardless, it's a lovely bass!

 

[HubbardsFate]

I'm no expert, but I look at that bass and have no reason to think it's not an all-original Yamaha BB.

The one possible exception: the fretboard. The main reason I say that is because I don't know if I recall ever seeing a blank-plank ebony board on a Yamaha before. But then, my memory ain't what it used to be either.

 

[Pier_]

Greetings from Italy

I've seen this bass on italian markets for so long hope it finds a new owner! it's 100% original.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Hello everyone!

I need help identifying if this bass is an original Yamaha BB2000 or a modified BB series model.

Neck-through ✔

Inverted split-coil pickup ✔

Bridge pickup and bridge might not be original

2 knobs + switch configuration is unusual

Sunburst refinish looks non-standard
Can you help me identify:

– if the body and neck are BB2000

– which parts are original

– estimated market value

Any Yamaha BB Club members: your input is especially appreciated!

Thank you!
Greetings from Italy

Nice, one of the coolest basses ever made.

 

[lowendblues]

Real deal. Had 2 of them back in the day. EXCELLENT BASSES!

 

[giacass]

Il ponte, il pickup al ponte, la disposizione dei controlli e la finitura sembrano corrispondere praticamente a tutte le altre immagini che riesco a trovare di una BB2000. Cosa ti fa pensare che non siano originali?

Ecco una copia delle pagine BB del catalogo Yamaha di fine anni '70-inizio anni '80 che mostrano le immagini dei modelli BB di quel periodo: Yamaha Brochure Outtakes

Grazie per il poster, molto interessante e utile! Ho comprato il basso ieri ed è uno strumento fantastico!! Grazie per l'aiuto!

 

[giacass]

Vero affare. Ne avevo due tempo fa. BASSI ECCELLENTI!

Hai perfettamente ragione! L'ho comprato ieri e sono molto soddisfatto! Grazie per il feedback.

 

[giacass]

Bello, uno dei bassi più belli mai realizzati.

100% originale. Bei bassi!

Sono d'accordo con te, l'ho comprato ieri e ha un suono meraviglioso. Anche i legni sono di alta qualità!