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MIJ Jaguar v.s. Yamaha BB415

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by TobyBrodel, Jan 3, 2009.

  1. Jan 3, 2009 #1
    TobyBrodel

    TobyBrodel Guest

    Mar 3, 2008
    In the market for a new bass, need something versatile, passive and 34" scale so i can tune down if need be (my other fretted bass is 32" scale and feels yuck tuned down, even in drop D). I play lots of jazz but i like a vintagish sort of warmth in my sound and i'd like a bass that would sit in easily in my hard rock cover band

    I like the look, feel and variety sounds of the jag but i would never ever use the active preamp.

    I like the idea of the yamaha because it's nice and passive, also i'd like to string it EADGC, and it costs about half as much, don't like it's looks as much but it seems like great value. Plus i can string it BEADG in the rare occassion that in need the lower register

    What do you guys think? does anybody have much experience with the BB415? how is the build quality in comparison to the an MIJ fender? comparable?

    Which way to go?
     
  2. Jan 3, 2009 #2
    vin*tone

    vin*tone

    Oct 19, 2008
    Ballaarat, Ostraya
    As much as I love my Jag I think that if you're dead sure you're not going to use its active side you should get a standard jazz. My peeve with the Jag is that it doesn't have sep. pup vols.
     
  3. Jan 3, 2009 #3
    TobyBrodel

    TobyBrodel Guest

    Mar 3, 2008
    already got one of those, being converted to fretless very soon.

    i like the jag's parralel/series option, that does it for me, plus i don't really tend to blend pickups anyway, usually bang everything on all the way.
     
  4. Jan 3, 2009 #4
    WyrdoBass

    WyrdoBass

    May 31, 2008
    Everett, WA
    I've tried Jags in stores, and I have to say they seem to lack the warmer mids of a jazz or P, and the series option just makes it kind of boomy.

    Never tried the BB415, but it you go with that, let us know how it works out! I've personally been interested in those basses but haven't been able to try them out.
     
  5. Jan 3, 2009 #5
    wvbass

    wvbass Supporting Member

    Mar 1, 2004
    West Virginia
    I ordered a BB415 online. Played it for about 2 minutes and knew it was going back. Very narrow spacing, and felt like a toy. Lots of people really like them though, and I'd still like to have the 4 string version.

    Got a Jag for Christmas and its a keeper. It seems to be love or hate for most people sound wise. Both pickups on, passive mode, tone and volume both rolled back a bit...it'll do "warm" and "vintage-ish" if you ask me.
     
  6. Jan 3, 2009 #6
    TobyBrodel

    TobyBrodel Guest

    Mar 3, 2008
    yeah i've played the bb615, i didn't mind the feel but anything active is a no-no for me, how's the tone on the 415?

    yeah i did really dig the jag when i tried it out, it just seems like i'd be blowing a fair bit of money on an active preamp i'd never use though.... is it worth it? or does my jazz already do that job?
     
  7. Jan 4, 2009 #7
    troyus

    troyus

    Apr 9, 2008
    San Diego, CA.
    http://kenji-cij.blogspot.com/2008/11/jb75-pj-car-jazz-bass.html

    On the Jag idea, I dig it. I use the preamp as a boost for bass solos and extra kick for hard hitting parts, just don't set it too hot. I find the jag more useful than the Jazz.

    If you are not going to use the preamp, just get a jazz. But if you have the preamp, you will probably use it at times. It has its uses, especially if you end up playing through mystery backlines and you want more control over your sound.