Modding a Yamaha BB415

[dannybuoy]

Has anyone here modded a BB415? I'd be interested to know the following:

Bridge - Does a Gotoh 201 or Badass V fit these ok? I know a hole may have to be drilled by the B string, but would the others line up ok? And once it's on, would the new bridge cover up the B string hole left by the old bridge (as it's placed further back than the others)?

Body - I'd also think about a string-through-body conversion but not sure if it would make any noticeable difference. I've dug up threads on the subject, some say it makes no difference and others disagree.

Pickups - I haven't seen any 5-string Precision pickups for sale, but there must be some out there. Also a hum cancelling bridge pickups would be a nice adddition.

Electronics - I'd like to add a stacked volume control so I can control the pickup volumes independently. The cavity looks tight though, not sure if full size CTS pots would fit?

 

[laklandplayer]

For the most part, I'd leave it alone.

The 415 pickups are fine and you'll never find after market exact replacements for it anyway.

I put a Hipshot bridge on my 415 and it made a huge improvement to the sound and sustain. Get a bridge with adjustable string width so you can nail the alignment over the pickups. I'd lose the string thru idea if I were you.

I replaced the Vol/Tone/PU Switch with Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, and replaced the pickup selector with a simple tone switch - off/.022/.50 caps. The .022 gives it a nice high end roll off without soaking your tone, the .50 is more dramatic.

You'll never find a control pot big enough to replace the hole where the pickup selector switch is, that's why I converted it to a tone selector.

Each pickup having its own volume control offers a lot of tonal flexibility, like a jazz bass.

I put a set of Labella Flats on the bass and I couldn't be happier with it. For rounds, I've found that Elixrs sound great on this bass, much better than DR's in this case.

Good luck.

 

[karter2000]

I put a Hipshot bridge on my 415 and it made a huge improvement to the sound and sustain. Get a bridge with adjustable string width so you can nail the alignment over the pickups. I'd lose the string thru idea if I were you.

Hi there,

Could you tell me the model/specs of the Hipshot bridge you used? I have a BB415 as well, and I've been thinking of replacing the bridge.

Thanks!

 

[laklandplayer]

Hipshot "A" style

 

[stflbn]

I've had multiple string-through basses and have never ever been able to contribute any improvement in sound, tone, sustain or B-string quality to using them. I always test the difference and end up top-loading via the bridge itself and ignoring the string through.

Others will undoubtedly disagree.

 

[allotabass]

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