NBD: Yamaha Motion Bass

[moon-bass]

When I was a kid (very poor), I used to visit the local mall music store. There wasn't much of a selection of basses, but they did have a Yamaha Motion Bass that I used to play from time to time.

FFWD to a few weeks ago, saw this one for sale, owner said it had a big scratch on the front - looked pretty bad from the pics. But, bought it and got it, and lo and behold, the "scratch" was drywall dust (I think) that rubbed right off. Some clean up, new knobs and straplocks, and it's in great shape!

32" scale, dual humbuckers with coil tap, great shape, loads of fun - what's not to love?

 

[Obese Chess]

Very cool! I had forgotten about these. Fun little basses.

 

[Caley2000]

I’ve just picked up one of these from a Brisbane shop, stepping up from my Ibanez “learner bass” (also 32”). Chose it mostly for the aesthetic (I’m an 80s girl) but what an upgrade!

 

[moon-bass]

I’ve just picked up one of these from a Brisbane shop, stepping up from my Ibanez “learner bass” (also 32”). Chose it mostly for the aesthetic (I’m an 80s girl) but what an upgrade!
View attachment 4434138View attachment 4434139

Love it so far. Being an 80's kid myself, I've been slowly buying (and for the most part selling) basses that I listed after as a kid. But this one is a keeper!

 

[kjp360]

Great score!
I have never played one of these, but they seem to come up for sale more often than most other medium scale basses. Other than the stylized "Motion" graphic on the front, I really like the looks of these, especially in black.
I'm also curious now about the nut width, string spacing and neck shape, so I'll be off to Google in a min...

 

[Caley2000]

Other than the stylized "Motion" graphic on the front, I really like the looks of these, especially in black.

I think it was the graphics that got me They’re 1987 perfection!

 

[P. Aaron]

Cool bass. Congrats.

 

[bassclef112]

Congrats!!!
I bought a MB-II during lockdown. I threw some flats on it and it quickly became one of my favorite basses. A blast to play and it sounds awesome!

These weren't designed as starter basses. The build quality is first rate.

Check the thread on them. Lots of information and catalog cuts.

Enjoy!!!!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

When I was a kid (very poor), I used to visit the local mall music store. There wasn't much of a selection of basses, but they did have a Yamaha Motion Bass that I used to play from time to time.

FFWD to a few weeks ago, saw this one for sale, owner said it had a big scratch on the front - looked pretty bad from the pics. But, bought it and got it, and lo and behold, the "scratch" was drywall dust (I think) that rubbed right off. Some clean up, new knobs and straplocks, and it's in great shape!

32" scale, dual humbuckers with coil tap, great shape, loads of fun - what's not to love?

It’s great to get something you wanted from childhood, isn’t it?

 

[moon-bass]

It’s great to something you wanted from childhood, isn’t it?

I ended up buying - and then selling - quite a few basses and amps. This one is one of the few keepers ...

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Nathan East used one for a recording of an album with Lari Basilio in 2019

 

[Caley2000]

That’s a heck of an endorsement! East is Yamaha-sponsored… the SLB in the background.

Nathan East used one for a recording of an album with Lari Basilio in 2019 View attachment 4435514

 

[FrenchBassQC]

That’s a heck of an endorsement! East is Yamaha-sponsored… the SLB in the background.

He's been playing Yamaha basses for like 30 years, he has signature models with them the BBNE and BBNE2. He's been playing Yamaha concept models from time to time as well.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Nathan East used one for a recording of an album with Lari Basilio in 2019 View attachment 4435514

Here is a video link:
Link Removed

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Here is a video link:
Link Removed

They seem to have so much fun together as well, not just like a business project but with complicity and in a relaxed atmosphere...

 

[two fingers]

Years ago (1986 I think?) the first rock show I ever played was opening for a regional band called Sidewinder in NC. (Several of their members have gone on to become some of the most sought after sidemen in the business, including Audley Freed and Robert Kearns who have toured with dozens of artists and are currently in Sheryl Crow's band.)

That night Robert (bass) played the first set on a on a BC Rich bass that had been totally customized by Roscoe. Then in the second set he came out with a Yamaha Motion bass that was bleach white. He had a black light on him and that bass just JUMPED off the stage aesthetically. It was a ridiculously cool look. But what really knocked me over was the TONE of that little beast! He was rocking a Mesa 400+ and two Mesa 15s (which I got to use for our set). A few months later he also had a lavender one.

Good memories.

Awesome bass @moon-bass !!!! (and others)

 

[frankie5string]

Nathan East used one for a recording of an album with Lari Basilio in 2019 View attachment 4435514

Actually that's his (custom) signature Motion bass. It has a unique active EQ.
I THINK it's a 32" scale, but I could be wrong. Certainly looked slightly shorter next to his regular signature 5. It has been his main recording bass for years. Sadly, it was never available for sale - I wanted one.

 

[bnt]

Those humbuckers remind me of the ones Yamaha used in the infamous BX-1.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

that's his (custom) signature Motion bass. It has a unique active EQ ... it was never available for sale - I wanted one.

I recently watched a YouTube clip of James Lomenzo talking about his Yamaha BB, specially built for him. The neck profile is carefully copied from a vintage Jazz, and the pickups are all Dimarzios....

 

[dalkowski]

Great score!

(I could never own one of those because I tend to stand stock still when I play. It would look weird.)