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Need urgent help choosing new bass!

#41
I bought a BB435 to try a five string to see if I would find it useful. I found that I easily took to having a low B string and although I really like the sound of the passive BB435 I really wish that I would have bought the BB735 for the better bridge, neck and versatility of the pre amp. Also (I believe) the 735 comes with a gig bag.
 
#45
ebozzz said:
Agreed. I like mine and feel that it's a nice instrument. I also own a BB735A. Totally different voicing in comparison to the TRBX605.
Click to expand...
I'm interested in both of those models and having a hard time choosing between them. I like the smaller size and lighter weight of the TRBX, but prefered the sounds I heard on YouTube from the BB. None are available locally to try. Could you talk more about the differences in available tones between your BB and TRBX? Maybe matched up to common bands or genres so I can better understand? If you had to pick one or the other, how would you decide? Thanks.
 
#46
SharpCat said:
IMHO, the 605 over the 505 is completely about looks. The flame maple/alder body might be a touch brighter than the mahogany, but the active preamp could dial that out easily. Everything else is the same between these. So you'll have to decide between those based on your aesthetics.
Click to expand...
Just a note that in addition to the bling bling, the 605 body will save you roughly half a pound in weight over the 505. The OP can compare weights on Sw***water if that's important.
 
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#48
TweedBleed said:
I'm interested in both of those models and having a hard time choosing between them. I like the smaller size and lighter weight of the TRBX, but prefered the sounds I heard on YouTube from the BB. None are available locally to try. Could you talk more about the differences in available tones between your BB and TRBX? Maybe matched up to common bands or genres so I can better understand? If you had to pick one or the other, how would you decide? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I didn't have an opportunity to try either before buying for the same reasons that you mentioned. That's pretty much how I have to operate on the overwhelming majority of gear that I'm interested in. I take my time to read as many reviews, watch as many videos and get answers to as many of my questions as it takes for me to become comfortable with the idea of owning whatever I'm interested in. Once I reach that stage it all comes down to price/best deal and I typically have a few potential deals to consider on the table.

Quite simply, the BB735 has a more vintage type of vibe than the TRBX605. The TRBX605 has a cleaner more modern sound. Both are very articulate & versatile. They're also capable of performing well in any musical genre in my opinion but if I had a gig that required a more vintage feel, I'd grab the BB. Some Fusion like say Mahavishnu Orchestra, I might be inclined to grab the TRBX. Finally, if I were in a situation where I could only own one of the options, I'd probably choose the BB.

I really like both though for different reasons. Each has some things that it does better than the other. Currently I own a TRBX604FM, TRBX605FM, BB735A and I'm on the verge of adding a BB734A. The following videos might be helpful to you..

TRBX605FM

BB735A (Passive)

BB735A (Active)
 
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#50
LiptonJigglers said:
I say NO!! to the BB435.
I rate it a 8.5/10 build quality for its price range but it's a very underwhelming 4/10 (at best) bass in stock electronics format.
Think I'd rather an active Ibanez 405 or better.
Click to expand...

I’m just curious. What exactly did you find that was lacking so much in the build quality in comparison to other basses at that price point?
 
#51
dum said:
Hey everyone,

I believe I've reached a point where my current bass (a cheap Jackson P-bass) is starting to hold me back, and I'm looking to upgrade.

I play a wide range of musical styles, so I need a bass that can cover as much ground as possible at a solid level. That said, I gravitate most toward SVT-style rock tones, funk grooves, and slap bass. I'm looking for something that can be a long-term investment, potentially lasting a lifetime or at least several decades.

Right now, I've narrowed my choices down to these: Yamaha BB435/735 and TRBX505/605. My main dilemma is choosing between the two and deciding whether it's worth stretching my budget for the BB735 or TRBX605 instead of settling for the BB435 or TRBX505.

Above all, I prioritize playability and reliability. I'd love to hear from you all—do you think the 735 and 605 are worth the extra cost? And if so, which one would better suit my needs?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Yamaha BB434

For sale Yamaha BB434

Excellent condition Yamaha BB434. I can't find a mark on it. I love this bass. I'm kind of on the fence about selling it but I just bought a 5er, so... It brings the thump, currently strung with flat wound strings. Comes with a gig bag. $400 plus shipping. Would consider trade for a fretless
$400.00
6 watching
 
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#52
ebozzz said:
I’m just curious. What exactly did you find that was lacking so much in the build quality in comparison to other basses at that price point?
Click to expand...
Apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
Just to be clear, I gave the electronics the low 4/10.

Why? Because the P pickup died within the first week of ownership, bought brand new.
Replaced under warranty.

The P works but is very low on volume and relatively muddy. yes I'm aware they have a vintage tone but this is ridiculous. There is nothing available here that is a direct drop in replacement.

Adding the J pickup to the mix, does almost nothing and never has.
There's a very limited range on the volume pot where introducing the J pickup actually makes any usable, noticeable difference...

The J pickup is now showing similar signs of self destruction that the P pickup exhibited..
I can get DiMarzio J pickup set for $400 AU to suit but that's depending on availability and still leaves the P pickup problem.
A rewind of the P pickup to DiMarzio DP122 specs, may be my only option left.

Going active requires more work and expense that I'm not prepared to endure.


IMO: get something else that has parts easily and readily accessible.
 
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#53
lionsdenblog said:
Yamaha BB434

For sale Yamaha BB434

Excellent condition Yamaha BB434. I can't find a mark on it. I love this bass. I'm kind of on the fence about selling it but I just bought a 5er, so... It brings the thump, currently strung with flat wound strings. Comes with a gig bag. $400 plus shipping. Would consider trade for a fretless
$400.00
6 watching
Click to expand...
This ^^ buy a pristine used one, and if you don't love it, flip it and try the other one.
 
#54
LiptonJigglers said:
Apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
Just to be clear, I gave the electronics the low 4/10.

Why? Because the P pickup died within the first week of ownership, bought brand new.
Replaced under warranty.

The P works but is very low on volume and relatively muddy. yes I'm aware they have a vintage tone but this is ridiculous. There is nothing available here that is a direct drop in replacement.

Adding the J pickup to the mix, does almost nothing and never has.
There's a very limited range on the volume pot where introducing the J pickup actually makes any usable, noticeable difference...

The J pickup is now showing similar signs of self destruction that the P pickup exhibited..
I can get DiMarzio J pickup set for $400 AU to suit but that's depending on availability and still leaves the P pickup problem.
A rewind of the P pickup to DiMarzio DP122 specs, may be my only option left.

Going active requires more work and expense that I'm not prepared to endure.


IMO: get something else that has parts easily and readily accessible.
Click to expand...

Thanks for responding. I don’t own the BB434. Nor have I ever touched one. I can’t speak on the attributes or deficiencies of that model. I don’t believe that I’ve ever heard anyone describe a lot of what you’re describing though. The P pickup is muddy? Really?

I certainly don’t have any of those issues on my BB734 or BB735. Different pickups though. You’ve got me intrigued! I was sort of passively considering the possibility of adding one of the 400 series BBs.
 
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#55
ebozzz said:
Thanks for responding. I don’t own the BB434. Nor have I ever touched one. I can’t speak on the attributes or deficiencies of that model. I don’t believe that I’ve ever heard anyone describe a lot of what you’re describing though. The P pickup is muddy? Really?

I certainly don’t have any of those issues on my BB734 or BB735. Different pickups though. You’ve got me intrigued! I was sort of passively considering the possibility of adding one of the 400 series BBs.
Click to expand...
I have a 734 and 735 as well, but I started with a BB234. I did have a fret lift on it requiring repair. But the ONLY reason I replaced the pickups on it was that the single coil J bridge was loud in my noisy environment. I ended up using the PJ set from the 234 in a Squier PJ I built for a friend. The P pickup was very nice. I would be surprised if a 434 or 435 was worse.
 
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#56
SharpCat said:
I have a 734 and 735 as well, but I started with a BB234. I did have a fret lift on it requiring repair. But the ONLY reason I replaced the pickups on it was that the single coil J bridge was loud in my noisy environment. I ended up using the PJ set from the 234 in a Squier PJ I built for a friend. The P pickup was very nice. I would be surprised if a 434 or 435 was worse.
Click to expand...

I’ve played a BB234 and I didn’t find the P pickup to be “muddy”. In fact, I found it to be more clear & articulate than some P basses to my ears. The only bass that I’ve owned with a P pickup prior to the end of last year was a Fender JP-90. I didn’t like that bass at all. The tone of my BBs, even with the P pickup played solo is outstanding!
 
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