New Yamaha BB's

[Gasman]

So I've been wanting another P/J passive bass for a long time and been thinking about getting a Yamaha BB414. I haven't played one but have seen a few live and thought they sounded great. Imagine my surprise when I found out they don't make them anymore. Instead, they make the BB424 and the BB424x.

Anyone able to tell me what the difference between the two are (aside from pickguard and control plate on the 424x)? Anyone have one of these that could tell me their experience? There don't seem to be too many reviews out there yet.

Thanks

 

[Gasman]

Anyone?

 

[jasper383]

I have owned a BB414 and now own a BB425. The neck is different--the 424 and 425 have a five piece neck. The bridges are different--the new ones have a string-through option, but I personally don't believe that it makes any difference in sound.

Other than that, basically the same bass. Great value at $299.99.

 

[diehard70]

That's exactly where I was at a few months ago. I ended up purchasing the BB424 and it has become my daily player. Cops p-bass tones very well, IMHO, but I tend to play biased to the bridge p'up on my actives and w/neck and bridge or just bridge on the BB (unless I need a p-bass sound). Love the through-body option on this bass (something the BB414 lacked) and the slim, fast neck (definitely more j-bass than p-bass feel). I needed a p/j-passive to complete the playing stable and this fills it very well. I've been told to shy from the active BB's (maybe someone can chime in w/ thier $.02) because of the electronics used in them, but my BB424 fits w/ just about every gig situation for me. YMMV

Hope this helps - Dann

 

[diehard70]

I have owned a BB414 and now own a BB425. The neck is different--the 424 and 425 have a five piece neck. The bridges are different--the new ones have a string-through option, but I personally don't believe that it makes any difference in sound.

Other than that, basically the same bass. Great value at $299.99.

I concur, Jasper. Can tell no significant difference in sound or tone, real or perceived, in through-body strung basses (to MY ears). I do use med/light gauge strings (45-65-80-100) and the extra length w/ through-body gives it a bit more tension to my liking.

 

[jasper383]

I've been told to shy from the active BB's (maybe someone can chime in w/ thier $.02) because of the electronics used in them, but my BB424 fits w/ just about every gig situation for me. YMMV

Hope this helps - Dann

I had a BB615, the active version of the 614, and the EQ was one of the weakest EQs I have encountered.

These basses are nice enough passive.

 

[Gasman]

Thanks!

 

[diehard70]

I had a BB615, the active version of the 614, and the EQ was one of the weakest EQs I have encountered.

These basses are nice enough passive.

I think you mean the active version of the BB415, BB425, or the 5-string version of the BB614 (not trying to split hairs here, or anything).

This is exactly what I've been told of their actives. Thanks, Jasper.

 

[GeoffByrne]

I had my BB415 fitted with a John East U-Retro & it's a monster (tonally)!

G.

 

[EagleMoon]

If you're thinking of getting one, now is the time since MF has them for the $299. Heck of a deal IMO.

 

[pudgychef]

If you're thinking of getting one, now is the time since MF has them for the $299. Heck of a deal IMO.

this ^^

 

[Nikol4ik]

I have owned a BB414 and now own a BB425. The neck is different--the 424 and 425 have a five piece neck. The bridges are different--the new ones have a string-through option, but I personally don't believe that it makes any difference in sound.

Other than that, basically the same bass. Great value at $299.99.

Oh man,it makes a hell of a lot of a difference.The vibrations goes straight across the body and the sustain is endless.And yes I know I'm answering a 6 years old post.