• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

No Love For Yamaha Basses?

#221
Bthebassplayer said:
:laugh: Sorry for my mistake about the pitchfork hahahaha. I’m from the Netherlands so my English isn’t always correct....:roflmao:
Click to expand...
Your error is a wonderful pun, even if you didn’t intend it! A “tuning fork” is a reference for musical pitch; a “pitchfork” is a farm tool used for moving hay or straw. While their uses are different your confusion is due to the similar words and is certainly logical.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bthebassplayer
#222
pitch forks:
20292585833_2b5df81809_n.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: odarellmc
#223
Its also worth noting that Yamaha is one of the few major brands who actually makes their guitars and basses in their own factories, even the super cheap $199 models. Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Jackson, Schecter etc...all outsource to 3rd parties like Cort, Samick and WMIC to make most (if not all) of their guitars and basses. The name of the company/brand on the headstock has very little to do with the build of the guitar. Yamaha supposedly has pretty high standards for what comes out of their factories, which is why they have such a great reputation for making quality instruments, even their budget models. I like that.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: bigdaddybass12, Penphoe, Hounddog409 and 4 others
#225
Another thing I have noticed about every PJ Yamaha I have played in store (3 RBX series) or have looked at on Sweetwater that shows photos of their stock, is that you can tell each of these basses was properly set up. The P pickups all have the proper angle where the top is angled and lowered on the E side and the bottom pickup is angled and lowered on the G side.

I can't count how many Squiers, MIM and even MIA Fenders I have played in store with the P pickup in all kids of lousy positions. The last $674 MIM Players P I played, the pickup was crooked and shoved into the body at a stupidly weird angle. It wasn't done at the store either because I grabbed it and played it 5 minutes after they unboxed it. Its obvious that no one is checking things like this, even on a $1500 bass, unacceptable IMO. How can I trust the rest was properly gone over? Its little attention to details like that, even on Yamaha's cheap $199 basses that I like.
 
#227
My Yamaha BEX-BS Semi-hollowbody (Billy Sheehan Signature - 2002)
Very rare bass. This is the only one I have seen in person.
I believe they were only made in 2002.
HUGE, BEASTLY bass!
Very wide fingerboard, very wide lower bout, body not thick though...
Very cool fingerboard inlays & "F-holes".
The top is European Sycamore.
The back of the neck was sanded down somewhat by the previous owner.
The pups were changed out to Nordy Big Singles.
The pre was changed out to a Sadowsky.
I changed out the bridge to a KSM "Foundation"...GREAT BRIDGE!!!
I added the pup rings (to cover the large pup routes), and matching TRC & controls cover on the back in a nice thick archtop-type tort.
I found a Guild Starfire HSC that fits well.
I put Ken Smith Bass Burners on her.
'Talk about "Angry Piano"!

View media item 20823View media item 20827View media item 20830
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rezdog, DonaldR and Nunovsky
#228
Tons of well known bass players played Yamahas during the 80's and 90's, when they were making innovative and very well made instruments. The BB series axes (I'm thinking particularly of the BB1000, 1200, 2000 and 3000) were some of the best recording basses ever made. I've picked up a few recent Yamaha models here and there, and they don't really compare to the 80's-90's basses. My guess is that the bean counters stepped in and cut back their production and R&D budgets.
The only Yamaha I own right now is a 2010 TRB JP-2. I swapped out the stock electronics with an Aguilar pre (though pickups are stock), and it's a great bass if you can handle the weight.
 
#229
ad9000 said:
Tons of well known bass players played Yamahas during the 80's and 90's, when they were making innovative and very well made instruments. The BB series axes (I'm thinking particularly of the BB1000, 1200, 2000 and 3000) were some of the best recording basses ever made. I've picked up a few recent Yamaha models here and there, and they don't really compare to the 80's-90's basses. My guess is that the bean counters stepped in and cut back their production and R&D budgets.
The only Yamaha I own right now is a 2010 TRB JP-2. I swapped out the stock electronics with an Aguilar pre (though pickups are stock), and it's a great bass if you can handle the weight.
Click to expand...

You've played the BBP34?
 
#231
Crystalman85 said:
I've recently purchased a yamaha bb235. it is an awesome sounding bass. I also own a yamaha trbx305. great sounding bass. both keepers. especially since I'm a huge yamaha fan.
Click to expand...

I'm looking to add a fiver pretty soon, and the 3 I'm considering are the BB235, TRBX305, and Jackson JS3QV Alien Burst. All nice basses for sure.

Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed

2919904516_gtr_frt_001_rr.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Crystalman85
#238
ad9000 said:
Tons of well known bass players played Yamahas during the 80's and 90's, when they were making innovative and very well made instruments. The BB series axes (I'm thinking particularly of the BB1000, 1200, 2000 and 3000) were some of the best recording basses ever made. I've picked up a few recent Yamaha models here and there, and they don't really compare to the 80's-90's basses. My guess is that the bean counters stepped in and cut back their production and R&D budgets.
The only Yamaha I own right now is a 2010 TRB JP-2. I swapped out the stock electronics with an Aguilar pre (though pickups are stock), and it's a great bass if you can handle the weight.
Click to expand...
I noticed Micheal Anthony of Van Halen played a BB
 
#240
I bought a used BB2005 here on TB several months ago. It was my first 5 string and first neck through. I can't believe how well it sits in a mix. The preamp is a bit different than the typical 2 band I was used to but I can get a great variety of tones out of it. I would seriously consider a NE2 as my next bass.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back