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Opinion: 2018 Yamaha BB734a or 2013 Gibson EB

Yamaha BB734a or 2013/2014 Gibson EB

  • Yamaha BB734a

    Votes: 15 71.4%

  • Gibson EB

    Votes: 6 28.6%
  • Total voters
    21
GrooveTheory

GrooveTheory

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2018
157
703
#1
I have always been interested in the 2013/2014 Gibson Eb basses, but have never found an opportunity to play one. I currently own a 2018 Yamaha BB734a and really like it for the most part, but am debating whether to sell it and buy the Gibson. Does anyone have any experience in playing both? They Yamaha is comfortable to play and I've hear good things about the EB. Can anyone comment on/contrast the sound characteristics and range of each? I already have a AM Jazz and P, so this would be my one quiver "player bass". Looking forward to hearing some comments!
 
#2
If you're predominantly a Fender player when it comes to feel, Yamaha is probably a better fit.

Gibby is a fine bass but with a completely different feel than any Yamaha I've ever played, and I've owned and played many over the past 40 years.

Sonically, they both hold their own. EB is the most unconventional Gibson bass ever in that respect, and very versatile. To me it's more interesting-sounding than Yamaha - I could get a Music Man-ish flavour out of it amongst other things - but it takes some getting used to.

Good luck.
 
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#3
Gibsons are hideously overpriced, Yamaha BBs are fantastic value.

But if you REALLY want the EB sound/feel the Gibson is the winner by default.

If not the Yamaha is a better and more versatile instrument IMO.

An EB is a cool instrument to have around but I personally wouldn't want one as my only bass, probably not even as my second. They have a very ideosyncratic sound (some would say muddy) that you won't be able to dial out. At least make sure you REALLY know what the EB sound is all about before you sell that lovely Yamaha!
 
Last edited:
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#4
Deleted member 271037 said:
Gibsons are hideously overpriced, Yamaha BBs are fantastic value.

But if you REALLY want the EB sound/feel the Gibson is the winner by default.

If not the Yamaha is a better and more versatile instrument IMO.

An EB is a cool instrument to have around but I personally wouldn't want one as my only bass, probably not even as my second. They have a very ideosyncratic sound (some would say muddy) that you won't be able to dial out. At least make sure you REALLY know what the EB sound is all about before you sell that lovely Yamaha!
Click to expand...

I don't think that you know what Gibson bass the OP is inquiring about. It has nothing to do with the EB basses of yesteryear.
p1_ulqp0yk3d_ss.jpg


OP, I'm not familiar with that particular Yamaha, but the EB is a very versatile bass.
 
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#6
Thanks all, great feedback so far. bradd is right that the 2013/2014 EB are a different breed, and unfortunately, i’m lot in a position to try one anytime soon. I also have too much gear to have both! I have a feeling it’s going to be the Yammy, and I’ll just have to ignore the GAS for now!
 
#7
No experience with the Yammy, but I picked up a 2013 EB earlier this year and I’ve been pretty happy with it so far. If you’re ok with the rough finish on them, it’s a pretty nice bass. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, the finish is where they cut their costs to keep the price down, so it’s not a smooth glossy finish by any means.) Plays well, kinda like a P, and has a versatile sound, as both buckers have a coil tap on them. And yeah, it’s the most “Fendery” bass that Gibson makes. I’m not much of an active bass fan, so given the choice between the Gibby and Yanmy, I’d take the Gibby. So that’s where my vote lies.
 
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#9
bradd said:
I don't think that you know what Gibson bass the OP is inquiring about. It has nothing to do with the EB basses of yesteryear.View attachment 3588474

OP, I'm not familiar with that particular Yamaha, but the EB is a very versatile bass.
Click to expand...

Ooops, yeah you're right. I was thinking of the old Jack Bruce style EBs. Sorry, please ignore my post above.
 
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#10
Well... I bit the bullet and bought the EB (blind/online). Now my thoughts are that I won’t part with 734a after all and I’ll keep both... it really is a great playing and visually appealing bass(this is an addicting and tormenting hobby, lol)

However, my pragmatic side is pushing back, and I am now considering returning the 734a and replacing it with a much more cost effective BB234 so that I have a true beater/practice bass, which I don’t really have right now.

I like to keep my gear in tip top shape, and I know that the Gibson has a thin skin, while I’m also worried about making a mess of the 734a’s beautiful matte/satin finish. having a beater bass is appealing.

Can anyone comment on the durability of either one?

So, I won’t actually be getting access to the Gibson for a few weeks, but I’ll be sure to post my thoughts once I able to give it a test drive...


thanks for all the feedback so far.
 
#11
GrooveTheory said:
Can anyone comment on the durability of either one?
Click to expand...

The finish on Gibby gets scratched/worn easily but given that it's not high-gloss to begin with, the imperfections don't stick out as much IMO/IME.

In all other respects, my 2013 was a well-built instrument and the only reason I sold it was the fact that I could not get used to its neck profile.

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
#12
GrooveTheory said:
Well... I bit the bullet and bought the EB (blind/online). Now my thoughts are that I won’t part with 734a after all and I’ll keep both... it really is a great playing and visually appealing bass(this is an addicting and tormenting hobby, lol)

However, my pragmatic side is pushing back, and I am now considering returning the 734a and replacing it with a much more cost effective BB234 so that I have a true beater/practice bass, which I don’t really have right now.

I like to keep my gear in tip top shape, and I know that the Gibson has a thin skin, while I’m also worried about making a mess of the 734a’s beautiful matte/satin finish. having a beater bass is appealing.

Can anyone comment on the durability of either one?

So, I won’t actually be getting access to the Gibson for a few weeks, but I’ll be sure to post my thoughts once I able to give it a test drive...


thanks for all the feedback so far.
Click to expand...

If you need the Yamaha ONLY as a practice/beater bass then maybe. But if you plan on using it for anything else the BB234 is a HUGE step down from the 743a. The 234 is the entry level bass in the BB series. It's missing most of the classic BB features like the 6-bolt miter neck joint and the laminated neck. It also has a ceramic pickup instead of alnico. The BB234 doesn't really have the BB-vibe in my opinion. It's a really nice bass for it's price but it's nothing like the more expensive BBs.

Even the BB434 is a BIG step up from the 234 IMO. The 434 feels like a real BB. If you don't need active I think you could be happy with a 434. But if you replace your 734a with a 234 I think you may be a bit disappointed.

I absolutely love the current BBs. So much that I went the opposite way from you and upgraded to a BBP34. It's a work of art! But I still wouldn't mind playing a 434. The 234... probably not if I had other options.
 
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