Possible NBD incoming: need opinions

[RGerhart]

Okay, need some assistance with a possible new bass day. I'm torn between these two, even though they are very different.

Yamaha BBP35
Fender USA Geddy Lee jazz bass

My thoughts: I could definitely use a 5-string PJ style bass, and the Yamaha is at the top of my list. My friends play a lot of Yamaha guitars, and all rave about them. I've played this particular model a few times at stores and at gigs, so there's that. I'm also primarily a 5-string player, so this would be nice to have a PJ passive style bass.

On the Fender side, I love 4-string jazz basses, and have read nothing but great reviews about this USA Geddy Lee. I currently have a 75th anniversary J bass, and love it. I figure with this one, it will a) have a different sound than my current, b) look great because of the maple board with inlays (and black paint job), and c) be great to have another J-style anyway.

So, what say you? I play a bit of everything, and am in multiple tribute bands (mostly 90s alternative rock).

 

[CletusMarley]

Id get the Yamaha.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Are you trying to fill a role that your current instruments can't handle, or just buying something new because it's fun to have a new toy?

If you already like the basses you have, what motivates you to consider buying either of these?

 

[T McClure]

Is there a shop anywhere around you with a Geddy Lee jazz you can try out? People seem to love it, but it would be good if you could see for yourself if the feel fits you and if you really do hear a difference.

 

[RGerhart]

Are you trying to fill a role that your current instruments can't handle, or just buying something new because it's fun to have a new toy?

If you already like the basses you have, what motivates you to consider buying either of these?

Yes, maybe a little of both. I play in multiple bands, so sometimes it comes in handy to have another bass for a different tuning, or different overall sound.

I do like the basses I already have, but for me, you can't have enough basses. I just love everything about them.

 

[RGerhart]

Is there a shop anywhere around you with a Geddy Lee jazz you can try out? People seem to love it, but it would be good if you could see for yourself if the feel fits you and if you really do hear a difference.

No, unfortunately not. Despite Portland being a very metropolitan city, I have yet to encounter in all of my years here a Geddy Lee.

 

[DrBnz]

I've had to Geddy and had no problem selling it. It just wasn't "fantastic" (to me). The neck was a bit fat too. Odd since the Geddy (CIJ) has such a thin neck. I'd get the Yamaha .... if you wanna try a great J-bass, go try a Am Vintage II '66 J-bass. I chose one of those over my Geddy, Ultra, Clayton, AO-60. They've all been sold.

 

[brianrost]

I'm also primarily a 5-string player, so this would be nice to have a PJ passive style bass.

I currently have a 75th anniversary J bass, and love it.

You already answered your question, get the Yamaha.

 

[TheReceder]

I'd pick up a G&L L2500 while you can. It's kind of a swiss army knife of basses. Get one before another company ruins them, or before prices get stupid.

 

[RGerhart]

I'd pick up a G&L L2500 while you can. It's kind of a swiss army knife of basses. Get one before another company ruins them, or before prices get stupid.
View attachment 7356349View attachment 7356350

Already there.

I picked this up last year from Sweetwater.

 

[jd56hawk]

Bacchus Jazz basses are special...the turbo switch is a very nice feature.
They have some nice active models, too...4-string or 5-string, and more finish options than any other company.

 

[PapaBearBass]

I’ve never played either model but I think a 5 string PJ configuration would give you a lot of flexibility. Go for the Yamaha

 

[Nedmundo]

You already answered your question, get the Yamaha.

My thought exactly. If you're primarily a five-string player and you already have a four-string J, seems Yamaha should be the answer.

 

[scuzzy]

I love the Geddy neck, but by all accounts, that Yamaha bass is supposed to be something special.

 

[Lo-E]

I currently have a 75th anniversary J bass, and love it. I figure with this one, it will a) have a different sound than my current

What makes you think that? The difference in pickup spacing between 60s and 70s style Js is subtle. There might be a difference, but it won’t be a big one.

It sounds to me like your bases (basses) are already pretty covered so anything you buy is going to be because you want it rather than need it (which is totally cool in my book) so you should get the one you think is cooler. If practicality plays into the equation at all, the Yamaha seems like it would be a lot more useful for you.

 

[blmeier7]

IMO you get more bass for the money with the Yamaha. I had a Geddy Lee CIJ and it was nice and sounded great, didn’t care for the slim neck. I haven’t had a BBP, but I’ve had the BB734 and still have a BB434.

 

[Gervais Cote]

In your situation, I’d go with the Yamaha because I played one in a rehearsal and it was a real pleasure thanks to its comfort and ergonomic.

For the jazz bass, I would try a few different "aggressive" round wound strings on it and you could be surprised how close it will sound to a Geddy Lee model.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'd go with the Yamaha if you're primarily a 5-string player. Just make sure you don't get a boat anchor. They can be heavy.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, no opinion on the Yamaha 5.

I owned a Geddy Lee Jazz from the 90's that was 'Crafted In Japan'.
It was a very fine instrument, but a little too heavy for gigging.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[oldcatfish]

I’m not really a 5 string player, so I would get the Geddy….BUT, you are a 5 string player, so I think that you would play the Yamaha a lot more often. Especially after the new bass phase is over.