PSA - Yamaha BBG5 with insane figuring FS in NY

[fhm555]

Not sure what you mean "photo finish". I do know the top is about 1/2" thick, which doesn't qualify as veneer.
They're amazing basses for the buck regardless of the top. I love mine.

Usually the dead giveaway it’s photo finish is to put two examples side by side and the pattern will be identical on both. I’ve never seen a photo finish Yamaha in person but i’ve seen a lot of Fenders and it’s readily apparent when you see them side by side. That said they are generally good looking tops and aside from the sameness when seen side by side they are very convincing when viewed individually.

 

[Oig]

Apparently Yamaha uses veneers, not photo flame, as evidenced by change in the figure as you move it in the light. People also point to slight mismatches in the center joint, and slight variations between guitars, which doesn’t happen with photo flame finishes. Having had a Pacifica with a wafer thin ash veneer over an alder body, I’m inclined to believe this.

Whatever though....if it plays good, feels good and looks good, who really cares how they got there?

 

[Rabidhamster]

Hey at least there aren’t any visible hamburglars

 

[wmhill]

He’s honest,
Here’s what he said.
“Truss rod works fine but I will say that the neck tends to like lighter tension strings. I found with 135-45 strings the neck pulls in a bit more relief than I like. Full disclosure here.”

And with that I’ll pass..

He doesn't mention if he adjusted the truss rod to compensate for heavier strings. If he didn't, that's a normal reaction for any stringed instrument.

 

[kesslari]

For comparison here’s mine. Definitely different grain pattern.

 

[BassZilla5]

I've owned this one for over 20 years. Absolutely love this bass.
Found one just like it on GC's website today for $250.00 and couldn't pass it up. One of my bandmates is a luthier and he's going to convert the new one to a fretless for me!

 

[songofthewind]

It’s a printed film, not a veneer. If you tilt it around, the flame does not shift in the light. There was an example recently on eBay which had flaking and lifting of the film. Bare wood underneath. I have taken the neck off mine, and there is no separate piece of wood on top.
I think it looks great, and totally fools everybody.

 

[DanTheMan2112]

I had one of those. Still mad at myself for selling it.

 

[cmcbass]

I just bought a blue one of these off gc for 140 bucks. Should be here Tuesday! Hopefully the neck is in good shape and the truss rod works.