Rockbass Corvette vs. Yamaha BB414x

[plax]

Hi, folks.

I own a Rockbass Corvette 4 strings, year 2009, if I correctly recall. The instrument is very comfortable, very playable, relatively light and balanced, and sounds pretty good. But today, some guy offered me his Yamaha BB414x in exchange for my Corvette.

The question is, it's a good deal to exchange the 'Vette for the BB? Which bass is better in terms of constructions, woods, hardware, electronics, and, of course, sound?

Thank you!

 

[Bobster]

Does your Rockbass say "Rockbass" on the headstock, or just have a "W"? Most folks agree the newer ones (with the W and two-piece bridge) are typically better instruments than the older ones.

Also is your Corvette, active or passive? The BB414 basses are a very well made old-school type of P/J bass. They are typically high quality, but you will need to decide if their more vintage setup will work for your music.

One note... It's more difficult to change the pickups on a BB P/J bass, than others because of the proprietary design (larger with rounded corners) than typical P/J pickups.

If that sounds like a match to your style and the BB414 is in good shape, then go for it!

Best of luck with the decision

Bob

 

[plax]

Does your Rockbass say "Rockbass" on the headstock, or just have a "W"? Most folks agree the newer ones (with the W and two-piece bridge) are typically better instruments than the older ones.

Also is your Corvette, active or passive? The BB414 basses are a very well made old-school type of P/J bass. They are typically high quality, but you will need to decide if their more vintage setup will work for your music.

One note... It's more difficult to change the pickups on a BB P/J bass, than others because of the proprietary design (larger with rounded corners) than typical P/J pickups.

If that sounds like a match to your style and the BB414 is in good shape, then go for it!

Best of luck with the decision

Bob

Says "Rockbass" on the headstock, and is the active one, with the one-piece bridge. The problem I found with this bass is his gain: most distortion pedals sounds like farts unless I turn the volume halfway down and/or tweak with the EQ.

I play mostly rock, grunge, that kind of stuff. Maybe the BB's sound matches better.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

Play the Yamaha and find out what you like The newer Rockbasses are better quality than the old ones, but sounds like there's nothing wrong with yours. Yamaha make quality instruments as well. So just play, see if you like the feel.

 

[plax]

Ok, finally I went with the Yamaha. Warm, deep tones. Vintage sound and look. Very robust, well finished. Totally different basses, the Rockbass is more ergonomic modern and punchy, but for my taste the Yammy suited very, very well. Thank you for your advices.

 

[MakoMan]

You cannot go wrong with the BB414. They are amazingly versatile basses!

 

[plax]

I have the BB414. It has some customizations: a pickguard and a control plate, like the 414x. The sound is AMAZING. I'm really, really happy with it. I'll post a pic soon.