Upgrade to PRS Kestrel or Yamaha BB424?

[Heiwa]

Hi everyone!

I have a little doubt here... I'm studying bass (funk and classic rock), and currently I play a Cort Action PJ. I like how it sounds and the neck feel but I'm saving for a better bass.

After all the reseach on necks, wood and hardware, I have these two as finalists.
I can get them for the same price..

 

[frankie5string]

The Yamaha will be far more "Grunty" sounding. The Kestrel sounds polite when compared with the Yamaha. At least with the BB, you can always dial it back if it's too forward for whatever song you're playing. On the flip-side the Kestrels seem to be lighter.

 

[Heiwa]

On the flip-side the Kestrels seem to be lighter.

Thanks for your advice, i didn't know that.. I don't like heavy basses

 

[Lowendchamp]

Despite its very small price tag a Yamaha TRBX174 is awesome. You should see if you could try one ar your local music store. A lot of hype is made about building materials and sound but weight and feel is all that the body and neck provide. The BBs are great, but, the TRBX series is lighter. The stock pups on a TRBX174 sound like Seymore Duncan QPs too!

 

[J Wilson]

The BB, all day long. Easily one of the most versatile basses there are.

 

[Heiwa]

The BB, all day long. Easily one of the most versatile basses there are.

Do you think that the PRS is not as good as the BB even with the hipshot hardware?
I know Yamaha makes amazing stuff..

 

[Heiwa]

The BBs are great, but, the TRBX series is lighter. The stock pups on a TRBX174 sound like Seymore Duncan QPs too!

I wish it had a 5 piece neck like the BB.. I'd hate to have to adjust necks when the temperature changes

 

[Lowendchamp]

I can't say as I know much about that. I haven't had to adjust my basses necks very much other than the initial set up or string change. Most of my basses are one piece necks. Although it isn't as humid in western Washington as you would think. I think the trees suck the moisture out of the air.

 

[J Wilson]

Do you think that the PRS is not as good as the BB even with the hipshot hardware?
I know Yamaha makes amazing stuff..

I'd once again say, the BB, all day. That's not just what I think, it's what I know.

Having said that, it's my opinion, which I've built over many years' experience.

The only RIGHT answer for YOU, is to try both, and see which you feel is best for you, if one or the other really speaks to you.

I will tell you that as long as the hardware works as it should (bridge is solid, will adjust for action and intonation, and the keys will hold pitch), there's rarely a big difference in tone or reliability in more expensive hardware.

 

[eccles77]

IMO you can`t beat a BB for sound, build quality and value for money. I take it the BB is second hand as they haven`t made that model for a few years now?

 

[Clark Westfield]

I had a red Kestrel and sold it due to the fat neck and mediocre pickups.

The new BB has an insane neck. Smooth and flatter.

Go with the Yamaha

 

[CTBassGuy]

I had a PRS Kestrel and liked it, but discovered that I like the sound of a P Bass (split pickup) more than a Jazz (dual single coil).
The Kestrel is a really nice bass, but if you are used to and like the sound of your Cort, I think you will like the sound of the Yamaha more.

 

[39-Bassist]

Honestly if you like your necks profile then the Yamaha is closer to your liking.
plus the PRS is whole other animal.

 

[Heiwa]

if you like your necks profile then the Yamaha is closer to your liking.

I'd once again say, the BB, all day. That's not just what I think, it's what I know.

IMO you can`t beat a BB for sound, build quality and value for money.

The new BB has an insane neck. Smooth and flatter.

Go with the Yamaha

Thanks guys, I'll go for the BB then

 

[zubrycky]

I'm a proud owner of an Yamaha BB 424. That thing is a beast. It plays and records great. You won't regret buying it, OP. I guarantee that wholeheartedly.

Here's some examples of me playing the BB.







That said, the broad body (that's what BB stands for) is something that may require a certain amount of time for proper adaptation. YMMV.

P.S.: I don't find the BB's weight heavy (for my personal taste). And I strongly dislike heavy basses (I bought a Danelectro for medicinal reasons).

 

[Sean150]

I have both the BBP34 and a TRBX604 (which has a 5 piece neck btw) and previously owned a Kestrel. I haven’t played the BB434 but I would bet on it over the Kestrel. It’s not that the Kestrel is a bad bass, its just kinda meh; something that I find with most PRS SEs aside from their acoustics. I ended up keeping a Squier VM Jazz and an American Pro Jazz and traded the PRS to fund a Les Paul which might tell you something.

If i recall correctly the Kestrel sells at a price closer to the 6 series TRBX and 7 series BBs so if you can I would go for one of those. At that level the Yamahas are as good as any American made fender I have played and I’d almost push it to the level of MusicMan… almost.

It’s always best to play them both if you can of course.

 

[FatOwlBass]

I tried both the Kestral and King fisher and was not impressed. Yamaha BB or TRB would be better options for sure.

 

[John Patten]

I have a BB435 and the pickups on it are powerhouses - surprisingly loud when full open. Individually, either gives good sound - but mix them and it really comes to life. Sometimes I think I want to trade up to the 735, but the gas goes away after a little more playing!

 

[dland]

I have no experience with the Kestrel. I have a fair amount of experience with the Yamaha, and I really liked it, the Yamaha fit me like a good baseball glove with nice punch/tone spectrum. If possible, see if you can rent one from a local music shop, I had an immediate connection with the Yamaha, but YMMV... the TBRX604 is another Yamaha that I have enjoyed playing. IMHO, Yamaha bass guitars have plenty of bang for the buck.

 

[DuluthDank]

I'd take the Yamaha. But like another person said, the BB734A is similar priced to the PRS and better than either of the bases you mentioned IMO.