Hi! Since there was multiple threads on the Yamaha BB VS P bass subject I was not sure where this would go so I post it here. I could not find a similar comparison so I made my own. I hope it will be of help for someone looking for something like this. Both basses are all stock.
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Video: Yamaha BBP34 vs American 60s P
- Thread starter Vanheusen77
- Start date
I got requests for more settings and right hand techniques with more bouncing back and forth so I made this part 2. Fore some reason I could not edit it into the original post.
Welp. They both sound like a P bass, I'll say that for free.
Yeah I even to me the difference is subtle, but it’s there. It’s easier to hear when you go direct (like here) than through the amp.
Your videos are awesome. Both basses sounds great. IMHO Fender is just a little bit better for my ears, more low mids maybe. What about feeling? Which one do you like more. I would like to buy one but can't choose the winner. I love how Fenders sounds but don't like build flaws that they have. Somewhat like a long time marriage for me 
The difference in feel is much bigger than the difference in sound. In many wants they are opposites, and I like them both for what they are. The Fender is very vintage in construction and feel with big 43mm neck, and gloss nitro finish on the back of the neck. The Yamaha is a much more modern construction with thinner 40mm satin finished neck as well as six bolts, string through and much more. They are both very sturdy and well built. The P bass needs to have the neck removed for truss rod access, but thats no biggie to do yourself. I love them both for their opposite ends of the P bass spectrum. I also feel that in the name of full objectivity, I must disclose that I am endorsed by Yamaha. Since the necks especially feels different (and the Am. Orig. P bass feels quite different from the Am. Pro. P) you really have to try them to make a decision.Your videos are awesome. Both basses sounds great. IMHO Fender is just a little bit better for my ears, more low mids maybe. What about feeling? Which one do you like more. I would like to buy one but can't choose the winner. I love how Fenders sounds but don't like build flaws that they have. Somewhat like a long time marriage for me
BobDeRosa
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- May 16, 2012
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Thanks very much for doing this, it really helps. I've got my eye on the used market for a BBP34 because it might be exactly what I've been looking for -- and I've acquired eight Yamaha BBs looking for it! I like all those BBs right now, but if the 34 is what I think it is, I'd trade some of them in a minute just to cut down on the clutter.
Nice playing! (And either bass would work for me. Although I couldn't make it sound that good, I'm afraid.)
I got a nice used BBP34 about 3 weeks ago with thoughts of flipping it. Like many of my basses, this one suffered from benign neglect and needed a few little tweaks to get it ready, fret sprout, new strings, a setup, and a bath. While performing these much needed maintenance items, I changed my mind about the flipping thing! This is an awesome bass! I wish it were a 5 string but the thing is merely fantastic. I’ve used the P pickup almost exclusively and am completely impressed.
Beautiful. If you ever decide to move it, please ping me.
