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Yamaha 80's BB Series

A

alchemy

Jul 25, 2004
48
17
Italy
www.lesbass.com
#1
Let's speak about the 80's Yamaha BB Series...

I'm in love with my red BB3000A, so I decided to buy another one of these goodies... I'm just waiting for it to come!

But in the meanwhile I'm looking for some information: apart from the electronics and pickups... what is the real difference between BB3000 and BB3000A? I've never seen a BB3000A in natural finish, so i was wondering whether its neck is a mahogany/maple like the 3000 or not...

and again, what's the real difference between BB3000 and its succesfull foregoer BB2000?

:cool:
 
#2
The difference between the BB3000 and BB2000 is that the BB3000 has a VVT control layout. The BB2000 is VT and a toggle switch.

The 1980s BB series were fantastic basses. If they were still being made in their original configurations and at the same quality level, they would be competition for Custom Shop Fenders and USA Laklands. The only difference is that the flagship BBs were neck through basses.
 
#3
Are you sure? I'm pretty sure that also BB3000 control layout is VT and a toggle switch....

BTW... another question that passed thru my mind was: were the A series basses only made in Taiwan? I think that the first ones were from Japan (recognizable from the thin bridge) and they went to Taiwan and used the heavy bridge, but internet is so poor of info about these basses that I just can't have any confirm :(
 
#4
alchemy said:
Are you sure? I'm pretty sure that also BB3000 control layout is VT and a toggle switch....

BTW... another question that passed thru my mind was: were the A series basses only made in Taiwan? I think that the first ones were from Japan (recognizable from the thin bridge) and they went to Taiwan and used the heavy bridge, but internet is so poor of info about these basses that I just can't have any confirm :(
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure, but I am no expert on Yamaha model history.:)
 
#6
As stated before I already own a BB3000A and another one is on the way to me... I can't wait to know if the new one is made in Taiwan like its twin.

Anyway the quality of my bass is excellent! :) That's a beauty!

EDIT: timmarks, can you post some photos of your new bass please? :)
 
#10
DeanT said:
It seems Yamaha is incapable of making a bad bass...
Click to expand...
That's been my experience. One of my favorite all-time basses is an RBX765A that I still have, use fairly frequently. Great bass, for very little coin!

YAMAHA_RBX765A.jpg
 
#13
I got a used BB414 about a month ago, thinking it'd make a nice inexpensive bass I could travel with, and leave in the car without being constantly worried about, like I would be if it was my Warwick or RD Artist... :) I was pleasantly surprised at the tone it gets. It's great sounding, as good as any other bass I own. Comfortable neck and decent action, too, though it's not quite as nice as my GL Jazz in that respect.
 
#14
alchemy said:
they surely are great instruments, but as you can imagine I especially love that BB series.... so, can anyone answer to my questions?
Click to expand...
I've owned a BB3000 since mid-late 80's. Over the years I've kept my eye out for these basses both in music stores and on EBAY. The following is IMO and to the best of my recollection.

The passive 3000 has V V T controls. From what Yamaha used to say in their ads and from my experience, all the the 3000 (and 2000) basses had the multi lam maple/mahogany necks. I believe the bridge was changed to the heavier version before production was moved to Taiwan. There is a nice looking MIJ 3000AF on ebay that looks like it has the newer bridge.

The BB2000 is significantly different from the 3000. Like the older BB1100 and 1200's, the BB2000 has the original big bottom body shape with less cutaway on the lower horn and a slightly shorter upper horn, wider P-type neck and string spacing and a reversed P along with it's J.

Joe
 
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#15
Joe_Atlanta said:
I've owned a BB3000 since mid-late 80's. Over the years I've kept my eye out for these basses both in music stores and on EBAY. The following is IMO and to the best of my recollection.

The passive 3000 has V V T controls. From what Yamaha used to say in their ads and from my experience, all the the 3000 (and 2000) basses had the multi lam maple/mahogany necks. I believe the bridge was changed to the heavier version before production was moved to Taiwan. There is a nice looking MIJ 3000AF on ebay that looks like it has the newer bridge.

The BB2000 is significantly different from the 3000. Like the older BB1100 and 1200's, the BB2000 has the original big bottom body shape with less cutaway on the lower horn and a slightly shorter upper horn, wider P-type neck and string spacing and a reversed P along with it's J.

Joe
Click to expand...

That is all correct. I owned a BB2000 in the late 1980's, and it is high on the list of basses I regret trading away or selling.
 
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#17
Joe_Atlanta said:
I've owned a BB3000 since mid-late 80's. Over the years I've kept my eye out for these basses both in music stores and on EBAY. The following is IMO and to the best of my recollection.

The passive 3000 has V V T controls. From what Yamaha used to say in their ads and from my experience, all the the 3000 (and 2000) basses had the multi lam maple/mahogany necks. I believe the bridge was changed to the heavier version before production was moved to Taiwan. There is a nice looking MIJ 3000AF on ebay that looks like it has the newer bridge.

The BB2000 is significantly different from the 3000. Like the older BB1100 and 1200's, the BB2000 has the original big bottom body shape with less cutaway on the lower horn and a slightly shorter upper horn, wider P-type neck and string spacing and a reversed P along with it's J.

Joe
Click to expand...

Thanks for the great answer! :)

Do you know if also the 3000A series has a lam neck like the 2000 and 3000?

I had never noticed the differences in the shape of the body between the 2 models :) but now that I look closer... you're dam right! :bassist:
 
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#18
alchemy said:
Do you know if also the 3000A series has a lam neck like the 2000 and 3000?
Click to expand...
As I said, AFAIK, all the 3000 series (s, a, f or whatever) have the maple/mahogany neck. It was a signature feature of the early neckthoughs and from reading the Yamaha website, it continues today. The current neckthrough TRBs and the NE and MA signature models all have that neck construction.

Of course, you could buff the paint off your neck to find out for sure. :p

Joe
 

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