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Yamaha Basses

L

lexxmexx

Apr 7, 2008
301
3
#1
I have a feeling that I am going to develop GAS soon. I have always been a sucker for Yamaha instruments and don't really like the shape of Fenders. I like the looks of the small bodied Warwicks but i don't think I can afford them.

So, what's your take on Yamaha basses in terms of sound, built quality and playability? Which models are good?

I have been told that the BB414 is a beginner's model bass, is that true?
 
#2
lexxmexx said:
I have a feeling that I am going to develop GAS soon. I have always been a sucker for Yamaha instruments and don't really like the shape of Fenders. I like the looks of the small bodied Warwicks but i don't think I can afford them.

So, what's your take on Yamaha basses in terms of sound, built quality and playability? Which models are good?

I have been told that the BB414 is a beginner's model bass, is that true?
Click to expand...


RBX 1XX is probably the "beginner" one, if you're meaning cheaper for beginers.

BB414 is really good for the money and the quality that you get.
 
#7
I've owned a couple of Yamaha basses over the years and I have to say, if you're after bang for your buck you can't beat them. They might not be as unique as some of the higher end basses but you can't just can't go wrong with them. The quality is always consistent and IMO is better than you'd find on a MIM Fender.

The BB414 might be cheap but it punches way above it's weight.
 
#8
In terms of playability Yamaha don't make a bad instrument of any description, coupled with the very reasonable pricing, they are unbeatable. Of course at the lower end the hardware isn't always the best, but I've played the 414 and the 415 and I was really impressed, I reckon they sound better than their more expensive active brethren too, but that's just me. My very first bass was a BB300 and the guy I exchanged it with still has it and prefers it over his custom built bass and the BB414 is the modern equivalent. Go for the GAS!!!!:D
 
#9
I bought an rbx375 as my first bass,... was pretty good except the B string was a bit crappy,... even with DR black beauties and a extra thick B... has an awesome rock tone to it tho,... the pickups are pretty loud (have to turn down most amps I plug into compared to whatever previous bass was plugged in...) I then learnt slapping and it wasn't so good for slapping, not sure if that was bass or strings, decided to go all out and got an ibanez K5 and havent touched the yamaha since,... not that its a bad instrument just K5 is alot more versatile... ( pay for what you get considering K5 was twice as much? )

id recommend them, just if your going for a 5 I hear that the upper RBX range are the best way to go :)
 
#10
I'm on my 3rd Yamaha bass. RBX765 I traded for a computer for my kids. BB405 I sold to a friend and for another $50 more I got the current BB605 which adds a preamp. Fine instruments, the whole family. I think it's hard to 'splurge' when buying this brand. You always get more than you pay for. imo.
 
#11
My one and only bass is a Yamaha BB605. It looks nice, plays nice, and is small and light. I did replace the electronics as I really like the Bartolini sound. I had Barts in all my expensive basses and got used to the tone.

I try to have GAS for other basses, but the only thing I would consider other than my Yamaha is a Modulus (I used to have a pair) or maybe Lakland (I used to have a 55-02) but really, this is all the bass I need.
 
#13
I have only had very good experiences with Yamaha instruments. I own a Attitude Ltd (a freaking beast of an instrument), a PB1 preamp, a flute, and a piccolo. I used to own an S80 keyboard but sold it because I didn't have the space for it. Still wish I had it though. My parents have an old grand piano and my brother has a Yamaha acoustic guitar. They are all very well made and at affordable prices.

The only instrument that has ever had a problem was my parents' grand piano. My parents originally bought C2 that was factory refurbished. The soundboard cracked and Yamaha promptly replaced it with a C3, at no extra cost, apologizing for the fact they didn't have a C2 available.

IMO Yamaha instruments don't get the credit they deserve.
 
#14
I have the TRBJP and everything about that bass is first rate. It's build is excellent, tone is amazing and the price didn't break the bank like some high end instruments out there. If I could get everything about that bass in a five string, it might be the only bass I would ever play.
 
#19
Along the years i've had several basses: Stingray 4 and 5, G&L USA L-2500, Spector Rebop Dlx 5, Fender JB 5 MIM and USA with Nords and Audere, Warwicks, etc, etc.
I used to hate everything about Yamaha's, just because i couldn't believe that a brand that builds bikes, could do basses.
Until one day that i've heard some other bassist playing a BB2005....i thought: man!!! what a great sound!!
I went to a local store to try Yamaha basses, and came out of there with a BB605 on my 'pocket'...
Since that day i've arranjed a BB Nathan East 2, a TRB5-II and still have and absolutely love the BB605.
So, yes, Yamaha's are my most favourite basses, with the best 5th string that i've played.
Just my 2 cents..
Regards.
 
#20
That's the thing about the Yammys, they make great but highly underrated instruments. I noticed that this phenomenon had spread to other musical instruments as well. Being a saxophonist, every sax player I know will swear by the Selmet Paris and nothing else. Yamaha makes great horns and have been endorsed by greats like Phil Woods.

A Fender to a bass is like a Selmer Paris to a sax is like a Vincent Bach to a trumpet is like a Buffet to a clarinet...the list goes on and the Yammys can never be the Rolls Royce equivalent of anything, such a pity :hmm:
 

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