Yamaha BB - 735a vs. BBP35?

[stingray69]

THAT is the unicorn I would be looking for! If I could get the BBP35 w/maple board, I wouldn't have even started this thread...

I'm that guy - this is that unicorn...

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I'm that guy - this is that unicorn...

Where did you find that?!

 

[stingray69]

I just recently picked up a Yamaha BB1025x - and although I haven't had a chance to put a familiar set of strings on it just yet, I can say that it sounds extremely close to my 2025X.

Plus they are little easier to find than the 2024/5's, still gotta hunt around a bit, but in general a little easier to find.

 

[stingray69]

Where did you find that?!

There's a NBD thread on here about it - but basically, I was standing at the counter of a GC after having traded in a couple of basses that just weren't getting played much. While I was waiting for the sales guy to offer up a trade-in price, I was on the GC Used section on my phone. I put in the search term "Yamaha BB2025x" almost laughing at the thought they might have a used one in their inventory somewhere.

I about fell over when this popped up as a search result. I ordered it right on the spot, right there at the GC counter. It was physically at a GC in Orlando Park FL and I had it shipped to me. Before this, I didn't even know a few Maple neck BB's were ever made. Had never seen or heard of one before. Pure luck really.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

There's a NBD thread on here about it - but basically, I was standing at the counter of a GC after having traded in a couple of basses that just weren't getting played much and while I was waiting for the sales guy to offer up a trade-in price, I was on the GC Used section on my phone. I put in the search term "Yamaha BB2025x" almost laughing at the thought they might have a used one in their system somewhere. I about fell over when this popped up as a result. I ordered in on the spot, right there at the GC Center counter. It was physically at a GC in Orlando Park FL and I had it shipped to me. Pure luck really.

I checked the GC used basses online and got excited to see a "BBP35" for $1100. Then I looked at the pictures and, sure enough, it's a BB435. The sticker on the back of the headstock is clear as day, if the hardware and a few other details weren't plain enough.

 

[stingray69]

I checked the GC used basses online and got excited to see a "BBP35" for $1100. Then I looked at the pictures and, sure enough, it's a BB435. The sticker on the back of the headstock is clear as day, if the hardware and a few other details weren't plain enough.

Sorry to hear that - I've been seeing a lot of mislabeled things lately with GC, both from stories on here & through my own personal browsing.

 

[stingray69]

Wish I had experience with the 735A, but I don't. Can't really offer any input on that particular model.

I can say that the BBP35 I had was amazing on every level, I can't see anyone being disappointed in a flagship BB model.

Tough choice for sure - best of luck deciding!

 

[getBAK]

I'm one of the few who have owned a BB435 and a BBP35. While not 100%, functionally. the 435 and 735 only differ in electronics.
In short, the BB435 is a great instrument, maybe the best in class at the price point. That said, it lacks some refinement. The pickguard had gaps, the bridge pickup was basically useless (735's is different), there were tolerance issues. Lots of little stuff that's hard to put a finger on.

The BBP35 address every one of those issues and then some. The BBP is a vastly superior instrument in every way. Quality-wise it is on-par if not superior to every other instrument I've owned... which includes Dingwall, MTD, and Custom-Built Carvin.

For a pro-level player, the BBP is worth every cent. If Yamaha asked $2500 instead of $1600 street price, they'd probably be able to get it

 

[Corto14]

A bunch of 1025 are actually on sale in Italy atm, at least 3/4 if I remember correctly
Plus a very tempting bb2024x
(Un)Lucky for me I’ve just bought a 1024x

 

[Sparkl]

Has anyone compared the 735a to the BBP35? They have the same basic construction, pickups, and hardware. The 735a has an active preamp, a painted 5pc neck, and is made in Indonesia. The BBP35 is passive, has a natural 5pc neck, is made in Japan, and costs 2x the 735a.

My question is whether the 2x price difference is worth it as a straight up PJ-5? I expect the fit and finish on the Japan-built bass to be nicer, and they apply their acoustic resonance treatment to the Japanese bass, so there's that. But how about playability, tone, weight, etc. If I was to strip the paint on the back of the neck, would I notice a huge difference while playing the 2?

I'm typically a passive guy, but I would kind of like to have the preamp as a bonus if it's quiet and functional, even if I used it in passive mode 85% of the time.

I've had another bass in mind for a while, and I'd still like to pursue that, so the 735a leaves a lot more room in the budget for that bass. OTOH, either of the Yamahas might just bump that other bass out of the picture for a while, so maybe the BBP35 is worth it.

As a former Yamaha shop employee I've had the chance to play both the 734a and BBP34, plus I own a Japanese BB2025 as of recently.

The 734/5 is an amazing piece of wood, especially for the price, plays nice, sounds nice. But in all honesty, the Japanese BB is a noticeable step up, especially in the way the wood resonates, and how well it sustains. Also, all the Japanese versions I have ever tried were basically completely free of any dead spots on the neck which is in itself amazing already. Fender? Care to do something about that maybe?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I played a BB735A and loved it. I came back the next day to buy it, and it was gone.

 

[jmlee]

I played my BBP35 at rehearsal last night and, like every time, I was knocked out by the balance, the ease of playing and the stunning tone. I played a 735a in a shop and while it was very good, too many small things were sub optimal *for me**. I’ve kept my 1025X because it’s a completely different beast. It wears Chromes and the P35 has NYXL rounds. Beautiful pair really.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I had a P35...great bass. Definitely THE best passive bass I've owned. It was versatile, and sounded alive, with one of the best and biggest-sounding B-strings ever.

For a pro-level player, the BBP is worth every cent. If Yamaha asked $2500 instead of $1600 street price, they'd probably be able to get it

The 734/5 is an amazing piece of wood, especially for the price, plays nice, sounds nice. But in all honesty, the Japanese BB is a noticeable step up, especially in the way the wood resonates, and how well it sustains. Also, all the Japanese versions I have ever tried were basically completely free of any dead spots on the neck which is in itself amazing already. Fender? Care to do something about that maybe?

Thanks for the responses, guys. One of the common themes I've seen in these comments, other comments, and on YT videos is the resonance and sustain. I also hear it in every BBP video I've been able to watch, from cell-phone videos to pro-recorded concerts, and everything in between. To my ears, there's no denying that the BBP has the resonant, "alive", character that I'm always looking for in an instrument.

I have a number of basses with that resonant character and sustain. My #1 Jazz, a Regenerate Guitar Works, I picked up, played one note unamplified, and knew right away that it was my bass. My RGW 6 string and P-bass have the same resonant qualities. I've done many records with those basses, which brings me to my other thought; whichever bass I get will primarily be a studio bass. Based on everything I've seen, I will have absolutely no regrets with the BBP. If I want additional EQ, it can be applied in spades via my outboard preamps, plug-ins, etc.

I actually set my mind on the BBP35 several months ago, then the more practical thoughts started creeping in. The 735a definitely has it's appeal, but I think the BBP35 is the way to go for my needs and tastes.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I played a BB735A and loved it. I came back the next day to buy it, and it was gone.

That one does sound good! Thanks for posting!

 

[songwriter21]

Thanks for the responses, guys. One of the common themes I've seen in these comments, other comments, and on YT videos is the resonance and sustain. I also hear it in every BBP video I've been able to watch, from cell-phone videos to pro-recorded concerts, and everything in between. To my ears, there's no denying that the BBP has the resonant, "alive", character that I'm always looking for in an instrument.

I have a number of basses with that resonant character and sustain. My #1 Jazz, a Regenerate Guitar Works, I picked up, played one note unamplified, and knew right away that it was my bass. My RGW 6 string and P-bass have the same resonant qualities. I've done many records with those basses, which brings me to my other thought; whichever bass I get will primarily be a studio bass. Based on everything I've seen, I will have absolutely no regrets with the BBP. If I want additional EQ, it can be applied in spades via my outboard preamps, plug-ins, etc.

I actually set my mind on the BBP35 several months ago, then the more practical thoughts started creeping in. The 735a definitely has it's appeal, but I think the BBP35 is the way to go for my needs and tastes.

The only thing that bugged me (why I sold it), was the BIG body. If you don't mind that, then go for it. I paired mine with a patch from my Zoom MS60B...SVT modeler, with an Acoustic 18" cab sim. It sounded like a grand piano, both at home and live.

 

[songwriter21]

That one does sound good! Thanks for posting!

Ah yes, @Dr. Cheese, he who hath demoed bass infinite.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

The only thing that bugged me (why I sold it), was the BIG body. If you don't mind that, then go for it. I paired mine with a patch from my Zoom MS60B...SVT modeler, with an Acoustic 18" cab sim. It sounded like a grand piano, both at home and live.

That's actually no problem for me. My RGW 6 is a full 13.375" wide. I also had a BB1000s and BB1600 years ago, so I'm familiar with the general BB body styling.

 

[SJan3]

Yeah, I understand that. Fit and finish will be much nicer on the Japanese bass, but the real question is whether that translates to playability and tone for 2x the money? They share the same 3pc alder/maple/alder body, the same 5pc maple/mahogany neck, the same V7 Alnico pickups, the same bridge, and the same mitered neck joint. They are presumably both made with the same CNC program. Maybe the woods used on the Japan model are a little higher quality than the Indonesian. Maybe.

Believe me, I'd love to play both if I could, but the last new mid-level Yamaha I saw in Albuquerque was many years ago. The probability of finding both to play is absolutely 0%.

My heart says go for the Japanese bass. My wallet says try the 735 and see. Either way, I'll have to order one in from elsewhere.

I can't speak to the Japanese model. I can say that, ime, the Indonesian ones are very, very good.i have a TRBX 505 and it is virtually flawless in construction. I did need the nut slots filed down a bit to facilitate a lower action at the 1st frets but that was a $15 adjustment by my local guy. The bass is a true value for it's cost. I'd say give the 735 a whirl a d return if not happy.

 

[SJan3]

I have had a BBP35 I stupidly sold. Great bass, I would buy over and over again
I would say go for it, you won’t regret IMHO
Having say that, the 735a is 85% of the BBP so it’s up to you justify 2x price of the latter.
What’s the 15% that the Japanese differs to the Indonesian one?
IME (based on the 4 strings models):
- better balance overall
- slightly better satin finish on the neck
- IRÀ treatment: I can feel the improved resonance
- “sturdy” pickups: the ones on the 735 are a little “wabbly”

Yea, I had a 434 and the pups were wabbly.
Enough to make me return it. But the pups on my TRBX505 are rock solid.

 

[captainofsmooth]

The BBP35 is the only 5er in my arsenal, because I’ve yet to find anything better at the price point, and even beyond. Is it pricey? I guess that’s all relative. But in my hands, the build punches way higher than what I paid for it, that’s for sure. I’ll probably be holding onto it for a long long time.