Yamaha BB series history

[BoRadBass]

That is a BBN5III with the soapbars. The BBN5II woudl have single coils. Like my BBN4II above. Yamaha budget basses are like gas-x for me.....Well almost.

 

[Skitch it!]

Playability ; )

 

[jimbilly]

I've got a '78 BB800 (mij), it's heavy like a real P, and a very good bass. To figure out when mine was built, I emailed the serial to Yamaha customer service and got a reply the next day. I've also gotten small parts from Yamaha customer service, -they know what they're doing.
My feeling is that all the MIJ Yamaha stuff is going to be good, and the MIT stuff too, any company that can make a pro grade grand piano can probably make a decent bass guitar.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I've got a '78 BB800 (mij)... any company that can make a pro grade grand piano can probably make a decent bass guitar.

Yep!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Here's another clip of Mike Mondesir playing his BBN5II (III?)
It really gets a good tone!

 

[Z-Bass]

The one I'm getting has soapbars. I could see where they are p-shaped pickups in a soapbar shell.

Ahhh.....the BB5NII. I purchased one of these as my first 5 string. Great bass. Solid construction, thick and chunky tone. Provided many years of good live and recording experience. I paid $400 for mine new at the time. Ended up installing a 3-band Seymour Duncan pre in for some added adjustability. I miss it at times. Nice buy!

 

[Lackey]

11 year later bump...

Just ordered a BBN4ii from GC for 200 bucks. Been craving a jazzish bass with 24 frets to accompany my BB300.

Sometimes need a break from the six strings!