Yamaha BB vs Jazz bass comparison (PJ vs JJ)

[Vanheusen77]

I made this short comparison between the BBP35 and a Fender American Special Jazz to hear the difference between the PJ and JJ setups. I have to admit I also think polls are fun!

 

[Yahboy]

I vote both because they sound great!
Tomy ear, Your Am Special Jazz sound much better and sweet sounding than current Am Pro J. Love the colour too.

 

[Vanheusen77]

Thanks! I have not compared the J to the new American Pro 2 yet, but that would be interesting!

 

[javi_bassist]

Both sound pretty awesome. I have a BB735 and a MIJ Fender Jazz bass. I think the jazz sounds better when solo, but the Yamaha sounds better in a mix.

Anyway, great video.

 

[someguyfromNC]

In this mix I'd say the Yamaha. When you do that hammer on on that first half step up it sounds so much deeper and fuller with the Yamaha.

 

[TrustRod]

This is why I rotate my basses, they all sound great and the change is nice.

I have a PJ Yamaha and a few J types and they're all my favorites at one time.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Nice playing! As for the sound, both work for that song, so choosing one over the other is kind of like splitting hairs. That being said, I found my ear being drawn more towards the clarity of the American Special Jazz, but that's just my personal preference. Everyone else's mileage may vary.

 

[Vanheusen77]

This is why I rotate my basses, they all sound great and the change is nice.

Yeah it can really inspire in different ways!

 

[satjhmo]

Yamaha sound more forward and aggressive. The note onset is quite pronounced with more of a "bup" right at the front of the waveform - at least, in that recording. It's great, but I prefer the more level tonal balance of the J.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

You need an option for a tie because you sound nearly identical.

 

[Vanheusen77]

To me the PJ has more mids and the Jazz has more of the “crispy” high end. But yeah they sound more similar than you would think.

 

[Prog Fan]

I think the Yamaha has a little more mid range and overall sounds "thicker". But they are very close and both sound great.

 

[Bassclef46]

I think the Yamaha has a little more mid range and overall sounds "thicker". But they are very close and both sound great.

Was thinking the same thing.

 

[joeLowB]

Thanks so much! This is helpful to me in a current decision I'm making on a 5 string. Excellent playing! Both sound great.

Have you stuck with one or the other of these in the years since you made the video?

Thanks!

 

[Vanheusen77]

The Yamaha was a bit too heavy for me, and the Jazz felt a bit uninspiring. Right now I mostly play a Vintera Jazz, a American Original P, and a Stingray special.