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Yamaha BB1200

#21
Here's to old threads resurrected!

Two things -
#1 - I found a wrench at Stewart-McDonald that works perfectly for the BB1200- it's shaped like a bullet on a stick. There are three sizes available, you'll want the 5/16" ("Gibson") version. Under $15 delivered.

#2 - Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket passive pickups in their BB1200? I have an ancient EMG PJ set on mine, but I'd like a warmer tone from the bass.

Bought my BB1200 in 1980(!). Still the easiest slapping bass I ever met.
 
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#25
I recently found a 1978 BB-1200 for $300. It is a little beat up, but still sounds amazing. There is no problem extracting that McCartney "Tug Of War" era tone from it. The biggest issue I am having is finding a replacement for the missing pickup ring. I've scoured the net, as well as contacting Yamaha directly. On Paul McCartney's bass, it appears that it is in 2 separate pieces. I'd settle for anything that has the reverse P-bass configuration, and covers the hole. Any suggestions, as to where to look?
 
#26
BeatlePete said:
I recently found a 1978 BB-1200 for $300. It is a little beat up, but still sounds amazing. There is no problem extracting that McCartney "Tug Of War" era tone from it. The biggest issue I am having is finding a replacement for the missing pickup ring. I've scoured the net, as well as contacting Yamaha directly. On Paul McCartney's bass, it appears that it is in 2 separate pieces. I'd settle for anything that has the reverse P-bass configuration, and covers the hole. Any suggestions, as to where to look?
Click to expand...

The older BB's had brass bezels. It wouldn't be too hard to make one from some brass sheet stock. Brass is very easy to work with if you have some basic skills. My BB1000s has plastic bezels and I've thought about replacing them with brass.
 
#30
I realize this thread is a bazillion years old, but I have some helpful hints.

Re: Trussrod Adjustment Tool: My Gibson LP trussrod wrench fits, but you don't get a lot of leverage with the short arm. The size is 5/16's. If you can find one the same size with a longer arm you'd be in business. :bassist:

Re: Tuner Wrench: I had and lost the tuner tightener wrench, but I found that I could take one of those rubber sheets you use to help open jars and cut a piece to place between the pliers jaws and the chrome on the tuner. It grips nicely and protects the finish. :hyper:

Hopefully that info will help someone out there.

D
 
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#32
reviving an old thread.

just got myself a bb1200 when i was in tokyo, pretty pricey but i cant find a neck thru vintage yamaha from where i come from.

just a quick question, anyone changed their pickups yet? i find the tone on the higher notes to be a bit harsh, thought a pickup change would help to smooth things up. It's a P btw, so I cant turn down anything on the bridge side
 
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#33
redname said:
reviving an old thread.

just got myself a bb1200 when i was in tokyo, pretty pricey but i cant find a neck thru vintage yamaha from where i come from.

just a quick question, anyone changed their pickups yet? i find the tone on the higher notes to be a bit harsh, thought a pickup change would help to smooth things up. It's a P btw, so I cant turn down anything on the bridge side
Click to expand...
You could remove the brass block from under the bridge. I have three and they all sound different. One is more bassy, one more trebly... but they all are the same so I don’t know where the difference is coming from. Could be strings, wood...
 

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