• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Yamaha BB234 vs Ibanez SR300E

Ash Jazz

Ash Jazz

Jan 29, 2012
298
272
North Ridgeville Ohio
#1
Hello all,

Have you ever found yourself in vapor lock over deciding between which of two basses to buy?

I've already read a bunch of posts over these 2 basses but still stuck and interested in your opinions as you may have thought of something I haven't. Plus all your experiences with these or similar basses are valuable and I appreciate your input. Neither of these models are at a local store.

I have diverse tastes but I come from the school of classic rock. I prefer a clean, balanced bass tone.

Here are my thoughts currently.

I am looking for a grab n go. I have a Fender Jazz that I love but I don't want to drag it to all potential situations. My primary criteria is that I don't want to spend more than $400, the neck needs to feel good, the pickups sound decent, and I don't want it to weigh too much. I have 2 amps, an Ampeg PF500 with the PF210 cab and a New Fender Rumble 800 which is what it will mostly be used with.

Between these two...

Looks
Yamaha BB234 Good
Ibanez SR300E Good

Weight
Yamaha BB234: I'm guessing it is a little heavier
Ibanez SR300E: I'm guessing it is a little lighter

Price
Yamaha BB234: Under $400
Ibanez SR300E: Under $400

Neck
Yamaha BB234: Unknown
Ibanez SR300E: I like the Ibanez necks on the models I've played

Pickups
Yamaha BB234: I like good passive pickups
Ibanez SR300E: Active electronics, sound good from demos I've heard. May give a little punchier sound.

Reviews
Yamaha BB234: Gets good reviews
Ibanez SR300E: Gets good reviews. Read a few complaints of qa issues

I am leaning ever so slightly towards the Yamaha because, I like the simpler electronics and I like the light wood color.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BB234YNS
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SR300EBWNF

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: lowendrachel
#3
thisheregiraffe said:
Between those two, I would lean towards the BB234. Nothing wrong the SR300E though. Try both in person if you can.

Also consider checking out a TRBX174. Slightly cheaper than a BB234, same simple passive PJ (VVT) pickup config as the BB234. I find them to be really well made for the price.
Click to expand...
Thanks, definitely checking out the TRBX174. It comes in root beer!
 
  • Like
Reactions: thisheregiraffe
#4
Ash Jazz said:
Thanks, definitely checking out the TRBX174. It comes in root beer!
Click to expand...
I like the Root Beer finish too. It would be a coin toss between Root Beer and Natural for me if I were buying one of these.

1757791663607.png
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ash Jazz
#11
Ash Jazz said:
Hello all,

Have you ever found yourself in vapor lock over deciding between which of two basses to buy?

I've already read a bunch of posts over these 2 basses but still stuck and interested in your opinions as you may have thought of something I haven't. Plus all your experiences with these or similar basses are valuable and I appreciate your input. Neither of these models are at a local store.

I have diverse tastes but I come from the school of classic rock. I prefer a clean, balanced bass tone.

Here are my thoughts currently.

I am looking for a grab n go. I have a Fender Jazz that I love but I don't want to drag it to all potential situations. My primary criteria is that I don't want to spend more than $400, the neck needs to feel good, the pickups sound decent, and I don't want it to weigh too much. I have 2 amps, an Ampeg PF500 with the PF210 cab and a New Fender Rumble 800 which is what it will mostly be used with.

Between these two...

Looks
Yamaha BB234 Good
Ibanez SR300E Good

Weight
Yamaha BB234: I'm guessing it is a little heavier
Ibanez SR300E: I'm guessing it is a little lighter

Price
Yamaha BB234: Under $400
Ibanez SR300E: Under $400

Neck
Yamaha BB234: Unknown
Ibanez SR300E: I like the Ibanez necks on the models I've played

Pickups
Yamaha BB234: I like good passive pickups
Ibanez SR300E: Active electronics, sound good from demos I've heard. May give a little punchier sound.

Reviews
Yamaha BB234: Gets good reviews
Ibanez SR300E: Gets good reviews. Read a few complaints of qa issues

I am leaning ever so slightly towards the Yamaha because, I like the simpler electronics and I like the light wood color.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BB234YNS
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SR300EBWNF

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Yamaha.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ash Jazz
#12
Although not the comparison you're looking for, here's a comparo between the Soundgear SR300 and the Yamaha TRB304



My personal preference is for Ibanez because the Soundgear body, neck, and ergonomics fit me most comfortably, but for the price of a new SR300, I'd look for a preowned higher-tier Soundgear. But that's just me. Ibanez ergonomics don't work for everyone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: joeLowB and Ash Jazz
#14
I have the fretless equivalent of the Ibanez, the SR370EF. I can tell you the ergonomics of the Ibanez are probably superior, as is the neck, but you will get a more classic bass tone out of the Yamaha. So if I were using your criteria to choose between the two, I would choose the Yamaha.
 
  • Like
Reactions: joeLowB and Ash Jazz
#16
At that price point, I think Yamaha is nicer quality than Ibanez, though they are both great. When you get a little higher they become more comparable IMO.

But it depends on your preferences: Ibanez and Yamaha each have their distinctive feel and sound, and some people just feel more comfortable with one or the other.

Based on your description of your style and preferences, it sounds like you might be more of Yamaha person...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ash Jazz and joeLowB

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back