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Yamaha BB3000S vs Yamaha BB2000

thisSNsucks

thisSNsucks

I build Grosbeak Guitars and Basses
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Dec 19, 2004
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#1
Hey guys,

I'm looking to pick up one of these Yamaha's but I'm not really sure of the differences sound wise. I know the BB3000S has the standard P pickup while the BB2000 has a reverse P. I've heard the 2000 described as modern sounding, not sure about the 3000S though.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
#3
The only concern I have is that typically I don't like the sound of the D and G strings on a p/j with the normal p pickup. IMO its a little thin and nasal.

I do prefer the vvt setup to the vv switch setup, but the sound is the most important thing.

Any more opinions are welcome!
 
#4
thisSNsucks said:
Hey guys,

I'm looking to pick up one of these Yamaha's but I'm not really sure of the differences sound wise. I know the BB3000S has the standard P pickup while the BB2000 has a reverse P. I've heard the 2000 described as modern sounding, not sure about the 3000S though.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hi ThisSNsucks,

Even thought the BB2000 and BB3000s are both PJ basses, the reverse P really makes a big difference in sound.
To my ears, the BB2000 is more like a jazz bass - it excels in the same way that a jazz bass excels, - including the fact that it is a fantastic slapper.
And, to my ears, the BB3000s sounds more like a precision bass with an added j pup for more definition if desired.

I prefer the jazz type pop (of 'slap and pop') sound of the BB2000, whereas the 'pops' on the BB3000s sounds more
'honky' - which is typical of the pj configuration to my ears. Of course, the front pickup can be soloed on the BB3000s and it sounds like a P when slapped and popped.

I am amazed at the quality and playability of both of these basses - I am a big fan of PJ configurations, and between these two basses I can get a more jazz sound (BB2000) or a precision sound (BB3000s).

Of course, there is also a difference in the configuration as well - the BB3000s is V-V-T whereas the BB2000 is V-T-3waySelector. This adds more variety between the two basses.

I attribute the fact that they are both so very playable due to the quality of build, and especially because they are neck-thru basses - my opinion, of course.

Do a search to check out Dr. Cheese's posts on the topic of BB2000 basses - I believe he says something along the lines that they are the best funk basses ever - if I recall correctly.

I don't think you can go wrong with either bass - those early Yamaha BB series basses are fantastic. I hope the ones you are checking out are all original. So many of these wonderful basses have gone through mods.

All IMHO of course!

Good luck!

Dave
 
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#5
bassaroo said:
Hi ThisSNsucks,

Even thought the BB2000 and BB3000s are both PJ basses, the reverse P really makes a big difference in sound.
To my ears, the BB2000 is more like a jazz bass - it excels in the same way that a jazz bass excels, - including the fact that it is a fantastic slapper.
And, to my ears, the BB3000s sounds more like a precision bass with an added j pup for more definition if desired.

I prefer the jazz type pop (of 'slap and pop') sound of the BB2000, whereas the 'pops' on the BB3000s sounds more
'honky' - which is typical of the pj configuration to my ears. Of course, the front pickup can be soloed on the BB3000s and it sounds like a P when slapped and popped.

I am amazed at the quality and playability of both of these basses - I am a big fan of PJ configurations, and between these two basses I can get a more jazz sound (BB2000) or a precision sound (BB3000s).

Of course, there is also a difference in the configuration as well - the BB3000s is V-V-T whereas the BB2000 is V-T-3waySelector. This adds more variety between the two basses.

I attribute the fact that they are both so very playable due to the quality of build, and especially because they are neck-thru basses - my opinion, of course.

Do a search to check out Dr. Cheese's posts on the topic of BB2000 basses - I believe he says something along the lines that they are the best funk basses ever - if I recall correctly.

I don't think you can go wrong with either bass - those early Yamaha BB series basses are fantastic. I hope the ones you are checking out are all original. So many of these wonderful basses have gone through mods.

All IMHO of course!

Good luck!

Dave
Click to expand...

+1,000

If like funk, r&b, jazz, Urban Gospel, etc. the BB2000 is a much better bass largely because of it's superior slap tone. The BB3000 would be killer for rock or blues.
 
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#7
bassaroo said:
Hi ThisSNsucks,

Even thought the BB2000 and BB3000s are both PJ basses, the reverse P really makes a big difference in sound.
To my ears, the BB2000 is more like a jazz bass - it excels in the same way that a jazz bass excels, - including the fact that it is a fantastic slapper.
And, to my ears, the BB3000s sounds more like a precision bass with an added j pup for more definition if desired.

I prefer the jazz type pop (of 'slap and pop') sound of the BB2000, whereas the 'pops' on the BB3000s sounds more
'honky' - which is typical of the pj configuration to my ears. Of course, the front pickup can be soloed on the BB3000s and it sounds like a P when slapped and popped.

I am amazed at the quality and playability of both of these basses - I am a big fan of PJ configurations, and between these two basses I can get a more jazz sound (BB2000) or a precision sound (BB3000s).

Of course, there is also a difference in the configuration as well - the BB3000s is V-V-T whereas the BB2000 is V-T-3waySelector. This adds more variety between the two basses.

I attribute the fact that they are both so very playable due to the quality of build, and especially because they are neck-thru basses - my opinion, of course.

Do a search to check out Dr. Cheese's posts on the topic of BB2000 basses - I believe he says something along the lines that they are the best funk basses ever - if I recall correctly.

I don't think you can go wrong with either bass - those early Yamaha BB series basses are fantastic. I hope the ones you are checking out are all original. So many of these wonderful basses have gone through mods.

All IMHO of course!

Good luck!

Dave
Click to expand...

Thanks for this post Dave!

I'm thinking the BB3000 might be the better fit for me. Im more of a rocker, and love the thick P bass tone, but sometimes I want a little tighter tone.
 
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#9
bassarama said:
AMEN

I strongly concur !
Click to expand...

Me too :)


8CB6410F-FA21-46F7-A0EC-CEF622AE439B.jpeg
 
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#11
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
Old school passive Yamaha BB's are awesome. Reverse P, standard P, I like them both.
Click to expand...

Seriously - I just discovered these 80’s Yamaha basses. Wow!!

My story -

I am doing a lot of work for tribute shows and I was looking for a bass that would fit into a classic outfit, but have its own uniqueness. I stumbled upon threads about the 80’s MIJ Yamahas and voila - the 1988 MIJ BB3000a in the photo was here on the TB classifieds. I went for it (thanks Dave) and I was knocked out. Doing more research I knew that if I saw an MIJ 80’s passive BB3000 for sale I would snag it. But they are apparently hard to find - especially in red. But two days later there she was - MIJ 1983 passive in red. I didn’t hesitate (thanks Marcin).

I am just knocked out by these basses. Just spectacular tone and impeccable builds. I love the warmth of the neck pickup. Warmer and fuller than a typical P, but with enough of the normal neck pickup tone that your ear knows what it is. And it still has a nice mid snap to it because of the neck through. I’ve been told not many red MIJ’s from this era made it to the American market.

The BB3000a plays like a dream. The low z pickups make the pre fairly transparent. IMHO it has more of a Spector USA feel and I really dig its vibe.

Fanboy Here!!

Anyone have a passive 80’s MIJ BB5000 you want to part with?
I’m all ears!!

;)
 
Last edited:
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#13
InnerBass said:
Seriously - I just discovered these 80’s Yamaha basses. Wow!!

My story -

I am doing a lot of work for tribute shows and I was looking for a bass that would fit into a classic outfit, but have its own uniqueness. I stumbled upon threads about the 80’s MIJ Yamahas and voila - the 1988 MIJ BB3000a in the photo was here on the TB classifieds. I went for it (thanks Dave) and I was knocked out. Doing more research I knew that if I saw an MIJ 80’s passive BB3000 for sale I would snag it. But they are apparently hard to find - especially in red. But two days later there she was - MIJ 1983 passive in red. I didn’t hesitate (thanks Marcin).

I am just knocked out by these basses. Just spectacular tone and impeccable builds. I love the warmth of the neck pickup. Warmer and fuller than a typical P, but with enough of the normal neck pickup tone that your ear knows what it is. And it still has a nice mid snap to it because of the neck through. I’ve been told not many red MIJ’s from this era made it to the American market.

The BB3000a plays like a dream. The low z pickups make the pre fairly transparent. IMHO it has more of a Spector USA feel and I really dig its vibe.

Fanboy Here!!

Anyone have a passive 80’s MIJ BB5000 you want to part with?
I’m all ears!!

;)
Click to expand...
Lovely pair!! How much do they weight?
Are the necks closer to P or J is feel and size?
 
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#14
LadyLoveStingRay5 said:
Lovely pair!! How much do they weight?
Are the necks closer to P or J is feel and size?
Click to expand...

The red MIJ 1983 BB3000 is 8.8 lbs

The white MIJ 1988 BB3000a is 9 lbs.

I've heard there are some that are boat anchors.

Nut width is 1.62 on both.

I'd say the 1983 BB3000 is more U shaped/chunkier and feels more like a "vintage neck" .

The 1988 BB3000a is thinner and has smaller frets. You can see in the photos - especially by the horns.

Plays like lightening - effortless.
 
Last edited:
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#15
InnerBass said:
Seriously - I just discovered these 80’s Yamaha basses. Wow!!

My story -

I am doing a lot of work for tribute shows and I was looking for a bass that would fit into a classic outfit, but have its own uniqueness. I stumbled upon threads about the 80’s MIJ Yamahas and voila - the 1988 MIJ BB3000a in the photo was here on the TB classifieds. I went for it (thanks Dave) and I was knocked out. Doing more research I knew that if I saw an MIJ 80’s passive BB3000 for sale I would snag it. But they are apparently hard to find - especially in red. But two days later there she was - MIJ 1983 passive in red. I didn’t hesitate (thanks Marcin).

I am just knocked out by these basses. Just spectacular tone and impeccable builds. I love the warmth of the neck pickup. Warmer and fuller than a typical P, but with enough of the normal neck pickup tone that your ear knows what it is. And it still has a nice mid snap to it because of the neck through. I’ve been told not many red MIJ’s from this era made it to the American market.

The BB3000a plays like a dream. The low z pickups make the pre fairly transparent. IMHO it has more of a Spector USA feel and I really dig its vibe.

Fanboy Here!!

Anyone have a passive 80’s MIJ BB5000 you want to part with?
I’m all ears!!

;)
Click to expand...

I can see see the Spector comparison, The neckthrough is the link.
 
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#19
thisSNsucks said:
Hey guys,

I'm looking to pick up one of these Yamaha's but I'm not really sure of the differences sound wise. I know the BB3000S has the standard P pickup while the BB2000 has a reverse P. I've heard the 2000 described as modern sounding, not sure about the 3000S though.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I know this is super late on the response, but I figure it would be good for anybody asking this question in the future. Here is a video with a BB-3000s

 
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#20
InnerBass said:
Me too :)


View attachment 2804578
Click to expand...
Wow such a great picture!

Guys, question: what is the difference between a BB 3000 and a BB 3000 S?
I have noticed the S has one more knob, instead of the pick-up selector.
Oher than that? Any sound or material, feeling or shape difference?
I have been looking for the right Yamaha BB 3000 from the '80s for about 5 years and I have recently found a white one built in 1983, in great shape and good price, but it says it is a 3000 S and because of Covid I shan't be able to try it out soon.
 

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