Yamaha BB414 equivalent

[Kurtenstein]

Hi! I have this Yamaha BB414 that I like a lot. I'm looking for a back-up bass that sounds pretty much like it, in case it fails during a gig, to use when the other one is at the luthier or to leave at work (I sometimes practice in the music class inthe school were I teach).

Apart from another BB414 (I'll buy one if I can find one!) or a BB424, what other (P/J) options would have a similar tone?

Thanks for your help!

 

[winston]

I have a BB415! The Yamaha is one of the best passive P/J setups, the J blade pickup complements the P so well, and is NOT your typical J bridge pickup!

You could look for a passive Ibanez, they've made some good P/Js from the Roadstar to the RKB900 (I have one).
I suspect any Schecter or ESP LTD P/J is worth checking out too.

 

[Ricky Rioli]

I used to have a 424 with that bridge pickup, and I've been very aware that most J pickups sound nothing like it. So if you got a cheap PJ you would either find the tone different, or you would spend a disproportionate amount swapping the pickup for something that can make that tone.

If I were in your position, I'd probably keep on the lookout for another 414 — the neck on the 424 is very thick, and I think I've heard the 414 neck is much less extreme.

 

[Fondsdale]

MIJ Yamaha BBX

These are somewhat cheap for a vintage bass - around half what the neckthru BBs go for. Maybe hard to find.

 

[Kurtenstein]

How about the BB234? I found one for 320$ CAD; perhaps I could mod it...

 

[Ricky Rioli]

When I asked about an equivalent in a standard J bridge pickup shape, I was recommended the Nordstrand Big J Blade. Relative to a 414 or a 234, that's very expensive.



I went for a Delano, similar price



Googling for cheap ceramic blade jazz pickup, I came across a company called Guyker, about which I know nothing.

JB11 Ceramic Electric Bass Pickups Set

Enhance your bass with this ceramic pickup set from Guyker. Delivers full-bodied tone and reduced noise for precision and clarity in every note.

www.guyker.com

 

[Kurtenstein]

AI came up with this: The Duke PJ Set

 

[Ricky Rioli]

Toneriders have an excellent reputation for being quality at low prices. But a traditional alnico J pickup is not what you've got on your 414.

If you don't mind not having a like for like replacement then the 234, unmodded, will be a good purchase. Those Toneriders with their overwinding might take the 234 a little closer to your 414, but probably not enough to make the time and expense worth it (in my opinion)

 

[Kurtenstein]

Toneriders have an excellent reputation for being quality at low prices. But a traditional alnico J pickup is not what you've got on your 414.

If you don't mind not having a like for like replacement then the 234, unmodded, will be a good purchase. Those Toneriders with their overwinding might take the 234 a little closer to your 414, but probably not enough to make the time and expense worth it (in my opinion)

Interesting! Do you know other budget-friendly but suitable pickups that might do the job? I might just leave the bass as it is too!)