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Yamaha BB424 knobs & switch settings?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by ridethespiral, Jul 9, 2013.

  1. Jul 9, 2013 #1
    ridethespiral

    ridethespiral

    Apr 22, 2011
    Edmonton, AB, Canada
    I just got this Yamaha BB424 used from a co-worker as I've been craving a passive sound (I have an esp/ltd with active emgs). I got it all cleaned up and put some new strings on but now I can't figure out the pickup settings! :bag:

    The pickups are like a fender p bass (Two split at the neck, one rail at the bridge) and there is a toggle switch with three different settings. When the knob closest to the neck is turned all the way down, there is no sound with any of the pickups even with the other knob turned up (makes it a master volume I assume?) The second knob seems to be the volume for the bridge pickup since it brightens the tone.

    Now this leaves me with the three settings on the switch.. What would they be? At one extreme, it's really dark, the middle setting seems to really increase the output and make it a bit brighter.. the third setting is the brightest of them all and the output seems to be even higher (makes my amp growly/gritty, even though volume seems to drop a tad).

    Can someone tell me exactly what this switch is doing??
     
  2. Jul 9, 2013 #2
    Bitterdale

    Bitterdale Natural Born Lurker Supporting Member

    Dec 4, 2010
    Ocala, FL
    It's a pickup selector. The dark sound is the neck (P) pickup, middle position is both pickups, and final position is the bridge (J) pickup.
    The first knob you mentioned is the master volume, the second is a master tone.
     
  3. Jul 9, 2013 #3
    panda88888

    panda88888

    Jul 15, 2010
    I have a bb424 as well. The knob closest to neck is volume. Second knob is tone. The switch selects pickups used. When switched toward the neck, the P pick up is selected. Middle position blends both pickup. Switched away from the neck the j (rail) pickup is selected.
     
  4. Jul 9, 2013 #4
    ridethespiral

    ridethespiral

    Apr 22, 2011
    Edmonton, AB, Canada
    That's what I thought originally. Here comes the confusing part :p

    When the switch is in the 'bridge pickup only' setting and the bridge volume is turned all the way off with the master on, there is still sound! As I turn up the bridge volume knob, it brightens up. Shouldn't there be no sound when the bridge pickup is selected and the bridge volume is off & master is up?

    :eyebrow:

    Edit: Ask and 'ye shall receive! Thanks panda. The owners manual I found online doesn't even state any of this. I don't know why I didn't think of it as a tone knob.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2013 #5
    hrodbert696

    hrodbert696 Moderator Staff Member Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 15, 2010
    Like old Hampshire, but New
    +1. Master volume, master tone, pickup selector switch. Super easy to use, the only disadvantage is that you don't get to blend and balance the pickups to your exact taste - each is either on or off.