Yamaha BB425 vs BB1025 vs BB2025

[B-line]

I've had my BB2024X for a few years now- I suppose I'm fortunate in that I haven't had issues with single-coil hum, as a matter of fact it's a very quiet bass. I'm also a believer in the A.R.E /IRA technologies, I don't think Yamaha needed to waste their time on hype for this bass; They didn't build the equipment needed for these processes for nothing.

Everything else about the build/fit/finish/components justifies its higher price tag. Much like the Ibanez Prestige series, the Japanese-built Yamahas are "smaller-batch" production models with greater attention to details. I also own a Prestige ATK, now discontinued,and I feel the same as compared to the less expensive ATK, series which I've played.

The lower-priced BB series are great basses and good values. A player could get a lot out of them as well.
To me, the biggest difference is in the feel-IMO 2024/2025's are powerful and rock-solid basses. I'm sure the same standards/differences hold true for the different levels of the new BB series basses.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

One thing about the Yamaha fives - the string spacing is narrow. I was stumbling over the strings when I tried it out. But that's me, you may like it that way.

I think Yamaha is usually 18mm at the bridge, that's pretty spacious.

 

[joebar]

i had a 1025 X that I bought new a few years back and since sold it

I, also was impressed (after the fact) with the 424/425; I though it actually had a better tone from the PU's

the 2025 may be incredible but likely would suffer on resale due to the fact that it looks identical to the 1025 which is 2 1/2 times cheaper new.

well built basses but for me, the B was only average and the voicing of the PU's bugged me.

 

[twc1313]

I don't know what kind of tastes you have, ie if you prefer "boutique" basses and put a high value on elite craftsmanship. I'm more the type of who likes value in my basses, good tone, playability, and solid construction. For me, my 424x is the nicest bass I own. However, I haven't played the 1024x but from the countless vids I've watched on YouTube, the tone of the 424 is almost identical to the 1024. I don't think you would ever be let down by a bb425, to me its built to use at any level and does everything right.

 

[english4bw]

I just read that the BB2025X is discontinued? Is this worldwide or only in my backwards nation of Canada?

 

[B-line]

I just read that the BB2025X is discontinued? Is this worldwide or only in my backwards nation of Canada?

I believe Yamaha has moved on to a new series of BB basses, and the 2024/25 as well as the "X" series of same is now no longer going to be made.

the 2025 may be incredible but likely would suffer on resale due to the fact that it looks identical to the 1025 which is 2 1/2 times cheaper new.

I'm not too sure about that. Partly because it is now n/a, the Japanese-built models ae sought after. I briefly put my 2024X on the market (before I came to my senses and took it off!) and I had quite a few offers at asking price.
Some, like myself, are attracted to the build features of the higher-end models.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

i had a 1025 X that I bought new a few years back and since sold it

I, also was impressed (after the fact) with the 424/425; I though it actually had a better tone from the PU's

the 2025 may be incredible but likely would suffer on resale due to the fact that it looks identical to the 1025 which is 2 1/2 times cheaper new.

well built basses but for me, the B was only average and the voicing of the PU's bugged me.

Low resale is a problem for a lot of Yamahas except the older TRBs and BB series.

 

[english4bw]

I believe Yamaha has moved on to a new series of BB basses, and the 2024/25 as well as the "X" series of same is now no longer going to be made.

Wow. Hopefully my 2025X will become a collector's model soon then? who knows?

I'm not too sure about that. Partly because it is now n/a, the Japanese-built models ae sought after. I briefly put my 2024X on the market (before I came to my senses and took it off!) and I had quite a few offers at asking price.
Some, like myself, are attracted to the build features of the higher-end models.

Yeah. After finally buying mine I don't know why I ever hesitated. Impeccable quality.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I believe Yamaha has moved on to a new series of BB basses, and the 2024/25 as well as the "X" series of same is now no longer going to be made.



I'm not too sure about that. Partly because it is now n/a, the Japanese-built models ae sought after. I briefly put my 2024X on the market (before I came to my senses and took it off!) and I had quite a few offers at asking price.
Some, like myself, are attracted to the build features of the higher-end models.

Yes, you are right about Japanese made Yamahas commanding too dollars.

 

[Jazz Ad]

I have played all new BB models.
They're good instruments but don't come close to 80s and early 90s models.
Fortunately, these old BBs are very underrated and can be bought for ridiculously low prices.
If you like BBs I really suggest buying an old one.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I have played all new BB models.
They're good instruments but don't come close to 80s and early 90s models.
Fortunately, these old BBs are very underrated and can be bought for ridiculously low prices.
If you like BBs I really suggest buying an old one.

I know what you mean, I would absolutely love to get a BB2000 in good shape!

 

[B-line]

I have played all new BB models.
They're good instruments but don't come close to 80s and early 90s models.
Fortunately, these old BBs are very underrated and can be bought for ridiculously low prices.
If you like BBs I really suggest buying an old one.

I'm not so sure about that either!
Not familiar w/ 80-90's models; I'm sure they are awesome. VERY familiar with my BB-2024X. The build, the pups, the components and the wood treatment that Yamaha put into this incarnation is IMO extraordinary.
It may be apples/oranges as far as "generations" of the BB series goes. This was my 1st-ever Yamaha, I almost bought it on a whim so to speak. It intrigued me.
Good call on my part!
I have some other very fine instruments, and especially as a Passive bass, the 2024X impresses.
It's DEEP!

 

[Winton]

I’m reviving this since I recently got a BB425 used, practically brand new condition for $250

Someone mentioned how there’s no hum in the 425. My 425 also has ZERO hum, which I love. Also the string, neck balance is incredible. The string spacing is in between a Fender V and an Ibanez. So it’s not as bad for me and I have big hands.

The only thing is that it does have an overly balanced, dark sound which could come across as “bland”. But as long as you’re not trying to get a period specific sound like 60s soul with flats on a Fender pbass or a Dingwall djent, it should be perfect for any situation. I’m digging mine!