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Yamaha BBP35

RGerhart

RGerhart

Supporting Member
Jan 11, 2021
1,711
3,627
Portland, OR
#1
Good morning, everyone!

I'm currently looking at getting one of the sunburst BBP35s, and am finding very little reason to not get one. I'm primarily a 5-string player, and I have plenty of J-style, and soapbar pup arrangements, but am missing a solid PJ.

My issue with PJ arrangements have been the weird balance between the two, and the not-quite-there sound of both when they are 100%. The reviews for the BBP35 have been pretty unanimous, though, so I'm wondering if this model doesn't suffer from the weak J output, and weird blend when both are 100%.

Anyone have first-hand experience? The nearest shop to me that has one is in Seattle, so trying it out isn't very convenient.
 
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#9
Obese Chess said:
Cool, I figured it'd be there, I just try not to check their website regularly for my own safety. ;)

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I've noticed their online store inventory isn't always up to date, from seeing their social media posts, and from actually visiting the shop. Either way, though, they always have cool gear there, and are super nice guys.

And yes, I agree with you. Best not to check the site too often. :)
 
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#10
Yamaha figured out the blend for a great PJ years ago. The. BBP is an exceptional instrument MIJ by the same shop that builds the Easts, JP's, and the like.

Hard to predict what you'll think, but it does seem that lots of guys who expressed some reservations about PJ's are never heard from again After they buy a Yamaha.
 
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#11
I have a BB424, and I would absolutely agree that the blend between the two pickups is perfect. I have owned a few PJ basses since then, and an SB-2 was the only other one that sounded as good blended fully. I would think all of the more recent Yamahas have the same great balance.
 
#12
I've owned three Yamaha BBs, but the Pro 35 I had was the only known Yamaha lemon in existence. I had it six months, and it developed a twist in the neck. Lots of relief on the treble side when flat on the bass side. The BB734 I had before it (and sold to fund it) was stellar, as is the BB434 I have now.

This is not a reason to avoid them, but I like to share this story to illustrate that even a five ply neck made by arguably one of the best factories in the world can still let us down.
 
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#15
My only complaint with my BBP34 was the linear taper B250k pots that made the tone control behave like an on/off switch. I have no idea if they have sorted this out (or if Yamaha consider this to be a "feature" rather than a flaw...).

I replaced both pots with A250k (logarithmic/audio taper) and couldn't be happier. Best bass I've ever owned, and I've owned lots of far more expensive basses over the years. If these basses had a Fender logo on the headstock the price would have been $5000 or more. These BBs make Fender's pricing and QC seem like a joke.
 
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#16
I have recently been in the same boat, considering a 34" fiver and was strongly considering the BBP35 based on all the positive reviews.

However - this week I had the chance to play the lowest-tier BB, the $349 BB235. Of course, I'm not gonna compare it to the $1,899 MIJ version, but I wanted to play it as soon as I saw it because it has the same body and neck dimensions as the BBP. But I found that I just wasn't comfortable with the 1.69" nut width - the string spacing was just a smidge too tight for me in the first few frets, and this is coming from a 1.5" jazz nut 4-string guy. My other 5ers are a G&L with 1.75" and a Modulus with 1.85", and the Yamaha just felt too tight at the nut. Loved the 18mm bridge spacing, didn't love the 1.69" nut width...

Of course, YMMV, yes I could probably get used to it, but it felt too tight for me to be comfortable swapping back and forth between my other basses.

I will also say that the BB235 was legit surprisingly good for being $349; I can only imagine how solid the BBP must feel and play, I'm sure it's amazing.
 
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#17
Cleezmo said:
I have recently been in the same boat, considering a 34" fiver and was strongly considering the BBP35 based on all the positive reviews.

However - this week I had the chance to play the lowest-tier BB, the $349 BB235. Of course, I'm not gonna compare it to the $1,899 MIJ version, but I wanted to play it as soon as I saw it because it has the same body and neck dimensions as the BBP. But I found that I just wasn't comfortable with the 1.69" nut width - the string spacing was just a smidge too tight for me in the first few frets, and this is coming from a 1.5" jazz nut 4-string guy. My other 5ers are a G&L with 1.75" and a Modulus with 1.85", and the Yamaha just felt too tight at the nut. Loved the 18mm bridge spacing, didn't love the 1.69" nut width...

Of course, YMMV, yes I could probably get used to it, but it felt too tight for me to be comfortable swapping back and forth between my other basses.

I will also say that the BB235 was legit surprisingly good for being $349; I can only imagine how solid the BBP must feel and play, I'm sure it's amazing.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this honest review. I can deal with as low as 17.5mm bridge spacing, but having a slim nut width is a little troublesome. This makes me think twice about the purchase.

However, I'm looking at getting it from Guitar Center, since I have some holiday gift card funds to use. I could always return it if it's just not working for me.
 
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#19
Own the BBP34 and it is perfect, the J pickup is not an afterthought like on so many other PJ offerings. I love mine stock but seem to read a few on here changing the J pickup for a hum canceling variant.

Very satisfied with the bass.
 
#20
Do you know a spanish bassist called Vincen Garcia? He played with Cory Wong on his recent european tour.
He has a BBP34 and he has a lot of videos on Instagram. He usually favours the bridge pickup in his playing and it sounds awesome with that bass.
Maybe that helps with your doubts.
 
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