Yamaha Motion 111 Bass, opinions?

[Craig Williams]

I saw this come up locally in Thailand (Aussie living here). I love 80s Yamaha Japan stuff some of the best made guitars I've ever had. It has what looks like a serial number and probably "made in XXXXX" on the back of it but I can't make out if it is Japan or not. I believe these were made in Japan or Taiwan. Can any of you guys make out where its made from the photo?

Is there any love for these, it is really cheap around $200 and in pretty decent condition. I see it is a medium 32" scale. Is it going to be an issue getting strings or can I just use standard size 34" strings and cut them down? I know you can't use flats if the wrong size after recently snapping a set.

 

[bassclef112]

These are great basses. Last year I got an MB-II (it has the fine tuners) and it quickly became one of my favorites. Great tone!
It being 32" scale, long scale strings are problematic. I'm using medium scale Chromes.

Do a search for Motion basses. Plenty of info.

Bottom line, $200 is a great grab. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Craig Williams]

These are great basses. Last year I got an MB-II (it has the fine tuners) and it quickly became one of my favorites. Great tone!
It being 32" scale, long scale strings are problematic. I'm using medium scale Chromes.

Do a search for Motion basses. Plenty of info.

Bottom line, $200 is a great grab. You won't be disappointed.

Is it actually a 32 1/4" scale? I see Labella quoting that for their flat wounds / mediums. Yes I am pretty happy with the purchase. Haven't seen it yet, coming tomorrow. In original case too. I have and have had a few of the same era Yamaha guitars and they are so damn good. Well made and play well. Most I have had near perfect condition and after 40 or so years old. The paint, hardware and construction is IMO the very best. I am lucky as I live in Thailand we get a lot of Japanese imports and Yamaha not well regarded here at all. Everyone wants Ibanez from the same era which from my experience are nice guitars but the metal work corrodes and finish doesn't go the distance. The Yammies are actually great gigging instruments. For eg found my Fender Strats and Tele sounded so nice at home. But just didn't really cut it at a gig. The 80s Yamaha are real workhorses. Always very easy to set up and solid as a rock.

By the way, being a shorter scale bass with it feel like it has less or more tension on the strings? I like em loose (like my women )

 

[bassclef112]

The string tension depends on the strings you choose, not so much the scale. Get light gauge rounds. You'll have to hunt down what works best for you. Flats will typically be stiffer.

 

[Craig Williams]

I just googled it. The shorter scale is less tension...I thought it was the other way around. And yes I learnt that lesson with La bella flats. they put so much tension on my Fender precision plus (boner bass) which has a super thin, like guitar thin neck. I couldn't get the bow out even with truss rod adjustment. They really put at least 20% more tension on your neck.

 

[bassclef112]

You can get high or low tension strings in any scale. Find what you like.

 

[Oren Hudson]

Not sure if this helps, but I have what appears to be the identical bass, even down to the color. I was able to see the serial number on mine and it turned out to be NK 18021. I found a chart somewhere giving the breakdown on the serial. Made in Taiwan on 4/18/87 #021.

 

[Craig Williams]

Oh nice. I got the guy to send me more pics (receive it tomorrow) and I can see made in Japan stamped on mine. Serial number a little foggy but looks like 6021056. It's stamped on the back of the guitar near the strap knob at the back. I know these were made in Japan and Taiwan but I didn't realize Yamaha were manufacturing there as early as 87? There is no stamp on yours? Mine isn't a transfer its sort of stamped into the wood. Where did you find the serial number info?
Do you like yours?

 

[Craig Williams]

The little Yammy turned up today. Over the moon with it. 5 minutes or so setting it up. Be lucky if you could get a cigarette paper under the strings the action is so low. No buzz whatsoever. So comfortable to play. Man the sound! So much punch and projection. Had been playing my Fender US Precision all morning and its a lovely bass but this thing leaves it in the dust. Still can't make out the serial number on it but it is clearly stamped made in Japan. In original box too.