Double Bass Yamaha SLB300 New model

[uprightbass.com]

That's an incredibly valid point. Sometimes it's just a utility issue.

Last time I used mine was because I was to accompany my daughter for her All State Solo competition. This was an overnight trip and four of us rode together in the same vehicle. I was able to easily pack the Yamaha SLB-200, a micro class D head, and my MAS 16 cab and still have plenty of room left over for everyones luggage. This would have never been possible with my Tyrolean. As an aside, it was an incredibly fun experience to accompany her as a trio while she performed the Bolling Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano. What a great senior year memory for both of us. The SLB performed beautifully and sounded great in that room. It was the perfect tool for the job in that instance.

Yes, you both certainly have very valid points. I certainly agree with the utility and necessity (if you have mobility issues). This is why I made it my first point. "It is a product that serves a specific purpose of transportability and silent practicing. It does great to solve those needs, if those are constraints that prevent someone from performing more often and practicing more often."

 

[Eric Swanson]

I'm a brand new SLB300 owner; please forgive me if this ground has been covered ad infinitum. I'd welcome a link to a relevant thread if there is one.

A family member just gave me one of these basses as an extremely generous gift. I'm primary a DB player who also plays EB on an amateur level at this point. I've ordered the upper bout extension, the "BEF2" which will put the upper bout's location at one similary to my DB, which has fairly wide and deep upper bouts: BEF2 - Overview - Yamaha - Music - Australia

There's an absence of one physical contact point that I find disorienting. This is is the lack of an extension to replicate the lower bout, where I often put my knee. Between my knee on the corner of my DB and my ribcage on the upper bout, I've always been able to bow without supporting the bass with my hands.

I notice that the SLB100 had a lower bout extension, but there doesn't seem to be any "add on" I can buy for the SLB300. It also doesn't seem that the SLB100 extension would fit neatly onto the SLB300, unless I'm mistaken.

I'm guessing that I'll need to try my hand at engineering and fabricating one myself.

Not surprisingly, the setup needs some re-work to make it easily playable = identical to my DB's. Not a big deal, for either, but I'm interested in others' experience with trying to rig up/replicate the lower bout.

I'd welcome any photos, sketches, or suggestions that anyone can share re: creating a lower bout extension for the SLB300.

Any thoughts?

Thank you for your more experienced eyes on this.

Appreciatively,
Eric

 

[CryingBass]

Nice Gift! Enjoy.

 

[Martin Spure]

There’s this one, albeit made for the predecessor SLB200. But if I understand you correctly, there’s no attachment point for this accessory on the SLB300? - (as shown below)

https://www.thomann.de/intl/yamaha_bks_2_knee_rest.htm

EDIT: the picture below is the SLB300. I think the knee rest above would fit the new model too.

 

[Eric Swanson]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply.

I may have written my query badly . . . I actually meant a support at the other side of the bass, on the "operator" side, to put one's knee against while standing.

That knee support does fit the SLB300, but is intended for the knee when sitting on a stool.

I play standing, whenever possible. I'm hoping to wrangle something where my knee would hit while standing.

 

[Martin Spure]

Oh sorry, my bad.

Sadly, the entire bout frame was a part (not accessory) of the SLB100 only. Personally I really like the aesthetics, but Yamaha decided to omit it for the newer models, which is a shame. Even if it was somehow possible to get hold of a bout frame from an SLB100, I’m not sure that it would fit your ‘300…or you’d have to add the access points yourself…hmm, might be possible; but very hard to even find one as they weren’t sold as separate items.

 

[TimothyGroovy]

Got the bass few days ago, the bass is nice but like soneone said, the hiss / noise floor on the bass is really a vibe killer. It may not be a problem for those who play with amp but I usually play it with iem, the nosie is kinda annoying to me...

Anyone have similar experience?

 

[lurk]

Got the bass few days ago, the bass is nice but like soneone said, the hiss / noise floor on the bass is really a vibe killer. It may not be a problem for those who play with amp but I usually play it with iem, the nosie is kinda annoying to me...

Anyone have similar experience?

I'm thinking about buying, so thanks for this. Is this the slbpro, or the earlier model?

 

[Neon Scribe]

Got the bass few days ago, the bass is nice but like soneone said, the hiss / noise floor on the bass is really a vibe killer. It may not be a problem for those who play with amp but I usually play it with iem, the nosie is kinda annoying to me...

Anyone have similar experience?

I practice with headphones on my SLB300 almost exclusively, and I've never noticed the noise floor. In fact, the sound quality is the most notably great feature of the instrument. I've been very sensitive to grounding and/or single-coil noise when practicing with headphones on bass guitar, so I'm very sure I would have noticed this. I'm not sure what to think. It's possible there's something wrong with your instrument, but it seems a bit more likely that the noise is introduced or emphasized farther down the signal chain. A compressor can cause background noise to be amplified. A treble boost can make it more audible. Perhaps you can find a way to pass the signal through a low-pass filter before it reaches your headphones. If you're playing along with a recording, you'll want the filter to only affect the bass, not your play-along track. You can try turning down the treble on the bass itself, but I assume you've already tried that.

 

[DMcNutt]

Just received my 300SLBPRO. Everything was quality but I didn't like the look of the chromium colored endpin. So I replaced it with a 16mmOD woven Carbon Fiber black tube. Fits perfectly. I haven't yet performed with it so I don't know if it will materially influence the sound. At 19" these tubes are shorter than the original endpin. So tall players may want to measure to see if these are long enough. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X11CGL7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[TimothyGroovy]

I practice with headphones on my SLB300 almost exclusively, and I've never noticed the noise floor. In fact, the sound quality is the most notably great feature of the instrument. I've been very sensitive to grounding and/or single-coil noise when practicing with headphones on bass guitar, so I'm very sure I would have noticed this. I'm not sure what to think. It's possible there's something wrong with your instrument, but it seems a bit more likely that the noise is introduced or emphasized farther down the signal chain. A compressor can cause background noise to be amplified. A treble boost can make it more audible. Perhaps you can find a way to pass the signal through a low-pass filter before it reaches your headphones. If you're playing along with a recording, you'll want the filter to only affect the bass, not your play-along track. You can try turning down the treble on the bass itself, but I assume you've already tried that.

Tried everything and no luck..
I will check with Yamaha

 

[TimothyGroovy]

I'm thinking about buying, so thanks for this. Is this the slbpro, or the earlier model?

July 2022 production

 

[Neon Scribe]

Just received my 300SLBPRO. Everything was quality but I didn't like the look of the chromium colored endpin. So I replaced it with a 16mmOD woven Carbon Fiber black tube. Fits perfectly. I haven't yet performed with it so I don't know if it will materially influence the sound. At 19" these tubes are shorter than the original endpin. So tall players may want to measure to see if these are long enough. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X11CGL7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I'm also using a 16mm carbon fiber tube as an endpin. It works fine, although it does seem to deform a little when you tighten the lockscrew. No difference in tone that I've heard. I got short ones so I could use the bass while sitting on a low stool.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C312GLF/

I'm using these plastic tips, but they don't seem quite up to the task. The carbon fiber tube cuts through them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QMMGJVH/

I just ordered these aluminum tubes that seem a little sturdier than the carbon fiber tubes. They are 3mm thick. We'll see.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YCHB4WG/

I also ordered some beefier rubber feet. I will let you know.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQNVYVN/

 

[Up and Away]

I switched to an aluminum tube on my SLB 200 several years ago. Much lighter than the original steel one and no noticeable change in sound. I had stripped the threads in the hole in the endpin holder so I drilled and tapped it for a larger bolt and got one with a larger knob on it and put a small hose clamp on the endpin so it takes some of the weight and is always the right height when I assemble the instrument. The hose clamp sounds like pretty crude fix but it is virtually impossible to see when the SLB is being played and is good for my peace of mind.

 

[Neon Scribe]

I'm also using a 16mm carbon fiber tube as an endpin. It works fine, although it does seem to deform a little when you tighten the lockscrew. No difference in tone that I've heard. I got short ones so I could use the bass while sitting on a low stool.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C312GLF/

I'm using these plastic tips, but they don't seem quite up to the task. The carbon fiber tube cuts through them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QMMGJVH/

I just ordered these aluminum tubes that seem a little sturdier than the carbon fiber tubes. They are 3mm thick. We'll see.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YCHB4WG/

I also ordered some beefier rubber feet. I will let you know.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQNVYVN/

Replying to my own post! I received new rubber feet and aluminum tubes today. The "uxcell 8pcs Chair Leg Tips Caps 16mm 5/8 Inch Anti Slip Rubber Furniture Table Feet Cover Floor Protector Reduce Noise Prevent Scratches" are great! Much better than the little plastic ones I had. The aluminum tube is also great, however, it is only 300mm long, which is fine for my when I'm playing sitting down, but it won't work for playing standing up. I will continue searching for a longer 16mm diameter tube that is not unreasonably expensive.

 

[Eric Swanson]

Update on my new SLB300; bowed neck, Yamaha is replacing (yay for Yamaha's warranty department!). Added a couple of accessories.

Due to the bowed neck, the bass is tough to play.

I'm seeing over an 1/8" gap at the center of a straightedge held against the fingerboard. Sighting down the fingerboard/neck glue line, one can see the bow.

I've been in touch with Yamaha warranty department who have been great! They'll be replacing my new bass with a unit with a straight neck, hopefully, as soon as one becomes available. Photos attached of the bowed neck.

I do know that DB fingerboards have a slight "dish" shaped into them to allow the strings to move with slapping the board. (on my DB, it is quite a bit less than 1/16" at the E string)

On the brighter side, in anticipation of getting a more playable version of this bass, I bought the BEF2 extension to the upper bout which puts the bass in a spot closer to my DB in reference to my body. BEF2 - Overview - Yamaha - United States

I also added a longer 5/8" dia aluminum rod from Online Metals due to my 6'-5" height Invalid Link Removed and a New Harmony Music end pin tip; this is the same tip that I use on my DB.

The accessories have helped make the bass fit better.

I'm looking forward to getting a new bass with a straight neck, so that I'll want to play the thing!

I can't say enough about how pleasant and helpful Yamaha's Warranty Department has been. I'm grateful for that . . .

 

[J R Knots]

Great to hear … good for Yamaha .

 

[DMcNutt]

Just received my 300SLBPRO. Everything was quality but I didn't like the look of the chromium colored endpin. So I replaced it with a 16mmOD woven Carbon Fiber black tube. Fits perfectly. I haven't yet performed with it so I don't know if it will materially influence the sound. At 19" these tubes are shorter than the original endpin. So tall players may want to measure to see if these are long enough. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X11CGL7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I have now used the SLB300PRO in several rehearsals. No more feedback issues when playing loud! Wonderful growl. Sustains much like a solid-body electric bass. Band members compliment the sound. As new the curvature of the bridge and fingerboard was too flat for bowing. Required some luthier work. Now plays easily.

 

[HateyMcAmp]

I have now used the SLB300PRO in several rehearsals. No more feedback issues when playing loud! Wonderful growl. Sustains much like a solid-body electric bass. Band members compliment the sound. As new the curvature of the bridge and fingerboard was too flat for bowing. Required some luthier work. Now plays easily.

Did you have to do a full fingerboard dress or just some touch ups? Am I safe to assume it doesn’t need a full fingerboard plaining like a Shen shipped to the factory?

I recently pulled the trigger on one of these after feeling pretty blah about how the support bar of my eminence felt / moved with my body for the past couple of years. I think the wings look great and will hopefully replicate how the DB moves a little better, particularly when going up into thumb position or playing arco. I also have always been a little meh about the aesthetic of the eminence and would prefer the look of big shoulders over the busetto outline / f-holes. Personal preference but something that can nag on you when you’re doing touring and doing a hundred shows a year on a bass.


I usually use the Krivo magnetic pickup my EUB gigs but I’m hoping to blend this new, state-of-the-art mic/piezo system with the mag through my two-channel Radial bassbone OD DI pedal to add a little air to the sound. This was always my EUB plan but I never was able to balance the realist on the eminence with the krivo in a way that seemed worth the effort / risking added feedback. Hopefully with the better pickup and less chambered body I will be able to get closer to the sound I’ve been chasing for this project. Having a little bit of that dreamy mic simulation sound mixed with the directness of the magnetic pickup would really kick it up a notch, I think.

 

[DMcNutt]

From the factory my bridge and fingerboard were quite a bit flatter than my other basses that had been set up by an excellent luthier. Consequently this required reshaping both bridge and fingerboard.

Fortunately the factory fingerboard was thick enough to allow this. The luthier said the fingerboard was ebony of excellent quality.

Did you have to do a full fingerboard dress or just some touch ups? Am I safe to assume it doesn’t need a full fingerboard plaining like a Shen shipped to the factory?

I recently pulled the trigger on one of these after feeling pretty blah about how the support bar of my eminence felt / moved with my body for the past couple of years. I think the wings look great and will hopefully replicate how the DB moves a little better, particularly when going up into thumb position or playing arco. I also have always been a little meh about the aesthetic of the eminence and would prefer the look of big shoulders over the busetto outline / f-holes. Personal preference but something that can nag on you when you’re doing touring and doing a hundred shows a year on a bass.


I usually use the Krivo magnetic pickup my EUB gigs but I’m hoping to blend this new, state-of-the-art mic/piezo system with the mag through my two-channel Radial bassbone OD DI pedal to add a little air to the sound. This was always my EUB plan but I never was able to balance the realist on the eminence with the krivo in a way that seemed worth the effort / risking added feedback. Hopefully with the better pickup and less chambered body I will be able to get closer to the sound I’ve been chasing for this project. Having a little bit of that dreamy mic simulation sound mixed with the directness of the magnetic pickup would really kick it up a notch, I think.