dave_bass5

I should add, ive had a Gen 1 V7 5 string since they first come out, cant fault it other than the weight. A bass i will never sell, but probably wont ever gig again either. The Gen 2 P7 i brought had a faulty bridge pup, so thats why it went back. It was a lovely bass to play, but i never wanted an active bass (hence not getting the 735a either) in the first place, so i was never 100% on it.

Just used this when i took my new Yamaha home. Not that she would notice, but somethings are best left unsaid., I used to keep to the same colour basses so she wouldn't notice, but even that was overthinking it. I dont tihnk she wold notice if a double bass suddenly appeared in the living room. ‘Nah, ive had this for years’ 🤣

Thanks, I’m more than settled with it now. As you say, sometimes it needs a bit of adjusting to. Funnily enough, I almost got a 735a a couple of months ago, I’ve not been a fan of the way Yamaha basses look, especially the pick up surrounds, but the 735a really appeals to me, especially that lovely back finish. I tired one out briefly in the Yamaha shop but wasnt too impressed with the neck felt. I needed up getting a Sire P7 instead but that had issues so went back. Now I’m a confirmed Yamaha lover, although i think thats my lot now, no need to get anything else.

New day, fresh ears etc, and I’m loving the P34 a lot more today. I think its staying put. Ive got my head around the fact that its not a Fender P bass, and its voiced differently. This was the issue yesterday. Now i get that its not going to sound like my Fender ive accepted it more. The P34 seems to lack the low end heft i get with other P basses, but i have a feeling this will mean a cleaner low end when i play live. Not quite got the Fender P character, but again, its different so ill just get used to it, and embrace it. Its so easy and inspiring to play. Been doing loads of runs i could never quite achieve on my other basses, at least not as cleanly. Not sure why, but it just feels easy to play. Might even be those stings as they feel very tight, which i like. No fret buzz anywhere, and ive not touched the set up at all. Normally by now ive made at least one or two adjustments to a new bass. I love how the bass isn’t dictating what note i play and where. With my other basses (especially P basses) playing on the E string around the 8th fret and above gives a more wooly tone, so i tend to avoid that area. All the notes on the P34 seems to have the same volume and clarity (within reason)and means i dont feel restricted. A pleasure to play.

Ive heard others say that as well. Not sure these are Elixirs though. Ive had them before and these don’t quite feel the same. Could be that they are thinner than the seti had a while ago though. I’m going to pop up to Denmark st tomorrow and get ripped off, i mean over charged on a set of strings. I’m sure that will cure any doubts i have.

Cheers Bas but bowing your 1025 will definitely complicate things even more. No chance of using my rig at home, but I’m so used to my headphone set up, and use it all the time at home, that any bass has to work with this set up. Live i have no worries.

Yes, i think i you are right DB, i really do want this to grow on me because it has so much going for it. I’m convinced its the strings letting it down for me. I’m going to play it to death over the weekend, not even think about the other basses, and see how it goes. Ill put some old but familiar stings on it tomorrow and see if that helps. It already plays like a dream so I’m almost there., If not ill go against my previous statement and think about sending it back. I’d love a 1024 or 1025 but no one is selling at the moment.

Yes, I hope I didn’t sound too negative above, I’m keeping this bass no matter what. Its just that i was getting used to the 425 and loved the aggressiveness of it. I just got a set of my new fav strings off here so they will be put on as soon as they arrive next week, then both basses will have the same strings on them. I have no doubt at all the P34 is a keeper (does anyone really believe in that term anymore lol), and i will very quickly embrace all the niceties of this bass.

No, only got the P34 today. Ill get some taken of both basses tomorrow when the light is better 🙂

Well I revived my new P34 today. Got it from Kenny’s in Glasgow for a good price. Very happy with it, or rather happy that I’m not disappointed lol. Just got home and tuned it up. Seems nice (bare with me). Just need to get my own strings on it. I think the ones it comes with are a bit thinner than i normally use. I was expecting XL’s but all the ball ends are brass coloured, not sure if they are stock or not. There is a bit or tarnishing on one of the neck washers, but now I’m being very picky and too OCD. Not an issue at all. Set up is as good as i need. Action is just over 2mm at the 12th, my preferred height, and neck is almost straight. I always shim my necks, i like the action to stay constant above the 12th fret. Not sure I’ll bother with the P3 or 425. Seems like it might be a bit harder due to the way the bolts go in. Not a bit deal though, and the P34 definitely wont get shimmed. The neck is very similar to the Lakland JO neck i have. Flat and narrow. A very good thing and it feels very fast. Not quite as comfortable (yet) as my Squier CV Jazz, but a neck i will definitely come to prefer. I do wish it was a good backed neck though. It feels spacious, more than my CV Jazz neck, even though the string spacing is the same at the bridge. Tone through my B1 and headphones sounds good. Having just got used to the more aggressive 425, the P34 sounds a bit plain, and while not lacking power certainly lacks a bit of punch the 425 has. I was aware of this before getting it so its not a negative, just an observation on first play. Its certainly a good P bass, as good as my Fender Sandblasted P, and will put my other P basses out of a job. Expect the 425 though, as its a 5 string so i may need it one day. I love the body shape and size, it seems smaller than my other P basses, which is great. It doesn't feel too heavy when i hold it, ive not strapped it on yet but i know it wont cause any problems even on longer gigs. Now, all the above hopefully shows i love the new bass, but i still feel the 425 has it place. The bridge pup on the 425 can easily holds its own against the neck pup. Ive already started to use it on its own for a few songs, and its the most useable neck pup ive every owned. The neck pup on the 425 seems to be perfect for me without needing any effects, not something ive found in any of my other P bass (inc the P34). All in all I’m happy with my 2 new Yamahas, but more so the 425.....for now.

Strange, as every time i saw Sir Horace he was dancing around the stage. 😎

Thats the bass i actually wanted but couldn't wait, so im stuck with a P34 🙂 And yes, i know the 1025 is 5 string, but having had time to re think what i wanted i decided to go for 4.

Cheers Guys. Yes, i blame the person that gave me my first BB 😉 On his head be it. Seeing as my first Yamaha was a TRBX505 about 6 years ago it still feels like a long journey.

Yeah, sounds like a plan. Never really needed to go below D anyway.

Cheers. Ive never used one before, although well aware of what they are and do. I did buy one years ago but never got around to putting it on my bass, and then sold it.

Guys, ive just ordered a BBP34, based on me loving the 425 i got last week. The 425 is great but i dont think I really want to use a 5 string bass all the time, so back to a 4 for now. I know there are cheaper alternatives but what the hell, i saw it for a great price (new) and i guess it doesnt really get much better at this price point. What i have realised is i could do with a low D on a few songs, so other than take two basses i was wondering if anyone has put a Hipshot Xtender on a P34, or similar. Or know if one will fit without any other modifications. Really looking forward to getting the P34. A bit apprehensive as it was at least £150 cheaper than other places, but sold as new. And still loving the 425 ive only had for a week. Thats not going anywhere in the near future.

If songs get banned because the ‘might’ offend someone, shouldn’t some books also be banned for the same reason.

Haha, 'our' Yammy's indeed. Hmmm, maybe i should get something like your Q/strip to bring out the best in my new bass lol.

Glad its working out Bas. Also check out the Pete Thorn YT video, he gets a lovely P bass tone, which i actually used for our last demo.

My first gig without back line was what promoted me to get a BDI-21. Just for that gig. it was a few years later when the BDDI bug hit me though. On that gig i got the sound guy to put my monitor behind me, seemed to work much better than in front where it started. It felt and sounded wrong in front.

Yaaay, I’m finally in the club!!!!!. Was good meeting up with you and yes, i fell in love with it the moment i picked it up. The neck just felt so flat and solid, exactly what i look for in a neck. I had convinced myself i was going to take it anyway, as so many Yammy lovers cant be wrong, but I’m glad i felt so positive from the off. Even the fugly pup surrounds look better in real life. I used to own a TRBX505 so its not my first Yammy, but I didn’t feel the love for that in a way i do for the 425. I fear this is just the start though. Maybe a 735 next as that was top of the list a month or so ago, but i diverted to a Sire P7 5, which didn’t work out. Short review coming tomorrow night after rehearsals, but I’m sure you all know how positive it will be.

Yeah, my comment was purely based on the OP's situation, which sounds very similar to the gigs ive been doing over the past 15 years. Bigger stages etc, different story.