Paul S

Not sure they are 5 string pups, though?

Big band is classic rock, with an alter ego that is 'Just Jovi' Little band is eclectic mix of rock, funk, blues, jazz, country, post-punk.

I had an Aguilar AG5P60 fitted to my Musicman Sterling 5er by Andyjr1515 and it is absolutely lovely. A really dark, warm, organic vintage tone to it with a bit of a growl. I am not sure it would be a direct fit into a Precision body, though, as the two halves of the pickup are equal sizes.

Little band always starts with 'Superstition' - usually with an extended lead in with drums/guitar riff while the singer/second guitar sorts himself out. Nice easy way to ease gently into the gig. Rock covers band starts with a condensed version of 'Kashmir' leading into 'Rock and Roll'. New incarnation of rock covers band, a Bon Jovi tribute, starts with the extended 'Lay Your Hands' with some back track trickery.

[quote name='Rich' timestamp='1485556338' post='3224991'] Am I right in thinking that the bridge string spacing on the BB5000 is tighter than on the other more recent BB fivers? [/quote] Yes - 15mm I think. I read somewhere that it was a 4 string neck that they used for the BB5000. [quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1485563149' post='3225029'] Take my test - go into a music shop try all the fenders, and whatever else they have - then pick up the £300 BB424 they have and tell me it doesn't match or surpass everything twice it's price* [/quote] That would be interesting. My money would be on the Yamaha, too! Nothing worse than a recent convert! I am still in the 'evangelistic' stage So, all you BB5000 owners - someone must want to move theirs on....

I have tickets!

I felt the same way right up until I tried one. If you are a 4 string player then the choice is bewildering but, frankly, the current entry level BB424 (I have the 425) is a cracking bass for around £350 new. And a good deal less secondhand. Even with the 425, there is a a certain quality about the P pickup that seems to be missing in a P bass, somehow. And if you like soapbar type pickup sounds the choice opens up even further.

I thought I was coping well without GAS but have completely caved in over the last two days and will now relentlessly pursue a Yamaha BB5000 until I have one. There is no hope.

Active - that's where it fails for me as I am looking for passive. Having read a bit more I think the BB5000 is definitely 'the one' I am looking for.

You could search under Lucite or Perspex, too. AFAIR they are extremely heavy but sound great.

Not only was it specifically the BB range that interest me but also specifically a 5 string basses. Interesting link here I found to old Yamaha guitar catalogues [url="http://brochures.yokochou.com/en_index.html#YAMAHA_GTR"]http://brochures.yokochou.com/en_index.html#YAMAHA_GTR[/url] Looks like the BB5000 of the older models, then BB415, 425, 1025, 2025 are about it?

In addition to a lot of songs already mentioned, in a former band we did, as did every single other pub and party band, Sex On Fire, I Predict a Riot and Use Somebody. Never failed to get people up. I hate them. Current 'little' band - strangely 'Copperhead Road' never ever fails to get people stomping along.

I do find this rather a strange topic. If my wife wants to go and see something I don't want to see, she happily goes on her own. She doesn't need accompaniment or chaperoning as she is quite capable of getting around by herself.

I seem to have asked variants around this question before, according to the search facility Pretty sure I am looking at a BB5000 as being right up my alley. Anyone got one can talk me out of/ further into my GAS?

Thanks for that. I had managed to get that far on my own, really, and was hoping for some hands on stuff about the older models, not the current range. Like - 'BB5000 is the one you should be looking for'. Or maybe it isn't? I don't even know which models had 5 string variants. Edit - yes, like that Luke but a 5er.

So, taking advantage of the current wave of affection for Yamaha BB basses... I recently bought a BB425 and am really impressed by it. Love the tone, especially the P pickup. I love the neck - the narrow string spacing at the nut suits me just perfectly. The one and only downside to it is the weight, even with lightweight tuners it is borderline for me at around 4.3kg. Nevertheless I can still manage a 3hr rehearsal with it. For the money it is amazing. Given how nice this 'budget' model is I have started to wonder what the models further up the range are like - I don't know much about them. My requirements would be a passive bass, the BB shape, not necessarily a P/J as just the split P would be fine. Preferably under 4.5kg - I am guessing the single pup might be lighter? Can anyone please do a quick overview of the various 5 string models, pluses and minuses. Current and back catalogue. Especially with regard to weight and string spacing. Muchas gracias!

I bought a BB425 recently and am really impressed that a 'budget' 5 string can sound and feel so good. It isn't as good as my Musicman Sterling 5er, but then it has cost me around £1000 less. Makes me wonder what the models further up the BB range are like - in fact I think I will start a thread on it.

[quote name='casapete' timestamp='1485045245' post='3220757'] Hi Paul - yes, hopefully anyway. We've just started a weekly residency every Thursday at The Duke of Cumberland in Cottingham,which is maybe not far from where you're going IIRC? ( I don't do it when out with the ELO band though, so give me a shout if you're coming up? ) I also play at the same pub every Tuesday in an acoustic duo, usually a good night too. Hope to see you mate. (Also if you want to borrow my Tanglewood Elfin you're welcome to take it!) [/quote] Thanks Pete - yes, in Cottingham! - not sure of exact dates and movements but will let you know if you are included!

[quote name='richh' timestamp='1485086413' post='3220962'] Thanks, the Vista Musicmaster looks good - is this a current production model though, or would I have to buy a used one? I don't mind either way, but I can't seem to find that model available as a stock item in the UK [/quote] The Squier 'Vista' series was a short run of models made in China during the late 90s for just a couple of years. They have since achieved something like cult status. I had a Vista Musicmaster and it was very nice - better, in fact, than a Fender Musicmaster I owned. But I still preferred the Squier VM Mustang - it was every bit as well built as the Vista Musicmaster but, I found, easier to play and with a slightly less aggressive pickup. Also lighter and with a narrower neck, which suited me. Of all the short string basses I have owned, which admittedly isn't that many - I think 6, it was my favourite.

I bought Shure SE215s - at the time they were getting the best reviews and I am very happy with them.

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1485017387' post='3220464'] (I think it is the next thing I will do...) [/quote] No, resolutely collection only.

Drummer in my band is a massive fan. Last year he hosted one of those house gigs that Francis does. And is off to see him tomorrow, too.

Don't encourage me, Pete! (I think it is the next thing I will do...) Incidentally, will your country band be gigging at all in early March? I may find myself near Hull again that week.

Another Elfin popped up on eBay, collection only from Llanelli in Waleshire. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TANGLEWOOD-ELFIN-BASS-SHORT-SCALE-ELECTRIC-RIGHT-HANDED-NO-RESERVE-/232212914663?hash=item3610f7e1e7:g:3uEAAOSwNnRYg0Ed"]http://www.ebay.co.u...uEAAOSwNnRYg0Ed[/url] Shame it is so far - I might have been tempted, just for the novelty factor!

It would make sense to buy before you try as not everyone likes them. It would also make sense to buy one that was either cheap or held its resale value, in case you don't get on with it or want to get a better one. Which one? Take your pick: [url="https://www.thomann.de/gb/short_scale_basses.html"]https://www.thomann.de/gb/short_scale_basses.html[/url] If you are comfortable with Fenders then Squier do some remarkably good SS basses. The Jag is good. I had a VM Mustang that was actually superb. If you like fun and funky it is hard to beat a Danelectro Longhorn.