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The Yamaha BB mega-thread


Al Krow

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Just now, Romeo2 said:

killer looks, passive, humbuckers and split coil delight and separate volume/tone controls for each pup - thanks Andy, I will now, like you have, obsess over it and not get any sleep, yeah, cheers ...

Doing some “proper” recording with it today. Hopefully 

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19 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

I've had a few people contact me regarding the white "sucked sweet" knobs and I've sold a few. I currently have 39 left (selling quickly) - if you want some for £1 each (plus P&P) be quick.

 

20210601_111602.jpg

Wondering how they might look on a white BB? Too white, or just right?

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18 minutes ago, Al Krow said:

Haha, I knew someone would say that (and quite rightly too!) 

I've literally just been trying to pull off one of my black knobs 😁

But it seems happy where it is. 

you can get tools that do them properly, or there's a trick with a bit of fabric or something. 

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22 hours ago, AndyTravis said:

Bbn4 (1) - that bridge is what I have on my bb414, they’re on these and the early attitudes.

the 3+1 headstock caused EB to get hot under the collar and yamaha had to change it.

 My first 5 string was the BBN5! Great little bass, as i recall i spent about £400 new vack in 1996. I liked it so much I bought the first Nathan East signature about a year later.

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3 minutes ago, lee650 said:

 My first 5 string was the BBN5! Great little bass, as i recall i spent about £400 new vack in 1996. I liked it so much I bought the first Nathan East signature about a year later.

You've had some cracking basses along the way haven't you?! 

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22 hours ago, AndyTravis said:

Bbn4 (1) - that bridge is what I have on my bb414, they’re on these and the early attitudes.

the 3+1 headstock caused EB to get hot under the collar and yamaha had to change it.

My black BBN4 had the 2+2 headstock so a later model.

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46 minutes ago, lee650 said:

 My first 5 string was the BBN5! Great little bass, as i recall i spent about £400 new vack in 1996. I liked it so much I bought the first Nathan East signature about a year later.

how do I end up checking out a BBN5 II on ebay... you guys are a bad influence.

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2 hours ago, Al Krow said:

You've had some cracking basses along the way haven't you?! 

Haha yes!!  With just the 5's Lots of Warwicks,Ken Smith, Spector,Musicman. Still come back to Yamaha (TRB, BB) the 424/425 are the best value basses I've ever used.

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30 minutes ago, TheGreek said:

Early 80’s. Probably about 83-85 then replaced by bb450.

the Grover Titans on that bass have been made a pigs ear of and it’s a real shame.

think the VI/IV etc were Japan only, so it’s rare to see over here.

And the original machineheads are a bugger to get hold of

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18 minutes ago, AndyTravis said:

Early 80’s. Probably about 83-85 then replaced by bb450.

the Grover Titans on that bass have been made a pigs ear of and it’s a real shame.

think the VI/IV etc were Japan only, so it’s rare to see over here.

And the original machineheads are a bugger to get hold of

If that's a VIIs, will it be a short scale?

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14 minutes ago, Ricky Rioli said:

If that's a VIIs, will it be a short scale?

Don’t bank on that. 
S means all sorts in vintage yamaha land.

There are medium and short scale bb’s.

I cannot get my head around those earlier models and my brain hurts a lot.

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From the ad:

Yamaha BB Vlls-Broad Bass-1983-very rare

Some minor scratches and dings

Grover wavy tuners-one has had a brass collar turned on lathe as origional was nissing when I purchased

Short scale

Amazing sound -Yamaha quality

As good as any fender

Reluctant sale

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When I was listening to clips of the VI (because of GAK's ad for one at £600) I was thinking that it didn't have any of the BB style upfront tone that usually catches my ear, but was more subtle, and very classy. How that would sound with a J pickup added and 4 inches lost.... 🤷‍♂️

This was the best demo of one

I think on a image search there might be a catalogue page or two online of the VI and VIs and VII etc. But I think it was in Japanese.

Edited by Ricky Rioli
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