Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

The Yamaha BB mega-thread


Al Krow

Recommended Posts

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 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?! 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

  • Haha 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think I recall when looking up the VI a couple of weeks ago seeing that there was a VIs as well, tho I cant remember if it was 32" or 30"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, TheGreek said:

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

The caption to this youtube demo says its 32"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...