Danuman Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 Well, NBBW really... And oh dear. I joined the bandwagon. I’d been gassing for a 5-string PJ and some of you recommended a BB. Of course, it was only a matter of time before a BB435 came along and I just couldn’t resist... Initially, I thought the neck and string spacing were too wide, but after a few days getting used to it, it seems like I can play a lot faster... it’s an odd sensation. The overall balance of the strings across the fretboard is OK. I wish the E and B stings were a bit snappier around the middle of the neck, but then I realise this is an entry-level bass. Overall I’m impressed by the quality at this price-point. It’s well-designed, with the right attention to detail. It plays great and the pickups sound brilliant. The bridge is the only thing about it that feels a little underwhelming. It’s not a deal-breaker, but anybody know of any drop-in replacements? Anyway, I didn’t like a few specific things about the 735 - plus there are some big changes happening in my life - so I decided not to go for a more expensive bass. Time will tell if that was the right thing to do. Until then at least it’s a lot of fun to play! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 Happy NBD Glad you've found a bass you like so much. Enjoy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassApprentice Posted June 27, 2019 Share Posted June 27, 2019 Nice! I assume you have seen the Yamaha BB thread? There is info about reversing the saddles, particularly on the B string to get some more attack - might be worth having a look. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted June 27, 2019 Author Share Posted June 27, 2019 Cheers, yes I’ve seen it! Haven’t worked through the whole thing though... The saddles of the 435 aren’t of the reversible kind, unfortunately. I think that’s 735 and up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted June 28, 2019 Author Share Posted June 28, 2019 Minor update: I decided to put some fresh strings on, even though I thought the old ones still had some life left in them. Well, turns out I was wrong! The new strings sound waaay snappier. Good news, I suppose, if old strings like that still sound pretty nice. B is still a little less defined, but very very acceptable. I’m super pleased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealting Posted June 28, 2019 Share Posted June 28, 2019 I really like my BB435, and have found myself reaching for it when heading out to gigs where the crowd might be a little rowdy. Holds its own in a collection that includes some pretty high-end stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted June 28, 2019 Share Posted June 28, 2019 (edited) The BB neck is quite slim for a 5, the nut width is the same as a modern 4 string Fender Precision, about 42mm. I started with a Fender P5 and found it far too chunky; I thought I'd be done with 5's, but the BB was a revelation! Edited June 28, 2019 by dannybuoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whamni Posted July 4, 2019 Share Posted July 4, 2019 (edited) On 28/06/2019 at 13:11, Danuman said: Minor update: I decided to put some fresh strings on, even though I thought the old ones still had some life left in them. Well, turns out I was wrong! The new strings sound waaay snappier. Good news, I suppose, if old strings like that still sound pretty nice. B is still a little less defined, but very very acceptable. I’m super pleased. What make of strings have you on now and gauge, glad you're enjoying the bb Edited July 4, 2019 by whamni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted July 4, 2019 Author Share Posted July 4, 2019 Ernie Ball Regular Slinky’s. (45-130) They sounded great, but they’ve already gone a bit dull due to a couple of ridiculously warm rehearsals with a few large groups in rather small studios. I’m guessing they normally have a longer life-span. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whamni Posted July 5, 2019 Share Posted July 5, 2019 On 04/07/2019 at 15:20, Danuman said: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky’s. (45-130) They sounded great, but they’ve already gone a bit dull due to a couple of ridiculously warm rehearsals with a few large groups in rather small studios. I’m guessing they normally have a longer life-span. Strange they went dull, I have used Ernie Ball on all my basses down the years and they would last forever and a day lol, I also have EB on my BB734 albeit flats and love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danuman Posted July 5, 2019 Author Share Posted July 5, 2019 Yeah, I doubt it means anything... I was literally wiping sweat off my bass between songs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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