I started writing this review but realized I could be playing my BB734A Yamaha bass *instead* so I did. Lots more fun. But here is a short review. I got this instrument as my entry into playing electric bass (prior experience guitar) and I'm so happy I did. If you want to read one-star reviews about shipping damage this ain't it. I received this bass in perfect shape in the advertised time window and with an excellent gig bag thrown in. It needed no setup, just tuned it and started playing.
In addition to sounding great I have positives on the look (coffee burst), weight, balance, tuning pegs, bridge, satin neck finish (no sanding needed), and tonal range across the two pickups. On the latter I can go to the mid detent and they cancel hum even.
Accessories: I have found super helpful the following: A wide padded comfortable shoulder strap, a stand, a fret wrap, a set of flat wound strings, some cheap Amazon 9V batteries, a clip-on tuner, couple good cables, solid music stand and a reverb pedal. And an amplifier, goes without saying. In order the reverb and shoulder strap are most important.
The active electronics work great -- 3 knob EQ only when the toggle is on -- but I keep forgetting to toggle it off when I finish playing so to avoid draining more 9V batteries I just play it with passive pickups and keep the battery out on the desk; it goes in in a matter of a seconds.
Finally a shout out to YouTubers who put great learning content up for bass. You haven't lived until you've spent four hours running scale patterns with Adam Neely, seriously. It can be overwhelming so also NTS don't get overwhelmed.
Mostly I should say this bass does a great job of getting out of way so the experience of playing it is about the music. It sounds *really* good.
Yamaha BB434M BB-Series Bass Guitar, Tobacco Brown Sunburst
4.5 | 139 ratings
Price: 599.99
Last update: 06-12-2024
About this item
Featuring a six-bolt miter neck joint, the BB400 series continues the legacy of superb sound and playability of the renowned BB series
Solid alder Body
5-piece Neck, 6-Bolt Miter Neck Joint
YGD Custom V5 Pickups (AlnicoV)
Vintage plus light Bridge: convertible Bridge and saddle
Solid alder Body
5-piece Neck, 6-Bolt Miter Neck Joint
YGD Custom V5 Pickups (AlnicoV)
Vintage plus light Bridge: convertible Bridge and saddle
Product information
| Item Weight | 10.78 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 50.2 x 18.5 x 4.1 inches |
| ASIN | B074F396BB |
| Item model number | BB434M TBS |
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
139 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #30,378 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #85 in Electric Bass Guitars |
| Date First Available | July 25, 2017 |
| Back Material | Alder |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Color Name | Tobacco Brown Sunburst |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | S |
| Top Material | Rosewood, Maple, Alder |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed |
| Size | Small |
Top reviews from the United States
Erica
a fantastic instrument that I'm totally happy with
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2020Mark
Simply awesome
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021
Mark
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2021
There's no compromise here between this bass and a Fender P-Bass, a PJ, or anything else that's in that vintage mold. This is above the Fender American Standard (Professional, whatever they are calling it lately) level of quality. It's level with any top of the line production Fender easily. You won't find any poorly cut nuts, tooling marks, or finish issues from the factory on these.
The best features of the BBP34 over competitors like high end Fenders is, IMO, the overall higher level of build quality, and the really full low and midrange tone. It sits really really well in a band mix. These differ from Fenders in that the body is Alder/Maple/Alder and traditionally that's what gives them the power the BB series has always been known for. I think the pickups are great and are voiced exceptionally well for vintage type bass tones, but they are standard size and shape in case you want to drop in something else.
One last note - Amazon ships these in their factory shipping box, but I had no issues. The hardshell case the bass came packaged in was fine, unblemished and totally safe when it arrived at my door.
I would recommend this over any comparably priced bass, and to anyone who wants a passive, vintage-style bass that does the classic P-Bass thing exceedingly well but offers more than any other manufacturer can offer at the price. This is a lifetime type instrument for me, I believe. Like so many are still playing BB's from decades ago because they are so functional and versatile, I think this is going to be an old friend for me one day too.
Images in this review
MysteRyTweet_RT03
Good overall product. Needed major setup. Horrible shipping.
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2020
MysteRyTweet_RT03
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2020
Images in this review
Amazon Customer
Great Bass Feels great
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2023netdiablo
Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024Andrew
Great form factor!
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2023Sohail Khan
Decent well-made bass
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2021