What's all the fuss about?! | Yamaha BB735A [Review/Demo]

I have my BB 735a since 2019 and it's my main workhorse. Honestly, I don't find it lacking in tone and it always provides me with what I need. I don't agree with some of the statements here but everyone's experience is different. For me it's been a really solid bass that hasn't let me down until now and adapts to many genres. It has a really stable neck that almost doesn't need adjustment and the playability is really good.

[@JonnyDibble]

For me it's just the preamp that's lacking. Everything else is brilliant! Glad you're loving it 😁

[@ampthebassplayer]

As a fellow owner of a BB735a, I would agree with your thoughts. It's a fantastic bass that falls short on the electronics. At a minimum, it needs a noiseless bridge pickup for this price point. That said, I do absolutely love mine, and I'm thinking I might do a fretless conversion on it and swap out the pickups and preamp. It has too many other great things going for it to be held back by some only slighter better than average electronics.

[@CHUBBY12309]

Also a bit saddened with the B string . What strings do you have on yours?

[@filippocapponibrunetti3457]

I have one since 2019, and the price was €770 then. That same bass sells for a 1200-1400 price range now, and I agree that at least now it should be updated with a noiseless bridge pickup. i'm pretty happy with the preamp tho: it is hot but not aggressively so, really transparent and versatile, and it does work well with pedals and effects. I don't get the problems that people has with the low B, i really love mine.

[@sangpenikam7]

It is weird that barely any guitarist/bassist I know speaks ill of Yamaha. All they talk about is how great Yamaha products but I rarely see anyone use them. Underrated is always the right words for Yamaha.

[@Anddrew914]

I've never seen them in the stores, so I never get my hands on one.

[@kingdeedee]

Nah loads of bassists play Yamaha

[@AVFCAM]

I ADORE my pacifica, it’s awesome

[@alexskibicki2262]

Agreed…Yamaha basses are definitely underrated and I’ve always been interested in the underrated. Especially since they have something special and unique to offer. And Yamaha basses are no exception. They make such brilliant basses and guitars that are overlooked. I personally recommend them definitely

[@kingdeedee]

@@alexskibicki2262 I wouldn’t even say they’re underrated though, some of the most recognizable bass designs are Yamaha, and so many legends played them (Nathan East, Abe Laboriel, Billy Sheehan to name a few). Maybe their electric guitars might fall under the underrated umbrella tho but they have a legit name in bass world I think

[@WillWeiner]

GREAT basses! I work at Bass Central and get to handle these basses regularly (as well as tons of other great stuff LOL). They're very well built, sturdy, fun to play, and versatile. I also really dig how the black ones look! I do have two small gripes, though. The first is that I wish they'd stick a piece of foam under the pickups as they're easy to press in. This might be an issue for those who like to rest their thumbs on a pickup. The second is that the EQ is a bit unusual to my ear. I wish they'd bring the bass up by about 10hz as it seems to be in a very similar low range to a kick drum. It can disappear in the mix when boosted and for a beginner who thinks "this instrument is a bass and this knob is bass so therefore I must turn the bass knob all the way up" they could get a very muddy and unusable sound. I also wish they'd make the treble boost just a hair louder when maxed out, it's ALMOST bright enough for how I like to EQ my stuff. While it does sound great in passive mode, I also wish the tone knob was just a hair wider in both directions. It's an easy fix to just EQ it differently with an amp and/or DI rig but still, the EQ on these basses are so close to where I want them but not quite there. Again, these are just small complaints from a fairly picky bassist. I'll reiterate that these are GREAT basses!

[@cacadordorio]

Are you guys ship to brazil??

[@WillWeiner]

Yes! Bass Central has been shipping worldwide including Brazil for nearly 30 years. Please contact the store directly for your inquiry rather than my personal KZbin account. LOL. Hope you have a great one!@@cacadordorio

[@ryanwarsh]

I’m amazed at how much you played that B string! There are some reviewers who play more 5-strings than you and they barely touch the B string! Good demo. I’m with you on the preamp. I’d hate to spend that kind of money on a bass with a subpar preamp.

[@CricketbugSessions]

I love my Yamaha's. Play them on a daily basis. I have the 734 with a 5 string set. Great work Jonny 🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸🎸

[@JonnyDibble]

Oooofff. Very nice. Thanks!

[@AndyBondo]

I own and love this bass. Thru my orange 200 valve amp and she sounds just sweet . Just an honest pbass/jazz bass tone i love. I dont play it thru fancy cheap bass pedals that imitate tone. This bass works best thru a real amp.

[@owenfujii5281]

I love my bb735. It feels great to play with a great tone. I pretty much always play it passive since the pre amp is okay, and just changing tone and pickup balance has a greater effect. It is nice when I want to push the mids a little since my revolt bass that I gig with doesn't have 3 band for the clean channel Also the contouring at the base of the neck makes higher fret access easier then a traditional fender style body which is really nice

[@martinbeasley1540]

Spot on with the "good but not great" summary. I tried a 735a and instead bought a BB435a and swapped in an EMG circuit + Nordstrand pups. Same amazing playability, but the tone is soooo much better. Also ended up costing about 300 quid less!

[@JonnyDibble]

Oh mate I bet that sounds amazing!

[@guahsu]

@martinbeasley1540 Hey, I'm curious about which model you chose?

[@mixc8]

What EMG preamp did you use?

[@martinbeasley1540]

@@mixc8 was a single concentric pot bass/volume unit. Called the BTC I think. Did need a little Dremel work to make room in the control cavity.....but worth the effort!

[@sonojon0]

I was not expecting an NSFW Bass Review! 😂 love it!! My favorite finish from the 734/735 lineup from Yamaha!!

[@JonnyDibble]

I should do the next one naked

[@Six3rdy]

*Sees nut emoji* I agree with you. This was great New Folder material. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Category is ebony from the looks of it.

[@SupRec]

In my opinion Yamaha's basses are well known to sacrifice the volume in order to give you a crystal clear tone. This is a well contructed instrument and it offers a lot of possibilities. I'd buy it without a shadow of doubt.

[@stefanusbudiman1939]

As an Indonesian, I am highly surprised on how much Yamaha mark-upped this bass in the UK. @GBP 380 equivalent over here & its definitely one of the best bang of the buck bass you can buy.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Woah that string through is absolutely sick looking!!! I might have to check one of these out!! If it had a MM pickup I’d be sold, I agree passive sounds best and I’m not a passive guy, both Pups sound good

[@ESW116]

I have a TRBX604 that's amazing and I desperately want one of these. Also this is an excellent video to reference when searching for tone combinations. Well done!!!

[@dxurbina]

If you can go for it. You will have a very versatile instrument. Got both and I enjoy playing with both. research before buy and you will see

[@KHALEM7]

@@dxurbina ¡Hola! Estoy interesado en conseguir un TRBX605FM o un BB735A y me gustaría conocer su opinión sobre ambos, sus semejanzas, diferencias y si tuviera que escoger uno, cuál sería y por qué. ¡Gracias!

[@dxurbina]

@@KHALEM7 El BB de 5 cuerdas es una maquina todo terreno, es mi preferido para tocadas al publico, se integra muy bien con la banda para todo lo que toquemos. El trbx también es versatil pero sobresale en el genero rock y slap, esto por sus hambucker pickups. Al compararlos prefiero el BB para los demas generos, el trbx es una pluma, pesa muy poco por lo que para tocar por largo tiempo definitivamente es mi preferido. sus semejanzas son simples, 5 cuerdas, mismo amp de 3 bandas y modo activo y pasivo. Si tuviera que escoger uno, porque solo me puedo permitir un bajo escogería sin dudarlo el BB735 por su gran versatilidad, el TRBX605 fue mi segundo bajo y no me arrepiento de haberlo echo porque vino a agregar mas variedad de sonido a mis repertorios y a no preocuparme por dolores de espalda luego de estar tocando muchas horas.

[@KHALEM7]

@@dxurbina ¡que buena respuesta, muchísimas gracias!

[@OlandoMcCall]

Love my 735a, neck is ultra solid, fretwork excellent, action on point, just a solid workhorse bass!

[@Mark-bi4ne]

I had BB 1200A that Yamaha gave me in 1994. Loved it.

[@andymorley6586]

Liked your review very much. I've owned one of these for about a year and I really like it. I view the pre amp as a subtle upgrade on a P Bass sound. It's built beautifully and is ultra reliable (I've gigged it many times). I agree with you about the price; I bought mine used for £580, and at that price I couldn't say no!

[@JonnyDibble]

Used is the way! Thanks very much

[@francescovelludo8398]

Hey Jonny, I really liked your review. I'm a proud owner of a couple of Yamaha basses and they are just perfect for me. The only thing that let me down on my BBN5 is the low b string. Sounds terrible, it is almost useless and I found this problems on a lot of instruments across different brands. From what I can hear, the B string on this bass sounds absolutely massive and I really like the overall tone. I'll definetly check this one out! Thank you and greetings from Italy!

[@agusgener74]

I have a BB734 Black satin and yes.. the preamp is not the best of the world. I just simply use it in passive with a Xotic BB Preamp and a EBS compressor and it shines everywhere! Not much problem then… feels great and plays great for me. 🤘🏼😉

[@JonnyDibble]

Ooh those EBS compressors are great! Nice one

[@C_Dot3]

Nice vid! I was very close to buying this bass last year, but instead, went with a cheaper, gently used BB435, which is just awesome all around with lots of value. I think you reviewed that one too and gave some really positive feedback on it. From what I've seen, the consensus with the BB735 seems to be the preamp being weak...Not even bad, just weak. If the preamp gave you a sound similar to your "Amp Sim" examples, then it'd definitely be worth the buy. I guess Yamaha was just going for a more subtle approach?

[@HaramGuys]

I own 735a and I love it Pros: I love the sound, I really love the active mode, the mix of P and J sound is unlike anything I have played, it sounds gorgeous. Fretjob is amazing, quality control on the finish is superb Mixed (could be a pro or con depending on preference): strings feel very slinky on it compared to other basses of same scale length, nut width is very thin, neck is thicc Con: body is light and neck is heavy, so it dives a bit. Body shape doesn't feel quite right on my leg when playing sitting down

[@juanticimo]

I own the 4 string version of this bass, and when it comes to build quality, id put it up against any custom shop fender built in the last 10 years. The one thing i did notice about this bass, is that it has a sweet spot with strings. I normally run DR highbeams, and when i switched from the stock strings's that came on the bass, it lost a bit of its flavor. no biggie put the stock strings back on, mojo resumed. If you are looking for a bass that does it all, this one will, and at a fraction of a higher end fender. just wanted to note, that i remove the battery in all my basses, and run them passive only. Pre-amps arent needed imo when you have an amp. why stack preamps ?

[@demerzzel]

I have the BB734A. I don't like the P pickup, the way it is mounted with the screws. It moves when I rest my thumb on it. And the plastic over the coils is cheap somehow. I use it passive only, I like its passive sound vs the active one. The quality and the ergonomic is top. It is growing on me.. I like it very much, despite the P pickup objections.

[@dynodanbassman]

I love my 4 string in that exact color. Nice job

[@JonnyDibble]

Nice one!!

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome review and demo as always, Johnny 😎🤘🏻🎸 I’ve always loved Yamaha basses. Especially since my first bass was a Yamaha bb bass. I still rock out to my Yamaha bb and trbx and yes I agree that these basses are highly underrated. And I do plan on purchasing another one real soon. Anywho I think this bass sounds really nice. Though personally I like it in passive mode. The preamp is a nice feature and I’m aware there are active versions of the bb basses, but I personally like passive versions more, of course that’s just me. Still it’s a nice feature though. Anywho, I think it’s a great bass to own. And these basses are definitely underrated and so are the trbx series. I do recommend them to anyone looking to try something different.

[@JonnyDibble]

I’m more of a passive guy overall myself. I still need to try a TRBX! Thanks dude 🫶

[@alexskibicki2262]

@@JonnyDibble I’m both a passive and active kind of guy. Which is why I’ve always been intrigued by the active/passive switching on basses. Speaking of which, the trbx basses are totally worth checking out. It’s unique and highly underrated. I would recommend the trbx 500/600 series if you want a more professional trbx bass.

[@alexskibicki2262]

I should mention that the trbx 300 series is pretty good in its own right, but it’s an acquired taste for some. Still worth checking out if you want to try something different

[@CHUBBY12309]

Lol I always preferred Active until I got this Yamaha bb735a... I love the passive tone. I hardly use the Active mostly for slap.

[@alexskibicki2262]

@@CHUBBY12309that’s cool. I like both active and passive basses. And basses that contains a passive/active switching really intrigues me. Especially since it gives me the best of both worlds. In the case of the Yamaha bb bass, I personally like the passive version because it’s one of those basses that don’t necessarily needed active electronics. They sound perfect passive. But of course it’s all about personal taste if anything

[@debaonfire]

Well, an opinion remains an opinion until it has been tried and tested, then it becomes a fact. And the fact this, the electronics on the BB735A is quite impressive. No need to swap the preamp or pickups. In fact, I have two BB735As, one stock, and the other pickups changed to Nordstrand NPJ5FS HUM-CANCELLING and preamp changed to Nordstrand 3B-5A. The BB735a with everything stock more than holds its own, sounded way fuller and more pleasing to my ears than the other with the expensive upgrades. At the end the moded BB had to find its way out.

[@albriano7762]

Great Review Jonny, Yamaha is a great Brand that alot of people sleep on, I recently purchased my YAMAHA BBNE Nathan East model its absolutely amazing, it feels custom shop, ill put it up against any boutique bass out there.

[@krakmannika5859]

I've had my 734a for some 4 months already and it's replaced everything else as my main axe. I wanted a well built, reliable bass and it has it in spades. I like the preamp! But your opinion is very interesting and I understand someone thinking as you do. It's not the bass with the most distinctive personality, soundwise. Not a problem with me.

[@bushmann9272]

you should try one of the old 80's BB3000's, true perfection!!

[@michaelbajorek1972]

I have a Yamaha BB435 and a Yamaha Motion Bass. Both play and sound very nice. Love Yamaha. Actually play them thru a Yamaha made Ampeg bass.

[@peekaboo4390]

I have 12 yammy basses from SA to BB to TRB... everyone of them is great .. the stock preamps are fine and I have never found the need to change pups or pre's on any of my active ones. Even my BB 614 and 615 's preamps are solid. I have modded other basses with Audere, Noll and Aguilar preamps but really I want my Yamaha's to sound like Yamaha's as they do have a sound of their own. The trb's are super clean and very hi fi sounding really nice for fusion and funk.

[@JonnyDibble]

Wow! That’s very cool. I would really like to check out a 5 string TRB

[@phipschi4255]

I used to have an 734A, the build quality was really good for the price but the tone was a let down. My frankensquier with an EMG geezer pu sounds way better. So I sold it, now im thinking about picking up a 434 and putting the PJ geezer set in it because i also really liked how the neck felt

[@krisjones7985]

I bought the 434 and put the Geezer set in it instead of getting the 734 and I’m very happy with how it sounds and plays

[@whamni]

I have one of these since they first came out, albeit a 734a. I took the battery out, put on a set of Flats, changed the bridge pup to a Dimarzio noisless and It's still my go to bass. Love the neck but not a fan of the preamp.

[@N1CK_B]

Exactly, same here

[@Wombatmetal]

I liked the passive sound much better. If I were to get a BB, probably a BB434, which is passive. Or a BBP34, in gorgeous midnight blue. the upgraded bass in the series is also passive.

[@nathanminert3119]

I see what you mean about not having a specific character. My experience with Yamaha saxophones is that they're tonally pretty transparent, meaning they let the individual player's tone shine through. Seems like a similar concept with the basses maybe. You can sculpt it into whatever tone you want using technique, eq, and effects.

[@JonnyDibble]

I’d love to try their pro line to compare! But yeah not the best

[@N1CK_B]

Apparently the early student models (yts21 or yts23 ) sound better than the pro models. And likewise I prefer the sound of the BB434 and BB234 to the bland sounding BB734

[@BassRacerx]

I need to play one of these. i've been looking for a p bass with a slim neck ike a jazz for a while and the BB has a 40mm neck and that sounds about perfect. also noting the 5 string has a 43mm neck wich is close to what a 4 string p bass has!

[@nicktaylor716]

Nice presentation! So I got this cuz i fell in love a made in Japan bbp35 that I borrowed once at a gig. To me it played better than any American fender as it checked all my boxes for what I was looking for at the time (apart from an active preamp). When I ordered THIS one i knew it was cheaper so i was assuming the quality wasn't going to be as good. I was SO wrong! This bass is awesome! I don't have any gripes, the preamp (to me) is dope and is more functional than the fender equivalent, and it just FEELS so good! Maybe there's some differences between yours and mine somewhere in the supply chain, maybe you're looking for something different than me, but for me its the perfect instrument! if they make a Japanese BB with an active preamp I will buy it! As of now their pro series is all passive, which is great but for what I do I need variation between songs more than just a tone knob and pickup selection and this is exactly what I need! It's the sound in my head! And when I play, the whole instrument resonates (probably from the 6 bolt neck pocket system and string through option) which I love! I feel more connected to the instrument when I play so I can tell if my left hand is correctly doing what it needs to do much faster making it a very easy instrument to play and play well! The main differences between this and a current in production Fender of equal price point (200 usd difference here in the states) and features is 1) Fender doesn't make a Non-American/sub 1000 5 string P bass (CURRENTLY) - I'll compare it to the player plus jazz 5 with active preamp which I also have. 2) It's LIGHTER 3) The pickups sound better (personal preference, I know I'm comparing apples to oranges with the jazz bass) 4) The Yamaha bridge system is better (also personal preference, though the fender hi-mass bridges are great too) I also am a fan of the active preamp. I have found when I use the active system on Fenders something gets lost in quality when boosting, specifically the lows, and for the Yamaha I don't feel like I'm losing anything. It's more of like an enhancement on the sound or flavor added instead of just a boost. I know some people think maybe the bass boost/cut frequency is set too low. I guess I don't agree. Perhaps there's mild variation in the electronics building process just like Fender. I guess I am not sure where that particular part is built. But I'm not too worried about it for my particular purchase. Obviously everyone has their opinions. Mine are based on what I am looking for CURRENTLY after playing bass for nearly 20 years and by making a living from it for nearly 12. I agreed with a lot of what you were saying and I LOVE your presentation style. Subscribed! New fan! Literally the only differences in opinions I had was the preamp. And that is EXTREMELY based on preference.

[@sascofiasco-Ianf180]

Another good, honest review, however, I need to know where to get one of those t shirts !😳👍🏻

[@JonnyDibble]

😇 www.jimdunlop.com/tortex-mens-vintage-tee/

[@sambrownonbass]

I’ve got one and love the way it plays, it does just gel with me and my hands for whatever reason. I agree on the preamp though, I’ve never used it in the five years I’ve owned the bass, don’t even bother with the battery now haha

[@bassnsax]

That bass sounded IMMENSE! Maybe it's just my ears, or perhaps my preferences, but I thought the preamp sounded good - rather similar to the passive mode, but just...more? Over my years of bass playing, I've grown to prefer a more flat or sterile sounding preamp, preferring to get more of the...character? out of my hands, the strings and pickups (at least on the bass), and then use pedals/amps to change the character of the bass after the bass itself. 🤷‍♂ If I could permit myself to have 1 or 2 more basses, I think I'd have to own a BB then. I had an RBX-2A 5 string that was fantastic...but I just wasn't playing it, and sold it so it could be played more.

[@simonbowkett124]

At the moment the current price of one of these in the US at Sweetwater is below 700 pounds (Converted) I absolutely adore mine, but at a grand I'd be buying a Reverend. And yes, the pre-amp is 'Meh.'

[@Buckers2202]

I've got a Yamaha TRBX 604 and the pre amp is the same, doesn't have enough umph for my liking, I have to have the treble all the way up to have it sound the way my Ibanez and Cort basses sound at centre. Like you here, I like but don't love it. It plays really well, looks nice but it's pretty bland sounding. That might be ok for people who use external ways to colour the sound but for me just playing along to songs it's not particularly inspiring. My Ibanez SR 600e has so much more character, output and just sounds so rich, it makes it more fun to play. Good video 👍

[@alexskibicki2262]

I have a Yamaha trbx 505 and it is one of my most treasured basses. And I can understand that not everyone is a fan of the onboard preamp, but I think it sounds nice. I especially love the idea of the passive and active switching. It gives me the best of both worlds on tone and it’s a great fail safe feature if the battery is drained. Anywho, if you like your trbx bass but not too keen on the onboard preamp, you can always modify it with another preamp. That’s what I did with my Ibanez bass and it sounds new and improved.

[@joshdennis1]

I upgraded my TRBX 605 to a bartolini preamp and nordstrand pickups. Given how much i love the body, neck profile and look, its now the perfect instrument for me.

[@Buckers2202]

@@alexskibicki2262 switching the preamp is a good shout but I actually found what I wanted out of the TRBX in the Cort A4 Plus, similar in many ways but to my ear nicer pickups, better preamp and just super comfy to play

[@Buckers2202]

@@joshdennis1 that sounds like a winning combo right there, I have Nordstrands in my SR 600e and Bartolini in my Cort A4 (all import designs though) and I love them both so bet your bass sounds great 🔥

[@joshdennis1]

@@Buckers2202yeah, it’s reached its final form 😍. Very versatile. Does a surprisingly close P bass sound as well. It’s the perfect covers band bass.

[@vincesforza9479]

Sounds great

[@JoshSmith-wx1fn]

It's definitely a looker but if the name on the headstock doesn't rhyme with fire. I don't pay for it. Love the channel and pod, Mr. Dibble. 🤙

[@JonnyDibble]

Squier? Thanks dude!

[@JoshSmith-wx1fn]

@@JonnyDibble Squier (P) and Sire (J) Anytime man!

[@frederickdoyon]

Just got an old 2000 yamaha trb 5-II and it's a killer bass. Preamp suck too though. I would love a BBP34 or BBP35 in the future. Japanese Yamaha are awesome.

[@peekaboo4390]

The TRB 5 II is both active pre and pups and they sound amazing, look amazing and play amazing. MIJ yamaha;s are the cats meow

[@frederickdoyon]

@@peekaboo4390 Yes! The preamp is not great but beside that it's a rock solid bass with an amazing neck. I had it for a stupidly low price so I'm pretty happy about that purchase. Now I hope I will be able to find a trb-5pII one day lol

[@peekaboo4390]

@@frederickdoyon Strange because the TRB preamp is one of my favorites. And I find the TRB to be close to the perfect bass.

[@frederickdoyon]

@@peekaboo4390 perfectly understandable as tone is subjective. I actually really like the mids on it but I feel the bass frequency is too low. It almost sounds like I add sub frequency when I boost it lol. In any case, It's my main bass now. I absolutely love it.

[@JonnyDibble]

I’d love to try one!

[@scottstone451]

Is it worth getting for $840 US? I already have the BB35 and BB434 with a maple neck.

[@JoeDinsdale]

I absolutely love mine! Until recently picking the Schecter J4 back up I played the 734A almost exclusively. That being said I only ever use passive mode, 50/50 pickup blend and everything else full. Not really interested in active preamps unless it’s a Lusithand NFP 🎉

[@JoeDinsdale]

Totally agree on the notches too, finding the middle point is like cracking a safe.

[@JoeDinsdale]

Also I got mine 2nd hand, had I paid full price perhaps I’d have been more disgruntled.

[@KoryWynnKw]

Hey what was that riff that you killed it🤘🤘🤘it was at 18 sec into your video, it sounded mean !!! Thanks love your content jam on brother

[@luigi.zanini]

I had the BB435, a passive version with a bit lower level pickup. I sold it because I usually play every bass with both pickups all way up, and in my opinion the sound of this bass is without personality, and for a reason shared by any BB basses that I listened to: the PJ pickup combo, completely without personality in comparison to a P or Jazz combo… of course you can always play it with the only splitcoil pickup on but you will never have the Jazz amazing sound

[@warburgaby]

Personality? The BB's have their own sound personality (ask Peter Hook, for example). The Fenders have another. If you seek Fender sound, gotta play Fenders .)

[@mikedradio]

Looking forward to your new podcast “dibble dabbles” jk. Much love dude ❤

[@JonnyDibble]

Should rename my podcast

[@davidmhuey]

I owned one and was so excited to get it. But the J pickup was so noisy, it should have been him cancelling. I also didn’t like the string spacing at the picking hand. It get pretty wide. It was built great, but just wasn’t for me.

[@JonnyDibble]

I found that with the BB434. Great bass but neck just didn’t suit me

[@neudels4896]

Hows the build and feel compared to the 434, especially after a little tlc for frets and whatnot, comparable?

[@JonnyDibble]

@@neudels4896 I think these feel nicer imo. Neck is more comfy!

[@neudels4896]

@@JonnyDibble cool thanks mate, I only use passive so seems a waste but if builds good I might go the latter

[@milwatt]

Great efficient demo, thx ! I'm looking after the four strings one. I'm not aware to active basses with a switch to passive. @juanticimo mentioned that he plays in passive without the battery. Great ! That means that you can leave the bass with the jack in. But does the Tone is usable in this case, like on a real passive bass ? Great channel btw 😉

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks! Yes I demo the passive tone control in this video ☺️ Essentially the treble knob becomes a tone control when in passive mode

[@milwatt]

Thanks for the answer. My question was does the Tone (in passive mode) works without battery in the bass ?

[@Buckers2202]

@@milwatt yes it does 👍

[@bobbyzig3879]

As a 4 string it’s a really nice bass imo.

[@joetspaulding]

do you guys think the tone is a bit dark and broody(great for darker genres)? I guess I'm on the other side of the fence, I think the bass has almost too much character, love my BB734 (in many ways the nicest bass I own) but for the happy pop stuff, I have to switch to my TRBX or my Pbass. thoughts?. PS One more feature worth mentioning is the maple core in the body.

[@JonnyDibble]

Yeah I think it is dark, not something I was hoping to get out of this bass tbh

[@liamjenkins82]

I had one of these. Liked almost everything about it. But the neck dive i found when standing was to bad. So i sold it.

[@TheShotsii]

yea when i heard the active sound, I thought, sounds as good as my ray 25 (which I plan on upgrading) but I only spent a fraction of what this yamaha costs. I guess you are paying for the feel as well. But I rather just wait on getting something nicer at that price point.

[@milwatt]

I had the opportunity to try one last weekend. Great bass, I like the neck and sounds. It's heavy but not too much. I tried it without battery and as you say it works. But the guy from Yamaha at the Paris Guitar Show wasn't able to tell me if the battery is drained if you let the jack in when the switch is in passive mode. Anyone knows ?

[@rimastyno]

It’s not draining any battery as the circuit (powered by the 9v) isn’t being powered

[@milwatt]

Thx. I’ve ordered mine, it should be at the store in one or two weeks. I’ve picked the sunburst one cause I’m not trusty in the satin finish over the years.

[@DrTomoculus]

That low B is a standout. Having watched your latest video on the Sterling, I'm surprised you liked some of the sounds coming out of that, but felt disappointed by the Yamaha. To me the Sterling sounded dead. No life whatsoever. The Yamaha had such a range of tones and flavours. And that low B, which rings like a bell.

[@jamescole7197]

You've kinda nailed it. This bass is like a married couple who don't get divorced because they both make good money and nobody does anything egregious enough to the other to truly warrant it. I've been in a loveless union with mine since release (I got one of the first run) and I just can't quite work up the courage to 'throw it out of bed for farting', even now.

[@thenightlifezero9154]

I had this exact bass. At the time it was one of the best values on the market for $800. The overall build quality was great. the gig bag is also rather good. But, like you, I found the preamp a bit lack luster.

[@danieltaylor4882]

I thought it sounded great passive, and if nothing else versatile on the pre-amp. It seemed it would offer some texture but maybe just need a little "beefing" (not sure what the vegan/veggie version would be) up, through a pedal board? Looks stunning though, i understand the reason for the stripy neck on the other models but it always bothered me a little. This just looks great.

[@mrpositronia]

Doesn't sound bland to me. But I'd be fine with sticking in some quarter pounder pickups if I wanted more heft. If the preamp allows it, of course.

[@D14V0R05]

That bass needed to be 35" scale!

[@nekot9274]

I had the same feeling, that model actually feel cheaper than the 434, like not needed extra stuff that actually lower the overall perceived quality of this bass. Plus I cant cope with the painted neck. If I want a more modern Bass from Yamaha, I'll pick the TRBX 604 that sit alongside my BB434M, not that one.

[@vascobarbosa9607]

Do you hear the hum noise when only on the J pickup?

[@phipschi4255]

The J pickup is a single coil so yes, it does also depend on your suroundings and how good the shielding is

[@horrorshowbass]

Try the 424 or 1024x series instead.

[@carloscondemore]

I am totally agree. I tried one and it is a great bass, but the preamp is so bored

[@JonnyDibble]

Leaves more to be desired

[@muchobaratodop]

Ive heard the other ones in the current bb line and yes this is weaker than the pasive ones

[@JonnyDibble]

I demoed the BB434 and I think that felt a little worse but sounded a little better

[@warburgaby]

BeeBee is the beest

[@bassmass6180]

I play meni basses in my 30 years on stage,yamaha is one of the best,i like pasiv yamaha basses,but this bass have realli nice preamp.

[@ArjanYoyoman]

Correct me if im wrong, but to me this just seems like a more epensive Yamaha BB435 with a mediocre active pre amp that you wont use anyway. Better keep some money in the pocket and get that BB435....

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Yamaha also bought out Ampeg Amps . . . YES!

[@marontesla2982]

Awesome soundng classic bass! Hate preamps like ibanez has. there are only few liiiitle adjustments you have where bass sound real- other total crap that overloud for your amp and become fiizy boomy or what else. here with yamahaeven with active electroniks you have goood sounding bass that sound real and normal. just have some brightness. + it is versatile both for metal or jazz- it sits perfect anywhere

[@MrVinB]

I think the whole BB range is due a update, like the Revstars had recently. Let loose some of that Yamaha sciency magic on the basses too.

[@TANK777-es1nj]

hi can you play the fender Japan junior bass ❤🎉if you see this, answer me please ❤🎉🎉😊

[@JonnyDibble]

Hi! I’ll speak to Fender 😊

[@TANK777-es1nj]

Thank you 😊❤

[@SpiritDK]

ever sins i bought my very first bass, a Yamaha TRBX304 i've loved the form and feel of Yamaha basses, I'm just a little frustrated with Yamaha I really would love to have a 2x single coil jazz bass to get the more good old jazz sounds and if it could look like that or maybe in an all candy apel red I would probably sell my favourite kid for one, but it just seems at least here in Europe Yamaha jazz basses are rare and if they are for sale they are expensive, I would love if they make a not TRBX304 but a JRBX304 jazz bass, but dang that BB looks incredible, hech just take the BB put in 2 single coils and a passive eq, keep the battery compartment in the back turn the on/off switch into an on/off switch for RGB dots in the neck and keep the left over knob and use it for brightness levels for the dots or a colour switch RGB, white, green and so on, Yamaha if you're reading this feel free to run with it I don't need any reconision just send me one ;)

[@classgrooves617]

Try the BBP34 (not the BB434). You won’t be disappointed.

[@JonnyDibble]

Duuuuude. I would LOVE to 😍🤑

[@dominikkavur5373]

That's like saying that you're disappointed with a Squire and someone recommends a Fender USA :'D two totally different price ranges

[@OlandoMcCall]

Its a musical eq not tone shaping

[@maikfohnan1415]

The batman bass. 🤩

[@JonnyDibble]

BBatman

[@Lord_Hiram]

I had one Yamaha and I couldn’t say anything wrong about it

[@dominikkavur5373]

I'm also quite disappointed with new Yamahas, I have BB424 which was dirt cheap a few years ago and is amazing, blows every squire and Mexican Fenders away. The new BB's and TRBX are all a disappointment in my opinion.

[@JonnyDibble]

I’ve had a few BBs before and this one felt the best but almost sounded the worst

[@dominikkavur5373]

@@JonnyDibble yeah, those new pickups are really bland, same problem with TRBX505

[@CalebJohnson-v2g]

1k£? they’re $850-ish all day. still, point taken.

[@tonytramonti5828]

Who the hell taught guy Pearce to play bass anyway 😂

[@joecasa85]

I agree. I FU**IN' LOVE Yamaha instruments, but their bass preamps tipically suck...they're too weak and it's a shame because they are KILLER instruments. Despite that, Yamaha is GREAT: masterpiece build quality (despite being indonesian products) and unmatchable quality control.

[@johnjonesToffeeman]

Yamaha is everybody's second choice fall back instrument or motorbike or what you buy the kids for their school band not sexy just good

[@leandrosalcedo1324]

Crack😂🎉❤

[@roadworn61]

I have it, the Sire sound better.

[@wernerhaider2338]

the bass is better than your editing style

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks so much

[@Peonshoes]

Sorry I can't watch this. The background noise is too distracting, love your content otherwise.

[@JonnyDibble]

Ah that’s a shame. I’m assuming you mean the music? Weird because I could hardly hear it in my headphones 🫤 I’ll have to start editing with reference speakers. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Peonshoes]

No worries mate, I don’t have perfect hearing (80% deaf in my right ear) and nor do I listen through high end gear, but still found the background music distracting. I do like your content, but I am finding more so than often that I’m havening to listen over background music/noise to hear what’s being said more and more on KZbin channels.

[@xdaniedx]

Yeah I'll stick with Fender. Yamaha still hasn't released anything that has blown me away. It's no wonder why I see almost NO ONE using them in live gigs.