Every Guitarist should own a Bass, is this Yamaha the one?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

All the info here : Get the Yamaha BB434 from Sweetwater (US) - sweetwater.sjv.io/zN73OO Get the Yamaha BB434 from Thomann (EU) - thmn.to/thocf/xzjtcpwtn8 Get the Yamaha BB434 from Andertons - elkqr.link/ti9ot

[@jessegoplen]

I have always been impressed with Yamaha instruments for the money.

[@johnhmaloney]

I grew up in the '80s and Yamaha BB basses were all over the place back then. They are absolutely iconic for me and that sound is so nostalgic. It's the only PJ bass I've ever really liked.

[@SnarkyRC]

Honestly you can’t go wrong with any Yammy. Their quality carries over to all of their models.

[@ericp8834]

I have that bass in the same color. Put half-rounds on it. Great neck. I have the 5 string and a Revstar too. Love Yamaha.

[@brianvankley3529]

Yamaha makes killer basses. Even the cheaper ones sound great. I’ve been a Fender guy for years, but bought a Yamaha 5 String (TRBX505) a few years ago, and it now gets more mileage than any of my other basses. Great sound, great versatility, and just feels SOOO good.

[@room34]

I love Yamaha's keyboards and woodwind instruments, but I've avoided their guitars and basses because I just didn't like how they looked… I don't even like how _this_ one looks in the pictures online, but it looks pretty great in this video! Now I am tempted… I've been having some regrets about selling my 5-string Jazz Bass, but maybe I should consider a BB435.

[@f-unfairstudiotime]

Agree with you - the BB434 is a really great, really versatile "studio machine" bass to have. This, or its more expensive brother, the BB734. Or, if and when you can get your hands on one, the P/J long scale bass and total steal that IMHO beats it for sounds (especially the P-pickup!) and massive hardware is the pretty quirky and now rare discontinued Godin SD4, a bass made of canadian parts made cheaper by... having it assembled in the USA - imagine the audacity! 🤭😂😉

[@brianday2054]

Cracking vid, Andy, thanks for casting the spotlight on the lowly 4-string! I made the switch from guitar to bass years ago to join a band I had done sound for a bunch of times (and had also supported with my previous group). Started with a cheap bass (Epi EB3), and realised I needed to upgrade fairly quickly.... and after trying many basses landed on a Yamaha BB1024 (I'd had a bit of a windfall and got a bargain at an exhibition). I doubt I'll ever replace it; it's that good. Haven't tried flatwounds on it yet, though... something I will have to check out based on this video! It's worth noting that I know a few people who use various models in the BB range, and we all agree that they're excellent instruments. And yes, all guitarists should have a bass. It makes you rethink your playing and gives you a different perspective. Also, bass is stupidly good fun!

[@willistaylor4077]

I have Flatwound strings on four of my six Basses. Love the feel; very comfortable to play.

[@JonNewquist]

I love short scale basses as a gitfiddle player, and this looks compact but with all the room of 34". I use flats on my seldom-played Epi Viola. I dig the whole vibe of this Yamaha, and it's even the same color scheme as my Revstar. Nice vid, Andy.

[@traviswaynedoyle]

That was fun. I look forward to more bass reviews sprinkled in. (please? 😁)

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Most definitely! I love bass

[@ShadeAssault]

Been a bass player for 15+ years and been watching your channel because I'm trying guitar too (Why not branch out some?). Have to say I did not vibe with my starter Yamaha P-bass, but have since found some that I LOVE. I got a Schecter Diamond series C-5 ($1k+ range) that I absolutely adore. But, by far, the instrument I pick up the most is my Ibanez Artcore AFB-140 semi-hollow body ($400 used), sadly they don't make that exact model anymore. When I want to play unplugged I have an Alvarez acoustic bass ($400 new) that is hilariously huge but sounds amazing, sadly I moved to a new state with a lot more humidity a while ago and the action is to high to be playable (~7mm at the 12th, maxxed out truss rod, probably needs bridge work) and I haven't found a good shop nearby to take it to. Video critique, turn up the bass volume for your demos. Wayy to quiet. I get that when playing in a band the bass usually sits behind the rest of the instruments, but when you are showcasing it it should be at least as loud as your talking audio, which it isn't here. Was really hard to hear the playing.

[@philgraves4998]

Love Yamaha gear, I really liked the quality of the Yamaha bb434 but felt it had less character or sounded a bit more bland than the Sire v5 I ended up going with!

[@Shysleeves]

I think the PRS SE Kestrel is a fantastic bass if you want a jazz bass. Hipshot hardware, neck through, Rosewood fretboard. I love mine, it's comfortable, not too light and not too heavy, and while you are playing a bass so upper fret access isn't much of a thing you're worried about if you happen to need it it's fantastic on it.

[@judih.8754]

I have a Yamaha TRBX bass that I love. I have the Labella flats on it too. I eventually changed out the pickups for a DiMarzio Billy Sheehan Relentless set. Nice review!

[@niel80]

Have the same bass for years... Mine is in "Teal" colour ... Play it almost every day and gig with it every weekend... As you say... Is a workhorse, and I get a lot of questions of why I dont use my Fender Jazz anymore? ...and I say: Because of my Yamaha😂 I cant go back to fender... Once you go BB434 you never go back 😅

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I have to try some of the higher end ones but I think this hits a sweet spot between price and value.

[@niel80]

@@TheGuitarGeek mine was 700 us dolars 5 years a go... Same as my MIM jazz bass 10 years a go lol

[@mknewlan67]

Love that icy blue

[@kingstumble]

Bass was my first instrument and it was years before I picked up a guitar but I would say if you are a guitar player first and just wanted to play bass occasionally, think about a short scale bass. You will find the transition much easier.

[@Supernautiloid]

I’m the opposite. I played guitar for 20 years and then got serious about bass a few years ago. And now I love it. It’s like a whole new world. :)

[@aldito7586]

I'd love to own one of these basses. They put a lot of cool ideas into this. And you can hear it.

[@StevenHadfield]

I've had a 434 for a few years now. Definitely moving to flatwounds, and also love using a foam mute near the bridge. As a guitarist I do balk at string changes, them bass strings are expensive.

[@MrVinB]

I love a good BB, but damn when are they doing a refresh of the line? The Revstars got a nice update, so hoping the basses get one too.

[@juanjan__]

First of all, YAY BASS! haha. Secondly, in my experience most guitar players prefer the sound of the bridge pickup to the neck one when they play, probably because it is higher pitched and makes soloing easier? I was surprised you preferred the flats but of course! They are the OG strings, and they are great. For me, flats, neck pickup, tone between 20 and 50% depending on the situation, and let's go for the Jamerson and McCartney tone 🙂

[@mightyV444]

Oh cool! Some bass content! 😃👍 I do also play guitar, but I'm more at home on drums and bass, and the latter is my current main instrument, so I always appreciate it when guitar youtubers throw in the occasional bass video 😊 And I agree that Yamaha make quality stuff 😀 (except for the DD-55 drum pads - Those were 💩) This does come across as a great bass indeed! I love that it has the added angled neck screws like their 'Attitude' Billy Sheehan signature bass, and it sounds very good, too! 😀👍 Minuses seem to be the lesser quality of the tuners and the pots being only small ones, and I'm not too keen on the shape of the pickguard; Instead of that straight cut where the controls are, it should have a slight curve instead, like some 80's Hamer guitars and basses did. Then again, and seeing there's nothing underneath it, it would also look great _without_ a pickguard! Greetings from NZ! 👋😀

[@amirsmith93]

Probably one of a few bass players watching but you did a good job showcasing this bass. My one critique on the bass is the controls . I think at this price point they could have added a blend control instead of 2 volumes. In my opinion a blend control is way more useable.

[@supermario2100]

Yamaha BBs were huge in the 80s, used by guys like Peter Hook, Billy Sheehan, Paul McCartney, Phil Lynott, Geezer Butler, etc. I like how bright and clear it can be, even with the Jazz pickup so far forward.

[@jaydavee]

I have one of those. I got it on January 10, 2024. It's the 6th bass I've owned since my first one when I was 12 in 1985.

[@j0pj0p]

I bought one of Anderton’s own-brand modern basses for £150. It’s awesome!

[@theruthlessfish]

There's so much good stuff out there, right! I bought the Gear4Music Chicago Select (costs £170), and it is waaay better than the Fender PJ I started out with. (Also recently tried a Yamaha TRBX174, and it too was really nice.)

[@xRepoUKx]

Unlike Anderton himself 😂

[@michaelbajorek1972]

I have the BB534. Excellent instrument. Well made. Sounds good thru an Ampeg (made by Yamaha) bass amp. Plays like a dream. Round wounds on the BB bass. Flatwounds on my Yamaha Motion bass.

[@nekot9274]

I own two BB434m a warmoth 90 degree string true precision and a BB614, that break angle at the bridge mean more string tension than both, but I like to have high string tension. All loaded with EB Reg Slinky

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome review 😎🎸 I’m a huge Yamaha fan and this bass sounds phenomenal. And their basses are definitely underrated. I own Yamaha basses myself(1 bb and 1 trbx) and I’m thinking about purchasing a Yamaha bb435 sometime soon. That or a trbx605fm. Speaking of which, I do recommend the trbx series if you want something more modern.

[@a.j.garrett9639]

This sounds great and I want one.

[@marontesla2982]

I also set up halfrounds on my bb735, sounds amazing

[@marlynbrando9506]

Nice video! I actually just sold a squier jazz bass to pick up this with the same color, i couldnt get a long with the jazz as much as I hoped, but im a precision bass nerd so looking forward to yamahas version of a pj.

[@bigpapab]

Love my Yamaha! Very underrated.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

It sure is!

[@ftomasi]

There you have it. Flatwounds is the way to go. Nice bass by the way.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You got that right!

[@digitalplayland]

Yamaha never disappoints.

[@7stringbassist]

Or the best bass for a guitar player is a Fender USA Urge Mk1 or the MIM version. Sounds awesome. 32 inch scale so it's easier to play. The USA version is a Precision or a Jazz, passive or active. Yamaha first did the extra neck screws on the Attitude Mk3. The bass is mounted at an angle in a jig and the drill bits go in vertically.

[@nickfindsgold9788]

Love my 434 tobacco burst. Its a magic bit of kit

[@tonemonkey98371]

Having the ferrules there instead of the back of the bass does indeed reduce the break angle. Roundwounds are flexible enough that it won't matter, but it's easy to break flatwound E and A strings, stringing them through the back of the body.

[@FrothNinja]

The through body design will put less pressure on the string over the bridge which should make it less prone to breaking/stretching

[@Andy62bass]

Love the flatwounds tone. Nice bass, I’ll have to stick with my Harley Benton pj4 for now, does the job for me.

[@michaelolz]

I normally hate the look of Yamaha instruments but this one is good!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I think Yamaha have some GREAT looking instruments. The SGV is my favourite but i know it is not for everyone

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

I prefer to use short scale basses. Easy transition from guitar.

[@Orgazmo-69]

I'm a guitarist for 17 years now, and I have one bass, I'm pretty happy with my Jaguar short scale bass by squier. But I need a full scale one too because you can't go low on a short scale. Your strings are just like spagetthi lmao if you go in D tuning. A full dcale can handle that with no problem. Thinking of a Jazz Bass, and maybe a fretless bass because it looks fun to play.

[@mightyV444]

I regularly play on a Squier CV Jaguar bass that belongs to my band's rehearsal space (It's the model with two stacked Vol/Tone controls), and I have the same 'spaghetti' experience with it myself when tuning it to Drop-D 😅 Even though it's a medium 32" scale, as opposed to being a short scale. But it's a wonderful instrument otherwise! Nice and light, and sooo comfortable to play, with its very slim neck 😍 Going back to my 34" P-bass feels like actual work! 😅

[@Orgazmo-69]

@@mightyV444 exactly, same with regular scale and baritone, If I tune to C, Drop C it gets a lil loose. But with a guitar with a longer scale it speaks for it self. I play in a Nirvana coverband and everything has to be tuned to D standard. My bandmates bass is a full scale Gibson Thunderbird, it's way sooo different. I like short scale because it feels like a guitar but is not. Just the fimiliarity of playing guitar. I love guitar but I love to release my inner Cliff Burton, Flea, Les Claypool from time to time lmao

[@bananaghost427]

Those LaBella DTB Flats are a great choice.

[@bananaghost427]

I just wish Yamaha would make a short scale BB. That would be neato.

[@peterbenecz8410]

Not a bass player, but I love the way it looks. Sounds nicer to me with the flat wound string. I wouldn't mind having a guitar with that type of string through design. It looks pretty cool.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

flat wounds are awesome. its a great way to get a TOTALLY different sound.

[@naruto199797]

I really enjoy playing both guitar and bass. Usually, i play heavier styles of music, so flat wounds wouldn't do the trick for me.

[@Supernautiloid]

@@naruto199797 You’d be surprised. Flats can be pretty versatile. Especially if you get the right set. Unfortunately, flats are a pretty expensive so experimentation can get costly.

[@naruto199797]

@Supernautiloid I was thinking as I was typing out like Steve Harris plays flats and there is a Japanese metal band whose bassist uses a fretless, so I guess it depends on the player

[@mightyV444]

​@@naruto199797 - I was just about to disagree with you by pointing out Steve Harris myself! 😄 I was surprised to find this out only about a year ago, and that piece of info has been popping up repeatedly for me ever since, too! 😀

[@AllAboutBasses]

I vouch for La Bella flats too. I've always been a Fender guy (own +20 Fenders/Squiers in all sorts of pickup configs and Jazz), but I'm intrigued by some of these Yamahas. Time to try one?

[@xRepoUKx]

I really need a bass setup. I used to play it many, many years ago

[@marontesla2982]

Totally this is the one! yamaha bb always good choise

[@MisbehavingChild]

I hope you get the chance to play a bbp34, it’s incredible

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Is there a difference-especially in feel-between string-through vs. top-mount? I've heard this with other instruments like Teles...but also the break-angle thing with LP bridges (and others) and there is always the debate about scale-length vs. overall length of the strings e.g. the reverse 6-in-line headstock. Not bashing on your video at all, it was great because I learned a bunch of stuff and it made me think of other things. This just makes me think you can get more videos out of this investment.

[@rodger7541]

I just got my first bass yesterday. I went with a 30" P,J Ibanez, I think it's a good fit for a guitarist

[@EvilAsh_AuDHDer]

Much more bass please 🙏🏽

[@klaymeister]

This color would rock in a 5 string

[@r.l.rachel740]

Just curious -> What were your 2nd & 3rd runner up basses when you compared them your 1st choice the, Yamaha BB434 ? Thx for a great video.

[@scottdeakes8494]

As a bass player who also plays guitar poorly...I have a 734a and I love it.

[@spaceraisin.]

I have a BB414 with a warped neck (😢) that's absolutely up there with all the best basses I've played. One day I'll sort the neck and refret it!

[@onefatstratcat]

I loves me a BB!

[@DeformedDevices]

It would seem to me they're putting the string throughs on an angle to get them off the back of the base, making it completely smooth on the back. Nothing rubbing against your body

[@mightyV444]

* bass 😉 And it _is_ another possibility, yes! 🙂

[@DeformedDevices]

@@mightyV444 TYPO I kan speil

[@mightyV444]

@@DeformedDevices - 😄👍

[@hs5942]

I think it has more to do with picking technique. Improper fingerpicking can lead to an annoying, trebly sound on roundwound strings, but flatwounds tend to mask that

[@PooNinja]

Yama yeah!

[@gm-zz8so]

hi Andy, you mentioned in the past a fender factory tour you attended but I can't find your link anywhere. Could you post it, thanks.

[@MarcAndreLevesque]

Less break angle on a bass will make the sound feel rounder in sound, slinkier in feel and the attack will seem less pronounced... but this is mostly for the player because in a mix or a band ... forget hearing the difference! it is similar to top loaded, sound difference is minimal at best and maybe you will get little more sustain from a through body .. but .. I'd be hardpressed to confirm that.

[@markdeloria20]

Yamaha has always meant quality to me. The features on this are next level. The price is quite reasonable ($539.99 via sweetwater link). To my ears, the pickups could be a little hotter... not loud enough. I kinda want to get one.

[@warburgaby]

BB's the BBest :)

[@Jellyeater1]

So delicious groovy! Thanks!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you too!

[@kurtz1993]

Dude, you really are very tall. That bass looks like a guitar on you 😂 Anyways, I have heard some BB's live and they sound very nice. Very versatile indeed.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hahaha yes it does. This BB is a joy to play apart from the little things I mentioned

[@nekot9274]

I used to own Mexican and US Pro fender basses, the Mexican was not miles away from the US, but the Yamaha is just on par with the US playability and soundwise.

[@joeyjojojrshabbadoo]

Squier p-basses are great. I got mine for $120 and changed the pickguard. My friends all think it sounds and plays great. Made in 2004

[@mightyV444]

* changed the _pick-up_ ?

[@joeyjojojrshabbadoo]

@@mightyV444no didn’t need to, just changed the pickguard

[@mightyV444]

@@joeyjojojrshabbadoo - Oh cool! 😀👍 I did the same with my black/maple 80's Vester P-bass copy, which I bought fairly cheap 8 years ago and originally had a white pickguard, but it looks much better with a black one 🙂 Its pick-up was faulty though, so I replaced it with a Tonerider, and I've been getting a lot of praise on its sound over the years, too! 😁

[@joeyjojojrshabbadoo]

@@mightyV444​​⁠mine’s black on black as well 🤘🏻

[@mightyV444]

@@joeyjojojrshabbadoo - Awesome! 😃👍

[@JaydenLeake-mr3gb]

Can u make a video on ktaxon 39’’ electric guitar upgraded Matt back (it’s not the silky one I want to see if it is a good one to get it’s on Amazon

[@JaydenLeake-mr3gb]

Pls and thank you

[@kevinturvey8213]

superb bass! i can't quite place your accent - care to clarify?

[@Longplay_Games]

Bass... content? NICE.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You know it! I love playing bass... there might be more coming as i am still searching for basses that deliver at a good price.

[@Crispy_Music_2024]

The angled string-thru reduces how much the windings separate from each other and from the core. Separation makes strings unhappy 😢

[@oogkauwgum5123]

The problem with every guitarplayer owning a bass is that they will play it at some point. Your demo is exactly my point. Leave it to us bassplayers!

[@JonNewquist]

😂 true enough

[@Robstafarian]

Were I looking for a full-scale bass, I would start with a G&L L-2000.

[@mirorommelaere7616]

What song were you playing in the beginning on the band practice i know it but i forgot the name

[@a.j.garrett9639]

Playing bass is just a lot of fun. Probably even more fun than guitar truth be told. If bass made the sound that guitar made that would be amazing.

[@SamBrockmann]

Yamaha seems to have great quality, "work horse" basses. I have heard they're great for years now.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You nailed it there dude

[@sesa2984]

I really want to get one of those Squier Classic Vibes original 50s spec Precision basses, but my “bassist” is my fiancée(fiddle, cello, and upright bass…because she can) who is a tiny 2 kilogram elf so I can’t seem to justify that full-length behemoth of a tree with strings. Not to mention HEAVY. So, a short scale makes more sense. Maybe I’ll have to couch the 50’s idea for me when I’m financially solvent, but I’d be happy to take anyones recommendations for a good lightweight short scale…or even one she can play sitting down if its too heavy.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I also have a hofner beatles bass and although they are kind of a one trick pony tone-wise, i love it and is super light.

[@jensenhealey08]

Danelectro

[@legman1476]

Don't forget, Michael Anthony of Van Halen and Paul McCartney have used these basses in the past.

[@jamestom2510]

Shhhhh your giving away our sound secrets dude.........

[@eliakuiper4266]

I like Yamaha and this looks tasty but at £650 it's a bit too expensive for me, if it were £400 I'd go play one. Not sure the string thru and 6 screw neck would make the difference from the cheaper range

[@nigellacey559]

Should every bassist own a guitar ?

[@tatialo37]

@@nigellacey559 ugh, yes.

[@kingslaphappy1533]

I can play bass but couldnt play guitar to save my life. 😮

[@El-Scorcho]

Yes, especially since you can play a guitar through a bass amp and wouldn’t need a new amp

[@bassnsax]

I've been playing bass since 1997, and didn't buy a guitar until 2020, and honestly, it's done wonders to help me better hear and understand chords and chord progressions. My only real goal with guitar is to get to a point where I can play passable rhythm guitar.

[@codychickadee5095]

Yup 😊

[@SearchingForTone]

I’ve been looking to get an affordable bass, this might be the one.

[@marks9197]

Yamaha makes great gear. That body is a bit big for me.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Shhhhhhh . . . Here is a musician's Secret . . . "Yamaha makes Great Stuff" ex: THR 30II, This Bass, many Acoustics, Piano's - always great Value for the money-spent !!!

[@sirquarter5729]

The question is: Can you SLAPP it?😮

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I can try!! (But I try not to)

[@mightyV444]

​@@TheGuitarGeek - I'm totally fine with that, too! 😊👍 It's always been just a kind of effect to me, much like a drummer going 'budda-budda-budda' with two kick drums / pedals 😄

[@kaindog1007]

I love flat wounds

[@andsoistopped]

Single cut vets would be cooler.

[@ThatGuyThanus]

I’m a guitarist, and I’d be looking to spend that, or less, on a guitar, so I can’t see me stumping that much up for an instrument that’s not my main instrument.. I’m sure it’s wonderful, though, and if money was no object…

[@El-Scorcho]

Ok I don’t mean to sound rude but that bass is hideous. I find most of Yamaha instruments look hideous.

[@michaelbajorek1972]

Which is your favorite bass?

[@andsoistopped]

So the band is still a thing?

[@Tom-Yum-Gai]

there is a glut of P/J hybrids out there, that one does not impress me tho Yamaha is ok. I would go for a Stingray clone. More tone choice. I would NOT go for a Fender body style. They should make a Revstar bass shape

[@redcomn]

Actually bb734a is more akin to bb p34

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#131_AUG11_2024_NiceReview_ActullyBetterThanNice_Thankyou🇺🇸

[@saarangnarayan123]

Why am I GAS'ing for a bass that I DON'T need???

[@TheGuitarGeek]

😂 oh dear.

[@SenseiKreese]

Why do these b00mEr guitar channels always assume that some vintage instrument is suitable for everyone? No, I want a modern, active bass thanks. We don't all still attempt to live in 1975. I am a guitar player who owns 2x Yamaha TRBX basses.