Yamaha BB434 Electric Bass Black

This bass is awesome. It is easy to play and sounds great. The quality is superb. Other basses may be flashier, but this thing delivers where it counts.

Totally blown away by this bass. I saw all the great reviews but was still a little hesitant to buy. Boy oh Boy am I glad I did. Plays Way beyond it's price point and was well set up out of the box. The only, and I mean ONLY, thing I didn't like was the pick guard. The blue one is absolutely beautiful in person but with a black headstock I don't know why they didn't put the black pick guard on it but that's okay...I have a beautiful new custom one being cut by an independent pick guard maker and I also changed it's shape slightly. I have several other basses including a '73 P and a PRS and I'll say that this Yamaha plays as good as any I own.

I was looking for a relatively affordable bass with a classic look and vintage tone. I originally ordered a Squier Vintage Modified and could not have been more disappointed. Clanky. Even after a set up, the fret noise was unbearable. Sure, a full fret dress would likely fix the problem, but I wasn't interested in sinking another $100 without assurance that this would clean it up. I then began researching and stumbled on the BB434. This seemed perfect. Classic shape and look. Passive electronics (they do make an active version). Video reviews were complimentary. But, no music store around me had any in stock. With GC's return policy I ordered one up. Right out of the box it was totally playable with great action. Minimal fret noise which should we Ben get better once strings are broken in. The weight is very manageable, even light weight. The materials seem quality, not boutique but not cut rate either. The p pickup, turned up by itself, is very vintage. Sounds like a classic P bass. Nice, froggy mids. The jazz pick-up can dial in some sparkly accents. I turn the p all the way up and j to about 7 with the tone up about 85%. You can play anything from Motown to rock. Very versatile. The neck has a flatter profile and is very comfortable. The satin finish is smooth and fast. The 6 bolt neck exudes solidity and a depth of engineering. I like the black front head stock. The shape is simple and the raised medallion is a nice touch. Looks like mine was shipped with daddarios, which is my string of choice. I have spent a lot more on bass and not been as satisfied. A bass a pro could play and appreciate.

I am a beginner bassist that started playing bass about maybe 5 or 4 months ago. I originally had an ibanez gsr 200 to start which was a solid bass. But the Yamaha I a step up in every way when it comes to quality and tone and how much fun you have with the instrument. I can't say much about the electronics as I haven't had much time with the bass to notice anything but all and all they have held up just fine. I highly recommended this bass to people of all skill levels.