M@23

Recently bought a Rumble 800 combo, which has neo Eminence 10”s. The ext cab has the ceramic Eminence 10”s. Not sure if the speakers differ other than that, hard to tell from the info at hand. I’d like to get an extension cab, other than subtle differences in how they sound, any reason not to?

I’ve had one too and loved it. Very nearly bought another but decided to go for a Rumble 800 instead. 
I’ve not had chance to try one of the new non-wooden cabs. I’m not sceptical as such, there must be something there? But, as you say, how will they hold up to the test of time and load ins/outs/gig life?

Thought it was a shame the 121h was discontinued, hopefully this isn’t headed the same way. 

They’ve been £850+/- in a few shops for a few months now. I assumed they were about to get discontinued alongside the 121h, but hasn’t happened yet. 

12 hours ago, greenklang said:

Funny because I just bought and returned a Fender American Pro II J5. It was actually a decent instrument but after a few years of playing my BB435 the playability of a Fender 5 stringer was quite a bit inferior compared to Yamaha. At least for someone with smallish hands. Also, since I mostly play my BB (like my JB's) soloing the bridge pickup, there wasn't a big discernable difference in the tone. Of course, the price was a big factor as well. If the Fender had been clearly better sounding and better playing instrument, I could've justified the price two-three times that of a BB435.

 

I've always thought of myself as being a Jazz bass guy first and foremost, but this latest experiment has shown me that the Yamaha has really grown on me. I guess I didn't quite realise it before trying out the now returned AM Pro II V'er.

 

Couldn't agree more.

Fully agreed on the playability. I’ve always preferred a baseball bat style neck and wider nut… but the Fender didn’t fit well in my hands at all and the A/B comparison showed that. 
 

Incidentally, anyone seen the first 15 mins of this, all about the BB3000:

23 hours ago, Muzz said:

This is exactly what my (slightly modded; just tuners and bridge) 414 is: it's my most-gigged bass, ahead of half a dozen basses that cost several times as much, and it just does the job. If it were a pound lighter (I'm getting very fussy about weight these days) it'd be perfect...I love the sound of a P, and the 414 does that a treat...

Funnily enough, I’ve started hunting for a 415! A metallic orange one came up recently for a great price and I debated it, then made (what is now clearly!) the wrong decision!

I just bought and returned a Fender American Pro 2 P5. 
While not the point I intend to make, the Fender had terrible QC issues. I’ve had many new Fenders that have been great, but, sharp frets, a neck pocket that was horribly cut and finished, 3.3mm action at the 20th fret with bottomed out saddles… it was an awful example. 
 

A P35 has been my bass of choice for a while.
Sound wise, I had chance to play them b2b, through my own amp at my leisure. I love P basses, I’ve had 8, old to new, flats and rounds and they’ve been great. 

But, the BBP35’s approximation of a P bass are as pleasing. It’s more ‘modern’, tighter lows and a clearer, snappier high end. Probably more scooped than the traditional low mid push. But, the BB with the P solo’d is a P bass alright, and the tone knob takes some of that and pulls it back to the more recognised P bass tone. 
I only just roll in the bridge single 20% or so most of the time, but it gives something I missed on the Fender and brings so much to the table to make it a truly versatile instrument, rather than the one (albeit, awesome) trick pony. 

I don’t want to write Fender off on one bad example here, especially as I’ve had some great ones, but Yamahas attention to detail is faultless. The BB is just such a workhorse, it’s not the most thrilling, fancy looking, but is a proper solid gigging bass. 
I’d sold it to a mate, eager to get back to my roots with a P bass and scratch the itch that is comfort induced boredom. Thankfully he agreed to call off the sale. 
 

Turns out the grass wasn’t greener. 

Hi all,

This one is still for sale. I’ve not pushed the ad as I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the bass. However, a deal has come up for the bass I’ve been after, so it’s time to shift this now. 
All PM replied to, I’m looking to move this along and will likely p/x if it’s not gone in a week. 

I almost religiously cut them before playing as I hate the sound of fingernails on strings!

I had one of these years back. It just sounded HUGE and it ate everything you could throw at it. I used a 900w and then an 800w amp and it didn’t break a sweat, just got louder and louder. I always want to try a pair of them! I had a Glockenklang Blue Sky which gave a huge warm clean sound, that did 2.67ohms. Would have been silly but fun!

In response to the first post, I get it. I’ve just come out the other side. A new job away from gigging, a whole host of personal stuff: divorce, house sale, navigating “co-parenting”, then a new relationship, and a new baby had really, REALLY, sucked the fun out of the thing I enjoyed most over the past 5 or so years. It become as royal PITA and learning songs and gigging was a huge burden.

I sold all my gear, unfollowed every bass related Instagram and YouTube channel and lived happily without it all. I’d seen friends bands, even been to a jam night, but the spark wasn’t there. It took a year away and going to see Level 42 to give me the interest again and now I’m happily gigging in a couple of bands again. I still don’t burn with passion for it like I used to, but it’s not my job anymore. It’s just a thing I can do for a break from life and to be creative. 

I have the same bass. Kind of bought as a beater, kind of for my kids. But, tell you what. It’s bloody brilliant! Proper P bass thump and a real joy to play. Great high output pickup and responsive tone control. Really cool shorty. 

I’ll keep this alive as I’ve had a few messages from people that are really keen. 
 

I am very happy to keep it though, and have been playing it regularly and it’s wonderful. 
Id still like to free up some cash, but I’m about to buy an amp as I can’t wait for this to fund it and am wondering whether I should sell this…
 

On 30/11/2023 at 16:49, SamPlaysBass said:

Awesome bass and a great price. I regularly thump the four string version of this around Europe and beyond. It’s the only bass I’ve known to come out from the cargo hold of a plane in the same shape that it went in. Works of art that can be used to knock nails in if need be! 

Thanks Sam. Very well put. This is my second, I regretted selling the first. I’d like to fund a bass and amp with the sale of this, but am already thinking I’ll regret it… again. 

Not separates, but I had a Ninja 122 and loved. Probably my favourite cab owned. 

Went to Kings in Southsea a couple weeks ago. Think it was the 5th time I’ve seen them and every time I’m blown away. 
True masterclass. 

  🙂

1 hour ago, IanA said:

Wow 😍

Thanks Ian. Hope you’re well. 

Sold elsewhere, please delete. 

Ok, perhaps a slight change of plan. 
 

I’m going to keep this up and welcome trades. 
 

I could do with an amp, so welcome part trades for cheaper 5 strings, Sire, other Yamaha BB, try me… 

Also, a good combo, a Markbass 121h would be great. 

Just a heads up, I may keep this. Will give it until Sunday for any further offers. But… it’s great and I’ll only want it back in a few months!

Please PM if interested, otherwise I’ll withdraw it over the weekend. 

Only owned for a couple of months, bought from Bass Bros. Has a new set of Daddario EXL-170 on. Bass Bros sold it as “immaculate”. It isn’t. It’s in very good condition, but there is some swirling to the finish, though it is nothing that could be picked up in a photo. The neck and headstock are immaculate, however with no chips or dents. 
Reason for sale is, I’m calling it a day on gigging… again. Circumstances mean I just don’t have the time for a regular gig. I’ll still dep here and there, but don’t want the BB sat about unnecessarily. 
 

This is the 2nd I’ve owned. Truthfully, they’re my favourite workhorse basses. They fit me and sound great for all styles. 
 

My first was only sold because it was too heavy at 10.5+lbs. This one is 9.5lbs and balances superbly. 
 

I’ll upload more pics over the weekend, below are the ones from Bass Bros. 
Located on the Isle of Wight, could do a Southsea meet up. Otherwise, collection and postage can be arranged. The Yamaha case is luxurious, but with that comes added weight, so postage could be costly. 
 

Any q’s please shout. Not looking for trades at this point. 
 

Cheers!

I’d say Sandberg TT5 SL too. Mine was great. It was 6lb12oz and balanced and played superbly. Was sold again on here about a year ago I think! It was an absolute breeze to wear. 

1 hour ago, neepheid said:

 

In headier days I might have picked this up BECAUSE it is different, but right now, I can't afford to take undue risks.

I nearly wrote similar earlier. That’s kinda what I meant by not my cup of tea. It’s very cool, but £1300 is too much for one that doesn’t really fit the profile. My BB P35 was a decent wedge cheaper and it’s safe and I know it works. 
It is cool though, love the neck thru and colour. 

43 minutes ago, Eldon Tyrell said:

It's been on Reverb for 10 months, so, yes, a deal could probably be made, I guess. Just wonder why no one is buying it. Is it the age, the colour, the pickups, the price?

It is definitely rare (only made in 85) and apparently based on a signature bass prototype for the one and only Louis Johnson. Unfortunately, the signature bass never happened. The prototype can be seen in action here (check from 20:55)

 

Interesting! Thanks for the info. 

41 minutes ago, neepheid said:

 

I'm only funning with you.  It's an odd fish, isn't it?  Not sure what to think about it.  That 24 fret fingerboard has been kinda jammed in there and compressed everything towards the bridge.  Lovely finish tho, I concur.

😊

yeah, odd one. Agreed, it’s all very tightly packed in the bridge-truss rod gap. I’m not that adventurous, a plain old BB fits me like a glove, but it’s an interesting article. 

18 minutes ago, neepheid said:

 

You've just seen it?  Do keep up, they've had it for months!

Oh, it’s not my cup of tea, so forgive me for it flying under the radar. Great colour, and can’t be too many about though.
It’s on their IG story and if they’ve had it months there might be a deal there for somebody.