Yamaha BB434

[peety]

Good afternoon gents I'm after a bit of info from you Yamaha aficionados , I'm looking for a new back up for my Maruszczyk Jake, currently i have a Squier Affinity precision which although it is perfectly decent I tend not to use it and gig exclusively with the Jake. So, I'm thinking about selling it and buying something that i would be tempted to gig a little bit more with. The two options I'm considering are the Yamaha BB434 or the fender Player precision which is probably the safe option as i had one before and know what it does. However, Im intrigued by the Yamaha and I know many of you on the site speak highly of the quality of basses they produce. Was just wondering if any of you currently play the 434 and could give me a steer on how they differ from the good old P Bass. I fully intend having a ride to try one out for myself but thought I'd take advantage of the knowledgeable members of basschat first. For context i play in a covers band that plays a fairly eclectic mix of indie, pop, rock and a bit of motown. Any advice or recommendations will be gratefully received Thanks Steve 

 

[Inga]

would steer clear and just get a normal p, the bb ruined my life it's been all downhill since then

[neepheid]

1 hour ago, Inga said:

would steer clear and just get a normal p, the bb ruined my life it's been all downhill since then

 

u ok hun?

[Inga]

1 hour ago, neepheid said:

 

u ok hun?

yeah not really the bass itself just everything fell to bits mate when i owned one it was like an ancient curse thought things were looking up but then my ceiling started leaking next day and it felt like all my plants were dying even the plastic ones looked a bit off mate so every time i see one it just feels like absolute horrible dread and bad omen can’t even look at them without feeling sick mate hope that helps 👍

[mikeycrikey]

Hi Steve, I've had The BB 414, 424x and 1024x.  Loved them all. They all sounded great and we're super flexible with the powerful jazz pick up at the bridge.

I fell out of love with the look of them and sold them all and moved on to precision basses.

I did manage to buy the 414 back as that was my favourite and it's now getting regular gigging time along with the precisions.

Not tried the newer 434 but would 100% recommend the 414, 424 range.

Just be aware they can occasionally be on the heavy side.

[tom.android]

Like Mikey I’ve owned or played most of them. The 434 would be perfect for the mix of styles you describe. It’s sound is very neutral - it basically sounds like a good Fender.

 

my personal favourites were the 414 and 1024. 414 for the highly playable slim neck profile, 1024 slightly edged it on sound and lovely ergonomic thumb rest shaped p-pickup. Ended up keeping the 414.

You can’t really go wrong.