Yamaha BB425x verses BB1025x

[Cornwall Steve]

I recently bought a 425x. I like it very much. I enjoy playing it and I enjoy the sound. Whilst I was trying to track one down I occasionally came across a 1025x for sale (and even a 2025x) and pondered over the price difference. Sure I Googled the videos - as you do - watched the reviews and read up on the specs too, but wondered if any members out there have actually played (or even own) both the 425x and also the 1025x. I'm curious because I've considered whether it's worth buying a 1025x but of course only if the upgrades on the 1025x are really superior to the 425x so justify the hike in price?

Please not interested in the material or manufacturing upgrades - only the sound (i.e. is the 1025x more powerful, more versatile, better quality, etc)

My apologies if someone else has asked this question before so the topic has already been covered?🤔

Many thanks

[Sean]

I've owned a 425x and a 2025x, and I've played a 1025x. the 1025x shares components including pickups with 2025x and has a similar/same sound because of that. 

 

I picked up a 425x as a gigging backup to the 2025x at a very good price, hardly ever played it but it was a worthy instrument and excellent quality. The 1025x is of similar quality to the 425x i.e. excellent as most Yamaha basses are but sounds different due to the pickups.

 

Yamaha is generally good at differentiation of different levels of instruments and nailed it with this series. Each step up in price delivers a step up in what you get. The 1025x is the bang for buck instrument in this case especially if you can find a good one used in a private sale. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 22 by Sean

[Cornwall Steve]

4 hours ago, Sean said:

I've owned a 425x and a 2025x, and I've played a 1025x. the 1025x shares components including pickups with 2025x and has a similar/same sound because of that. 

 

I picked up a 425x as a gigging backup to the 2025x at a very good price, hardly ever played it but it was a worthy instrument and excellent quality. The 1025x is of similar quality to the 425x i.e. excellent as most Yamaha basses are but sounds different due to the pickups.

 

Yamaha is generally good at differentiation of different levels of instruments and nailed it with this series. Each step up in price delivers a step up in what you get. The 1025x is the bang for buck instrument in this case especially if you can find a good one used in a private sale. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Sean

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated 👍

[Maude]

I've had a 424x and 1024x, I still own the 424x.

In fairness I had already done a reverse P mod on the 424 so would probably lesson it's resale value against the 1024, but I genuinely prefer the tone of the 424 over the 1024. It sounds slightly more aggressive compared to the more sedate 1024. At the time I remember likening them to a gobby teenager and an elder gentleman. 

I couldn't really campare fairly though as one had halfrounds and a reverse P, the other coated rounds and a standard P. 

I think if I could have two again I'd have a 414 and a 1024, a 2024 would be great but out of my price range I think. 

 

As for your dilemma, I think if they weren't too far apart in price I'd have the 1025, if you struggled to justify the extra for the 1025 then I'd be perfectly happy with the 425.

 

I have several Yamahas and every one is an excellent bass.