BB Series

What are bassists really looking for in their chosen instrument? The perfect sound? Versatility? Durability? All of the above and so much more. We've spent decades working closely with artists who practice their craft at the highest levels of recording and live performance to help us forge a clear vision of what working professionals demand of their basses in every capacity. By incorporating this invaluable, real-world experience and insight into practical approaches to the BB Series' design, construction, and ultimately its legendary tone, this collaboration has been the impetus behind this iconic instrument's continuing evolution as the hardest working bass in the business.

Think of any great bassist and you'll likely hear one of their more memorable bass lines, techniques or solos playing in your head. You may also recall the signature sound that helped them stand out as a real presence in the band they performed or recorded with. Throughout the BB's 40-year history, Yamaha has worked closely with some of the most accomplished bassists in the business to craft that unmistakable BB sound— constantly evaluating their ideas and feedback to create the right sound for the music of the moment. The latest series features a miter neck joint that has won praise in the Billy Sheehan Signature/Attitude Limited III lineup by increasing the efficiency of vibration transmission to the body for a more resonant, organic feel and tone. It also features an alder/maple/alder construction that sandwiches maple into the center of the body for a crisper, richer sound and impressive resonance.

We all know the old adage about not fixing things that aren't broken, but that doesn't mean you can't make subtle, practical or stylistic modifications to benefit performance and aesthetic—even to a proven design like the BB Series. The latest lineup has undergone a significant redesign with subtle contour changes and body weight reduction to enhance playability and comfort, while still retaining the classic silhouette of the BB body and head design. The differences are subtle, but you'll definitely feel them. The latest models also feature standard-size pickups for the first time in a BB for more convenient customization or replacement.

The new BB features an alder/maple/alder laminated body construction. The hard maple center increases body stiffness and accentuates midrange to cut through a band mix and allows a more uniform transmission of vibrations between the body and the maple neck for unparalleled resonance and sustain. (BB Pro, BB700 Series)

Miter bolting holds the neck closer and tighter to the body, fusing these two separate components into one. Compared to a conventional bolt-on joint, miter bolting offers more efficient transfer of string vibration throughout the body for outstanding sustain and resonance that brings every note to life. (BB Pro, BB700, BB400 Series)

BB's custom-wound pickups are designed to fit standard pickup cavities and feature a medium-high output with vintage voicing for great tone in any setting. BB basses come with pickups selected specifically to match the distinct character of each model in the series, delivering a uniquely versatile sound while retaining the classic BB tone.

BB basses incorporate "diagonal body thru stringing" where strings are angled at the saddle and pass through the instrument to the bridge at a 45-degree angle. Strings can also be sent to the tail end of the bridge, which comes equipped with a convertible saddle that can be adjusted to two different angles for more precise tonal shaping and feel. The rounder side of the saddle gives a slightly duller sound, while the more angled area of the saddle produces a slightly tighter one. The 700 and Pro are equipped with the Vintage Plus Bridge, designed with a diagonal cut at the string’s contact point on the saddle to form a more stable fulcrum and produce a clear, well-shaped sound. Brass saddles deliver a slightly deeper low-end, while the steel bridge plate offers more response. All screws and springs are made of stainless steel to guard against corrosion. The 400 is equipped with a Vintage Light bridge with an offset low E string.

*Long-scale strings are recommended when stringing through the bridge and super long-scale strings are recommended when stringing through the body.

Made in Japan, this is the ultimate BB, featuring an alder/maple/alder construction treated with our unique I.R.A. technology, a 6-bolt miter neck joint and a diagonally strung convertible bridge.

The BB for the working pro - the BB700 Series - features a versatile active/passive pickup configuration with a 3-band EQ, 6-bolt miter neck joint, alder/maple/alder construction and a diagonally strung convertible bridge.

Featuring a 6-bolt miter neck joint, the BB400 Series continues the legacy of superb sound and playability.

The perfect introduction to the hardest working bass in the business: The Yamaha BB