I bought this bass based on Yamaha's reputaion and price. You can't go wrong for $249. My only complaint is the control knobs that Yamaha used. The cheap plastic LP style knobs looked out of place, so I popped them off and replaced them with some nice chrome knobs. Now it a great looking and sounding instrument.
Model Year: 2002
Price: $249.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Musician's Friend
This is a Taiwanese fretless wonder. Cheap lumber all the way around, but it looks nice, play well and sounds as good as I do. It has two soapbar style pick-ups and passive controls. Sealed tuners and a nice solid bridge.
The neck is wide and flat. I like the action, but I prefer that of a Jazz neck. It is a good playing solid bass with which I could find no real flaw.
I play this bass through a Nemesis NC-210P combo and the sound is good. To get a fretless that sounds better than this one you will have to spend some money, I cannot think of one that is better for less than four hundred dollars. The pick-ups are quiet and it produces sounds that are as good as the hands that manipulate it.
This seems to be a very reliable instrument suitable for live abuse. It holds tune very well and is easy on the back. It rarely requires adjustment, if ever, and isnt terribly susceptible to climate changes.
If you are looking for a nice fretless at a moderate price this bass is a good choice. Would be great for writing lines and experimenting or recording. Difficult action but great sounding. Fret markers are helpful.
I would not buy this bass again as fretless is not what I am looking for.
Price: $400.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Music Shop
Model Yamaha BBN4F III.
Fretless bass with lighter wood fret lines for accurate fretting.
Fretting is tougher than on other basses I have tried. I haven't adjusted the action but factory set is a bit high. Great finger strength conditioner. Neck is thick at the high end and can be tough to get good strong fingering at the bottom if the bass is low slung.
Extremely smooth and warm tone. It has a full and beautiful sound to it.
I love the sound fromt his bass just wish the playability was better. I would still use it in recording session but have retired it from live play.
The wood is soft and not enameled so it picks up dings easily. Damage to the aesthetic is common but the important part of the bass seems durable enough.
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