I also looked at its Active cousin the BB615 which is a really great bass. I initially chose the BB415 purely on my price limit, but glad I did.
Model Year: 2006
Where Obtained: Professional Music Technology, Birmingham, UK
Made in Taiwan. 5-strings, Alder Body, bolt-on Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard and 21 Frets, chrome Hardware with Gotoh Tuners, Volume and Tone Control, PJ Pickups, Finish: Wine Red/Black sunburst. Passive electronics. P/J pickups configuration. Bridge has extra extension on low 'B' string for extra tension.
I like my playing action fairly low. I usually play with the bridge and occasionally the truss to get my desired action. I use 40 - 125 (5 str) strings, preferably Stainless Steel Elites.
The neck on this bass is not too wide for a 5-str and has quite a flat oval cross section. This makes playing a breeze and feels light and fast under the fingers.
I can only compare this guitar to my old BB1100S from the late 80's! I really loved that guitar and this has the same feel. Body-shape-wise, its half-way between a Fender Precision and a Jaydee Supernatural.
The only flaw is with the factory setup. The passive pickups tend to catch the strings and provide very uncomfortable noises. This is easily rectified however by lowering the pickups away from the strings.
I occasionally use a Chorus, but only for solo sounds using only the back pickup.
I tend to play quite a wide variety of styles eg. Rock, World, Jazz and Funk. My BB eats it all for breakfast!
The sound is very warm, with a sweet back pickup very reminiscent of the Jaco sounds from Weather Report days.
The sound compares very favourably with other basses I've played. Obviously active circuitry would give me more tonal control at the guitar end, but thats nothing a good amp and sound man can't handle!
The only mod I've done is to replace the HORRIBLE plastic volume and tone control knobs with nice heavy chrome ones.
The bass is very quiet.
Lovely on stage and studio. Really solid bottom end especially when playing down low on the bottom string.
I'm very impressed with this bass. It's close to 2 decades old and still sounds nice. I bought it used as a beginner's bass and I think I got a steal. I'm doubt Yamaha makes this exact model anymore, but I'd consider buying a new one. It's neat to have both the P and J style pickups, both give good sound.
Price: $150.00
Where Obtained: Private Sale
Not sure about the specifics. 4 string, passive pickups - 1 P-style at the neck and one J-style at the bridge. Volume, Tone, and pickup selector.
Very easy to play, could use some adjusting (intonation, action). I'm surprised at how well it's held up over the years. Good for fingerstyle, pick, pop/slap. An excellent beginner's bass.
I've played it through a Ibanez 10W and an Ibanez 25W. Sounds good, tone/volume pots are scratchy and dirty. Can get a wide range of tones from it. Passive pickups, but still sounds great. Not as heavy a punch as my Fender Deluxe J. Probably best suited as a jam/backup/beginner's bass. Suitable for almost any style.
I don't know the history behind my bass, but it's in excellent condition (after 20 years). The tuning pegs are a little loose (but can be tightened). Body/neck has held up well. Output jack works fine.
IT WAS A GIFT
NO
NEW PICK UPS ,ADJUSTMENT
THAT I CAN PLAY IT ,AND THAT I CANT PLAY IT ALL THAT WELL
Price: $0.00
Where Obtained: FORMER BASSES OF THUNDER CLUTCH
4 STRINGS,VOLUME,TONE,PICK UP SWITCHES,3 PICK UPS,
NO NEEDS ADJUSTING
NEEDS ADJUSTING
AVERAGE
?
PEAVEY
ROCK,METAL, IT DOSE OK
?
IT RATTALS
LES PAUL GIBSON
NO
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