Beyond Classic

The latest in Yamaha's storied BB Series of bass guitars delivers the superb sound and build quality that this series is known for in a smaller body with even better playability. Featuring an alder/maple/alder construction for quicker transmission of sound from the strings to the body and neck, a firmer 6-bolt miter neck joint for improved stability, and custom-wound pickups that achieve higher output gain while retaining the classic BB voicing, the latest lineup of BB basses are a testament to our commitment to musical excellence.

THE LEGACY CONTINUES

In the BB Series, Yamaha has always sought to offer bassists nothing less than a pure bass guitar. Foregoing passing technical fads in favor of proven technologies and production techniques, every model in the BB Series has been a product of our commitment to creating a bass that allows you to build your own sound rather than defining one for you. These latest models continue this tradition of reliable excellence in superbly crafted bass guitars that you can depend on to give you the sound you need, in any situation.

Built for the Working Bassist

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.

Over the shoulder of bassist playing BB and looking at another musician.

Penetrating Sound

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.

A New Take on a Classic Design

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 Pro

The Ultimate BB

BB Professional basses represent the pinnacle of the series and are the result of four decades of evolution and innovation to serve discriminating bass guitarists.

Carefully crafted by our master artisans in Japan, BB Professional models feature alder/maple/alder body construction enhanced by our Initial Response Acceleration (I.R.A.) treatment, providing a foundation for rich, organic tone and powerful resonance.

With custom-wound pickups, a refined 5-piece neck, and much more, the BBP34 and BBP35 represent the very best of the BB lineup.

Features

Alder/Maple/Alder Body Construction

• The latest BB Professional models feature alder/maple/alder laminated body construction. The hard maple center increases body stiffness and accentuates midrange to cut through a band mix, which allows a more uniform transmission of vibration between the body and neck, resulting in exceptional resonance and sustain.

6-Bolt Miter Neck Joint

• 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.

YGD Custom V7 Pickups

• Alnico magnets produce a thick, yet penetrating tone that works in combination with the unique body construction to deliver an organic, well-defined sound.

Control

• The latest BB Professional models are equipped with one Tone control and two Volume controls for versatile sound shaping.

Convertible Bridge and Saddle for Precise Tone Shaping: Vintage Plus Bridge

• BB Professional models feature our Vintage Plus bridge, which allows stringing through the bridge or body. Strings pass through the body at a 45-degree angle, which places less stress on the strings than traditional vertical through-body stringing, while efficiently transferring string vibration to the body.
• Long-scale strings are recommended when stringing through the bridge and super long-scale strings are recommended when stringing through the body.
• Convertible brass saddles offer two angles for precise shaping of tone and feel. The rounder side produces a slightly softer sound, while the more angled side produces a slightly tighter tone.
• The brass saddles deliver deeper low-end and the steel bridge plate adds brightness. All screws and springs are stainless steel to guard against corrosion.

5-Piece Neck

• The latest BB Pro models feature a 5-piece maple and mahogany laminated neck in a bolt-on design that delivers a sharp attack and quick response. This durable construction resists warping and twisting and combines the tight, penetrating character of maple with the warmth of mahogany.

Neck Shape

• The latest BB models feature a slightly thinner neck than previous BB basses, improving playability and feel for both modern and traditional bassists.

Lightweight Tuners

• Lighter-weight tuners offer better balance and complement the overall feel, providing a perfect match for the smaller, lighter body of the latest BB.

Initial Response Acceleration (I.R.A.)

• Graphic showing effects of initial response acceleration with colors indicating volume
• Any bass benefits from being "played in," a process in which the instrument matures and opens up as the stresses between the wood and finish, neck and fingerboard and body and hardware are released, resulting in better sound and playability.
• The exclusive Initial Response Acceleration process releases those stresses by applying specific vibrations to the completed instrument as part of the crafting process, resulting in a “played in” bass from day one.