Yamaha BB424 Bass Guitar Review – Vintage Perfection

Body And Neck:
Electronics:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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Yamaha has been producing some of the best bass guitars, both in the entry-level segment of the market and in the mid-range as well. While their designs aren't necessarily flashy and are mostly on the conservative side, the performance these guitars bring is something that can't be ignored.

Yamaha BB424 is one of their better models in the mid-range category, which packs a wholesome tone in a high-quality body. This is a versatile bass for those who need a refined package, but also something we would recommend to beginners who consider playing bass a long term commitment. For other basses that fit this description, check out our beginner guide.

Body & Neck

The body shape of this Yamaha is pretty interesting. It has that vintage vibe and looks a bit like Gibson's SG shape that is asymmetrical. Either way, it looks good and feels comfortable. Tonewood they've used for BB424 is Alder which comes with a sunburst finish. The neck is a multi-ply design made of maple and nato. The profile in question is standard BB one, which has proven to be pretty fast so far. Build quality is definitely on a high level, which is something Yamaha is known for.

Hardware

One glance at the hardware reveals nothing out of the ordinary. Yamaha BB424 features a standard vintage style bridge with four fully adjustable saddles. On the other end of the business, you will find a set of die cast tuning machines, which are also good quality pieces. Hardware is all chrome, which adds to the overall vintage theme of this bass guitar. When it comes to performance, the situation is great. Intonation and tuning remain stable even after prolonged use, while the bridge offers a lot of sustain.

Electronics

In terms of electronics, Yamaha BB424 takes things outside of the realm of average. The pickups are arranged in the all familiar P/J pattern, but their nature is something you don't see every day. Instead of placing a standard single coil at the bridge position, Yamaha chose to install a blade-type pickup. The neck pup is a split coil design just like we are used to. Pickups are wired to a pretty simple set of controls. You have one Volume knob and one Tone knob to work with.

Sound

The tone you get from Yamaha BB424 can only be described as rich and wholesome. When people say passive pickups are more expressive, this is what they mean. That blade pickup at the bridge position delivers a very hot output and a lot of clarity at the same time. Neck split coil brings on the thunder and takes care of the lower end response perfectly. Even though there are only two controls available, Yamaha BB424 is pretty versatile and flexible.

Conclusion

While it's definitely not something you could consider affordable, Yamaha BB424 Bass Guitar is the type of bass guitar that you will have trouble leaving alone. The design is beautiful, performance impressive, and the price is just right. Whether you are looking for a great long-term solution or just a great performing bass guitar, Yamaha BB424 is a great choice.

For more info about the Yamaha BB424 Bass Guitar, click here.
For the Best Beginner Bass Guitars, click here.