This BB434 4-string electric bass guitar puts all the legendary BB bass attributes into a clear-sounding passive design that is both inspiring and affordable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, you'll love the neck's thinner profile and the way the bass stays balanced thanks to its lightweight tuning machines. And modern appointments such as the sustain-enhancing 6-bolt miter neck joint and convertible bridge ensure you get the absolute most from your bass. If you want a modern and affordable take on the BB bass, the BB434 4-string is for you.
When the first Yamaha BB basses rolled off the line in the late '70s, the bass world quickly took notice. A diverse array of high-caliber players took to these unique instruments, such as Van Halen's Michael Anthony, No Doubt's Tony Kanal, and legendary session ace Abraham Laboriel Sr. Their comfortably contoured bodies, clear-as-a-bell electronics, and immediately identifiable look keep these basses at the forefront of many different genres. The Yamaha BB434 is among the latest additions to this storied line of lauded instruments.
What truly sets Yamaha's BB basses apart from other basses are their comfortable and familiar contours. Carefully crafted from balanced-sounding alder, the BB434 4-string boasts that same identifiable character. Its rounded edges and forearm and belly cuts seem to melt into your body while playing. The bass's 5-piece maple and mahogany bolt-on neck sings with a new level of punch and sustain, thanks to its 6-bolt miter design. And its slightly thinner profile is a welcome addition to a more modern style of players.
Whether you're a session player or a specialist, you know the benefits of a P/J pickup combination. The pickups in this BB434 4-string are Yamaha's present-sounding YGD Custom V5 Alnico V single-coil design. Dial in more of the neck pickup for that all-important P-style growl. And nail punchy fingerstyle tones with the bridge pickup — a favorite for many Music Experience bassists. The BB434's passive volume/volume/tone control layout couldn't be easier to dial in.
You've got the chops and you're ready to nail that audition, hit the stage, or get creative in the studio—now it's time to get out there and get noticed. The 400 lineup continues the BB tradition of great build quality and signature sound that won the series acclaim throughout its forty-year history. Whether you prefer a rosewood fingerboard or the distinctively bright, crisp sound of maple, the precision feel and response of the six bolt miter neck along with the presence and clarityof custom-wound pickups will inspire you to play your best when it really counts.
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 improved sustain and outstanding resonance that brings every note to life.
The new BB models are equipped with one tone control and two volume control knobs, for versatile sound shaping.
The New BB models feature a slightly thinner neck than previous BB basses, improving playability and feel for both modern and traditional players.
Lighter weight tuners offer a better balance and complement the overall feel, providing a perfect match for the smaller, lighter body of the new BB.
The new series features a 5-ply 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 adds the tight, penetrating character of maple combined with the warmth of mahogany to the instrument’s tone.
The New BB models feature a slightly thinner neck than previous BB basses, improving playability and feel for both modern and traditional players.
Lighter weight tuners offer a better balance and complement the overall feel, providing a perfect match for the smaller, lighter body of the new BB.
Yamaha's BB434 4-string bass delivers great sound and amazing playability!
| Body Shape |
Yamaha BB Doublecut |
|---|---|
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Color | Teal Blue |
| Body Material |
Solid Alder |
| Body Finish |
Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material |
5-piece Maple/Mahogany |
| Neck Shape |
Thinner BB profile |
| Radius |
10" |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.575" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech |
| Bridge/Tailpiece |
Vintage Plus Light convertible bridge, steel saddles |
| Tuners |
Light weight, open gear |
| Number of Pickups | 2 |
| Neck Pickup |
VSP5n Alnico V Split Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup |
VSC5b Alnico V Single-coil |
| Controls |
2 x volume, 1 x master tone |
| Strings |
D'Addario EXL 45-100 |
| Manufacturer Part Number |
BB434TB |
