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Description

The Yamaha BB 1200 bass guitar is a testament to classic craftsmanship blended with modern innovation, making it a favorite among discerning bassists. It stands out with its neck-through-body construction, offering unparalleled sustain and resonance that bass players crave. The BB 1200's precision engineering ensures that every note is delivered with clarity and power, perfect for both studio recordings and live performances. Its solid alder body paired with a maple neck provides a balanced tonal foundation, while the rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and smooth playability.

This electric bass is equipped with a custom-designed pickup, delivering a versatile range of tones, from punchy mids to deep, rounded lows. The intuitive control layout makes it easy to dial in your sound, whether you’re laying down the groove or taking a solo.

Designed for the modern musician, the Yamaha BB 1200 combines vintage-inspired aesthetics with contemporary playability. Its quality hardware ensures reliable tuning stability and effortless string changes, making it a dependable choice for gigging professionals and studio musicians alike.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Solid alder body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • Custom-designed pickup for a versatile tonal palette
  • Intuitive control layout
  • Quality hardware for reliable performance and tuning stability
Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Yamaha BB1200 early 80's

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB1200 early 80's by Bass Japan Direct

Yamaha BB1200 early 80's

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for BEST BASS EVER?! 1979 YAMAHA BB 2000 - HOLY ****!!! #bassguitar #yamaha by Frank Speer

BEST BASS EVER?! 1979 YAMAHA BB 2000 - HOLY ****!!! #bassguitar #yamaha

Frank Speer

Frank Speer

Video thumbnail for Vintage Yamaha BB1200 Bass Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Vintage Yamaha BB1200 Bass Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for VINTAGE JAPANESE BASSES: JV BASS GUITAR: Yamaha BB1200 Pre-shipment test by Bass Japan Direct

VINTAGE JAPANESE BASSES: JV BASS GUITAR: Yamaha BB1200 Pre-shipment test

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for Vintage Japanese Basses: Yamaha BB1200 1980 BASS SOUND CHECK / BASS REVIEW / BASS HUNTER SERVICE by Bass Japan Direct

Vintage Japanese Basses: Yamaha BB1200 1980 BASS SOUND CHECK / BASS REVIEW / BASS HUNTER SERVICE

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for BASS HUNTER: Vintage Japanese Bass Guitars, YAMAHA BB1200 sound check / Electric Bass Demo by Bass Japan Direct

BASS HUNTER: Vintage Japanese Bass Guitars, YAMAHA BB1200 sound check / Electric Bass Demo

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BB 1200.

Build quality

  • The BB734 has a fantastic neck that owners are particularly happy with, highlighting its playability and comfort.

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  • Diagonal neck joint screws are highlighted as a unique and sturdy construction detail.

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Comparisons

  • The BBP34's quality is likened to high-end Sadowsky Metro basses, suggesting a strong reputation among premium models.

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  • It's noted that Yamaha basses often compete with Mexican Fenders in quality, challenging preconceived brand perceptions.

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  • The BB434 is praised for surpassing other PJ basses in the under $1500 USD range in terms of build quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • The BB415 is favored for recording when seeking a funk or round P-bass tone, occasionally preferred over an American P-bass.

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  • A Yamaha RBX765a owner highlights the stability and long battery life of the active preamp during extended daily use.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A BB300 owner recommends EMG pickups for achieving a deep growl and high pop sound, emphasizing tonal versatility.

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  • A BB350F owner replaced the bridge and tuners and added a Hipshot key for enhanced performance.

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User experience

  • After two months, the BB435's frets developed grooves from string windings, indicating potential wear issues with certain playing styles.

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  • One owner mentions their BB350F from the 1980s remains a reliable workhorse after decades of use.

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Other

  • Yamaha's BB series has historical significance, with notable musicians like Peter Hook and Billy Sheehan endorsing the brand.

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Features and functionality

  • Some Yamaha basses feature a debatable EQ switch that is considered unnecessary by a few users.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
louis_schelfhout

Handed down to me.

This bass has a very off-putting weight issue. The head stock feels far heavier than the body.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Yamaha BB 1200

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

He used this bass in '79-'80, most notably on Back to the Egg and live performances.

See how Peter Hook uses Yamaha BB 1200

Peter Hook

Singer, Bassist

Joy Division

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video you can see Peter playing a Yamaha BB1200. He also mentions the 1200 in interviews. He had one before changing to the 1200S.

See how Curt Smith uses Yamaha BB 1200

Curt Smith

Singer, Bassist

Tears for Fears

...
Verified via Photo

Per the Nov. 1983 issue of "One Two Testing" magazine in an interview dated 2/9/1983, Curt Smith recounted:

"We had trouble getting a bass sound on the album and I went through a few basses, a Yamaha BB1200, an Aria Pro, and an Alembic — but we still had trouble getting a roundness and a depth."

Additionally, Curt can be seen with a BB 1200 in the attached photo.

See how Mark Lanegan uses Yamaha BB 1200

Mark Lanegan

Singer

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook post by Yamaha Guitars, Mark Lanegan is photographed holding a Yamaha BB1100 Bass, which he used to write songs.

See how Chris Cross uses Yamaha BB 1200

Chris Cross

Bassist, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Bonhams

Auction for Chris Cross's Yamaha BB1200.

R

Russell Webb

Bassist, Music Producer

Public Image Ltd

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video of The Armoury Show from 1984, Russell Webb can be seen using a fretless Yamaha BroadBass 1200 at 3:24. He uses it throughout the majority of the concert.

See how Dave Peacock uses Yamaha BB 1200

Dave Peacock

Guitarist, Bassist

Chas & Dave

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Natural Wood

Dave Peacock is confirmed to use the Yamaha BB 1200 bass guitar, as evidenced in the classic live performance of "Margate" by Chas & Dave from 31st July 1982, available on their official YouTube channel.

Album Usage

The Yamaha BB 1200 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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