Yamaha BB 400

$1,675.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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5.0 (7)

$1,675.00 1 available New

$649.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $1,162

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Yamaha BB 400 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Yamaha BB 400 is a testament to innovation and tradition, merging classic design with modern craftsmanship to deliver a bass guitar that suits both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. This electric bass is part of Yamaha's renowned BB Series, celebrated for its durability, playability, and tonal versatility. Designed for those who value performance, the BB 400 features a solid alder body that ensures rich, resonant sound.

Crafted with a 5-piece maple/mahogany neck, the Yamaha BB 400 provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience across its 21-fret fingerboard. Whether you’re laying down a groove at a live gig or recording in the studio, this bass offers the flexibility and reliability you need. Its split single-coil pickup configuration is engineered to deliver a variety of tones, from punchy rock riffs to deep, mellow jazz lines.

The BB 400’s vintage-style bridge enhances sustain and tuning stability, while its sleek, ergonomic design makes it a joy to play for extended sessions. It’s not just about sound and playability, though; Yamaha’s attention to detail ensures that this bass is as visually striking as it is sonically impressive. With the BB 400, you get the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it an essential addition to any bass player's collection.

Key Features:

Solid alder body for enhanced resonance
5-piece maple/mahogany neck for durability and comfort
Split single-coil pickup configuration for versatile tonal options
21-fret fingerboard for a wide range of notes
Vintage-style bridge for increased sustain and stability

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BB 400.

Comparisons

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Owners compare the Yamaha BB 400 favorably to Fender Jazz and Precision basses, noting superior feel and sound.
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The BB400 series is described as having a bright tone closer to a Stingray than a PJ bass, particularly when compressed in live settings.
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Mods and upgrades

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Upgrading to Seymour Duncan JPB-1 pickups is popular, although these pickups are no longer manufactured due to sourcing issues for specific switches.
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Customizing with a Fender Hi-Mass bridge requires fabricating an aluminum plate if chrome removal damages the original bridge.
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An aluminum plate spacer can be used with a Fender bridge to compensate for damage to the original zinc bridge, possibly adding mass and altering tone.
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Build quality

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The Yamaha bridge is countersunk into the body, a unique feature that distinguishes it from other models.
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The bass’s alder body can be less visually interesting, requiring creative refinishing techniques to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
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Setup and maintenance

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Shaping the neck and dressing the frets significantly enhances playability and sound, contributing to a 'thundering' tone distinct from a Fender Jazz Bass.
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Other

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The thick automotive-style primer used in a DIY refinish can be challenging to remove, requiring sanding rather than chemical strippers.
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Features and functionality

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The Yamaha BB 400 features a thick slab-style ebony fretboard, contributing to its robust and smooth playability.
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User experience

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The active Seymour Duncan pickups, likely APJ-1’s, offer 27 tonal options and are highly sought after due to discontinued micro rocker switches.
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The neck's edge shaping and meticulous fretwork significantly improve playability, making it responsive for dynamic playing styles.
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Some users find the BB400 series awkward and heavy, with potential discomfort during extended playing sessions despite improvements over older models.
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Owners emphasize testing individual BB400 units due to variability in quality, which can affect overall satisfaction and playability.
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Duff McKagan

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

Verified via YouTube

He originally used a Yamaha BB 400 when Guns N Roses first formed. this bass originally had a Rosewood fingerboard but then it later switched out to a maple fingerboard and Yamaha did not make these bases with maple fingerboards the headstock it has no logo at the top and there are about 3 to 4 photos in this video that show the base with its original Rosewood fingerboard and then its second maple fingerboard .