Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (2)
$659.99
Amazon
4.7 (9)
$659.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$499.00 New
$560.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$659.99

Average Price: $617

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha BB 434M". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha BB 434M is the modern embodiment of a bass classic, blending vintage charm with contemporary finesse. With its 6-bolt miter neck joint, this bass guitar ensures unparalleled stability and sustain, making it a reliable partner whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live. Crafted with an Alder/Maple/Alder body, it ensures swift sound transmission, giving you that rich and resonant tone that the BB series is celebrated for.

The BB 434M doesn't just stop at exceptional build quality. Its YGD Custom V5 Alnico V pickups offer a versatile and intuitive sound palette. The P/J pickup setup allows you to switch from a warm P-style growl to a punchy bridge pickup tone with ease, making it perfect for both seasoned professionals and budding musicians. The bass's passive design maintains a clear, natural sound that can be easily tailored using its simple volume and tone controls.

Designed with the modern player in mind, the BB 434M features a thinner neck profile for enhanced playability and comfort. Its lightweight open gear tuners provide a balanced feel that ensures your focus remains on the music, not on adjusting your gear. Whether you're a session player or a stage performer, this bass guitar will inspire you to create and innovate every time you pick it up.

Key Features:

  • Solid Alder Body
  • 6-Bolt Miter Neck Joint
  • 5-piece Maple and Mahogany Neck
  • Maple Fingerboard
  • YGD Custom V5 Pickups (Alnico V)
  • Vintage Plus Light Bridge: Convertible Bridge and Saddle
  • Lightweight Open Gear Tuners

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape Yamaha BB Doublecut
Body Material Solid Alder
Body Finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Material 5-piece Maple/Mahogany
Neck Shape Thinner BB neck profile
Radius 10"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 21, Medium
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.57"
Nut Material GraphTech NuBone
Bridge/Tailpiece Vintage Plus Light convertible bridge, steel saddles
Tuners Light weight, open-gear
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
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Yamaha BB434M bass guitar?

The Yamaha BB434M features a solid alder body, which provides a balanced tone with excellent sustain and resonance.

What pickups are included in the Yamaha BB434M, and how do they affect the sound?

The Yamaha BB434M is equipped with VSP5n Alnico V Split Single-coil and VSC5b Alnico V Single-coil pickups, offering a warm yet punchy tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the neck of the Yamaha BB434M comfortable for fast playing styles?

Yes, the Yamaha BB434M has a thinner BB neck profile made from a 5-piece maple/mahogany combination, providing comfort and ease for fast playing styles.

How does the Yamaha BB434M's bridge design contribute to its performance?

The Yamaha BB434M features a Vintage Plus Light convertible bridge with steel saddles, enhancing sustain and allowing for versatile stringing options.

Is the Yamaha BB434M suitable for gigging musicians?

Yes, with its durable construction, versatile pickups, and comfortable neck, the Yamaha BB434M is well-suited for live performances and gigging musicians.

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Why aren't more basses like this?! | Yamaha BB434M [Review/Demo]

Video thumbnail for Why aren't more basses like this?! | Yamaha BB434M [Review/Demo] by Jonny Dibble

Why aren't more basses like this?! | Yamaha BB434M [Review/Demo]

Jonny Dibble

Jonny Dibble

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB Series Demo | BB434M by Yamaha Global

Yamaha BB Series Demo | BB434M

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB 434M TBS by session

Yamaha BB 434M TBS

session

session

Video thumbnail for Danny Growl - Yamaha BB434M Demo - Overture in B minor by Danny Growl

Danny Growl - Yamaha BB434M Demo - Overture in B minor

Danny Growl

Danny Growl

Reviews

PROS

  • Impeccable craftsmanship comparable to high-end basses

  • Excellent tonal range with versatile pickups

  • Lightweight, well-balanced design enhances playability

  • Smooth satin neck finish requires no sanding

  • Unique Alder/Maple/Alder body construction for rich low and midrange tones

  • High-quality build with sturdy pots and smooth tuners

  • Two string-through options for better sustain

  • Excellent out-of-the-box setup with perfect truss rod relief

  • Affordable yet offers sound quality rivaling more expensive models

  • Aesthetic appeal with finishes like coffee burst

CONS

  • Some units have quality control issues like poorly inserted bolts

  • String tree may move during tuning

  • Requires setup adjustments for optimal performance

  • Some find the tuners fragile despite being lightweight

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BB 434M.

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Yamaha BB434M for its versatile tone, suitable for various music styles, especially when seeking a punchy growl or smooth sub-bass sound.

    Source
  • It's noted that Yamaha's quality control is reliable, making the BB434M a safer purchase when buying sight unseen compared to other brands.

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Comparisons

  • Some users compare the BB434M favorably to Fender Jazz basses, noting better build quality, sound, and feel, particularly for similar price points.

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  • The nut width of the BB434M is 40mm, between a typical Jazz bass (38mm) and Precision bass (42mm), providing a unique neck feel.

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  • Some owners prefer the BB434M over the 700 series, citing a preference for passive electronics over the 700’s preamp, which might not be frequently used.

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Build quality

  • The BB series is praised for its comfortable neck and fretboard, making it easy to play and suitable for long sessions.

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  • The BB434M features a 6-screw neck attachment, which is considered superior to most bolt-on designs, enhancing stability.

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Features and functionality

  • The BB434M's passive electronics are highlighted for providing a warm, classic tone that can be adjusted for modern or vintage sounds.

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  • The string-through bridge design of the BB434M is lauded for being superior to many other bass bridge designs, contributing to better sustain and resonance.

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  • The difference in sound quality between the YGD pickups in the 200 series and the 400 series is significant, making the BB434M a preferred option for richer tone.

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  • The BB434M includes a compound neck and nut material that adds to its value compared to lower models like the BB234.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report neck dive issues, recommending lighter tuners to alleviate this, though it requires sleeves or reboring due to large tuner bores.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners often find the BB434M to be the best value in its series, offering more features for the price compared to the 700 series.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • One owner replaced the stock pickups on their BB434M, suggesting the potential for further tonal improvements with aftermarket pickups.

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Use cases and applications

  • The BB434M is favored by those who play with flatwound strings, particularly when using the string-through body feature for enhanced sustain.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
markhawksford

Amazing for the price.

I have a heavily modified BB434m that I use extenisvely for all my bass work. Dimarzio Will Power Neck and Middle, Yamaha attitude style wiring, dual output. An absolute beast

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