Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $833
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Yamaha BB 734A Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Yamaha BB 734A Bass Guitar is your versatile companion for any musical adventure, combining classic craftsmanship with modern innovation. The BB734A showcases Yamaha's signature BB bass legacy, now enhanced with a 5-piece maple and mahogany neck and a 6-bolt miter neck joint that delivers unparalleled sustain and resonance. Its alder/maple/alder body construction ensures a balanced tone that cuts through any mix, providing both warmth and attack. This 4-string electric bass is equipped with Yamaha's YGD Custom V7 Alnico V pickups, offering a powerful and intuitive P/J configuration that caters to a wide range of sonic possibilities.
The active/passive circuit gives you the flexibility of two distinct tonal palettes, supported by a 3-band EQ for precise sound shaping. Whether you're dialing in deep grooves or bright, punchy tones, the BB734A's electronics will have you covered. The lightweight tuners and slightly thinner neck profile enhance playability, making it a joy to handle during long gigs or recording sessions. This bass is more than just an instrument; it's a blend of tradition and technology designed to inspire your musical creativity.
Key Features:
- 3-piece alder/maple/alder body for balanced tone
- 5-piece maple and mahogany neck
- YGD Custom V7 Alnico V P/J pickups
- Active/passive switch with 3-band EQ
- 6-bolt miter neck joint for enhanced sustain
- Lightweight tuners for improved balance
- Includes gig bag
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Yamaha BB Doublecut |
| Body Material | 3-piece Alder/Maple/Alder |
| Body Finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | 5-piece Maple/Mahogany |
| Neck Shape | Slim BB profile |
| Radius | 10" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Bars |
| Number of Frets | 21, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.57" |
| Nut Material | GraphTech Tusq |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Vintage Plus String-thru Bridge with Convertible Brass Saddles, Steel Plate |
| Tuners | Lightweight Open-gear |
| Neck Pickup | VSP7n Alnico V Split-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | VSC7b Alnico V Single-coil |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x pickup balance, 3-band Active EQ, Active/Passive switch |
| Strings | D'Addario EXL, .045-.100 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
-
What kind of tone can I expect from the Yamaha BB 734A's pickups?
-
The Yamaha BB 734A features a VSP7n Alnico V split-coil neck pickup and a VSC7b Alnico V single-coil bridge pickup, providing a versatile tonal range. Expect a rich, warm tone with clear mids and highs, suitable for various music genres.
-
Is the Yamaha BB 734A suitable for advanced players?
-
Yes, the Yamaha BB 734A is designed with advanced players in mind, offering a slim BB neck profile for enhanced playability, a 3-band active EQ for tone shaping, and an active/passive switch for versatile sound options.
-
How does the Yamaha BB 734A's neck profile affect playability?
-
The Yamaha BB 734A features a slim BB neck profile, which offers comfortable playability and fast action, making it ideal for both intricate fingerstyle playing and aggressive picking.
-
Can the Yamaha BB 734A be used in both active and passive modes?
-
Yes, the Yamaha BB 734A includes an active/passive switch, allowing you to switch between active mode for enhanced tonal control with EQ and passive mode for a more traditional sound.
-
What materials are used in the construction of the Yamaha BB 734A's body?
-
The Yamaha BB 734A has a 3-piece body made of alder/maple/alder, providing a balanced tone with a combination of warmth and brightness, while the satin polyurethane finish enhances its durability and aesthetic appeal.
-
Does the Yamaha BB 734A come with a gig bag?
-
Yes, the Yamaha BB 734A includes a gig bag, offering convenient protection and portability for your bass guitar.
Videos
François C. Delacoudre
Yamaha BB 734A Demo by Francois C. Delacoudre
Reviews
PROS
-
Beautiful rosewood fingerboard and well-crafted inlays
-
Fantastic neck feel akin to a mix of Jazz and P Bass
-
Unique string retainer reduces open string buzz
-
Comfortable body shape with excellent sitting playability
-
Exceptional sustain with 45° string through body design
-
Versatile sound, capable of both active and passive play
-
Easily accessible tonal adjustments with 3-knob EQ
-
High quality build, rivaling more expensive models
-
Comes with a premium gig bag
-
Lightweight and well-balanced
CONS
-
Some minor manufacturing residues around frets
-
Stiff tuning pegs for A and G strings
-
Non-noiseless J pickup produces slight hum
-
Black finish shows wear over time
-
Limited color options available
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BB 734A Bass Guitar.
Build quality
-
The BB734A has been noted for its robust build, comparable to military-grade durability, suggesting it can withstand significant wear and tear over time.
Source -
The 6-bolt miter neck joint significantly enhances stability and sustain, making the bass feel solid and reliable during performances.
Source
User experience
-
Owners describe the neck as a hybrid between a Fender Precision and a Thunderbird, offering a unique playing experience with better quality.
Source -
The neck size, falling between a Jazz and Precision, is described as comfortable for players with larger hands, providing a blend of speed and ease of play.
Source
Comparisons
-
A user compared the BB434, a similar model without the active circuit, favorably to a MIM 2006 Precision, highlighting its superior build and sound.
Source -
The BB734A's balance and weight are frequently praised, making it a reliable choice over other models in extended playing sessions.
Source -
The BB734A is said to sound much more expensive than its price suggests, with a passive tone circuit that offers a modern hi-fi EQ when switched to active.
Source -
The Yamaha BB734A's build quality is often compared favorably to high-end Fenders, with noticeable improvements that justify its price.
Source -
The Yamaha's miter neck joint and 45-degree string-through design are noted for adding a unique structural advantage compared to classic PJs.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The BB734A is versatile, effectively covering genres from classical to metal, and maintains a reliable performance for touring musicians.
Source -
The bass's tone range enables players to quickly adapt to various genres, from intricate bass lines like those in "Rio" by Duran Duran to heavier styles.
Source -
The Yamaha BB734A is appreciated for its ability to handle both pick and fingerstyle playing, suitable for genres ranging from My Chemical Romance to Rage Against the Machine.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The BB734A's active circuit is a distinguishing feature from the BB434, adding tonal versatility for those needing it.
Source -
The ability to switch between active and passive modes offers versatility; owners often practice in passive and switch to active for more tonal options in group settings.
Source -
Some users report that the bridge pickup is not noiseless, which could be a concern for those sensitive to noise.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
346
It's an amazinga sounding P/J bass, really versatile and well built.
I've recently acquired a BB735A and I'm really loving the bass. Everything about it is spot on: the neck is amazing for my hands, I can play on it for hours and I don't get tired; I love the looks on this bass, specially the dark coffee sunburst that looks amazing and combines well with the black chromed hardware; the construction details are amazing, from the convertible bridge to the 6 screws neck joint, to the graphtech nut, everything is spot on; and the sound... man, this thing is punchy and articulate. Everything a bass should be. After playing with it at some gigs, I have to say that this is my perfect workhorse. It covers so many grounds... I read some reviews on this bass saying that the eq was the weakest part of this bass, but I'm really loving it so far. And what I really like about it is that it's more subtle than most eqs that I tryied, and in a good way IMHO. By that I say that the way that I like to set my eq is to make minor adjustments to the tone of the bass, concerning certain songs or to adjust to some of the band settings. And this eq does it in the right way. It doesn't boost drastically the frequencies in a way that's totally unusable, but it goes to where it needs to go, and the frequencies it adjusts are just right for these pickups. And the passive mode sounds so good as well. You can get all the classic tones with this bass in passive mode, and it doesn't loose that much volume compared to the active mode when all eq is flat. When I compare it with my BB1024X I agree to most reviews that I've read here. The BB1024X has a much more vintage sound, warmer, smoother and with more output compared with the passive mode on his younger brother. It sounds great with flats and I almost never change the switch from the front pickup. The BB735A has a brighter tone, more high mids to it, and I frequently have to cut a bit of highs, you can say that it has a more modern sound to it. But it sits so well in the mix. It sounds punchy and with more presence. And it covers so much tonal ground. The guy that I bought this from had set some Fodera rounds on it and they sound really good. Honestly, I could make a living with these two basses only. I have to say that Yamaha really did an amazing job with this bass. I don't know about the other models in the series, but this one is spot on. I believe that in construction quality and sound, this bass is way above its price range. I didn't get a single bad review while using it and everybody said that this was the best sounding bass that I brought to play.
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Yamaha Electric Basses
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Electric Basses
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
krakowsdGear IQ 115
-