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Description

The Yamaha BB1100S Bass is a revered choice for both budding bassists and seasoned professionals who crave a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality. As part of Yamaha’s renowned BB series, this bass guitar is designed to deliver a powerful low-end sound that can effortlessly cut through any mix.

Equipped with a versatile pickup configuration, the BB1100S offers a dynamic range of tones suitable for any genre, from rock to jazz. The active electronics provide enhanced tonal flexibility, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with precision. This bass is built with a solid alder body that ensures durability and a rich, resonant tone. The neck, crafted from maple with a rosewood fingerboard, offers smooth playability, making it ideal for both fast fingerstyle playing and slapping.

The BB1100S also features a high-mass bridge known for its excellent sustain and reliable intonation. Its classic design is both timeless and ergonomic, ensuring comfort during long practice sessions or live performances. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, this bass promises to deliver consistently stellar performance.

Key Features:

  • Solid alder body for a resonant and durable build
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Versatile pickup configuration with active electronics
  • High-mass bridge for excellent sustain and intonation
  • Classic and ergonomic design for comfort in long sessions
BassBus Music

BassBus Music

Yamaha BB1100s

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB1100s by BassBus Music

Yamaha BB1100s

BassBus Music

BassBus Music

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA BB1100s Made in Japan by Filipe Andrade

YAMAHA BB1100s Made in Japan

Filipe Andrade

Filipe Andrade

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB1100S bass  GoPro by kolbola

Yamaha BB1100S bass GoPro

kolbola

kolbola

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB1100S bass by kolbola

Yamaha BB1100S bass

kolbola

kolbola

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB1100s at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Yamaha BB1100s at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB1100s JAPAN by Filipe Andrade

Yamaha BB1100s JAPAN

Filipe Andrade

Filipe Andrade

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BB1100S Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha BB734A includes an active/passive switch, with the passive tone circuit closely resembling a passive Fender, suitable for finger style playing.

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  • Achieving a mellower tone on the BB734A may require specific settings, which some users find challenging to remember.

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  • The BB1100S features proprietary Yamaha alnico pickups, with a distinctive blade bridge pickup that stands out for its unique sound.

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  • The "S" in BB3000S indicates a slimmer neck and two volume knobs, distinguishing it from the standard BB3000 model.

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Comparisons

  • The Yamaha BB734A is noted for a brighter sound in demos compared to the mellower tone Rocco Palladino achieves with the BB1100S.

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  • The BB734A is considered a viable alternative to the BB1100S, offering excellent playability and tonal quality for its price.

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  • The Ibanez RGB300 is suggested for those seeking the aesthetic of the RD707 while maintaining quality sound.

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  • The Yamaha BB434 provides a more accurate representation of the BB1100S tone than the BB234.

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  • The BB1100S is noted to have a slimmer neck and deeper cutaway compared to the BB3000, offering a different playability experience.

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User experience

  • Owners praise the Yamaha BB735A for its tonal qualities, with one favoring it over the TRBX605FM despite the latter's 24 frets.

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  • An owner highlighted the need for multiple visits to music stores, recommending testing basses with familiar riffs and recording for comparison.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Squier Precision or Jazz basses are recommended for their versatility, with potential for pickup upgrades to Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder PJs.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Spector Legend Standard is noted for its modern metal tone, reminiscent of the Spector basses on iconic metal records.

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  • The Yamaha BB1100S is often associated with live performances, as reported by a user who still cherishes it for its gig history despite its weight.

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Build quality

  • The BB1100S is described as having a "big body," emphasizing its robust and substantial build, which some find to be quite large.

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Critic Reviews

Yamaha BB1100S Bass (IT Jun 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Yamaha BB1100S Bass impresses with its high-quality build and satisfying playability, offering a fast and comfortable neck suitable for lengthy gigs. Its active electronics elevate its sound to exceptional levels, providing a range of usable tones without the unwanted electronic squeaks found in some competitors. Although the traditional bridge design is seen as a drawback, potentially limiting sustain and frequency transmission, the overall value remains strong, especially with recent price cuts. This bass is a standout option for those seeking a well-rounded, easy-to-play instrument at an attractive price point.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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Studio Quality

The sound of this instrument is unparalleled and it is wonderfully suited for recording purposes. My treasure!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Harris uses Yamaha BB1100S Bass

Steve Harris

Bassist, Composer

Iron Maiden

...
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In this photo Harris can be seen with a Yamaha BB1100S bass.

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