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Description

For more than 20 years, the Yamaha BB Series basses have been the workhorse for great bass players like Nathan East, Tony Kanal, and Michael Anthony. Now Yamaha has reinvented the bass that started it all. The BB series basses boast all the classic characteristics of the original BB’s, from the distinctive big body design and bolt-on neck to vintage-style hardware and soapbar and split-coil pickups.

This BB614 (four string) bass features the classic BB shape, active electronics and the stunning yellow natural finish.

Indra Putranto

Indra Putranto

Yamaha BB614 Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB614 Demo by Indra Putranto

Yamaha BB614 Demo

Indra Putranto

Indra Putranto

Video thumbnail for Prueba de Sonido GBP Custom Indonesia - Yamaha BB614 by GBPCustomIndonesia

Prueba de Sonido GBP Custom Indonesia - Yamaha BB614

GBPCustomIndonesia

GBPCustomIndonesia

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BB 614 bass demo by Pete M

Yamaha BB 614 bass demo

Pete M

Pete M

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BB614.

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha BB614 is compared favorably to the Fender Meteora, with some users considering it a better choice for live gigs.

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  • BB series is likened to the Aria Pro II SB and Ibanez ATK for being underrated Japanese basses valued by professionals.

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Value and pricing

  • The Yamaha BB614 is often considered a steal at around €300, noted for its high quality at a low price point.

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  • A finger rest can decrease the resale value by approximately $100, as it changes the original look of the BB614.

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  • Selling locally might justify the recent setup cost, but it doesn't influence the sale value in non-local transactions.

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  • A user noted selling a BB614 in mint condition for approximately 400 CHF, though initial asking prices around 500 CHF attracted little attention.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Professional setups don't add resale value, as buyers often prefer personal setups to meet their specific standards.

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  • It's suggested to use a multimeter to test connections and Deoxit contact cleaner to resolve potential corrosive buildup on pots for better electrical connectivity.

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User experience

  • Selling prices for the BB614 range widely but typically fall between $300 and $600, depending on condition and modifications.

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  • An owner experienced a loose pot knob, indicating potential build quality issues that might affect the longevity of control components.

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Features and functionality

  • The BB614's pre-amplifier is mentioned as a potential weak point, which could lead to sudden silence issues if not properly maintained.

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Use cases and applications

  • The BB614 is praised for producing warm poppy tones and funky beats, suitable for a variety of musical styles with the right rig configuration.

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Critic Reviews

BB614 Review: I've been playing for the best part of a decade, and... | Yamaha | Bass Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

Yamaha's BB614 is a standout contender in its price range, offering phenomenal versatility with its pickup switching and 3-band EQ, allowing for a vast array of tones with minimal noise. Its solid alder body and maple neck provide durability, and its aesthetic appeal is undeniable with a sparkly pewter finish. While the initial setup required significant truss rod adjustment, this was quickly remedied, resulting in a flawless feel. The lack of a case is a minor drawback. Overall, it's a superb choice for seasoned and varied-style players seeking an affordable yet cutting-edge bass.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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sami_pegazo

good bass but too boomy

I had this one for about 5 years and did the job very well. the main issue is the bass and the pre amp. I had to change bass due to the lack of clarity when i played, it sounded more like a blob than a well defined note, regardless of what strings i would get on it. the pickups are good but a pre amp upgrade was almost a necessity. the pickups have a rather odd size making it harder to upgrade them.

jacques_roux_barendse

Yamaha BB614

Great bass can get good trebble sounds and good mid,bass. I've had mine for 6 years and it sound terrific it's battery last long for a active bass and the tone control is great.

jimmarchi1

Yamaha is so underrated.

gertbakhuizen

Yamaha BB614

Using the BB614 as my main bass when playing 4-string. Great tone control with good mids.

Genre Usage

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

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