Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,990

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Yamaha BBNE2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha BBNE2 is not just another bass guitar; it's the heartbeat behind some of the most iconic tracks you've ever heard. Crafted in collaboration with renowned bassist Nathan East, this signature 5-string electric bass is a true testament to versatility and precision. With a legacy that includes hits alongside Daft Punk, Eric Clapton, and Joe Satriani, the BBNE2 is engineered for those who demand nothing less than excellence. Its active electronics system, complete with Nathan's revered "magic box" circuitry, offers unparalleled tonal flexibility. Whether you're laying down intricate grooves or holding the foundational low-end, the BBNE2’s design ensures you’re always in control.

The BBNE2’s Indivisual Bridge design is a standout feature, providing exceptional string separation and clarity. Each string is mounted on its own saddle, minimizing cross-talk and maximizing sustain and punch. The neck-through construction and ebony fretboard further enhance its sound quality, delivering rich, resonant tones that cut through any mix. This bass is as much a workhorse as it is a masterpiece, built to perform on stages and in studios worldwide.

Key Features:

  • Professional 5-string bass designed with Nathan East
  • Active preamp system with custom "magic box" parametric mid-cut
  • Yamaha's Indivisual Bridge for superior string separation
  • Enhanced sustain with neck-through construction and ebony fretboard
  • Alnico V pickups tailored by Nathan East
  • Maple and Alder body with a 24-fret five-piece maple/mahogany neck

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model BBNE2 Nathan East Signature Bass
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Yamaha BBNE2 bass guitar?

The Yamaha BBNE2 offers a versatile sound with deep lows and clear highs, thanks to its dual humbucker pickup configuration and active preamp. It's designed to deliver a balanced tone suitable for various genres, from jazz to rock.

Is the Yamaha BBNE2 suitable for advanced bass players?

Yes, the Yamaha BBNE2 is a professional-grade bass guitar designed in collaboration with renowned bassist Nathan East, making it ideal for advanced players seeking high-quality sound and playability.

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha BBNE2?

The Yamaha BBNE2 features a slim neck profile that is comfortable for fast playing and complex fingerwork, enhancing playability for both studio and live performance settings.

How does the active preamp on the Yamaha BBNE2 enhance its performance?

The active preamp on the Yamaha BBNE2 provides greater tonal control and sound shaping options, allowing players to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies to suit their musical style and environment.

What makes the Yamaha BBNE2 different from other Yamaha basses?

The Yamaha BBNE2 is a signature model designed with Nathan East, featuring premium components like an ebony fretboard and custom electronics, setting it apart with professional-grade features and a unique tonal palette.

Tyler Spicer

Tyler Spicer

Yamaha BBNE2 w/ Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BBNE2 w/ Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel by Tyler Spicer

Yamaha BBNE2 w/ Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel

Tyler Spicer

Tyler Spicer

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BBNE 2 vs Fender Jazz Bass by SokolBass

Yamaha BBNE 2 vs Fender Jazz Bass

SokolBass

SokolBass

Video thumbnail for Bass Musician Magazine Reviews the Yamaha BBNE2 by Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine Reviews the Yamaha BBNE2

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Nathan East BBNE2: "Test & Recensione" by accordoTV

Yamaha Nathan East BBNE2: "Test & Recensione"

accordoTV

accordoTV

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone variety with sweepable mids for versatile sound customization

  • Ergonomic neck design feels like playing a 6-string guitar

  • Punchy bottom end delivers powerful low frequencies

  • Studio and stage performance are both outstanding

  • Neck pickup reminiscent of Fender Precision, bridge pickup mimics Jaco sound

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BBNE2.

Features and functionality

  • The Yamaha BBNE2 includes an onboard parametric EQ designed for session players, enhancing its versatility in fitting a mix.

    Source
  • The EQ on the BBNE2 is highlighted as one of the best available, offering a wide range of tonal flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Yamaha BBNE2 basses are noted for being rare and made in small quantities, making them a unique purchase compared to the more common Stingrays.

    Source
  • A first-gen model of the BBNE2 is praised as almost as good as a Fodera, but significantly more affordable, at about 1/20th the price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The BBNE2's design caters to groove, disco-pop, and RnB basslines, offering versatility for varied musical styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Finding a Yamaha BBNE2 at a good price is considered a rare opportunity due to its limited production run.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners appreciate the deluxe touch of pearloid tuning paddles, though it's noted that they aren't gold, adding a unique aesthetic.

    Source

User experience

  • A buyer transitioning from a Mexican Fender P Bass finds the BBNE2's flexibility and tone knobs initially overwhelming but rewarding.

    Source
  • A new owner, initially considering a boutique bass, finds the BBNE2 exceeding expectations, especially in its price range.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Nathan East Signature BBNEII review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Yamaha BBNE2, Nathan East's signature bass, impresses with its powerful sound and stylish design. Its tones and playability are standout features, making it a versatile choice for various musical settings. However, it's not without its drawbacks: the instrument is hefty in both weight and price, and the low B string could benefit from a tighter response. Despite these minor issues, the BBNE2's overall performance and class make it a worthwhile consideration for serious bassists.

positive

Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature Model – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature Model dazzles with its boutique-level craftsmanship and versatile sound. Its beautiful ebony fingerboard and innovative "Magic Box" circuitry set it apart, offering rich, dynamic tones suitable for any genre. While the Mother of Pearl tuning pegs may not appeal to everyone, the bass's overall playability and value at its price point are hard to beat. A slight learning curve for the controls is offset by the instrument's effortless comfort and sound clarity. A standout choice for those seeking premium quality without a prohibitive price tag.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nathan East uses Yamaha BBNE2

Nathan East

Bassist

Toto

...
Verified via Yamaha

Nathan East's profile on Yamaha's official website lists the BBNE2 bass under his gear.

See how Hiram Bullock uses Yamaha BBNE2

Hiram Bullock

Singer, Guitarist

Paul Shaffer & the World's Most Dangerous Band

...
Verified via Hirambullock

According to his official website, Yamaha's Nathan East 5-string is his bass guitar.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha BBNE2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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