Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,896

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass - White is the crème de la crème of bass guitars, designed in collaboration with A-list bassist Nathan East. This is the signature model that has echoed throughout countless hit recordings, major concerts, and broadcasts around the world.

The Yamaha BBNE2 has a unique and versatile sound that can adapt to any genre, making it the ultimate choice for professional musicians. It's not just a bass guitar; it's an extension of the artist's creativity. The BBNE2 can handle any performance, from Daft Punk's electronic beats to Joe Satriani's rock solos.

The secret to its versatility lies in the Nathan East designed active electronics system. The onboard active preamp system and Alnico V pickups provide a broad tonal range. But what truly sets this bass apart is Nathan's "magic box" circuitry. This feature lets you select a specific midrange frequency and cut it off at the flip of a switch, allowing you to tailor the bass's voice to any situation.

Further ensuring note clarity, is the Individual bridge pieces. The neck-through design and ebony fretboard, along with Yamaha's BPZ-7 bridge design, minimize cross-talk between the strings, enhancing your sustain, punch, and note definition.

Key Features:

  • Professional-level 5-string bass designed to Nathan East's specifications
  • Active preamp designed with Nathan East
  • Nathan's "Magic Box" parametric mid-cut
  • Great note separation from Yamaha's BPZ-7 bridge
  • Amazing sustain via a neck-through build and ebony fretboard
  • Alnico V pickups voiced by Nathan East
  • Body of Maple and Alder
  • 24-fret 5-piece maple/mahogany neck

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape BB Nathan East
Body Material Maple/Alder
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Maple/Mahogany
Radius 19.6"
Fingerboard Inlay Figured Abalone Blocks
Number of Frets 24
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.692"
Bridge/Tailpiece Yamaha BPZ-7 (no piezo)
Tuners Mother-of-pearl
Neck Pickup Alnico V Stack
Bridge Pickup Alnico V Stack
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x balance, 3-band Active EQ, 1 x mid cut on/off switch
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass?

The Yamaha BBNE2 delivers a versatile and dynamic tone, thanks to its Alnico V stack pickups and 3-band active EQ. It provides a rich, full sound suitable for a variety of genres, from jazz to rock.

Is the Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass suitable for professional use?

Yes, the Yamaha BBNE2 is designed with professional musicians in mind, offering high-quality construction and a range of tonal options that make it ideal for studio recordings and live performances.

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass?

The neck of the Yamaha BBNE2 features a comfortable maple/mahogany construction with a 19.6" radius, providing smooth playability and easy access to all 24 frets.

Does the Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass come with a case?

Yes, the Yamaha BBNE2 comes with a hardshell case, ensuring your bass is protected during transport and storage.

How does the mid cut switch function on the Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass?

The mid cut switch on the Yamaha BBNE2 allows you to easily reduce mid frequencies, providing a scooped sound that can enhance slap bass techniques or create a cleaner tone in a mix.

Miki Santamaria

Miki Santamaria

Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature - Review by Miki Santamaria

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature - Review by Miki Santamaria by Miki Santamaria

Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature - Review by Miki Santamaria

Miki Santamaria

Miki Santamaria

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

Video thumbnail for Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East 5 String Bass White by South Shore Music

Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East 5 String Bass White

South Shore Music

South Shore Music

Video thumbnail for UNBOXING YAMAHA BBNE2 - Nathan East Series Bass by ANTONIO GONZALEZ

UNBOXING YAMAHA BBNE2 - Nathan East Series Bass

ANTONIO GONZALEZ

ANTONIO GONZALEZ

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tone for playing across multiple genres

  • Unique mid-sweep feature for precise tone shaping

  • High-quality craftsmanship and neat finishing

  • Excellent balance, no neck dive issues

  • Dynamic EQ allows significant sound changes with small adjustments

  • Comfortable, contoured body with rounded edges

  • Consistent tone across the entire neck

  • Inverted input jack adds convenience

  • Punches above its class in tone and playability

CONS

  • Slightly heavy, which may affect comfort during long sessions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass.

Comparisons

  • Yamaha BBNE2 is highlighted for its rarity and session-player design, offering unique versatility with an onboard parametric EQ, unlike the more common StingRay.

    Source
  • A user stated the Yamaha BB435's passive PJ model was a fantastic upgrade after selling their older active Yamaha BB PJ-model due to preamp dissatisfaction.

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  • Owners liken the BBNE2's quality to that of much more expensive boutique basses, suggesting it punches above its price range.

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Use cases and applications

  • BBNE2 is noted for its potential to fit mix-oriented settings like groove, disco-pop, city pop, and RnB, catering to those seeking a versatile bass.

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  • A Yamaha BBP35 user praised its exceptional playability and sound, significantly preferring it over their Fender P and MM Stingray for regular use.

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Value and pricing

  • BBNE2 is considered a rare find at a good price, implying high value due to its limited production and specialized features compared to widely available StingRays.

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  • Yamaha instruments are often compared to Toyota vehicles, offering reliability and consistent quality, albeit sometimes perceived as less flashy.

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Build quality

  • A Yamaha BB series user described the slim neck as very stable, making it suitable for players with arthritis or limited reach.

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  • The BBNE2 features a deluxe pearloid tuning paddle, which owners appreciate for its aesthetic appeal.

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Mods and upgrades

  • An owner of a Yamaha TRBX170 upgraded the pickups to Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders after the stock neck pickup failed.

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Features and functionality

  • Users noted that Yamaha basses deliver a clean, "surgical" tone, favored by producers for recording, especially for slaplines.

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  • The EQ setup on the BBNE2 is praised as overwhelming yet incredibly flexible, especially for those transitioning from simpler models like a P Bass.

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User experience

  • A Yamaha TRBX304 owner appreciated its versatile tone and comfortable neck, making it a favored choice over a Squier Custom Vibe 60s P Bass.

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  • An owner with a Mexican Fender P Bass background reports being blown away by the BBNE2's performance and flexibility.

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  • A first-generation BBNE2 owner compares its quality to a Fodera, noting similar satisfaction at a fraction of the cost.

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Critic Reviews

Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature Model – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

Yamaha's BBNE2 Nathan East Signature Bass delivers exceptional playability and a rich, versatile tone that impresses across genres. The craftsmanship shines with its beautiful ebony fingerboard and innovative “Magic Box” circuitry, offering musicians a range of tonal options. However, the placement of some controls may initially confuse players used to traditional layouts. Despite its boutique quality, the price tag remains accessible for a premium instrument. While some aesthetic elements may divide opinion, the overall performance is undeniable, making this bass a strong contender for those seeking a professional-grade instrument.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adrian Ciuplea uses Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass

Adrian Ciuplea

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Verified via Photo

VITA DE VIE - Alternative rock band, Adrian Ciuplea is the bass player, on April 27 2023 live concert in Arad, Romania. He is also my teacher so I actually managed to see the BBNE2 in person.

See how Makki uses Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass

Makki

Bassist

Ungu

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Verified via Photo

In the Instagram photo posted by Makki (@makki_parikesit), he is seen playing a Yamaha BBNE2 Nathan East Signature 5-string Bass. The photo was taken during a live performance in Jakarta on September 21, 2022. The image is credited to photographer @indra.bayu.k.

Genre Usage

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