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Yamaha BB234 Bass Guitar - Yellow Natural Satin

4-string Electric Bass Guitar with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Rosewood Fretboard, and 2 Single-coil Pickups - Yellow Natural Satin
$319.99

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Yamaha BB234 Bass Guitar - Yellow Natural Satin
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Stripped-down Version of the Iconic Yamaha BB Bass

Since their original release, Yamaha BB basses have offered players the traditional tones they crave with a feel and character all their own. This BB234 4-string electric bass guitar puts all the legendary attributes of the originals into a straightforward passive design that is both inspiring and affordable. And whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, you'll love the neck's thinner profile and the way the bass stays balanced thanks to its lightweight tuning machines. If you want a value-packed spin on the BB bass, the BB234 4-string is for you.

The BB bass legacy

When the first Yamaha BB basses rolled off the line in the late '70s, the bass world quickly took notice. A diverse array of high-caliber players took to these unique instruments, such as Van Halen's Michael Anthony, No Doubt's Tony Kanal, and legendary session ace Abraham Laboriel Sr. Their comfortably contoured bodies, clear-as-a-bell electronics, and immediately identifiable look keep these basses at the forefront of many different genres. The Yamaha BB234 is among the latest additions to this storied line of lauded instruments.

Familiar construction with modern twists

What truly sets Yamaha's BB basses apart from other 4-stringers are their comfortable and familiar contours. Carefully crafted from balanced-sounding alder, the BB234 boasts that same identifiable character. Its rounded edges and forearm and belly cuts seem to melt into your body while playing. The bass's maple bolt-on neck sings with a familiar punch and midrange that accompanies that construction style, while its slightly thinner profile is a welcome addition to more modern styles of players.

Flexible and easy-to-use electronics

Whether you're a session player or a specialist, you know the benefits of a P/J pickup combination. The pickups in this BB234 are Yamaha's Custom V3 ceramic single-coil design. Dial in more of the neck pickup for that all-important P-style growl. And nail punchy fingerstyle tones with the bridge pickup — a favorite for many Sweetwater bassists. The BB234's passive volume/volume/tone control layout couldn't be easier to dial in.

Yamaha BB234 Bass Guitar Features:

  • Straightforward version of a classic bass
  • Modern appointments such as lightweight tuners for better balance
  • Alder body offers a clear tone with plenty of punch
  • Passive Custom V3 ceramic P/J pickup setup is versatile and intuitive
  • Maple bolt-on neck sings with clarity and sustain
  • Simple to use volume/volume/tone control layout
  • Thinner neck profile for a more modern feel

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Strings: 4
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Body Shape: Yamaha BB Doublecut
  • Body Material: Solid Alder
  • Body Finish: Satin Polyurethane
  • Color: Yellow Natural Satin
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Neck Shape: Thinner BB profile
  • Radius: 10"
  • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
  • Number of Frets: 21, Medium
  • Scale Length: 34"
  • Nut Width: 1.575"
  • Nut Material: Urea
  • Bridge/Tailpiece: Vintage style bridge, 19mm string spacing
  • Tuners: Light weight, open gear
  • Neck Pickup: VSP3n Ceramic Split Single-coil
  • Bridge Pickup: VSC3b Ceramic Single-coil
  • Controls: 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
  • Strings: .045-.105
  • Case Included: Sold Separately
  • Manufacturer Part Number: BB234 YNS

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

BB234

This bass has the best sounding J pickup I've ever owned on a P/J bass. I always buy P/J basses as I prefer the slimmer necks that they usually have with the P pickup and never use the J pickup as they usually leave a lot to be desired for my ear. They usually sound congested with too much emphasis on the mid range. The mid range tones are present but the tone has more of a J neck pickup characteristic as opposed to a bridge J pickup.

I was concerned about the fret edges when I bought this one as I saw a video review complain about how sharp they were. Are they as smooth as the higher end models I've played. No, they are not. Is the bass useable right now without a set up. Yes it is! I plan on using it a my next gig.
Music background: Experienced
Rated 5/5

Yamaha BB234...can a budget bass really be that good?

Yes it can! This thing is amazing. And when you throw in the very low price, it has me kinda mad I've spent so much money on other basses I don't like as much.

They had one at the local GC, but it was black and I don't want that color. Took about a month for Sweetwater to get this in stock and I snagged it. Right out of the box, it was clear the craftmanship was excellent for a "budget" bass.

The neck is very smooth and not really any bad fret edges. I've got the action pretty low and no buzzing.

Now, the bridge is pretty basic, and the tuners are not "pro" quality, but I have no problem getting it in tune (I'm REALLY picky about that) But if I ever want to, they will be easy to replace on the relative cheap.

The thing you'll constantly here in reviews is how balanced it is. They are correct. And it's pretty light, but still sounds good.

Very very happy!
Music background: Used to be a pro, now it's just a hobby.
Rated 5/5

Serious bang for the buck

I play drums and bass guitar at my church. So, I'm not exactly an expert. Howeva, I know what sounds good and this Yamaha sounds incredible in my church's mix when I'm playing with the rest of the team. It settles in the mix like butter on bread. When I dig in on it and really push it responds like a corvette. Zero distortion and clear as a bell. An absolute beast that is so fun to play! It sounds great in all tonal ranges, stays in tune, neck is fast, frets are smooth, controls are simple. Passive pickup signal has enough juice that I don't need a preamp pedal to boost it to the board. lul. like I said, I'm primarily a drummer.
I've tried quite a few basses in the $ range , and I'm always like 'ok, that is cool'. But I get back home and pull out my BB and I wouldn't trade it for any of them. This bass is that good.
Music background: intermediate
Rated 5/5

More than a great value.

This bass plays so well right out of the box, and sounds fantastic. Sweetwater made sure it was set up well. It is also very good looking. Overall worth way more than the price. Also Sweetwaters customer service is always impeccable.
Rated 5/5

Just perfect for me

After much debate I chose the Yamaha. I'm really happy with this instrument. Great low end. Perfect for my needs. A great step up from my beginner bass.
Music background: Beginner
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