Yamaha BB405

$325 used, minor fret wear, etc no case,
from the Guitar Center, Colonie NY USA.

It caught my eye because of the very wide
full 19mm 5-string spacing and reasonable
price, so I played it. It was sounding
very weird, sort of way too huge on the
attack, overwhelming the rest of the note.
So I figured it was a great candidate for
a conversion to fretless.

Also, the set-up was exceedingly low with
the neck very flat yet it played with no
undue buzzing, so I knew the neck & frets
were in real good shape.

Maybe it was just those 2 amps at the GC
that made it sound weird. I've plyed it
out a 4 times now and although the attack
is very pronounced, it has some wonderful
humming fundamentals and OK sustain. It's
one of the only basses that I won't want
to convert to flatwounds. It has a very
aggressive sound in all its tones and has
a huge palette of tones

I recently bought this bass at Sam Ash, in Indianapolis. I paid $350 brand new. I was looking for a fairly inexpensive 5 string that looked good and still delivered punch and definition at the low B, and that wasn't muddy towards lower notes. I definately found that in this bass.

It sounds great. I was actually kinda shopping (or dreaming... ) for a warwick, mainly because it has growl and definition at lower notes. I tried quite a few before picking up the BB405 but none prior seemed to really replicate the kind of tone I was looking for, except the BB405. It doesn't quite have the "growl" of the warwick but it definately sounds amazing on the lower strings. It has a nice punch to it. I found it actually easier to play then any warwick or, anyother bass for that fact, in the store. The frets are well accessible, and it has a relatively thin, and very smooth neck. The pickups are vertical and stick out enough to make for an awesome thumb anchor. There's enough room from the strings and the body to easily do pop and slap, and is such that there is no fret buzz, but you also don't have to clamp the strings down with your fingers. It's a well balanced bass, and not too heavy. The overall bass looks awesome, especially the natural finish, thats a must! Its almost too perfect.

The only complaint I'd have about this bass is that the edges of the neck, where the fretboard meets the wood from the neck, is kinda sharp. Nothing to make your hand bleed or anything but it could've been better rounded off. Other than that, its a beauty.

I've had the bass for about four months now. Not a single problem. I've dropped it once when my strap slip, but no problem arose. Seems like a real sturdy peice. It feels real well made.

If you're in the market for a 5-string you should most definately check out the Yamaha BB405, and if possible look for the one with the natural finish, it looks like a $1000+ bass.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Different characteristics of the basic model as modified:
Basic model:
Neck 24 frets, maple, screwed 4 points.
Rosewood fingerboard.
Changed Pickups: Bartolini BA 59J1
Electronics such passive jazz bass, changed: Jazz Bass Pro Passive.
Varnish removed (see photos)
Alder body.
Easel and mechanical Yamaha.
For more precision, you will notice that the bridge is exactly the same as the much more expensive models and the body (Marigold series and lowering production costs) is exactly the same as the TRB series, apart from a few chamfers practiced. Which suggests a violin base equivalent (excluding paint) to higher end models. Not least! In addition, this model remained on display for over a year, sunny, without twisting or digging handle!! Security as to the quality of wood used

UTILIZATION

Having had a Cort Artisan A6 (Model 2000s, a must for me and for the price, in terms of sound, versatility, etc., except weight). Having serious back problem, I have to separate myself lighter. After an Ibanez BTB 675 - Natural Flat, not having given satisfaction (see review Ibanez BTB675 - Natural Flat (Before 2013)), by chance, I had the opportunity to test this bass. Excellent first impression of quality handle, fittings, etc., a big jazz bass sound, save a lot of background noise and a severe lack of clarity in the treble!
Given the bargain price (275 euro) and the potential sensed with this base more than correct violin, I decided to buy it (275euro) and some improvements (Electronic Jazz Bass pickups Bartolini pro + JB, 130 euro on Ebay), a little elbow grease to turn the horrible gloss, for an instrument, the issue extremely close to a much higher price point to take into account an objective test for jazz bass, I play Little Bass Mark III + 102P speaker (a must), in very different styles: jazz, jazz rock, funk, blues, pop, world music.

SOUNDS

Looking for versatility in different styles: jazz, jazz rock, funk, blues, pop, world music, for the price, I am more than satisfied. there is necessarily better (much more expensive), but left to change for the better, I really prefer to save an instrument luthier. I have the honor and privilege to have, for 19 years, a 5 string fretless fairplay noguera a very large French luthier, the difference is huge facing series instrument. Sustainability is undeniable. A reflection

OVERALL OPINION

A jazz bass 5 string 400 euro, you can again, but honestly try!

Bolt 5-string bass passive electronics, 2 microphones "type jazz bass", a Tone knob Volume 2 ...
Quality manufacturing made in Yamaha, seriousness, not great charm Nogura such a compar ... but compare what is comparable ...

UTILIZATION

Channel quite enjoyable as the end, it is not a pickaxe handle, lightweight instrument that is plutt apprciable, Access in acute is relatively easy than on a jazz bass, but less as a bass luthier. The electronics are fairly prcise and restores all the notes without drooling, including so serious ....

SOUNDS

Sound clean, versatile, can be missing a bit of PCHE ... Sounds "attack" on the bridge pickup is percussive, the "big sound" on the neck pickup is enough "pais" .. . but the sound is mostly with your fingers .... In short, a wide range of sounds ....

OVERALL OPINION

It's been just over six months that I have, and for beginners with a 5 string is exactly the instrument he faut.J 'Nogura have an expression, and even s it is a world between the two instruments, the Yamaha MRIT dtour really ... it is advise all bass players with little budget, requiring a wide range of sounds, and wanting to take the plunge to the fifth string.