Yamaha: BB414 (mine!)

I did try this bass out last month while hunting for a new bass; I need something full-scale not that my shorter scaled Fender Mustang isn't up to it.

The BB414 is made in Indonesia & would trigger dissent among people who deem this country to be a better holiday destination than doing justice to good craftsmanship. In that case, seeing (or inspecting for that matter) is believing. The QC of this one is fantastic to say the least. The other 2 units hanging on display (in the store) are very good in this light but they manifest little anomalies which might be due to the repeated try-outs by customers. I'm also oblivious to colours these days; a black/ red BB414 doesn't make me play better than this white piece.

Tone-wise, the pickups here are Yamaha's own electronics but they sound superb in terms of clarity & impact. They give off 2 contrasting tones for those of us in need of a good slap fundamentals & some great top-end for solos. The slector switch is also a good complement in this aspect as opposed to individual volume knobs for the respective pickups. However, those of us who are into (pickup) tone blending would think otherwise.

All in all, a great bass for the rookie or pros alike, highly recommended (especially so when the festive SALE is still effective, he he...).