Question: if you want to take only one bass to a cover band gig, what would you choose? This guy chose the BB734A and gives a thorough explanation as to why. He’s a real guy with real G.A.S. just like yours truly! 
10 Likes
I endorse this choice
I don’t say this just because I am a total Yamaha fanboy (which I am). I am actually pretty convinced just on its quality and price point that it’s likely the best instrument value under $1000. Quality is great, classic look, outstanding pickups and electronics, unique maple core construction, 6-bolt neck, the cool 45-degree string thru - just just a great bass.
9 Likes
My used BBPH cost me 1500 € (about $1730). Is it twice as good as the BB734A? That’s questionable, but…Hooky! And only 50 made, so there’s that, too.
4 Likes
My 1982 Ibanez Roadster would beg to differ. Lol
2 Likes
I should have said “of current production instruments”, yeah
2 Likes
I wish I have more time 
I’d get a 734A and take out the Jazz pickup or better yet make a Ramp that covers it to make the aesthetic of a P bass. Thought about doing that with my 735A but it’s not the same. I’d gigged with that one for sure.
1 Like
Great video, thanks for sharing.
…and living in the real world. 
Luckily I live in a parallel universe, where you are allowed to have more than one bass, as far as I know. My problem with the BB734 is that it feels so good, that the only reason I can come up with for buying another bass, is that I want another bass in another colour. Which is quite a lame reason, I guess. 
7 Likes
….and it comes with a very nice gigbag as well. 
I think I’m quickly becoming a Yamaha fanboy myself.
5 Likes
I checked to see if bass manufacturers were affected by the recent 7.7 earthquake in Indonesia. I own four Indonesian-made basses.
I came to learn that the vast majority of Yamaha guitars and basses are made in Indonesia. Only custom and high-end models are made in Japan. Hadn’t known that.
2 Likes
I didn’t know that. Indonesian built basses are generally high quality instruments, for probably a lower manufacturing cost.
My Squier Jazz bass CV 60’s was made in Indonesia. It feels like a premium instrument, though it didn’t cost much. It is just perfect.
3 Likes
This sounds like an awesome bass! Like a Swiss army knife of basses, suitable for practically everything. 
1 Like
I can see the flexibility for doing covers, but it seems that pro level musicians tend to opt for simplicity, much like is mentioned by the Brownstone installment
1 Like
One day I’ll have one. I think I want a hollow/semi-hollow body, most likely full-scale, like the Jack Casady bass from Epiphone first. Although I really like the sound of Rich Brown’s Gretch G5123B that he often plays in his videos, like the one he’s holding in that one K_Miller linked to. But anyway, the BB734A that I play often at GC plays so nice and feels great. A feature that you never really see in pics is the sandwiched body that shows off on the side. Really just aesthetic but I haven’t seen anything else with that.
I’d be a Yamaha Fanboy too, but I cannot afford to… 
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/el_basses/att30th/index.html
2 Likes
Jack Bates (touring bassist for Smashing Pumpkins, bassist (with his dad) for Peter Hook and The Light) owns eleven BB734A. They are making him custom colors so I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a signature one someday.
Peter Hook owns several (along with his signature model, which is based on the 734A).
Another pro to check out is Miki Santamaria, who mains (I believe) a BB735A.
2 Likes
Yep, this has ben their thing for a long time. They build their own factories overseas and own and operate them. Their previous one was in Taiwan and if anything it was making even higher quality instruments than the current excellent Indonesia lines, and it is responsible for some of my favorite instruments they have ever produced.
MIJ Yamahas are limited to the Pro models but TBH I would say they are only like 10% more polished or so. But still, outstanding instruments for sure.
Their factory is pretty big:
Sire’s factory is apparently in a smaller town west of Jakarta.
2 Likes
I have the iconic baby powder blue Attitude in my shed for a few months but we’ve never took the relationship further than second base.
5 Likes
That’s the classic color, gotta love that one.
1 Like
Townsend generally started tour with five SG’s (?). I have no doubt that Yamaha builds quality instruments, but the only one that appeals to me visually is the Billy Sheehan models.
1 Like
Al, you’re such a gentleman! 
1 Like