The Yamaha BB Bass History Explored | BB Models Detailed & Their Legacy

Yamaha has been a quiet titan in the music industry, having put their craft to the test on all manner of musical gear. From the iconic Yamaha Pacifica guitar that’s helped countless budding players to start their journey, to acoustic grand pianos, studio monitors, drums, and more, there’s a piece of Yamaha at the heart of almost every corner of music.

Bass may in fact be where they shine most. Yamaha has a proven ability to offer feature-packed basses designed for rigorous use, all at an affordable price, and no model showcases that better than their BB (abbreviation for Broad Bass) series. The Yamaha BB bass has been a mainstay in their lineup since the mid-seventies, receiving various updates and changes over the years.

These are incredible vintage and used Yamaha basses but the model naming can get pretty confusing, especially as documentation is sparse for earlier releases. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to bring a full rundown of the models that are out there to help you learn what BB bass you’re looking at, the estimated age, and what features you can expect to get.

Yamaha BB Bass Model History Explored

The main BB lineage spans across five definable generations. From the initial launch in 1977 to the latest refresh in 2017, there are numerous unique Yamaha BB’s released in the wild from each generation.

The overall style and features of the BB has remained pretty consistent throughout, but there are some pretty interesting models and changes over the years worth keeping an eye out for and we’ve highlighted them below where appropriate.

The First Generation (1977-1978): The Original Broad Bass

The BB series debuted in 1977 with a design intended for Western markets and is broadly styled akin to a P bass. These basses featured a distinctive reverse-mounted split-coil pickup (opposite orientation to a Fender Precision pickup) that imparts a unique tone, as well as high mass bridges (relative to typical bridges from competitors at the time).

Launch Models (1977)

• BB1200 – this is the flagship model featuring a neck-through laminated construction and heel-adjust truss rod. Most used natural wood and sunburst finishes.
• BB1000 – a bolt-on non-laminated neck variant of the BB1200 finished in solid colours and pickguards.
• BB800 – lower-priced bolt-on version with cheaper woods and hardware from the BB1000.

The BB1200 became the defining model of the series and established the BB’s long-lasting design template, while both the BB1000 and BB800 remain high-quality and sought after vintage Yamaha basses for their ability to simply be excellent p-style bass guitars.

Initial Expansion (1978)

Yamaha followed up on the launch of the BB bass series just a year after with the BB2000 model in 1978. The BB2000 is largely similar to the BB1200 down to the neck-through construction approach, with the main change being the addition of the effortlessly cool blade pickup in the bridge position.

• BB2000 (1978) – added a blade/J-style bridge pickup and pickup selector to the BB1200.
• BB2000F – fretless version with otherwise identical specs.

The BB1200 and BB1000 are our picks from this period, showcasing the very best in neck-through and bolt-on design from the Yamaha factory while retaining that beautiful simplicity many bassists have come to love. Owning the origin of the BB story is also pretty cool, we can’t lie.

The Expansion Era (Early-Mid 1980s)

During the 1980s Yamaha expanded the BB family dramatically with a huge number of fresh models to the lineup. This era started in 1982 with the launch of the BB3000. Some models will have additional letters attached to the model number, such as ‘s’ denoting short scale in many cases.

Flagship & Professional Models

• BB3000 (1982) – upgraded flagship, conventional P pickup orientation.
• B1100 – an active electronic version of the series with a standard J-style bridge pickup over the blade pickup design.
• BB1600 – the bolt-on equivalent of the BB3000, which changes the pickup selector for an additional control knob. Other specs are largely similar.
• BB5000 (1984) – one of the first mass-produced 5-string basses available and is otherwise equivalent to the BB3000 in specification.

Midrange & Budget Models

• BB300 – the first real ‘budget’ model launched by Yamaha, though still made in Japan! Fewer bells and whistles, back to a single split-coil pickup, and loses the fancy inlays for standard dot inlays.
• BB350 – the first JJ model in the BB family, positioned as a competitor to jazz-style basses. two volumes and a single master tone.
• BB350F – the fretless version of the BB350 with otherwise equivalent specs.

Numbered Entry Models

These ones get pretty confusing, admittedly, as they sidestep some of the traditional naming conventions of the BB line and information is limited.

• BBIV – most affordable model from the lineup
• BBV – J model
• BBVI – P model
• BBVII – PJ model

We’d look for the BB3000, BB5000, and BB350 from this era for their respective build qualities and unique aspects. Research any basses from the IV-VII series before buying, largely just due to the wide array of specifications that they can appear in.

The Diversification & Decline Era (Late 1980s-1990s)

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Yamaha experimented with different variants and markets, as well as manufacturing locations.

New Models Released

• BBX series – bolt-on construction with PJ pickup layout. Japanese domestic market bass, so quite rare to spot over here in the UK.
• BBG series (BBG4, etc.) – a huge range of BBG basses exists, each with slightly different specs and designs. It is important to check specs of these, as information is very limited.

By the late 1990s the BB line shrank significantly, with only a few models remaining in production. Most models had been discontinued around 2000, leaving a brief period without the BB brand as part of Yamaha’s catalog.

The Revival Era (2002-2010): The Modern BB Returns

Yamaha revived the BB name in 2002, modernising the design and introducing clearer tiering for customers to choose from. Visual redesigns are present on the initial lineup, with the 2010 update shifting back towards the DNA that the original BB1200 championed. Regardless, there was a distinct focus on creating superb value basses for an increasingly competitive and demanding market.

Most models came with PJ pickup configurations, though some included JJ pickups, and came with more standardised features irrespective of the tier of product.

Early Revival Models

• BB404 & BBB405 – different visual design that separates it from the rest of the BB family and JJ pickups
• BB605 – active variant of the BB405. Interestingly, there was no BB604 model produced.
• BB2004 & BB2005 – visually unique from the BB lineup and is based on the Nathan East Yamaha designed signature model – known as the BBNE2. Almost an entirely different beast, but is still technically part of the BB lineup.

Mid-2000s Additions

• BB414 & BB415 – 4-string and 5-string options made in Indonesia.
• BB614 & BB615 – active models of the 414 and 415.

The Established Era (2010 – Present): BB Basses Here To Stay

Around 2010 Yamaha refreshed the BB lineup again with structural improvements and a visual design that harks back to the origins of the BB lineup. Some models (denoted with an X in their model name) have gorgeous pickup and control plate designs that look akin to a Music Man Sabre bass – well worth keeping an eye out for!

2010 Lineup

• BB424 & BB425 – entry level PJ model targeted for the budget market
• BB1024 & BB1025 – mid-tier model with better wood selection and more premium hardware
• BB2024 & BB2025 – the only MIJ models from this generation, representing the highest build quality and advanced build techniques employed to improve the feel and playability of the instruments.

This generation set the tone for the final and current generation, with five-piece neck construction, diagonal through-body stringing, and nickel silver nuts for the BB2000 and BB1000 series. BB2000 series also receive A.R.E (acoustic resonance enhancement) and I.R.A. (initial response acceleration) technology.

2017 Redesign (Current Generation)

For the 40th anniversary in 2017, Yamaha redesigned the BB from the ground up. Quite possibly the biggest shakeup in the history of the BB line, with a new visual identity and plenty of modern feature additions valued by today’s players.

Major changes include:

• redesigned body contours and shape
• reduced weight from previous generations
• 6-bolt miter neck joint with diagonal bolts to pull the neck into the neck pocket effectively
• standard pickup sizes for easy swapping with aftermarket pickups
• New Yamaha Guitar Developments pickups

Current model tiers

Pro Series (Japan-made)

• BBP34 & BBP35 – passive four-string and five-string basses with A.R.E. and I.R.A techniques employed, premium woods, and vintage-voiced pickups

700 Series

• BB734A & BB735A – active models within the lineup and the high-end of Indonesian-built Yamaha BB’s of the era. Features include a battery health indicator, a passive toggle switch with a passive tone incorporated into the treble pot, and a host of other useful features.

400 Series

• BB434, BB434M & BB435 – mid-tier models that strike the balance between affordability and features. The BB434M includes a maple fretboard, which is unusual for the BB line.

200 Series

• BB234 & BB235 – the most affordable models available and the ultimate value proposition from Yamaha.

These remain Yamaha’s main bass lineup today and are all-round excellent basses for the money. We highly recommend the BBP and BB700 series. In fact, the BB734/5 may be the best value bass we’ve come across, and they’re all worth a try.

The Bottom Line

Yamaha’s BB basses are true workhorses. For nearly 50 years they’ve been reliable, hard-working bass guitars built to withstand the rigors of the road, made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re hunting for the original BB1200 or a BBP35, check out our selection of vintage and used Yamaha basses and book a visit to give them a try.