YAMAHA / BBP35 Vintage Sunburst [05]

Yamaha’s flagship electric bass model in the BB series, the “BBP,” has undergone a minor model update!

For 40 years, the Yamaha BB Series has consistently pursued the sounds and features demanded by the music scene of each era, earning high praise from countless bassists. The new BB Series dramatically improves the body’s resonance, delivering a sound that combines power with clear articulation. A bass that continues to evolve while honoring tradition: the Yamaha BB.

Carrying on the Tradition

We have continuously refined our designs to provide basses that exceed what bassists expect. The BB Series has evolved as a bass that meets the needs of players seeking their own unique sound. The new BB Series carries on the BB tradition while continuing to be a bass that delivers the sound and expression you seek in any setting.

・3-ply alder/maple/alder body construction

The new BB series features a 3-ply alder/maple/alder body construction. The hard maple sandwiched between the alder layers on both sides enriches the midrange and produces a resonant body tone that blends seamlessly into the band’s sound. Furthermore, the use of maple for the body allows for direct sound transmission from the maple neck, minimizing sound loss between the body and neck and ensuring that string vibrations are reliably transmitted.

・I.R.A. (Initial Response Acceleration)

I.R.A. (Initial Response Acceleration) is a technology that applies appropriate vibration to a finished instrument to reduce the stress inherent in the finish, adhesives, and other materials immediately after completion, thereby promoting the instrument’s natural vibration. As players, you are no doubt aware of how important it is to “break in” an instrument.It is said that playing in a new instrument “improves its tone.” The reason for this is that the stress present between wooden components—such as the neck and fingerboard, between the wood and the finish, and between the wood and the hardware—is resolved through playing, allowing the parts to settle and resonate as a unified whole. By applying the I.R.A. (Initial Response Acceleration) treatment, the bass is brought closer to a “played-in” state, bringing out its ideal body resonance.

・Miter Bolting System

We employ the Mitre Bolting method, which adds two screws that secure the neck end at a 45-degree angle from the back of the body, in addition to the four screws that secure the neck vertically from the back of the body. This firmly bonds the body and neck, producing a powerful resonance where the two become one. Compared to a standard bolt-on joint, this design results in less energy loss from string vibration, delivering rich sustain and overwhelming body resonance.

・Newly Developed Pickups

The new BB models are equipped with pickups newly developed in-house to suit each specific model. While preserving the traditional BB sound, these pickups enhance output gain in the mid-to-high frequency range, delivering a clear sound with well-defined contours. The pickups, tailored to the unique character of each model, enable players to achieve the creative and versatile expression they demand.

・Convertible-Type Bridge & Saddle

The “Strings-Through-Body” construction routes the strings through the back of the body. Compared to the conventional method of routing strings vertically from the back of the body, routing them at a 45-degree angle transmits the energy of string vibration to the body with minimal loss.In the conventional “strings-through-body” method, where strings pass directly beneath the saddle, significant vibration loss occurs at the plate and saddle, making it difficult to transmit string vibration efficiently and reliably. However, by cutting the bottom of the body at an angle and routing the strings at a 45-degree angle, stress on the strings at the saddle is reduced.

The BB Pro series features the Vintage Plus bridge, delivering a sharp and clear sound.The Vintage Plus Bridge’s brass saddle delivers deep bass tones, while the steel plate produces a bright sound. Metal parts such as springs and screws are made of stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion. Furthermore, the varying contact points of the semicircular saddle allow for a wide range of expression, from crisp, clear tones to warm, resonant sounds.

* As part of a minor model update in 2023, the hardware was changed from matte to glossy (chrome finish), and two new color options—VW (Vintage White) and MLB (Moonlight Blue)—were added.
S/N: IMK289E
Weight: 4.39 kg
JAN Code: 4957812689595
Accessories: Hard Case

[Product Specifications]
Body/Neck Construction: Mitre Bolting
Scale: 863.6 mm
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 600R
Number of Frets/Size: 21
Body: 3-ply alder/maple/alder
Neck: 5-piece maple/mahogany
Bridge: Vintage Plus (steel plate/brass saddles)
String Spacing: 18 mm
Pickups: YGD V7 P/J (Alnico V)
Controls: Front pickup volume, rear pickup volume, master tone
Strings: D'Addario EXL170-5
Nut Material/Width: GraphTech / 5-string: 43 mm
Accessories: Hard case