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Yamaha BB300

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Manufacturer URL http://www.yamaha.com/
Features 7.2 (16 responses)
Sound 8.3 (16 responses)
Action, Fit, & Finish 7.9 (13 responses)
Reliability/Durability 9.1 (16 responses)
Customer Support 6.6 (5 responses)
Overall Rating 8.5 (15 responses)
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Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: USD 292.00
Submitted 11/15/2007 at 09:31pm by Robert Jensen
Email: saintzband at yahoo<dot>com

Features : 10
I've read a lot of the reviews here and it seems that most writers are novices so I'd thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. The BB 300 was a 4 string, P style knock-off made initially in Japan and then later in Taiwan. I had both versions as an honest-to-goodness working musician. Although inexpensive, I bought both of mine new for around $292.00, they were well made. The neck was true and the action was excellent. Although there was some play in the tuners, it also stayed in tune fairly well. I gigged with this bass 5 nights a week and it held up exceptionally well. Regrettably, I sold my BB's in the late 80's. For an inexpensive bass, you'd be hard-pressed to do better. In fact, it really held its own against many high-priced competitors including the model it mimicked. Today's "entry level" instruments can't hold a candle to the BB 300's quality. One last note (pardon the pun), although these were great old axes, they are not and nor will ever be a "collector's item" as some might suggest. It was, after all, an entry level instrument and it's appeal can only be appreciated by one who owned and played it "back in the day" (as I did).

Sound : 10
Others have stated that the electronics were less than desireable, but they were in truth, very close to Fender's "P" sound. I could set the treble up and sound like Chris Squire's Rickenbacher or I could set the tone knob in the 12 O'clock position and get nice deep tones

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
Good neck - straight and true. Pickups were split like a P-bass.

Reliability/Durability : 10
I bought the first one (black) and liked it so much I bought a red one as a back up. Although the latter was made in Taiwan, it held its own and was interchangeable with its counterpart.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10
By 1981, I had been playing for 8 years. When I bought these basses, I had been working steadily in local clubs and by '87, these axes received their peak workouts. I play guitar now(I've been in the same band since '91) and own 2 Gibson LP's (a Studio & a Standard), a Gibson SG Supreme, a Fender American Strat, and a Fender Mustang ('69 Jap RI). I play through Fender amps and have 3 of then (2 Twins and a Deluxe Reverb). I do have an old Squire bass that I bought as a replacement to the BB 300's I sold in 89 but it sits in the closet. I would definately buy another BB 300 if the price was right and it was well cared for (NOT bounced out of a truck or some other ridiculous form of abuse.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $20.00-110.00 used
Submitted 04/16/2006 at 10:04pm by earthtonesbass.com
Email: earththtones at earthtonesbass<dot>com

Features : 8
I have two of these marvelous work horses. One an 83 and the other an 88. The 83 was way abused when I got it and is now fretless. The 88 is in decent shape and has had a total facelift. Not a lot of features but great none the less

Sound : 10
Both of mine have new electronics so the sound is not what you'd find in a stock one. The fretless has New pots and EMG Select pickups and a BadAss Bridge. The 88 has Dimarzio P-pups in the stock location and a Dimarzio Humbucker added at the neck as well as a complete set of Active Electronics from a Warwick Thumb. There is nothing this bass can't do. I have GHS tapewounds on the fretless and GHS Precision Flats on the other. I run both through an SWR 350x and an Avatar 410 cab. I love the sounds of both of these basses. Nice and warm and Dark!

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion
Both of these were about 20 years old and I won't judge this portion.

Reliability/Durability : 8
Finish is solid as stone and I guarentee the fr4etless saw lots of live time before I got it. Tuners are crap yet both had the originals. Everything else is very solid.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never had to deal with them but I like Yamaha so much I'm going to buy a new one.

Overall Rating : 10
I've been playing on and off for 20 years and I liked the first one so much I went after another. If it were stolen I'd likely buy another but a newer more updated model. Anyone that is looking for P-bass sound but not p-bass price should definitely seek one of these out. You won't be sorry.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: 120 (euros)
Submitted 03/13/2006 at 03:59pm by Claude

Features : 5
Ma BB300 doit dater d'avant 1984. Son numero est 111758. Elle a ete fabriquee au Japon. C'est une 4 cordes noires. Un pick-up style P-Bass, un bouton de volume et un de tonalite. Son ancien proprietaire a ajoute un commutateur permettant de switcher les micros de serie en parallele.

Sound : 5
J'utilise cette basse avec un ampli Yamaha 50 Watts.
Comme toutes les guitares "single coil" en general, la mienne a ce parasite caracteristique qui gache l'ensemble. Vive les Hambucking !

Action, Fit, & Finish : 7
Cette basse est correctement finie. Du bon travail.

Reliability/Durability : 8
Vu son age, on peut dire que ces BB300 sont de tres bonne qualite. Le corp et le manche n'ont pas bouge et les mecaniques sont comme neuves.

Customer Support : 1
LAMENTABLE. J'ai contacte le support Yamaha a plusieurs reprises et jamais ces messieurs n'ont daigne me repondre.

Overall Rating : No Opinion


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $0
Submitted 01/28/2006 at 06:01pm by BassMaster3000

Features : 8
I just started playing last year ago but I am really good. The features are pretty good. Nice fretboard, really great bottom and large tuning keys. The pickups arent the best though

Sound : 10
Great sound. Its my first bass, so it may just be because I havent been around that much yet. I have tried out other basses before, but none sounded better that i could afford, so for now Ill stick with this one. Nice deep rich sound.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 7
Well, I got it for free, so you can imagine that is not in the best condition. There are a few chips and a lot of scratches, but otherwise, it is pretty good.

Reliability/Durability : 10
I have treated it pretty roughly, but it can stand anything I throw at it.(Except maybe a hammer, :) ) I have been very abusive to the strings, which crapped out on me today, so i bought some new ones.
Except for the pickups which jiggle a lot, it is extremly durable.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Didnt know about this.

Overall Rating : 9
If I had $1000, I would sell it at a garage sale and go out to buy a new bass..., but then again, I would feel sad, because it has been so good to me, so maybe i wouldnt sell it. I just bought a new Fender Rumble 100. It sounds awsome. I hope it lasts out for my middle school talent show, where my band will be playing because it will be LOUD. The bass can definently handle it though. If you can get one of these, well... get it. It will give you a life time of playing and of memories.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $169.99
Submitted 03/21/2005 at 10:50am by The Dude
Email: bassinator666 at gmail<dot>com

Features : 8
198 model.
21 frets.
Solid top, rear routed.
1 tone, 1 volume
1 passive p-style yamaha pickup
Rosewood/maple neck, alder body.
black laquer finish
BB body style
Leo Quan Badass II bridge
stock Yamaha tuning machines.

Sound : 9
This bass sounds awesome in my opinion. It is better than a brand new MIM P bass. I bought it used, and the Badass II was already installed, as well as a mute switch.

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion
I bought it used, so of course this 20+ yr old bass has a few minor finish flaws, but nothing major. The bass was fairly well setup.

Reliability/Durability : 10
This bass is my main bass, but I haven't gigged it yet, but I think that it will be very giggable. It feels very solid, but that solidity comes at the price of weight.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I haven't had to deal with Yamaha yet.

Overall Rating : 10
I love everything about this bass. I would definitely buy another if I could find one in the same condition. This bass has held up very well for as old as it is, but most Yamaha instruments are finely constructed. If you are able to find one of these for the same price as a new Fender P-bass standard, buy this one.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $85 used
Submitted 04/16/2004 at 06:45pm by Hendra Hasanudin
Email: khloetoeks<at>yahoo dot com

Features : 7
well...my yamaha was made in taiwan on april 9th, 1987. it has s/n NK09092.
N indicates the year of made, K for the month, 09 for the day it was made.
feature pretty basic, one precision split style pickups, with one volume,
and one tone control.Mine have red color body, don't know what kind of wood is it
(can anyone help me with this?),but the neck was made from maple, with fingerboard
from rock-like rosewood.I bought it from a crazy man who urgently need money, to
buy drugs.

Sound : 9
Pretty solid low end, but seems flat because the pickup is a kind of trash. I change
the pickup later, with a great-cheap-china made pickup ($8 hehehe...) now it has more punch low end, with
great output.Kind of lack High frequency, but hey, this is precision.maybe I would plant a new
jazz pickup on bridge position. but overall, i love it sounds so much. it's growling. not like
what warwick has, but seems so nice. The hard fingerboard give a very bright feel and tone, wich
i like so much when i perform taping, with the body darken the tone.good sustain.some dead spots
noticed on fret 9 on the d string.record it in my bed room studio, and it make an awesome sound,
especially for funk n rock music.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
This bass has pass hell's abusing system, and it's still alive. when i purchased it, there's a
several dings and chip everywhere.looks like the preview owner never realize that he is crazy.
no problem. i will re-paint it. the action is great after 10
minutes adjusment.very low actions,that easy to play.super slim neck. very precise fretboard.no rattle.the tuning
key start to loose,with bridge start to rust.but it's still useable.I will replace the bridge
with Leo Quan Badass II.

Reliability/Durability : 10
it has live for 17 years of pain n sorrow, but still tough.the neck so stable in my country
tropical climates, and the body is solid as a rock.so what can I say??

Customer Support : 7
don't need them.i can repair it by myself

Overall Rating : 8
been playing for three years,and guitar for 10 years. but i'm seriously study about bass.
Always use my yamaha for a gig,and for recording. I have several bands, and I'm a session player too.
had several bass like prince HB-32, Ibanez GSR200, Fender Precision(USA)bought used,50th aniversary squier
jazz bass(korea).this is my best bass ever.of course i want some more "profesional" basses,
like stingray that i always dreamin about.but for $1100 in indonesia,better for me to use that money to pay my monthly
expenses(for $1100 you can live in Indonesia for one years without working!!) or to pay my
study.I'm a student in Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta.Undergraduate program in mechanical
engineering dept.
For me, a good tone just always can be built by a good player too. more expensive bass won't make
you to become a better player.just practise with the best bass that you have, or one that you can afford.
I promise you, someday you will realize that the bass that you use to practise, is the best bass
that you ever had.

If you need my help to identify your bb300 serial number, just mail me to
khloetoeks@yahoo.com
thanks. Hendra Hasanudin


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $200 used
Submitted 12/20/2003 at 02:08am by Jeff Chance (il Manifesto)
Email: ilmanifesto<at>meteorsite dot com

Features : 8
About 1983 cause i bought it used in 1987...
the BB300 that I have is solid... clean finish..the paint is deep and rich.. I have had it 17 years and it is still clean, mean and sounds deep and rich... A tuning key has briken off and another is about to go... but they are easily replaceable... so in other words... it is a solid investment... go for this one.. it has a great sound.. that i get complimented on by bass player after bass player!

It has what it had for features (Probably great for the day)...it made up for them in sound and feel!

Sound : 10
sounds rich, smooth.. and deep.. it is really the bass to have for a solid and melodious tone... I use it for rythm, motion and melody and it is great.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 10
clean as a pin, great finish...deep rich red wine colour... the neck is a nice light wood finish and the fret board is a dark charcoalish colour. It just looks beautiful! I love my BB300!!

Reliability/Durability : 10
This bass has lasted for 17 years and is still my only bass... I use it every day and it is still road worthy and still looks great...!!!

it has had some bangs but suprisingly the paint and finish are still just great, deep and rich!

The volume and tuning knobs are loose and the fitting for the 1/4 inch cable comes unwound a little but these are easily fixable and only now after 17 years must I address them... that says a lot for the workmanship and construction of this instrument....

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10
I have been playing off and on for 17 years as I have only had this bass and have taken it from Virginia to Los Angeles and then to France and back to L.A.. It is the only bass I have ever had, though I want to expand my collection to 5 and 6 strings and an upright...

but i won't ever get rid of this one and I will probably always use it on stage!!


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $250
Submitted 09/25/2003 at 10:40pm by Alex Ramos
Email: i_love_tazzus<at>yahoo dot com

Features : 7
Mine was made in May 12, 1987. I got that info from the Serial Number wizard from yamahaguitars.com. It's finished in Metallic Red, 4 strings (of course), volume and tone, P style pickup. 21 frets on rosewood fretboard with a maple neck. The body's wood is nato. This was built in their Taiwan factory.

Gloss finish used throughout. Tuners are of the classic Fender bass variety. I had to fix one in order to keep the tuning key from falling off.

Got this in 1987 with a gig bag, and a wrench for the truss rod. It was a gift from my grandfather, along with a Peavey MicroBass amp.

The only thing I've added is Dunlop strap locks.

Sound : 7
Given the simple nature of this bass, I've actually managed to use it in a variety of settings. Everything from rock, to jazz, some funk, and even metal, all without modifying the electronics. Works great in recording, and live situations.

I play through a Peavey TNT 115 amp, and a Digitech BP200 for effects. Ocassionally I'll use a distortion or overdrive pedal.

It's essentialy a Precision Bass, what else do you want from this? Am I ever going to mod this? Probably not, as I recently acquired a RBX765A, and I also have a Fender P-Bass Special that I bought in 1994.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
Tha action was too low, so I had a friend adjust it for me. Tha t meant the pickups had to be raised, of course. Doing all that improved the sound, and the sustain, though there's still a hint of buzz when digging in the strings hard.

Reliability/Durability : 8
As I mentioned before, I had Dunlop strap locks installed. You really need these for serious stage use. Heck, it's probably a good idea for most players, unless you mostly stay in one spot on stage, or sit in studio sessions most of the time. This is used as a backup to the P-Bass special. I can play this as a main bass if the music called for it.

Customer Support : 8
Never needed to repair it, as I take good care of my gear. I haven't had to contact Yamaha for any problems. They were helpful with getting the actual date of when my BB300 was made, though.

Overall Rating : 9
I've played electric bass since about 1990 or 1991. I was about 12 years old when I got this, so I didn't have anything else to compare it to, much less a clue on how to compare similar basses. :)

If someone stole this, I'd be very sad about it, since it was a gift from gramps. If I could, I'd sue the guy, and have him/her buy me a RBX270 as a replacement.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $359
Submitted 06/07/2002 at 04:16pm by Paul
Email: nasfell<at>yahoo dot com

Features : 7
I bought my BB300 new at Age 13 in 1986 from Bizzarre Guitar in Reno, NV. It lived throught the abuses of adolesence and remained a decent instrument. I changed to EMG P-pickups in the early 90's and added some Shaller Tuners. It was good for another few years. Recently though, I gave it a facelift. New Seymour Duncan Basslines P and J pickups, Leo Quan's Bad Ass II solid brass Bridge, a corian nut, and then a new set up. Great. Highly recommend this set up to anyone with a BB300. Original equipment, other than the body and the neck are trash.

Sound : 7
The set up I described above makes this bass sound like a $2500 bass for only about $700. It is so versatile. You can change from a fat bottomy sound to a nice slap twang, and anything inbetween. With original electronics . . . not going to happen. The body and neck combined with the Bad AssII bridge give amazing sustain for a bolt on neck. Even without the Bad AssII it has great sustain. With the upgrades I made, it sounds great. With original electronics, it's just ok.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
This bass is great as far as woods, feel, and set up. The original tuners are alright if you take good care of them. I had two of them break and had to tune with pliers for a while till I could afford new ones.

Reliability/Durability : 10
My BB300 has been through hell and back. I once got in a fight with my brother. He grabbed my bass thinking that I wouldn't come after him if he was holding it. I picked up a metal chair and threw it at him. I hit my bass instead. It has a chip in the paint. This is a great bass for playing live and standing up to the brutalizations of a young person.

Customer Support : No Opinion
????

Overall Rating : 7
I have been playing for 17 years now and also own a G&L ASAT Z3 and a Martin DCME. If you have the oppportunity to pick up a BB300 for anything less then $300, grab it. Well worth the money.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $300
Submitted 10/07/2001 at 01:12pm by Anonymous

Features : 7
1988 model bought new. P-style pickups (changed them to EMG active and added a J at the bridge), alder body, rosewood fretboard on maple neck. Yamaha tuners (very adjustable).

I pulled the frets out after about a year and played like that for a while, put them back in, and then pulled them out just before a recording session. THought the bandmates would kill me, but it worked out fine. Year after that coated the fretboard with West-System epoxy to minimize wear from the roundwounds

Sound : 7
Sound was OK but became great with the EMG's. Ran it through a Yamaha preamp/QSC power amp into a monster GK cabinet from the 70's (cabinet had 4 rear-firing 12's with a folded horn enclosure, 2 10's out the front...biamped, was INCREDIBLY loud and clear. Used a RAT R2DU distortion unit.) Was always very happy with the sound.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 7
Fit and finish are fine, not cream of the crop but no complaints. The adjustability is tremendous. The tuners are great- very adjustable and easy to use. Truss rod is accessible with the Yamaha wrench and adjusts easily and predicatably. Bridge is very basic, always wanted to change it but never did.

Reliability/Durability : 8
Bass was used for years of live playing and rough use. Never had a case, dropped numerous times, never had a problem. Stipped the red bass-boat sparkle finish off and got down to a strange clearcoat that was untouchable by very caustic solvents. Original strap buttons! Never brought a backup on any gig and never needed one. Broke a tuner off at one gig but ws still able to tune with pliers. Love this bass.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Never called.

Overall Rating : 8
Chose this bass because a friend had an early 80's BB-300. His was a little nicer, finish was better, neck had a better feel. If is was stolen, I think I would get a different bass, not because I'm unhappy with it but because there are a lot of other cool basses out there to try.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: $175 (Canadian) used
Submitted 09/30/2001 at 07:24am by Anonymous

Features : 7
Not sure of the year. Early eighties? Made in Taiwan. Basic P style configuration. See other reviews. Not sure of the body wood but it appears to be some type of hardwood. It's a LEFTY!! We southpaws don't often catch a break (we pay a premium on new guitars, always from a very limited model selection) so I was thrilled to "steal" this one for $175 Canadian (about $112. US). However, I'm very impressed with this guitar. I would have paid a lot more and would certainly choose it over most every budget or mid-level model on the market today.

Sound : 7
Pretty good output from stock PU's especially for a low cost bass. A little muddy But I think this is due in part to the (older) strings when I purchased. If new strings don't make the difference, I'll probably upgrade the pickups for a broader tonal range and a little more snap on the high end. I play with rockers and folkies using 400w, 50w and 10w amps and I know this will be versatile enough for both.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
Very impressive great action and intonation. Not a big fan of most Fender style necks having played many and owned a 60's Tele bass but this neck feels great. Nice radius wide but not to flat. My old playing partner and good buddy is the guitar tech in the store where I purchased. I had him give it the once over. He checked everything: PU's, neck body etc. and recommended I purchase it immediately before someone else walked off with it.

Reliability/Durability : 10
The usual condition for a used instruments. But the finish looks like it has retained it's original appearance. No loose hardware. Broken ground on the bridge easily fixed. VERY SOLID construction!

Customer Support : No Opinion
Guitar is not listed on the Yamaha website, even though they do have information on a number of older models.

Overall Rating : 10
This thing is built like a brick sh*thouse. Solid as a rock, not like the current crap coming from most of the big mfgs on entry level products. I've seen my kid's friends with the Squire basses that literally fall to pieces within 6 months. I've been playing for 40 years and have owned many guitars and basses. If you're a beginner, on a budget or want an instrument that will deliver real value in the long run, I really recommend you shop around for gems like this. They are out there - even for Lefites!


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $300.00
Submitted 09/14/2000 at 12:00am by Eric Haven
Email: erich<at>digitalpersona dot com

Features : No Opinion
My first BB300 was made in '82 or '83. It was a Japanese bass, and was brand-new and completely stock when I bought it. Alder body, maple neck with ebony(?) fretboard, body painted gloss black. It had a Precision-style pick-up that was passive, and was fitted with a standard knock-off Fender-type bridge. The tuning keys were cool in that you could loosen or tighten them using a special tool that Yamaha provided. It came with a padded gig bag.

Sound : No Opinion
The sound was good out of the box, but I quickly began to customize the bass to my own needs. I was told that the weak point on these instruments was the pick-ups, so I put in a DiMarzio Humbucking Jazz Stack where the stock Precision pick-up was. I accomplished this by taking the DiMarzio out of the Jazz case, and splitting the coils, one coil under each of the stock pick-up cases. Later on, I routed a spot in the neck position for a Jackson Humbucker, and wired the bass in stereo ala Billy Sheehan. This worked really well, and I would use this type of set-up driving two amplifiers.

Action, Fit, & Finish : No Opinion
The action was great to begin with, but in my continuing quest to alter the axe, I fitted it with a Kahler tremolo. The bass seemed to be really suited for a tremolo as it worked perfectly for years until the bass literally started to fall apart in my hands after many years and many gigs. It retained great action, and was very comfortable to play. The finish was really durable, but I ended up repainting it a few times just for a change.

Reliability/Durability : No Opinion
I can tell anyone, from personal experience, that this is a VERY roadworthy axe. While it's true that I customized the heck out of the poor thing, I had to have a good solid foundation to start with, otherwise the bass would have died a lot sooner than it did. And even when it did give up the ghost, I turned around, and purchased another BB300, and did the same exact things to it. Same performance, same durability. This was proving to be a consistant product.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I never really had to call Yamaha for any reason, since I do most of my own work (for better or worse!).

Overall Rating : No Opinion
Sadly, my second BB300 was stolen from me about three years ago, and I have NEVER found an equal replacement. Yamaha doesn't even make the original BB300 anymore, and this just kills me. Both of my BB300's were incredible axes, and I am always trying to find one to replace my stolen bass. If I could find this model again, I would buy it in a heartbeat! I literally knew every square inch of the bass, and it took the abuse I dished out and ALWAYS came back for more. The day it was stolen, I literally cried because I felt like a piece of me had been taken. I loved my BB300 that much (and I don't really give a **** if that sounds weird!). I have been performing, recording, and touring for almost twenty years, and I had my Yamaha(s) for 16 of those years.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $300
Submitted 08/26/2000 at 06:55pm by Anonymous

Features : 7
Made in '83 in Taiwan. 21 heavy wire frets. Full scale 4 string. 2 knob-1 tone, 1 volume. Standard split P config. I assume the PU is Yamaha, plastic boxes with round flat pegs exposed. Swampash body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard. Heavy black high gloss finish, neck is natural maple finish. Standard "Fender Bass" body and head. L-plate bridge with 4 adjustable string saddles. I assume tuners are Yamaha, open backed worm gear type, huge heart shaped thumb tips. Very thin neck. Came with gig bag when bought new nearly 17 years ago.

Sound : 5
Typical thump-thump type bass. Nothing fancy. Very clean, very clear from the bottom of the knob to the top. Rather weak through the Crate B10 I bought with it at the time. Improved when flatwounds were replaced with rounds some years later. Through an Ampeg R50 it livened up a lot. It can growl in the background, and it can hold it's own. Definately not a bass to show off with, but a consummate workhorse on the bar-band type of road. Sound depends a lot on the amp, with that Ampeg she can get grumpy, a lesser amp...she's a wimp. Good bass for cheap gigging, can do it's job, no real loss if she dies in a bar fight. Studio work? Forget it.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 8
Laid out well from the start. Action a little high. Dropped at the saddles and loosened up, turned smooth as a baby's butt. Plays very well for a cheap bass. No rattles no dead spots, Fit was excellent for a cheap bass. I've seen a lot of the Fenders which it is a copy of and very few of them were better. All of them were far more expensive. Tuners have tarnished a bit over the years. Only trouble with rust has been the exposed metal parts of the PU. Body is dinged and battered a little, still haven't seen any wood grain through that thick finish though. Looks real good for a piece that's nearly 20 years old and has been played from day one.

Reliability/Durability : 10
This beast will survive anything. Like all "Fender" type early basses it's indestructable. It weighs a ton and handles like a telephone pole. But if it falls off the truck on the way to a gig, stop and pick it up, it ain't hurt any. Nothing has worn out any over 17 years, it just looks a little older. Truss rod has never been touched, never been a problem with it so far. Throw it behind the truck seat and forget about it...it's the only one you'll ever need as long as you don't get good enough to try something fancy.

Customer Support : No Opinion
I think it had a 1 year warranty...been so long ago I can't remember. Never had a problem with it so I can't say anything about service.

Overall Rating : 7
Been playing some twenty years. Started as an accoustic rhythm player, went to electric bass, then to electric 6 string rhythm. My current darling is a 360 Rickenbacker. Also fond of my Seagull 12 banger dreadnought. Started on a Fender Gemini. I've accumulated several cheapies and odds and ends over the years, not worth naming. Several Crate amps, big ol' nasty Ampeg R50...it keeps the neighbors awake...and a Laney twinhead HC50. All bought new. Have a phobia about buying used equipment. Bought a used Fender Frontman 25 only because I wanted an amp to throw in the truck for gatherings and picnics. If I lost this bass I would replace it with something much better. I didn't know much about basses 17 years ago. Now I do. As far as cheap basses go, this is a good one. It needs a good amp to do it's best, and its best is only adequate. Ideal for a beginner or an amateur gigster. Again...nothing fancy. Only thing it ever did that aggravated me was the jack socket kept unscrewing itself like clockwork. But I've had it so long now I find that little quirk rather endearing. What do you want for $300 brand new?


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $200 used
Submitted 07/08/2000 at 03:02pm by Anonymous

Features : 7
The BB300 is an awsome bass. I just started though too, but it is really awsome. I bought it used, the only problem is on of the tunners dosen't work right, but that can be fixed.The neck is maple.It came with extra strings, a case, a stap, and some picks.

Sound : 9
It works really well in my punk band. You nedd a powerfull amp to use with it, but that is good because it also projects better. If you turn it up past like 8, it becomes loud and scratchy. It has a rich sound. I don't like how it hangs with a long strap, but i have gotten used to it.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 7
It was set up okay at the factory, but the person who owned before fixed it up. The pickups are very adjustable. Every thing was mounted right when he got it.

Reliability/Durability : 8
I use the guitar for every thing, from praise and worship to my punk band. The hardware has lasted a extremly long time and lots of playing. The buttons used to be lose, but i fixed em'. It has been very dependable. I woldn't use it without a back up version, but that is the same way with every thing in the band, we are always prepared.

Customer Support : 8
I had to fix the the tunnners, but it was simple cuz i had a years warrenty. It was like a year at buddy rogers where my friend sold it to and then i got it.

Overall Rating : 8


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $270.00 used
Submitted 03/20/1999 at 06:16pm by Michael Tribble

Features : 6
This is an update to my erlier review. Japanessee made bass. Has twenty-one fretts on a maple neck. One volume knob and one tone knob. Jet black finish on alder body. I got it with a black hardshell case.

Sound : 10
Sounds great when played through a powerfull enough amp. It is a good bass for playing rock, pop, and blues styles. Sounds great with or without efects petals. It has a rich and full sound, like I said when played through the right amp. You can play a wide variety on a bass like the one I have.

Reliability/Durability : 8
I can relly on this bass for many years to come. The hardware is in almost perfect condition. The tuning keys are a little dirty but like I said, I bought this bass used. The strap buttons have came a little loose every once and a while. If I ever got a gig I would have a backup bass just to have incase something went wrong.

Overall Rating : 7


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $287 used
Submitted 03/07/1999 at 02:52pm by Anonymous

Features : 6
Japanese made 4 string bass. Has double pickups with one volume knob and one tone knob. Maple neck with 21 fretts. Jet black finish. Comes with black hardshell case.

Sound : 8
Good sound. Pickups aren't that strong. Gets the best sound when used with a preamp. Gets good sound when used with stainless steel round wound strings.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 5
When I bought it the sound was pretty good. There were some scratches on the back and the sides.

Reliability/Durability : 8
It is a good bass. It would stand up to a live performance. The finish seems it will last for a long time. The strap buttons come loose sometimes, but if put on tight enough they will hold up. I can depend on this instrument for years to come.

Customer Support : 9
I used to look around for new pickups, but I couldn't really find any that would fit. The people were very helpful but none of the pickups would fit.

Overall Rating : 6
I've been playing this instrument for 8 months and 7 days. I wished I would have asked to hear how it sounds before I bought it. If it were stolen I would just get another bass.


Product: Yamaha BB300
Price Paid: US $135.oo used
Submitted 03/07/1999 at 02:22pm by Anonymous
Email: martyh27<at>aol dot com

Features : 7
Solid body bass, split single coil (ala P bass)double pole per string. Volume and tone controls passive. Maple neck rosewood fingerboard w/21 frets. Body has the weight of basswood or poplar, solid color so it's hard to tell. I assume the tuners are factory, they rattled quite a bit at the joints when I got it but a few turns of dental floss in the joint fixed that. The bridge is your basic piece-o-cheese adjustable, works fine just not very attractive.

Sound : 9
I play mostly blues and old R&R (Beatles, Cream, British, R&B, hey I'm old )Sounds good no matter what I play. Good deep bass and snappy trebs if you want them. Using an old Quantum 25W practice amp 12" w/ a 10" ext cab. Sounds like a bass should.

Action, Fit, & Finish : 9
As I said I bought it used, sight unseen. I was a bit worried about what would arrive. Whoever had it before took good care and fit and finish are fine save a few buckle scratchs and the inevitable ding hear and there. Looks like Yamaha builds a decent instrument.The neck is fantastic, smooth and fast. Intonation is about perfect.

Reliability/Durability : 10
Used it held up fine for at least one other and I expect it will do the same for me. Well built!

Customer Support : No Opinion
N/A

Overall Rating : 8
Been playing for the better part of 35 years. Stopped for a long time and bought this because I missed it. For the price I paid I would by another in a heartbeat. I don't gig anymore but I wouldn't have any second thoughts about using this bass with no backup if I did. I've owned just alot of other bass's 66 Hofner Beatle bass (what a piece of crap) 62 Epiphone (would be an EB-0 now I think my fav guitar I ever owned). P bass , Gibson , Rick. The Yamamha is as good as any of them except the Epi, that was sweet.

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