If you’re wondering whether Yamaha BB434M is a good bass guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that mid-level bass guitars. It’s a really popular model, but is it actually that good?
The answer is YES! Yamaha BB434M offers a fantastic value for the money. It has everything you need from a mid-range bass guitar – the looks, the sound and the feel. Surely, it will be a fantastic bass guitar for both amateur and professional players.
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the Yamaha BB434M bass so good and so popular all around the world. Firstly, we’ll start with a quick overview of the specifications of that model. Additionally, we’ll investigate its biggest pros and cons. Of course, there will also be a few sound demos included as well!
Specs & Pricing
Yamaha BB434M is an affordable 4-string bass guitar designed for the most demanding bassists out there. Considering how versatile it is, it’s not surprising that it’s so popular among the bass players!
The guitar features an alder body, a comfortable 5-piece maple & mahogany neck with an easy-playing maple fretboard. This is a huge advantage of that model, because it allows you to practice smoothly for several hours without getting tired. It’s all because of the thin neck profile!
What’s important, Yamaha decided to equip that model with two really good pickups:
- VSP5n Alnico V Split Single-coil (Neck)
- VSC5b Alnico V Single-coil (Bridge)
Both of these pickups offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone, so it doesn’t really matter what kind of music you want to play. There’s an extremely high chance that you’ll be able to find your favorite tone with that axe!
It is also worth mentioning that Yamaha BB434M looks fantastic from the outside as well. It’s made with a thorough precision and attention to detail, so it’s definitely a big plus. Also, it’s available in three color versions: Black, Tobacco Brown Sunburst and Teal Blue. Of course, all of them look equally amazing!
When it comes to pricing, this is not a cheap bass, but it’s not overly expensive either. In my opinion, it’s not overpriced at all. I’m positive that it’s worth every cent! That’s why I have no hesitation in recommending it to all bassists who are searching for an affordable a high quality bass guitar.
Here’s the demo – feel free to check it out below.
Pros & Cons
Just like any other bass guitar available on the market, Yamaha BB434M has its own advantages and disadvantages. That’s totally normal! However, it seems pretty clear that this particular model has far more pros rather than cons.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- High Versatility
- Great Tone
- Comfortable Feel
- Ready To Play Out Of The Box
Cons
- No Gig Bag Included
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be considered as major advantages of the BB434M model. It looks, sounds and feels absolutely fantastic. On top of that, it’s not that expensive and it comes with a perfect setup, so it’s ready to use straight after unboxing. Who needs anything else?
On the other hand, the BB434M model usually comes without an included gig bag. This is not a huge issue, but it would be awesome if it would be included. It would save you a lot of time, because finding the right case for a bass guitar isn’t that easy. Especially if you’re just a beginner!
Nevertheless, I’m positive that the advantages of Yamaha B434M bass outweigh its disadvantages. There’s just not too much to complain about. It exceeds all the expectations!
Who Is It For?
Yamaha BB434M bass can be used by bassists of all levels. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced bass player with years of experience – you will definitely notice and appreciate the high quality of that affordable model.
This bass can be efficiently used for home practice, band rehearsals, live performances and studio sessions. It’s extremely versatile!
Additionally, thank to the pair of really good single-coil pickups, the BB434M model gives you access to a really wide range of bass tones. Whether you’re looking for a lot of punch or a regular and balanced bass tones, this axe won’t disappoint you.
It is also worth mentioning that this bass looks and sounds like a much more expensive guitar, so it’s perfect for all bassists who are looking for the best value for the money.
Overall, I’m sure that the vast majority of bass players will really enjoy playing on that 4-string bass. It’s really easy to fall in love with it! That’s why I believe that it’s one of the best mid-level bass guitars that you can potentially find on the market right now.
Here’s an another demo.
My Experience With Yamaha Bass Guitars
I had the pleasure to test out quite a few of Yamaha basses in the past and I was always impressed by their overall quality. The bass guitars by this brand not only sound great, but they also feel great. And I believe that it’s even more important!
I have no hesitation in recommending the Yamaha BB434M to all bass players who are searching for versatile and great sounding 4-string basses available at relatively low prices. This model exceeds all the expectations – that’s for sure!
Any Alternatives?
If you’re not satisfied with the overall quality of Yamaha BB434M, that’s not a big deal! There’s still quite a lot of other fantastic bass guitars available at this price level. Of course, it all depends on what exactly you’re searching for and how much are you willing to spend.
Still, here’s a few more bass recommendations based on my own experience.
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out the Squier Paranormal Jazz Bass ’54. This is a really underrated bass – not many people are aware of how good it actually is. In my opinion, it’s one of the best mid-range basses that you can possibly find on the market right now. It has everything that you need and it sounds awesome!
Alternatively, if you’re searching for a great sounding, inexpensive and reliable bass guitar suitable for rock and metal, check out the famous Dean Metalman Bass. This particular model has a really aggressive look, but it’s actually a really versatile guitar. I’m sure that you’ll be able to play some jazz and blues on that bass too!
Additionally, I highly encourage you to check out my article about the 5 Best Bass Guitars For Grunge & Punk. There’s a really high chance that your next dream guitar is somewhere on that list. Of course, all of these give guitars are definitely worth the money!
FAQ
What is the scale length of Yamaha BB434M?
Yamaha BB434M has a regular scale length – 34″.
Is the BB434M bass good for beginners?
Yes, this model is a fantastic choice for all beginners out there! It will work perfectly fine as your first bass guitar.
Where can I find out more about Yamaha bass guitars?
If you want to learn more about Yamaha guitars, you should definitely check out the official website of Yamaha.
Summary
As you can see, Yamaha BB434M is a truly fantastic mid-level bass guitar. I have no hesitation in recommending this model to all bass players who are searching for a great sounding and reliable 4-string bass suitable for practice, band rehearsals and live performances.
What do you think of that model? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think about it, I’m really interested to hear what you think!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more bass recommendations, you may also like:
- Yamaha TRBX305 5-String Bass – Is It Worth It? [REVIEW]
- Schecter Stiletto Studio 5 Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
- Ibanez GSRM25 Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
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Bass Punch is curated by a group of passionate guitarists and bassists, offering a wealth of informational content. This collective of experts shares their insights, techniques, and knowledge with readers, aiming to educate and inspire enthusiasts across all levels of proficiency. The blog serves as a hub for those seeking to deepen their understanding of bass and guitar, providing valuable resources and guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.