Killer BB's: New Yamaha Basses Offer The Ultimate Low End Thump

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When Yamaha introduced the BB bass line in 1977, the company brought high-end quality to production model bass guitars that attracted the attention of Paul McCartney, session great Abraham Laboriel, Michael Anthony of Van Halen, Nathan East, Tony Kanal of No Doubt, Bill Wyman and Billy Sheehan. Now, with the release of two new "Broad Bass" models, the BB2024X four-string and the BB2025X five-string at Winter NAMM 2010, the company is creating a new standard for high-end, passive bolt-on neck basses. "These basses are the quintessential ultra high-end player's instrument," said Dennis Webster, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars. "Although they are designed for rock, blues and country, when placed in the right hands, they are quite capable of handling a wide variety of music." Constructed of a three-piece Alder body with Spline Joint and miter stringing designs, the new BB's feature a five-piece maple and Mahogany bolt-on neck, mother of pearl fret markers, Rosewood fingerboard and a vintage plus bridge with brass saddle. Technologies new to the 21st Century include Yamaha's proprietary Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (A.R.E.) Treatment, a wood refining and maturing process that gives new instruments a mature vintage tone, and Initial Resonance Acceleration (I.R.A.) Technology, which reduces stress accumulation by adhesives and paint, in turn stimulating body vibration and resonance. "This series is the first time in almost two decades that we have offered this kind of quality and handcraftsmanship in the classic BB2000 body style," said Armando Vega, product manager, Yamaha Guitars. "From a design standpoint, we used all the current technologies regardless of market trends, and set out to make the ultimate bass." The BB2024X (MSRP: $4,459.99) and BB2025X (MSRP: $4,509.99) will be available in Black, Vintage Sunburst and Vintage White high-gloss finishes.