Yamaha
Yamaha BB235 5-String Electric Bass Guitar
Five-string BB range with an alder body and Custom V3 pickups
- Five-string bass with a low B string on a full 34" (863.6 mm) scale
- Alder body with the latest, lighter BB contours and a bolt-on maple neck
- Custom V3 ceramic pickups with two volume controls and a master tone
- 43.0 mm nut, 18 mm string spacing and a flatter 600 mm fingerboard radius
- Offered at YMS in Raspberry Red, Yellow Natural Satin, Vintage White and Black
Taxes included.
Yamaha BB235 5-String Electric Bass Guitar
The Yamaha BB235 is the five-string version of the BB234 from Yamaha's BB Series. It combines an alder body, a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, a 34" long scale and Custom V3 ceramic pickups, adding a low B string for extra range.
As part of the BB200 Series, which Yamaha positions as the introduction to the BB range, the BB235 is a practical choice for players moving up to five strings. Simple controls, a slimmer neck and lightweight tuners keep it comfortable for practice, rehearsals and gigs.
Key Features
Five Strings on a Full 34" Scale
The BB235 adds a low B string to the classic BB design while keeping a 34" (863.6 mm) long scale. The 43.0 mm nut and 18 mm string spacing keep the extra string manageable for players moving up from a four-string. Yamaha specifies a .045–.130 string gauge.
Solid Alder Body on the BB235
The alder body uses the latest BB design, which Yamaha refined with subtle contour changes and reduced body weight for better playability and comfort. It keeps the classic BB silhouette and headstock shape that the series has been known for over its 40-year history.
Custom V3 Ceramic Pickups
A VSP3n split single-coil neck pickup and a VSC3b single-coil bridge pickup, both with ceramic magnets, give the BB235 a clean, well-defined sound. Yamaha uses standard-sized pickups in the latest BB basses, so future customisation or replacement is easier.
Simple Two-Volume, One-Tone Controls
Each pickup has its own volume control, joined by a master tone. Blend the pickups to shape your sound and roll the tone back for a warmer voice. The layout is the same as the four-string BB234, so it is quick to learn.
Slimmer Maple Neck for the BB235 5-String Bass
The bolt-on maple neck has a satin polyurethane finish and a rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium frets and a urea nut. Yamaha made the latest BB necks slightly thinner than before, measuring 20.5 mm at the 1st fret and 22.5 mm at the 12th on the BB235. The flatter 600 mm (23 5/8") fingerboard radius suits the wider five-string neck.
Lightweight Open-Gear Tuners
Lightweight open-gear tuners reduce weight at the headstock. Yamaha says they improve balance and suit the smaller, lighter body of the latest BB. A vintage-style bridge anchors the strings at the other end.
Four Finishes for the Yamaha BB235 Bass
YMS offers the BB235 in Raspberry Red, Yellow Natural Satin, Vintage White and Black. Yellow Natural Satin has a satin polyurethane finish, while the other three are gloss polyurethane. Vintage White and Yellow Natural Satin have a 1-ply black pickguard, and Black and Raspberry Red a 1-ply white pickguard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the BB235 different from the BB234?
The BB235 is the five-string version of the BB234. It has a wider 43.0 mm nut, 18 mm string spacing (19 mm on the BB234), a flatter 600 mm fingerboard radius (250 mm on the BB234) and a .045–.130 string gauge. Body, neck wood, pickups and controls are otherwise the same.
Should I choose the BB235 or the BB435?
Both are five-string BB basses with an alder body, 34" scale, 43.0 mm nut, 18 mm spacing and a 600 mm radius. The BB435 adds a 6-bolt miter neck joint, a 5-piece maple and mahogany neck, Custom V5 Alnico V pickups, a Graphtech nut and the Vintage Plus Light bridge with convertible stringing. The BB235 is the simpler entry point to five-string BB playing.
Is the BB235 a good first five-string bass?
Yes. The BB200 Series is Yamaha's introduction to the BB range, and the BB235 brings that approach to five strings. Its 18 mm string spacing, slimmer neck and simple controls make the move from four strings easier.
Can I change the pickups later?
Yamaha says the latest BB basses use standard-sized pickups for the first time in the series, making customisation or replacement more convenient.
What comes with the BB235?
Yamaha's specification sheet does not list a case or gig bag for the BB235, so you may want to add one for transport and storage. Yamaha specifies a .045–.130 five-string gauge.
Why Buy from YMS?
- Authorised Yamaha Premium Retailer
- Genuine stock with full manufacturer warranty
- Demo units at our Bengaluru and Mangaluru stores
- Secure delivery across India
- Free domestic shipping on all orders
Specifications
Overview
| Model | BB235 |
|---|---|
| Series | BB Series |
| Type | 5-string electric bass guitar |
| Construction | Bolt-on |
| Scale Length | 34" (863.6 mm) |
| Colours (this listing) | Raspberry Red, Yellow Natural Satin, Vintage White, Black |
Body
| Body | Alder |
|---|---|
| Body Finish | Vintage White, Black, Raspberry Red: Gloss Polyurethane; Yellow Natural Satin: Satin Polyurethane |
Neck & Fingerboard
| Neck | Maple |
|---|---|
| Neck Finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 23 5/8" (600 mm) |
| Frets | 21, medium |
| Nut | Urea |
| Width at Nut / 12th Fret | 43.0 / 63.9 mm |
| Thickness at 1st / 12th Fret | 20.5 / 22.5 mm |
Electronics
| Neck Pickup | VSP3n: Split Single Coil / Ceramic |
|---|---|
| Bridge Pickup | VSC3b: Single Coil / Ceramic |
| Controls | Neck Pickup Volume, Bridge Pickup Volume, Master Tone |
Hardware
| Bridge | Vintage Style |
|---|---|
| String Spacing | 18 mm |
| Tuners | Lightweight Open Gear |
| Pickguard | Vintage White, Yellow Natural Satin: 1-ply Black; Black, Raspberry Red: 1-ply White |
Strings & Accessories
| Strings | Gauge .045–.130 |
|---|---|
| Case | Not listed by Yamaha |
Specifications from Yamaha India's BB Series specifications and lineup pages; subject to change by Yamaha.
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