Yamaha BB435 5-String Electric Bass Guitar

Classic BB Authority. Modern Five-String Range. Built for the Working Bassist.

The Yamaha BB435 is a passive five-string electric bass for players who want a dependable low B, muscular fundamental and clear note definition without unnecessary complexity. Its solid alder body delivers focused lows and present mids, while the 34-inch scale and 18 mm string spacing retain a familiar, confident playing feel across all five strings.

This is where the BB range becomes seriously performance-oriented: a six-bolt mitre neck joint couples the body and neck securely, a five-piece maple/mahogany neck improves stability, and custom Alnico V PJ pickups cover deep vintage warmth through articulate bridge-pickup bite. The convertible Vintage Plus Light bridge supports either traditional top-loading or 45-degree through-body stringing, letting the player choose the response that suits the session.

A usable low B—not merely an extra string

The fifth string extends the instrument below low E for modern arrangements, lower song keys and position-efficient playing. Yamaha's 34-inch scale, rigid neck construction and secure neck joint work together to keep low-register notes defined rather than indistinct.

Solid alder body for balanced punch and mix-ready mids

Alder is a proven bass tonewood because it balances a firm low end with present midrange and controlled highs. The BB435 sits confidently beneath a band while retaining enough definition for fills, melodic lines and detailed fingerstyle work.

Six-bolt mitre neck joint improves structural coupling

Two angled bolts supplement the four conventional neck bolts, pulling the neck firmly toward the body as well as into the pocket. This secure mechanical connection supports stability, efficient vibration transfer and the solid attack associated with the modern BB design.

Five-piece maple/mahogany neck built for stability

Alternating maple and mahogany laminates create a rigid neck that resists movement under five-string tension. A satin finish keeps the rear of the neck smooth, while the rosewood fingerboard and broad 600 mm radius support clean fretting across the extended range.

Custom Alnico V PJ pickups cover warmth, punch and definition

The VSP5n split-coil neck pickup supplies broad lows and authoritative midrange; the VSC5b bridge single-coil adds focus and articulation. Independent pickup volumes and a master tone control make blending intuitive, and the fully passive circuit requires no battery.

Convertible bridge offers two stringing responses

The Vintage Plus Light bridge accepts standard top-loading for a familiar, slightly more compliant feel, or 45-degree through-body stringing for increased downforce and a firmer response. Steel saddles provide a clear attack and durable adjustment platform.

Player-focused hardware and balanced ergonomics

Lightweight open-gear tuners reduce unnecessary mass at the headstock, while 18 mm bridge spacing gives the picking hand useful room without making the five-string neck feel excessively wide. The result is a substantial instrument that remains practical for long rehearsals and sets.

Q. Who is the Yamaha BB435 best suited to?

It suits intermediate and professional players seeking a reliable passive five-string for rehearsals, recording and live work. Its broad PJ voice makes it particularly useful for musicians who cover several genres with one instrument.

Q. Is the BB435 active or passive?

It is fully passive. The controls are neck-pickup volume, bridge-pickup volume and master tone, so no battery is required.

Q. What tuning and strings does it use?

The standard five-string tuning is B–E–A–D–G. Yamaha specifies a D'Addario EXL170-5 set with .045–.130 gauges.

Q. How does the BB435 differ from the BB434?

The BB435 is the five-string version of the four-string BB434. It adds a low-B string, uses a wider 43 mm nut, 18 mm string spacing and a flatter 600 mm fingerboard radius while retaining the alder body, six-bolt joint, five-piece neck, Alnico V pickups and convertible bridge.

Q. How does it compare with the BB235?

The BB435 is the more performance-focused instrument. It upgrades to a six-bolt mitre neck joint, five-piece maple/mahogany neck, Alnico V pickups, Graph Tech nut, lightweight tuners and the convertible Vintage Plus Light bridge.

Q. What does convertible stringing mean?

Strings can be mounted through the rear of the bridge or passed through the body at a 45-degree angle. Top-loading generally feels slightly more compliant; through-body stringing increases downforce and can feel firmer under the hand.

Q. Is the string spacing suitable for slap and fingerstyle?

The 18 mm bridge spacing balances five-string reach with practical room for alternating fingers and slap technique. Players moving from a four-string should find it more familiar than many tightly spaced five-string designs.

Q. Is a case or gig bag included?

Yamaha does not list a case with the BB435. YMS can help select a suitable five-string bass gig bag or hard case.

Q. Which finishes are available?

This listing offers Teal Blue, Black and Tobacco Brown Sunburst, subject to current stock.

Why Buy Your Bass from YMS?

• ✓ Authorised Yamaha Premium Retailer: Buy a genuine Yamaha instrument with official manufacturer warranty support.
• ✓ Bassist-focused guidance: Get help choosing between four and five strings, passive and active electronics, string spacing and suitable amplification.
• ✓ Setup and accessory support: Ask us about action, intonation, string choices, straps, stands, bags, cases, cables, tuners and bass amplifiers.
• ✓ Pan-India delivery: Order from anywhere in India, subject to serviceability for your location.
• ✓ Physical-store support: YMS teams in Bengaluru and Mangaluru are available for product enquiries and after-sales guidance.