For many decades, the Yamaha BBNE2BL model has stood the test of time, designed by Yamaha and produced by renowned bassist Eric Clapton. For over thirty years the Yamaha BB model has defined the benchmark for high-quality bass guitar equipment, constantly producing a quality product that’s unsurpassed in tone and sound, comfortable to play, and well-suited to all acoustic playing conditions. Today’s version of this model continues that legacy with a refined alder body top, premium solid maple neck, and dual locking neck action for optimal durability.
Like many a good bass player, Eric Clapton once headed up a team which worked on the development of the Yamaha BB NE model, adding his own touch of innovation as he was always a keen advocate for new technologies. After leaving the group, Clapton took his innovative bass designs to another level with the Yamaha BBNE2BL, using Yamaha’s patented Solid Block Dot Reflex (SBR) system to further refine the sounds of his famous bass solos. From his early experiences with the original Solid Block Dot Reflex system, which he developed while with Philips Records, Clapton knew that it was capable of providing him with exceptional clarity and accuracy, but he also knew that the limitations of beryllium glass would affect his playing and wanted a more flexible system, so he opted for the Solid Block Dot Reflex instead of the more traditional versions.
The first BB model to use the Solid Block Dot Reflex (SBR), which is a semi-translucent, translucent laminated window, was the Yamaha BBNE2BL, which was followed by the Yamaha BBNE2SB and the Yamaha BBNE2V. All three variants utilised the same types of solid wood panels that were customised for each model, with the exception of the model with the Solid Block Dot Reflex. In addition to the translucent wood paneling, each model in the series used silver-tipped customised sockets that incorporated the Yamaha logo. A quarter of a million units were produced for the original BB model, including both the original solid wood and transparent version.
This Yamaha BB-Neon signature model uses the same semi-translucent paneling used in its predecessors and incorporates the same metallic inspired sockets utilised in the other models. It is fitted with nickel knobs for each channel as well as a volume control and tone control. In addition, the distinctive round head stock has been retained and is textured for maximum wear and tear. The days left to go are indeed long gone when the Yamaha BB-Neon 5-strings bass guitar still commands respect wherever it goes.
There are some guitar collectors who prefer not to use standard guitar bodies when building their own instruments. For them, a Yamaha BB-Neon represents the perfect choice. As the name implies, the Yamaha BB-Neon is designed especially for the novice guitarist and is a great tool for them to use at their initial stages in their musical careers. Those who have already acquired a Yamaha instrument from another source would also find the Yamaha BB-Neon useful as it is quite easily portable and light in weight. These guitars also accommodate the usual range of accessories that come with most electric guitars and are easy to mount on the floor or in the case of the special “J” mounts, they can be mounted on the top of the table.
It is interesting to note that a Yamaha BB-Neon is not an acoustic bass guitar, as some people mistakenly think it to be. This is due to the fact that it utilizes a “distortion device” called the “analogue distortion unit,” which is housed within the body of the instrument. The “analogue distortion unit” enables the Yamaha BB-Neon to produce the kind of sound that is characteristic of a stringed instrument – yet surprisingly, this type of sound has not always been easy to obtain. Up until recently, it was almost impossible to construct a bass guitar that was able to reproduce the sounds of the strings. However, thanks to the work of Yamaha’s engineers, this problem has now been solved.