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Here's a really unique bass.

This is a Yamaha BB5000 from 1987 and it is one of the first 5 string basses available commercially from a huge brand such as Yamaha.

It's based on a BB3000 bass (neck thru construction, 24 frets) and it is basically the same bass with an added string, hence the tight string spacing.

Pickups are Yamaha's own and they are really powerful Alnico V units. The output level is great and the sound of the split pickup is simply amazing. Maybe the best P Bass sound we've ever heard on a 5 string bass. The bridge pickup is tight sounding but never harsh. And the combination of both pickups creates a rather modern scooped type of sound. There's an added switch for Out of Phase operation when using both pickups.

Even though the neck is quite narrow, it's easy to adapt. Even slapping is possible and it sounds awesome (really Old School).

The low B is incredibly good. Makes you think why so many 5's in later years came with a poor low B when they knew how to make it right back in 1987.

Being an almost 40 year old bass, condition is quite good. Of course this is a used bass so there are some dings here and there but nothing to write home about. We can send additional pictures on request.

To sum up, a great sounding and looking bass that plays great and is a little piece of history.