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Here's a really unique bass.

This is a Yamaha BB5000II from 1990 and it is one of the first 5 string basses available commercially from a huge brand such as Yamaha.

This is the third version of the BB5000.

The first one from the early 80's was basically a BB3000 (neck thru construction, 24 frets) with an added string, hence the tight string spacing (43mm nut, 15mm string spacing at the bridge). It had Alnico V pickups and passive electronics

The second version dates from the late 80's and it kept the same dimensions but included Yamaha's own active pickups and active 2 band EQ as this was the trend back in the day (EMG were installed on lots of basses then so Yamaha created similar parts).

The third version kept the electronics from the second but included a much wider neck (47mm nut and 18mm spacing at the bridge) for those players who were not comfortable enough with a narrow neck.

Pickups are Yamaha's own active units and they are the same as those found in the first series of the TRBP series basses. You get that 90's Patitucci tone but in a more traditional looking bass. So cool. The EQ is wide enough to cover a lot of ground. Just add a touch of bass boost and you get a very clean and precise sound but also with plenty of bottom end. We really dig the "Yamaha sound"

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 the early 90's

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. The only remarkable issue is a little crack at the headstock (we can send additional pictures on request) but our luthier has checked out and there's nothing to worry about.

Tuners have been replaced by lighter weight Sandberg units and these are really precise and also make the bass less neck heavy. Actually this bass has no neck diving issues at all and it just balances beautifully on your tap without a strap. Amazing.

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