Yamaha BB414 Vs Ibanez RD500

[Machines]

I'm looking to get a fretted 4 string in the next few months, and want to do some homework and get some opinions in advance.

I've shortlisted 2. They are both in my budget (sub £300) but are significantly different.

Yamaha BB414
Body: Alder
Neck: Bolt On Maple & Rosewood Fingerboard
Pickups: P / J (Passive Electronics)
Controls: Master Volume / Master Tone / Pickup Selector

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/4096/bb414wr5yd.jpg

From Yamaha:
Yamaha’s fame in the world of electric bass began with the BB Series. We once again are proud to introduce a new line of BB basses rich in the heritage that started it all.

Ibanez RD500

Body: Basswod with Quilted Maple Top
Neck: Bolt on maple & Rosewood Fingerboard
Pickups: J / MM Duncan Designed (Active Preamp)
Controls: Master Volume (Coil Tap) / Pickup blend / Active Bass / Active Treble

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/8312/rd5008xo.jpg

From Ibanez:
Roadgear basses have established a class all their own: elite smallshop style and sound at prices for the common people.


So, what do people think ? The BB414 would cost me £230, the RD500 around £300.

I've played both and both were very good instruments, I just can't decide where i'd be best off.

Opinions welcomed.

[Teh Glees0rz]

I can imagine the Ibanez is a bit more versatile with the preamp, but I'd prefer a P/J over a J/MM, plus I'm not fond of the Ibanez's top horn; it looks... odd.

I've heard the BB series is really good though.

Yamaha ftw. :p

[Machines]

Yeah, I think the Ibanez would win for versatility, but the Yamaha has a cool retro feel to it.

[the101er]

what about the model above the 404, the one with the active 3band eq? I played it the other day and loved it

[ebe9]

Go ibanez


Edit: No....................its part of the secrets of the bass cult....cough cough
VVV

[kilian]

^^Tell us why then?

The downside of the BB414 is that it only has a V, T and a pickupselecter. So no blend or whatsoever. I would vote to get a BB614, which is the active version of the BB414 for only like 80 extra and I think that one just ROCKS. It's so warm and almost perfect.

The Ibanez.. Don't know. They don't have something really special :)

[Swaye]

i've played the 414 at a store the other day...it was alright.. an all round good bass no flaws bout it...but just as the ppl say if you want something mroe retro go with the yamaha but ibanez has always been known for being abit on the brighter side ... it all comes down to trying both the basses and personal preference ... hahaah you cant expect the ppl to know what you like.. anyway cheers they're both good choices and i can't see you going wrong with either one of em...

[Machines]

The downside of the BB414 is that it only has a V, T and a pickupselecter. So no blend or whatsoever. I would vote to get a BB614, which is the active version of the BB414 for only like 80 extra and I think that one just ROCKS. It's so warm and almost perfect.

I see your point, however the 614 is only available in Black, Pewter and Natural. The 414 is available in Wine Red (as pictured), Metallic Orange and Black. I hate to be shallow, but the 614's colours are dull :upset:.

[kilian]

^^You want a bass or a painting?



I thought the 614 was also available in Wine Red. And it looks über sexy in Natural though..

[Teh Glees0rz]

And it looks über sexy in Natural though..

Agreed. Just look at it:

http://www.yamaha-europe.com/picture_archiv/products/10_Musical_instruments/guitars_basses_amps/bass_guitars/bb614_high_jpg.jpg

[Machines]

Ok ok, that's on the list now, I overlooked the natural finish.

So, it's basically classic styling and chrome, Vs modern electronics & versatility.

[Marly]

Man BB414's are ugly feckers...i prefer the nathan east style BB's (e.g. the 404's/604;s)

No Doubts bassist used a BB non? i like his tone...although it was probably a more expensive model..