Yamaha BEX4C

Radiobass81 · 05-08-2005, 09:20 AM

Retails for $900. Found sometimes for $600.

Features: 4/5

Semi-hollow body. Volume/Blend controls, 3-band EQ, the neck is something like a Precision neck, the fretboard has 21 frets, but you can only reach the 18th easily. It has a humbucker in the neck position and piezos at the bridge (obviously).

Sound: 4/5

This is an amazingly versatile bass; with the blend knob fully clockwise, you get something similar to the tone on a precision, and with it fully counterclowksie, you get the same sound you get when you solo a bridge J pup. This and the 3-band EQ leads to many amount of useable tones, ranging from Tool-esque pick tone, to something similar to the Jaco tone. The only place where I think it lacks a bit is the humbucker, and it was not as warm as other semi-hollows (although it had more sustain) but it still sounds great.

Feel: 3.5/5

This is what may turn people off; it has a P-style neck, which some people dislike, but the real turnoff regarding feel is the bass itself; when sitting down, the shape might be a little awkward, and the edges kinda bother. When standing up, this problem is reduced, but for someone who sits down a noticeable amount of time, this could be a pain.

Setup: 5/5

It was in tune, and the action was great. Enough said.

Reliability: N/A

Not enough time with the bass to determine

Overall: 4/5

For the price, a superb bass if you can get past the feel.

Led_Zeppelin678 · 05-12-2005, 10:47 PM

I wouldn't mind a BEX-BS...

Radiobass81 · 05-13-2005, 04:18 PM

It's mainly the same but without piezos and an extra pickup, I think.

Should be equally amazing.

morpcat · 05-21-2005, 07:21 AM

^ And a few more active controls as well as an A/P switch I think... I know what you mean about the body, the bass just isn't comfortable to play. Good review.

outsidethelinesofreason · 09-25-2005, 12:15 PM

I've got one of these too. After having played an Ibanez GSR200 for a year, I felt it was time to move out of beginers bass territory. I saw this, played it in store, and fell in love. At first sight, I thought it was very pretty, but that it would suit my style of playing, but I was dead wrong. The versitility of sound that can be achieved with the two types of pick-up and a three band eq. is moderately astounding.

The niggles I have about it are:
As previously mentionned, it's got a big rear end.
3 frets are a bugger to reach.
The strap nuts have failed me a few times, and I nearly have a coronary when I think I'm going to drop it.

Anyway, I picked mine up for £425 with hard case and lifetime service warantee. I really can't complain at that price.

~~1-D~~ · 09-25-2005, 01:54 PM

Wow that's an amazing guitar, I want it soo bad! Nice review

05-08-2005, 09:20 AM	#1
Radiobass81 El Cartero de Neruda Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 19,425	Yamaha BEX4C Retails for $900. Found sometimes for $600. Features: 4/5 Semi-hollow body. Volume/Blend controls, 3-band EQ, the neck is something like a Precision neck, the fretboard has 21 frets, but you can only reach the 18th easily. It has a humbucker in the neck position and piezos at the bridge (obviously). Sound: 4/5 This is an amazingly versatile bass; with the blend knob fully clockwise, you get something similar to the tone on a precision, and with it fully counterclowksie, you get the same sound you get when you solo a bridge J pup. This and the 3-band EQ leads to many amount of useable tones, ranging from Tool-esque pick tone, to something similar to the Jaco tone. The only place where I think it lacks a bit is the humbucker, and it was not as warm as other semi-hollows (although it had more sustain) but it still sounds great. Feel: 3.5/5 This is what may turn people off; it has a P-style neck, which some people dislike, but the real turnoff regarding feel is the bass itself; when sitting down, the shape might be a little awkward, and the edges kinda bother. When standing up, this problem is reduced, but for someone who sits down a noticeable amount of time, this could be a pain. Setup: 5/5 It was in tune, and the action was great. Enough said. Reliability: N/A Not enough time with the bass to determine Overall: 4/5 For the price, a superb bass if you can get past the feel. Last edited by Radiobass81; 05-09-2005 at 03:35 PM. Reason: Typo

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

05-12-2005, 10:47 PM	#2
Led_Zeppelin678 myspace/golgotha Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 5,919	I wouldn't mind a BEX-BS...

05-13-2005, 04:18 PM	#3
Radiobass81 El Cartero de Neruda Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 19,425	It's mainly the same but without piezos and an extra pickup, I think. Should be equally amazing.

05-21-2005, 07:21 AM	#4
morpcat MX Techie - Share & Enjoy Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Singapore Posts: 5,872	^ And a few more active controls as well as an A/P switch I think... I know what you mean about the body, the bass just isn't comfortable to play. Good review.

09-25-2005, 12:15 PM	#5
outsidethelinesofreason I Hate Technology Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Wolverhampton, UK Posts: 10	I've got one of these too. After having played an Ibanez GSR200 for a year, I felt it was time to move out of beginers bass territory. I saw this, played it in store, and fell in love. At first sight, I thought it was very pretty, but that it would suit my style of playing, but I was dead wrong. The versitility of sound that can be achieved with the two types of pick-up and a three band eq. is moderately astounding. The niggles I have about it are: As previously mentionned, it's got a big rear end. 3 frets are a bugger to reach. The strap nuts have failed me a few times, and I nearly have a coronary when I think I'm going to drop it. Anyway, I picked mine up for £425 with hard case and lifetime service warantee. I really can't complain at that price.

09-25-2005, 01:54 PM	#6
~~1-D~~ Banned Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 97	Wow that's an amazing guitar, I want it soo bad! Nice review