Billy Sheehan's signature bass: a brilliant tribute to its namesake

Billy Sheehan, one of the most electrifying bass players in the world, introduces his Yamaha BB714BS Signature Bass Guitar.

Based on the classic BB414 bass body style and constructed of a solid alder body with a bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, this four-string signature bass features a unique woofer pickup in the neck position that Sheehan designed with Yamaha's master guitar builder, John Gaudesi. Aesthetic details include gorgeous black nickel hardware and a solid brass bridge.

Known as one of the most dynamic bassists to ever pick up a 4-string, Sheehan made his name with Mr. Big and David Lee Roth and has an active solo career recording, touring, and making special clinic appearances.

Yamaha Billy Sheehan 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Features:

• 4-string model
• Solid alder body
• Bolt-on maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Black nickel hardware
• Ceramic pickups
• Chrome tuners
• Solid brass bridge

The Yamaha Sheehan bass puts a unique spin on the classic BB series with updated features.

Yamaha Billy Sheehan 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

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Billy's new bass is bold & beautiful

Posted by Bassman from St. Louis on Oct 13, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Professional Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Americana, Cont. Christian

I purchased the BB714BS after playing it before a Billy Sheehan clinic. Even met Billy and got him to sign the headstock. Now, I care a lot more about how a bass sounds and feels than the name on it. This model is a very unique instrument. It can absolutely BOOM out with the humbucker "woofer" pickup dialed way up, or find a more sensitive side via the multiple position tone knob and blending in the P pickup. The neck fits me perfectly; the bass has a fast action. Billy did spec the ingredients for this bass with Yamaha. No, it doesn't have a scalloped fretboard or stereo. Buy the Attitude if you want that. I play this bass professionally, along with a Washburn USA custom 5 string and a Fender fretless. Each bass has it's own sound. The BB714BS is a blast to rock out on. The fit and finish are great, and the quality/value quotient is high. If you want a rock-out sound, this is a fine instrument for the money.

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eh, nothing special

Posted by Napolean from Bismarck, ND on Sep 26, 2009

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Active gigging bassist

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, blues, funk, metal, jazz, classical

I tried out this bass in a shop today, it played ok, sounded alright, but its really not worth what is being charged for it. its not in stereo, so the sound can get a little muddy from the neck pickup. and if you dont use the neck pickup it sounds just like a p bass, and the neck isnt any thicker than a standard p bass.

this unfortunately is not a billy sheehan bass, rather a BB bass with a humbucker in the neck position and a p-bass pickup in the middle. save up for the attitude II

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Yamaha Billy Sheehan 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

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