EBMM Caprice vs Yamaha BB

twc1313

Practice is the cure for GAS...or so I've heard.
Oct 28, 2013
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Pittsburgh, Pa
I've owned a Yamaha BB424x and regrettably sold it. I'm wondering if those who have played both a BB and the EBMM Caprice can speak on the two?

I'm a big P/J fan and am deciding if the Caprice is worth the significant price difference vs a BB434.

Mainly tone is my deciding factor since high end fit and finish isn't a huge deal to me but feel and playability are. The BBs are well made basses and I often go for a more utilitarian approach.

However, if the tone and function of the Caprice is a big wow factor, it would be worth it to me. What input can y'all provide? Thanks.
 
I've had a BB415 and currently play a BB1025X. Today I tried a Caprice out in a store vs every other PJ they had in the shop (Fender Deluxe & Elite P, Aerodyne J, 80s MIJ Jazz Special, Troy Sanders Jag), and the Caprice blew me away. I want to try out some of the new BB range elsewhere next week, I was thinking of getting a 2024X or one of the new range but right now my GAS is firmly lit for the Caprice.

Hard to compare the sound since I was plugged into an unfamiliar amp, but I felt like I preferred it to the BB. The Caprice seemed louder, brighter, and more articulate than the others, with plenty of growl and aggression if digging in. It just had a perfect tone straight away, where every other bass had me reaching for the EQ but never quite being able to dial it in (except for that MIJ Jazz Special Duff-style bass, which was also a tone monster). I know somewhere that has both the 2024X and Caprice in stock, both in black and for a good deal, I might have to take a road trip!
 
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I've had a BB415 and currently play a BB1025X. Today I tried a Caprice out in a store vs every other PJ they had in the shop (Fender Deluxe & Elite P, Aerodyne J, 80s MIJ Jazz Special, Troy Sanders Jag), and the Caprice blew me away. I want to try out some of the new BB range elsewhere next week, I was thinking of getting a 2024X or one of the new range but right now my GAS is firmly lit for the Caprice.

Hard to compare the sound since I was plugged into an unfamiliar amp, but I felt like I preferred it to the BB. The Caprice seemed louder, brighter, and more articulate than the others, with plenty of growl and aggression if digging in. It just had a perfect tone straight away, where every other bass had me reaching for the EQ but never quite being able to dial it in (except for that MIJ Jazz Special Duff-style bass, which was also a tone monster). I know somewhere that has both the 2024X and Caprice in stock, both in black and for a good deal, I might have to take a road trip![/QUOT
I've had a BB415 and currently play a BB1025X. Today I tried a Caprice out in a store vs every other PJ they had in the shop (Fender Deluxe & Elite P, Aerodyne J, 80s MIJ Jazz Special, Troy Sanders Jag), and the Caprice blew me away. I want to try out some of the new BB range elsewhere next week, I was thinking of getting a 2024X or one of the new range but right now my GAS is firmly lit for the Caprice.

Hard to compare the sound since I was plugged into an unfamiliar amp, but I felt like I preferred it to the BB. The Caprice seemed louder, brighter, and more articulate than the others, with plenty of growl and aggression if digging in. It just had a perfect tone straight away, where every other bass had me reaching for the EQ but never quite being able to dial it in (except for that MIJ Jazz Special Duff-style bass, which was also a tone monster). I know somewhere that has both the 2024X and Caprice in stock, both in black and for a good deal, I might have to take a road trip!

The MusicMan Caprice has that something special . It's the best passive bass 4 string bass I have ever encountered . I've never purchased a bass so quickly after auditioning hem in stores for 2 days straight . Each time it was harder to leave the store without buying it. I went to 2 different stores and played one, just to be sure it wasn't a fluke . I ordered mine online to get my finish and fingerboard preference . The quality far exceeds the price. This bass checks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned .
 
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The MusicMan Caprice has that something special . It's the best passive bass 4 string bass I have ever encountered . I've never purchased a bass so quickly after auditioning hem in stores for 2 days straight . Each time it was harder to leave the store without buying it. I went to 2 different stores and played one, just to be sure it wasn't a fluke . I ordered mine online to get my finish and fingerboard preference . The quality far exceeds the price. This bass checks all the boxes as far as I'm concerned .

You are not helping my GAS here! I am in a similar frame of mind right now. I love my BB but it's a heavy behemoth compared to the Caprice. We play a lot of stuff in standard E tuning and drop D so I'm thinking of swapping the 5er for a 4 tuned in D standard, and the Caprice was very nice indeed. I didn't even realise it was a vintage style 7.25" radius board, I'd convinced myself that I hated them after briefly owning a classic 50s P. But this was so playable I did not notice.
 
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You are not helping my GAS here! I am in a similar frame of mind right now. I love my BB but it's a heavy behemoth compared to the Caprice. We play a lot of stuff in standard E tuning and drop D so I'm thinking of swapping the 5er for a 4 tuned in D standard, and the Caprice was very nice indeed. I didn't even realise it was a vintage style 7.25" radius board, I'd convinced myself that I hated them after briefly owning a classic 50s P. But this was so playable I did not notice.
Let me ignite your gas a little more ....
There's is a used one for a good price on Guitar Center used . Not sure if you had your heart set in a particular finish . This one is rosewood fingerboard with burst finish.
 
Tried another Caprice today side by side with my 1025X. The BB had lots more low end, and more growl when playing aggressively. It's a close call though as to which I prefer, but I'd still choose the BB for now!

That makes sense. You were comparing a 4 to 5 string. 4 strings always sound more snappy ( in that old school funk way).
5 stings have a deeper tone to my ears.
Also those BB 'S are just all out aggressive !! They growl like a beast.
The Caprice can growl too but you've got to give it a little gas to get it going . Otherwise the tones are warm and smooth.

If I played harder music, I'd go BB.