Off the Shelf: The Yamaha Electric Bass and Its Rightful Place in History
From the radical 1960's Flying Samurai SB-2s, the 70's BB Series with reverse humbuckers, the emergence of 5 string basses in the 80's, the signature models of the 90's, to the current TRBX, SLB, and expanded BB lines, Yamaha electric basses have been a consistently dominant force in modern music.
Known for their affordability, tonal flexibility, and durability these instruments have been famously played by a host of heroes of the bottom end spectrum. Below are five highlight Yamaha players you'll surely recognize.
1. Billy Sheehan
Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted and innovative rock bassists of all time. Known for his lightning-fast finger work, two-handed tapping, and chordal techniques, Sheehan brought a guitar-like approach to the bass while maintaining a deep, thunderous groove.
He first gained fame with the band Talas before joining David Lee Roth’s post-Van Halen lineup in the mid-1980s, where his blistering bass solos and stage presence captivated audiences worldwide. Sheehan later co-founded Mr. Big, whose hit, "To Be With You" topped charts globally, and went on to perform with Niacin, The Winery Dogs, and numerous solo projects.
Yamaha collaborated closely with Sheehan to design his signature Attitude bass series, instruments built to withstand his demanding playing style while delivering exceptional tonal range and power.
With multiple awards, instructional videos, and decades of world tours, Billy Sheehan remains a towering figure in the world of rock and metal bass, inspiring generations of players to push the limits of their instrument.
2. Leland (Lee) Sklar
Leland Bruce Sklar is one of the most recorded bassists in music history. Raised in Los Angeles, Sklar initially studied classical piano before switching to the electric bass during high school, a decision that would shape an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades.
Sklar rose to prominence in the early 1970s as part of The Section, a group of top-tier session musicians who became the backbone of countless singer-songwriter albums. His signature style—melodic, supportive, and unfailingly tasteful—can be heard on recordings by James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, and many more.
Known for his trademark long beard and warm stage presence, Sklar has appeared on over 2,000 albums and toured globally with artists across genres. A devoted Yamaha BB bass player for much of his career, he helped popularize the instrument in professional studio settings.
Even today, Sklar remains active in music, sharing stories and bass wisdom through interviews, masterclasses, and his own YouTube channel, continuing his role as a mentor and ambassador for bass players worldwide.
3. Nathan East
Nathan East is an American bassist, vocalist, and composer, widely regarded as one of the most recorded bassists in history. He has played on thousands of tracks across jazz, R&B, pop, and rock genres, collaborating with legends such as Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Daft Punk, and Stevie Wonder.
A founding member of the smooth-jazz supergroup Fourplay, East is celebrated for his fluid technique, melodic sensibility, and impeccable groove. His versatility allows him to switch seamlessly between fingerstyle, slap, and pick playing, making him a first-call session musician for top-tier artists worldwide.
East has a long-standing partnership with Yamaha, which produced his signature BBNE2 electric bass. This instrument reflects his tonal preferences, combining warmth, clarity, and responsiveness. He has also been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards and recognition for his contribution to music both on stage and in the studio.
Offstage, East is known for his professionalism, humility, and commitment to mentoring younger musicians, solidifying his status as both a bass icon and a respected musical ambassador.
4. John Patitucci
John Patitucci is a world-renowned American jazz bassist and composer, celebrated for his mastery of both the acoustic and electric bass. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, he began playing at age 10 and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy.
Patitucci gained international acclaim in the mid-1980s as a member of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band and the Akoustic Band, contributing to their Grammy-winning recordings.
Throughout his career, he has performed with luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Stan Getz while leading his own acclaimed projects blending jazz, classical, and world music influences. A Yamaha artist for decades, Patitucci collaborated on signature 6-string basses like the Yamaha TRB JP2, designed to match his wide-ranging style.
Patitucci also serves as a dedicated educator, teaching at institutions such as Berklee College of Music and The City College of New York, inspiring generations of bassists worldwide.
5. Will Lee
Will Lee grew up surrounded by music—his father was a jazz musician and music professor. After studying at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, he moved to New York City in the early 1970s, quickly becoming a sought-after session bassist thanks to his impeccable groove, versatility, and sight-reading skills.
Lee gained worldwide recognition as a founding member of The World’s Most Dangerous Band, later The CBS Orchestra, on Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman. His tenure on the show spanned over three decades, making him one of the most visible bassists on television.
Beyond TV, he has recorded and toured with artists such as Steely Dan, George Benson, Bette Midler, Frank Sinatra, and the Brecker Brothers. Lee was also a founding member of The Fab Faux, a critically acclaimed Beatles tribute band known for note-perfect live renditions of the Beatles’ complex studio work.
Known for his melodic yet solid playing, Lee continues to influence bassists worldwide and remains a beloved figure in jazz, pop, and rock circles.
6. Could Be You???
You can be the next in a long line of Yamaha greatness, yourself. Come in and check out the Yamaha TRBX605FM, a standout 5-string bass available at the shop right now in stunning Indigo Blue or Dark Red Burst.
The outstanding build quality, attractive tone woods, and ergonomic shaping, provide a comfortable and striking aesthetic, especially the flamed maple top. The combination maple and mahogany neck doesn't disappoint, either, with its bold, attractive racing stripe.
Sonically, Yamaha's active/passive preamp provides needed flexibility in shaping tone for any genre of music. The switchable, active YGD H5 Alnico V humbuckers deliver a clear, open tone with punch and sensitivity, especially on the low B string, a sorely needed feature. There's even a low battery LED alert, so you won't be caught off guard during a gig. Even at zero battery, you can keep playing in passive mode.
Structurally, a straight pull headstock reduces unwanted string tension and unwanted buzzing, while improving tuning. The massive die cast bridge improves sustain by transferring all the vibration needed for good tone.
Unlike many other 5 string basses, this has a 43mm nut width that just feels right, even with 5 strings. The bass is comfortable and playable over the entire fingerboard, not necessitating modifying your picking or fretting style.
Basically, base your bass base on Yamaha, and you can't lose!
