What is the string length of the Yamaha SLB300PRO?

The Yamaha SLB300PRO features a full 41-inch string length. This ensures that the scale and feel remain consistent with a standard full-size acoustic double bass.

How does the SLB300PRO reduce acoustic volume?

The instrument lacks a large hollow body, meaning there is no resonating chamber to amplify the string sound acoustically. This allows for quiet practice while the piezo pickup handles the amplified output.

What is the purpose of the detachable beech frame?

The beech frame recreates the traditional playing posture and contact points of an acoustic double bass. It can be removed to make the instrument more compact for transport in its soft case.

Does the SLB300PRO have onboard EQ?

Yes, the instrument includes onboard controls for both bass and treble. This allows the player to fine-tune their sound directly from the instrument without needing an external preamp.

What is the microphone type switching feature?

This feature allows players to switch between different simulated microphone characters. It uses a blend control to mix these simulations with the direct piezo pickup signal for a more natural sound.

Is a case included with the SLB300PRO?

Yes, the Yamaha SLB300PRO comes with a dedicated soft case. The instrument is designed to pack down into this case once the frame is detached.

Can I use the SLB300PRO for live performances?

Yes, it is specifically designed for amplified performance. Its solid-body design makes it highly resistant to the feedback issues commonly associated with amplifying acoustic basses.

What kind of pickup does the SLB300PRO use?

The instrument uses a piezo pickup system. This captures the vibrations of the strings directly to provide a clear and articulate signal to an amplifier or PA.

How does the SLB300PRO compare to the Stentor Messina?

The Stentor Messina is a traditional full-size acoustic cello, whereas the SLB300PRO is an electric 'silent' double bass. They serve different purposes, with the Yamaha focusing on portability and amplified control.

Is this instrument suitable for orchestral practice?

Yes, because it retains the standard 41-inch scale length and traditional feel, it is an excellent tool for orchestral players to practice repertoire quietly at home.

What is the typical price for the Yamaha SLB300PRO?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 4,299. This reflects its status as a professional-grade instrument with advanced onboard electronics.

Does it require external gear for basic sound shaping?

No, the onboard controls for bass, treble, and volume, along with the microphone blending, allow for significant tone shaping without external gear.

Gear article

Yamaha SLB300PRO Silent Double Bass

The Yamaha SLB300PRO is a professional-grade silent double bass designed for quiet practice and high-fidelity amplified performance. It features a full 41-inch string length and a detachable beech frame to replicate the physical feel of an acoustic instrument while significantly reducing acoustic volume.

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Overview

The Yamaha SLB300PRO represents a high-end iteration of Yamaha's Silent Bass series, engineered specifically for upright players who require portability without compromising on traditional ergonomics. The instrument is built around a full-scale 41-inch string length, ensuring that the spacing and tension feel familiar to players transitioning from standard acoustic double basses. Its primary function is to serve as a versatile tool for home practice, backstage warm-ups, and live performance where feedback from an acoustic body would typically be problematic.

Design and Portability

One of the defining physical features of the SLB300PRO is its detachable beech frame. This frame is designed to provide the physical contact points required for traditional playing posture, allowing the bassist to lean into the instrument as they would with a hollow-bodied bass. For transport, the frame can be removed, allowing the instrument to pack down into a compact soft case, making it significantly more portable than a standard upright bass.

Electronics and Sound Character

The instrument utilises a piezo pickup system to capture string vibrations directly. Unlike basic electric uprights, the SLB300PRO features sophisticated onboard controls for tonal shaping. These include:

Bass and Treble controls: Allows for immediate EQ adjustments without the need for external preamps.
Blend Control: Enables the player to mix the direct piezo signal with emulated microphone types.
Microphone Type Switching: Provides flexibility when connecting to an amplifier or PA system, allowing the player to choose different simulated microphone characters to suit the musical genre.

Target Audience

The SLB300PRO is suited for professional musicians and advanced students who frequently perform in loud live environments or live in noise-sensitive accommodation. Because it lacks a large acoustic resonating chamber, it is virtually immune to the low-frequency feedback issues that plague acoustic basses when amplified at high volumes. It also serves as a premium practice tool for players who need to maintain their technique while travelling.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to entry-level electric uprights or student-level acoustic cellos like the Gear4Music Student series or Stentor Harlequin models, the SLB300PRO is a specialist professional tool. While student instruments like the Stentor Messina focus on traditional acoustic resonance, the SLB300PRO prioritises electronic versatility and silence. Its price point reflects its advanced electronics and build quality, positioning it as a professional alternative to both full-sized acoustic basses and lower-tier electric uprights.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the string length of the Yamaha SLB300PRO?: The Yamaha SLB300PRO features a full 41-inch string length. This ensures that the scale and feel remain consistent with a standard full-size acoustic double bass.
How does the SLB300PRO reduce acoustic volume?: The instrument lacks a large hollow body, meaning there is no resonating chamber to amplify the string sound acoustically. This allows for quiet practice while the piezo pickup handles the amplified output.
What is the purpose of the detachable beech frame?: The beech frame recreates the traditional playing posture and contact points of an acoustic double bass. It can be removed to make the instrument more compact for transport in its soft case.
Does the SLB300PRO have onboard EQ?: Yes, the instrument includes onboard controls for both bass and treble. This allows the player to fine-tune their sound directly from the instrument without needing an external preamp.
What is the microphone type switching feature?: This feature allows players to switch between different simulated microphone characters. It uses a blend control to mix these simulations with the direct piezo pickup signal for a more natural sound.
Is a case included with the SLB300PRO?: Yes, the Yamaha SLB300PRO comes with a dedicated soft case. The instrument is designed to pack down into this case once the frame is detached.
Can I use the SLB300PRO for live performances?: Yes, it is specifically designed for amplified performance. Its solid-body design makes it highly resistant to the feedback issues commonly associated with amplifying acoustic basses.
What kind of pickup does the SLB300PRO use?: The instrument uses a piezo pickup system. This captures the vibrations of the strings directly to provide a clear and articulate signal to an amplifier or PA.
How does the SLB300PRO compare to the Stentor Messina?: The Stentor Messina is a traditional full-size acoustic cello, whereas the SLB300PRO is an electric 'silent' double bass. They serve different purposes, with the Yamaha focusing on portability and amplified control.
Is this instrument suitable for orchestral practice?: Yes, because it retains the standard 41-inch scale length and traditional feel, it is an excellent tool for orchestral players to practice repertoire quietly at home.
What is the typical price for the Yamaha SLB300PRO?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 4,299. This reflects its status as a professional-grade instrument with advanced onboard electronics.
Does it require external gear for basic sound shaping?: No, the onboard controls for bass, treble, and volume, along with the microphone blending, allow for significant tone shaping without external gear.