The Art Of Shreddin'

Yamaha 4 String Bass

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The Yamaha 4-string Bass guitar (TRBX 174 BL) is an original one of a kind four string bass guitar manufactured by Yamaha in Japan. This is probably the only instance of its kind, it’s completely unique. 

It’s also among the most sought-after 4-string bass guitars on the planet, simply because it’s very affordable yet very powerful. The Yamaha 4-String Bass guitar has a vintage sound to it, thanks to its thin body and rounded neck. Many bass players find this to be a great bass guitar to begin with because of its low action and thin strings.

The most outstanding feature of Yamaha basses is build quality. You can rightfully call them ‘an axe’. Yamaha basses are built to last and don’t require too much maintenance. For the price you pay, you can’t ask for better craftsmanship

Yamaha basses are very under-rated and offer among the best value for the money. They have great necks, good electronics, high-quality assembly and QA standards. They are very playable and sound great across all price ranges, from the entry-level RBX to high-end BBs.

There are some aspects of the Yamaha electric bass guitar that make it unique. It has a three-piece pickup system that allows you to change your sound easily and quickly without changing the actual guitar.

Many of its features have been reported to be similar to those of other expensive brands of electric bass guitars that are almost double the price of the Yamaha. The Yamaha TRBX305 is a five-string electric bass guitar made by Yamaha, a trusted and popular brand for musical instruments. The 4-string version is also offered by Yamaha and is quite similar to the Yamaha TRBX304. These models both employ the exclusive TRB (textured wave rectification) pickup system. 

Some Yamaha’s enthusiasts may find the presence of so many components a bit daunting, but it all works together smoothly and easily. Its sleek design makes it easy to hold and play. One advantage the smooth design has is that it eliminates the need to keep a series of cords between the various components. 

The Japan-made basses are simply outstanding. The Korean made basses are equally solid but not comparable to the Japanese versions, especially those from the 90s.  The cheaper versions made in Indonesia can be inconsistent, so check the return policy before you get one. 

The RBX series has great options for new bass players. The RBX are some of the best entry-level basses, on par with a Squier. E.g. for $450 you can have a great-sounding bass with two active humbuckers.

Yamaha RBX

The RBX series has great options for new bass players. The RBX are some of the best entry-level basses, on par with a Squier. E.g. for $450 you can have a great-sounding bass with two active humbuckers.

The current RBX line prices range from $200 to $500 and can be an excellent choice for an entry level bass. The RBX basses are light, versatile and reliable. The pickup configuration is split single-coil in neck and single-coil at the bridge (PJ style). 

They may need a setup to suit your preference but on the whole the construction is durable and the finish looks spot on. The pickups are good for the price. The tone knobs allow you to dial in a decent range of tones.

The TBRX series punches way above its weight and all for a modest price. Unlike the RBX series, everyone from students to professionals can find something in the TRBX line. 

There are some excellent TRBX modern-sounding active basses. It is quite baffling how the TRBX neck profile just flew under the radar in the bass world. They are thin and fast like many of the acclaimed Ibanez SR models but rarely get any mention in discussions on forums. 

TRBX304 is another solid semi-pro instrument, available in active and passive models. The TRB 5-II has a warm low-end and lots of mid-punch, the build quality is just superb and the playability is unmatched in the price range. The TRB1004j is a dual pickup modern monster with a 3-band active EQ and rich tones across the spectrum. Good for a modern bassist who needs something funky and powerful.

The BB series is the epitome of a ‘work horse’ bass for semi-pro and professional bassists. They are sturdy, versatile and durable instruments. The electronics are excellent and every model has a lot of tonal flexibility and usability to offer.

The BB Pro series has a nice Custom V7 pickup and a bolt on neck. The fit and finish is stellar and it sounds stage-ready right out of the box. The BB 425 is one third the price of a Fender, yet it is similar to the P bass in many aspects. It sits well in the mix with a memorable mid punch and great overall tone definition.

The BBs are great bang for the buck bass guitars for intermediate to professional bass players.

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Yamaha Bass Guitars

The Yamaha TRBX 304 bass combines a modern contoured body with active electronics and a choice of five stylish colors—including the new Factory Blue finish. The instrument’s sculpted solid mahogany body and fast 5-piece maple/mahogany neck make it exceptionally comfortable to play.

With Yamaha’s unique combination of advanced design, precision engineering and time-honored craftsmanship, the Yamaha Guitar Development team have created the perfect instrument for bass players who aren’t ready to compromise.

The Yamaha TRBX 504 bass combines a modern contoured body with custom Yamaha electronics and a choice of four stylish colors—including the new Brick Burst finish.

The TRBX174 represents a price breakthrough for the TRBX range, yet the quality is everything you’d expect from a Yamaha bass.

TRBX500 has a simple brief – tone. Premium mahogany construction and an ultra-musical active/passive pre-amp design deliver the flexibility and sheer tonal quality to allow you to sculpt the perfect sound for your music.

TRBX300 Series is built around performance. The perfectly balanced, ultra-comfortable solid mahogany body provides the optimum tonal foundation while the Performance EQ active circuitry gives instant access to perfectly dialed-in stage-ready tones.

The Yamaha TRBX 504 bass combines a modern contoured body with custom Yamaha electronics and a choice of four stylish colors—including the new Brick Burst finish.

The TRBX174 represents a price breakthrough for the TRBX range, yet the quality is everything you’d expect from a Yamaha bass.