Spector NS Pulse Bass Guitar
The Spector NS Pulse Series bass guitars feature their flagship NS body shape and is described as representing the core of Spector’s iconic design.
“The three-dimensionally carved body is a trademark of the Spector brand and provides a uniquely comfortable playing experience for all bassists,” they write. “This NS Pulse model features a solid Swamp Ash body paired with a three-piece Roasted Maple bolt-on neck, complete with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard. The roasting process results in a neck that provides enhanced stability & resonance, while the Macassar Ebony fingerboard ensures clear note definition and projection.”
In late 2020, Spector introduced the NS Pulse range, which featured two eye-popping, sandblasted designs along with premium electronics. This year, they ratchet this model a notch higher with the release of the NS Pulse II – an impressive-looking instrument that seeks to deliver an array of improvements on its predecessor.
The dark, Macassar ebony fretboard commands attention with 24 medium frets, a custom Spector mother-of-pearl inlay on the twelfth fret and illuminating side dots. We receive a five-string for evaluation, which boasts a 35” scale (the four-string is 34”) which is handy when tuning down. Additionally, there’s a locking bridge, smooth black die-cast tuners and a graphite nut.
There’s much to love with the three-dimensionally sculpted contours of the Pulse II. It rests neatly on the lap and proves exceedingly comfortable and well-balanced with a strap. Navigating the neck is as easy as any we’ve played, with its well-spaced frets and an ultra-smooth fingerboard.
With the neck joined to the body way down at the 19th fret, there’s easy access all the way through the second octave. As a bolt-on, the neck doesn’t deliver the same degree of sustain as a neck-through, but with an instrument like this, you’re looking for a bit more punch – and that’s precisely what you’ll find.
“The three-dimensionally carved body is a trademark of the Spector brand and provides a uniquely comfortable playing experience for all bassists,” they write. “This NS Pulse model features a solid Swamp Ash body paired with a three-piece Roasted Maple bolt-on neck, complete with a Macassar Ebony fingerboard. The roasting process results in a neck that provides enhanced stability & resonance, while the Macassar Ebony fingerboard ensures clear note definition and projection.”
The 40DC humbuckers allow us to boldly explore the considerable dynamic range that the five-string delivers, with some glassy, slap-friendly highs and obnoxiously fat lows that punch like a heavyweight.
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.
Yamaha TRBX
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.
Yamaha BB Series
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.
Yamaha Bass Guitars
Yamaha TRBX304 Factory Blue
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.
Yamaha TRBX174 Old Violin Sunburst
The TRBX174 represents a price breakthrough for the TRBX range, yet the quality is everything you’d expect from a Yamaha bass.
Yamaha 4 String Bass
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.
Yamaha TRBX504 Brick Burst 4-string bass
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.
Yamaha TRBX174 RM
The TRBX174 represents a price breakthrough for the TRBX range, yet the quality is everything you’d expect from a Yamaha bass.
Yamaha TRBX504 TBN 4-String Translucent Brown 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.
Yamaha TRBX304 4 String Bass White
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.
Yamaha TRBX504 Flamed Maple 4-string bass
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.
Yamaha TRBX174 DBM Agathis
The TRBX174 represents a price breakthrough for the TRBX range, yet the quality is everything you’d expect from a Yamaha bass.
Yamaha TRBX504 Bright Red 4-string bass
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.
Yamaha TRBX504 TBN 4-String
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.
Yamaha TRBX304 4 String Bass Pewter
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.
Yamaha TRBX604 4-String Red Darkburst Bass
TRBX600 combines advanced design, precision engineering and time-honored craftsmanship to create a bass that doesn’t compromise on comfort, tone, style or road-ready durability. The 3D sculpted alder and flame maple body, slim neck, 3-band EQ with active/passive switching make it a perfectly balanced performance bass for serious players.
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