FS/T feeler - Yamaha TRB6-P

[hyperba55]

This is my "hell freezes over" sale. I never thought I would sell this bass, but I am gravitating towards more traditional basses, and haven't played this one for well over a year, so putting it up to see what else is out there. This bass has got a lot of sentimental value (it was my first "nice bass"), but I am in a "thinning the herd" mode, and this bass really deserves to be played. This hasn't left my closet in over a year.

This is a Yamaha TRB6-P bass. Serial number says that it was made on May 18th, 1992, unit number 7 (according to the Yamaha serial number wizard). MIJ. I am the second owner, I bought it in early 1994 and have had it since. For many, many years it was my main go-to bass, and I have literally played 100's of gigs on it.

Neck through, Mahogany and Maple, flame maple top, very dark ebony fretboard, piezo pickup in the bridge, active EQ, gold hardware, 5 piece neck, dual truss rods, very solid. I replaced the normal plastic knobs with ebony knobs, but still have the plastic knobs that I will send with it. I personally prefer the ebony knobs.

The bass's condition reflects it's age and use (I would rate it a 7 out of 10). It's first owner put some buckle rash on it, it's got some dings and scratches, some general wear, and the headstock has a chip taken out of it on the top. I can send plenty of pics on request (the second pic is a flsh and not a flaw in the top), but keep in mind it's a player, not a collector piece.

That being said, this is really a tremendous bass. Very flexible - I can get a nice punch out of it, a great J-style growl, or a burpy J-bridge sound, or a nice smooth sound ... Very playable for a six string - I can slap, finger style, etc. with ease. I even play guitar parts by solo'ing the piezo in the bridge.

For sale - price drop - $1100, split shipping in the lower 48. Local pickup in Seattle area fine. Open to trades +- cash as needed, but I strongly prefer a sale.

[Aspidites]

pm-d

[Dr. Cheese]

Jesus, help me! I can't take anymore GAS!

[Aspidites]

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Jesus, help me! I can't take anymore GAS!

Lay off the beans.

[7StringBassist]

Interested in a MTD ?

[Grantrudd]

what are you looking for tradewise?

[LikeButtah]

I've been watching one of these on eBay going for $1800, and a blue one recently sold for $1400. IIWY, I would up your price.

[Kwesi]

Whoa... amazing bass at an amazing price. I'd be all over this if I wasn't looking at another bass. If this is up in a few more weeks it's it's mine but I can guarantee it won't last that long .

[hyperba55]

price drop $1100!!!

[hyperba55]

Tradewise - yeah, I would consider an MTD. I am open to just about anything, but I tend to go more traditional J basses, and I stay away from P Basses and basses with humbuckers in the bridge. I am set for amps, but am always on the look-out for nice tube amps and higher end speakers. Run something by me - worst I could say is no. I probably won't go for 6 or 5 stringers ...

I got a bunch of PM's looking for pics on the wear areas. There are three major areas - the buckle rash, a repaired chip on the lower horn, and the headstock ding. I will post pics to the thread in a little while. The gold finish also shows some wear in a few areas, but nothing unusual.

Again, I really apologize for the price typo. I should have figured it out when I got a bunch of PM's ...

[hyperba55]

Pics of the headstock and buckle rash. I couldn't get a good pic of the lower horn, will try tomorrow when the light is better.

The buckle rash was there when I got it, as well as the repaired ding on the lower horn. It looks like someone tried to repair the rash as there is a thin coating over some of it. It's really hard to capture in pics. The coating covers where the wood was chipped throught the finish.

the headstock ding happened from a run in with my guitarist (he actually ran into me). His guitar got the worst of it.

[bassman blue]

These earlier neck through TRB's are truly some of the nicest playing basses out there (imho). Good luck with the sale and I hope you don't miss it too much as they are getting harder and harder to find...

[MoonDoggy]

+1 on the awesome-ness of the 1st gen TRB-6Ps. I have this same one and it's one that I don't think I'll ever get rid of (which is really saying something for me! I have commitment issues big time, and this one broke that trend!)

It's difficult to find a 34" scale 6 string w/ 19mm spacing. Those dimensions combined with the amazing neck make this one of the best playing 6ers I've found. PLENTY of room for slap 'n pop. Don't let the 34" fool you; the B string still sounds great! And the piezos make this one of the most versatile basses, tone wise. Heck, if you dial in piezo only, you can get an acoustic/electric nylon string guitar sound if you're playing in the upper registers! I'm convinced this is the best bass Yamaha has ever made. I'd put it right up there with mainstream boutique-ish basses like Warwick, Tobias, etc. as far as tone, feel, and build quality.

[Dr. Cheese]

Even though I really don't have enough chops to take full advantage of a six, I truly loved my bolt-on TRB6 that I had in the mid 1990's. It was totally the equal of the Ken Smith bolt-on that I bought later.

Those two basses are among the ones I most regret selling.

[hyperba55]

I appreciate all of the comments, and yes, it's a fantastic bass, and it should be played. I don't think that will be happening for me. I may regret it, but at this point it's a shame letting it sit in the closet.

Sale Price drop down to $1100 - trying to get a quick sale!

[Shelly]

Nice bass - Nice price!

[hyperba55]

Post Friday night gig bump ...

[LeonD]

PM'd trade offer.

[hyperba55]

Price drop to $1100!! This is at least $300 less expensive than what I have seen these basses go for recently on eBay and $400 than a similar bass at BassNW. Tradewise - really looking for an Aguilar db359!

[ethompson2]

Hmm... I really like this I might make you an offer if my warwick sales tommorrow...