Inexpensive Yamaha bass
 

I recently purchased a used Yamaha RBX170EW, mango facing from Guitar Center for $130.00 in pristine condition, like new. I understand these are very inexpensive basses. I was searching for a p/j bass and stumbled upon this bass.

I replaced the rw strings with rotosound 77 flats. I have been playing it for a couple of days and I must say I am impressed with the playability and variety of sound/tone that it produces for such an inexpensive bass.

Just wondering if anyone out there has experience or comments regarding this model.

I can generally say - Yamahas are some of the finest cheap guitars on the market. I tried that bass a few weeks ago in GC. Sounds really good. It might be workforce, if you play regular gigs around...

That's why you buy based on your ears and not your eyes glued on the headstock nice catch congrats.

Yamaha, for all its expansive product line, has always made quality musical instruments. I love my old BBs and have had a Yamaha head, cab, RBX775, and my daughter has a Yamaha keyboard that's works well too.

Yamaha anything is gonna be a great performer and a great value!

I recently saw a young lady playing a Yamaha RBX270(?) on Youtube Jade Justine; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzPdv...z51F_g&index=6 and I absolutely love her tone. I'd definitely buy one of those if I needed a good inexpensive P/J bass.

Bob

Gotta love Yamaha. They always crank out awesome, overlooked stuff for cheap.

Be sure to look used too. You often find incredible deals on sweet stuff!

I have the same model RBX170EW, purchased new from GC back in September for $179. Light, fast neck, low action, and good sounding for the price. Fun to play. Congrats on a good find!

I just bought a new one,same model in the Sunburst from GC. I started on bass a few weeks ago and was told by several experienced bassists that Yamaha offers great value and quality for its starter basses. Do the Rotosound 77 flats provide more growl or a smoother tone? I want smooth right now while I work on intonation. Thx.

Inexpensive Yamaha bass
 

Yes, the Rotosounds provide a smoother , deep bass sound. The RW's were fine but too bright for my taste. After installing the rotosound flats and adjusting the pickups to various combinations, I found that the Yamaha produces great results. And yes, the bridge Jazz pup provides excellent growl.

I also own a MIA Jazz that produces authentic Jazz growl. I must say the Yamaha gets very close to my MIA growl.

I found a keeper for a great price. :hyper:

I found Yamaha strings work great with Yamaha guitars! Isn't that surprise?!

Inexpensive Yamaha bass
 

This girl is awsome! So young and talented. Great inspiration for aspiring bassists.:bassist:

I've briefly owned a similar bass, Yamaha RBX 270. Quickly got disappointed with it - just couldn't get a tone I liked out of it. It felt lacking in the lower frequency department. However, BB414 was a different story altogether, very solid bass for little money.

Yamaha is the one brand that never allowed it's good name to be spoiled by selling junk.

In all those years I have never picked up a piece of Yamaha equipment that wasn't only worth it's money, all of it was performing it's job adequately even on an absolute scale (not taking money into account).

I bought my son a Yamaha RBX170 for Christmas 2011 and it's been great.

I have had a RBX170 for about 5 years now, it is still my most played bass, Yamaha are really very underrated for there basses.
after 5 years of playing it still looks like new. never had me one problem in all the time I have had it.
would really recommend this bass to anyone who is starting out.

Just checked out a bunch of her videos. Great, great stuff.
Check out her piano video for an even bigger surprise.

I used to play an RBX170. Great, great bass value.
I loved that bass. The only reason I don't still play it is that I only play short scales these days.
But that RBX170 is a big winner.