Inexpensive Yamaha bass

[TheGreatSealof]

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.

[Tvrtko]

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...

[mjac28]

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

[zachoff]

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.

[hgiles]

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

[Bobster]

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

[ggvicviper]

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!

[Astreaux]

Originally Posted by TheGreatSealof

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 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!

[Shrekster]

Originally Posted by TheGreatSealof

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 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.

[TheGreatSealof]

Originally Posted by Shrekster

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.

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.

[Tvrtko]

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

[TheGreatSealof]

Originally Posted by Bobster

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

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

[Temcat]

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.

[uOpt]

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).

[Nobody]

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

[bill reed]

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.

[SBassman]

Originally Posted by TheGreatSealof

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

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.