Yamaha RBX170 P/J basses at GC

StuartV · #1 11-07-2012, 07:00 PM

I popped into my local GC today. I like to troll their used gear looking for cool/interesting stuff. So far, in my year of living where I am, I have found zero, but anyway....

While there today, I noticed they had 4 new Yamaha RBX170s, each in a different finish. All had rosewood boards. 3 had mango wood tops with a translucent finish (3 different colors) and matching headstock. The wood looked really nicely figured and the finishes were nice. Those 3 were all priced at $199! And the 4th was a solid color with a plain headstock. It was $179.

All these basses were passive P/J configs with the typical VVT control setup.

Oh, and they're 24 fret.

I dinked around with one for a minute, but did not plug it in. Based on that and my prior experience with some different Yamaha basses, I'd have to say these seem REALLY NICE - even if they were $400 or more! But, at $199, I had to seriously slap my own hand to keep from pulling out my wallet!

Just passing along info...

Wallace320 · #2 11-07-2012, 07:16 PM

I remember it to be a P/J with Volume, Balance, Tone (just like my very first RBX 350 of 20+ years ago)!!!
But it doesn't matter

The info is neat & clear

You experienced proverbial "Yamaha perceived quality"

Remember that we're talking about "Gigmaker packs" level of beginner bass so figure it out what they have to offer cruisin' up into their range of products!

Cheers,
Wallace

StuartV · #3 11-07-2012, 07:22 PM

Wallace, good point on the controls. I ASSUMED VVT, but did not verify. It definitely could have been VBT.

I realize the price puts them on the very bottom level of expectations. But, it sure did feel nice and play nice. The fiinish on the back of the neck was very satiny. Not the typical glossy finish that tends to feel "sticky" to me.

rockamimjazz · #4 11-07-2012, 07:24 PM

I own an RBX170 and love it. I bought it as an affordable, lightweight alternative to my Fender J Bass for those long rehearsals. Got it in Old Violin Sunburst, which looks fantastic. Fit and finish are top notch; I have been using it for more than a year and it hasn't disappointed.

Wallace320 · #5 11-07-2012, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

Wallace, good point on the controls. I ASSUMED VVT, but did not verify. It definitely could have been VBT.

I realize the price puts them on the very bottom level of expectations. But, it sure did feel nice and play nice. The fiinish on the back of the neck was very satiny. Not the typical glossy finish that tends to feel "sticky" to me.

It's just that I compared it to my original RBX 350 "d'antan", and that Yamaha "tends" (so I can definitely be wrong) to give you V, V, T only on exactly the same pair of pickups (like J/J Nathan East inspired range of BBs) and offering V, B, T (or rather a pickup selector) whenever pickups differ one another (like P/J Michael Anthony inspired range of BBs).
Again: I'll check it out, don't get me for granted, for it's not the point!
Point being: solid alder body with a great, higher quality, satin neck feel...

Cheers,
Wallace

EagleMoon · #6 11-08-2012, 04:56 PM

I played a couple of these at GC today and I was really impressed. Sounded really good, balanced well, lightweight, thin neck. What more could you want, and especially at that price range I'd take it over the Squier Jag anyday. (less neck dive)

bill reed · #7 11-08-2012, 05:33 PM

the Yamaha RBX 170 bass is really great value, its a well made and good sounding bass, had mine for 3 years and its my goto bass as i can get almost every sound out it I want with the help of my line 6 pod X3.
as a starting bass its hard to beat on price and quality.
Mine is V-V-T.

No Neck Shrek · #8 11-08-2012, 05:45 PM

Looks good, check here - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...FQSg4AodbwIAVg - $179.99 any color you want ! Add another $20 to your order and get additional 15% if done by 11/12 ! . . . or

You can always have G/C do a price match !

bluesblaster · #9 11-08-2012, 05:51 PM

Nuthin wrong with those things, nice bass at a nice price.

PilbaraBass · #10 11-08-2012, 05:57 PM

I had an RBX170 for several years... it had one of the nicest playing necks of any bass I ever owned...seriously
Yes, it is VVT which works great with this bass. The tuners are a little wonky, but work. Everything else is fine with these things. And really comfortable to play.
For an entry-level bass, these get two thumbs up from me.

EagleMoon · #11 11-08-2012, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No Neck Shrek

Looks good, check here - http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...FQSg4AodbwIAVg - $179.99 any color you want ! Add another $20 to your order and get additional 15% if done by 11/12 ! . . . or

You can always have G/C do a price match !

These are the ones the thread are about though. Pictures don't do them justice by a long shot. Especially the natural.

No Neck Shrek · #12 11-08-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

These are the ones the thread are about though. Pictures don't do them justice by a long shot. Especially the natural.

^^^ these look much better, I may have the get one !

I guess I missed the "mango wood top" on the first read.

Good catch - EagleMoon

sensei_steve · #13 11-08-2012, 08:29 PM

I tried one with the mango top on my last visit to GC and was very impressed. It plays well, feels good, sounds good and is gorgeous. Both MF and samash will 'price match' 20% discount if you ask them! $143, mind bogling!