Best low-mid $ Yamaha 5-string for recording (BB vs TRBX)

[McGruff]

As a beginning bassist with much more interest in recording songs I write rather than playing in front of people, I'm looking to purchase a 5-string Yamaha. (For the main song I'm working on, I really want that B string. I get that 5-string is tougher but I'd rather put my time into learning the bass I ultimately want to play rather than working on skills I don't care as much about.) Unfortunately, Yamaha basses don't seem to be at stores around me, but assuming I make an educated purchase, I'm fine making a bass purchase online without trying it first. I would plan to be able to mess with the EQ within Apple Logic after the fact to get it to sound right mixed with other instruments, but in any case, above all I'd be looking for a nice sound especially at the low end for a bass solo part that kicks off the song in question, a bit punchy and with a nice clear tone. I don't expect to become a slap player or to play fast runs. Mostly, I see myself playing melodic yet rhythmic lines I come up with, with some solos intended to stand out and some parts just intended to take their place in the mix with guitar or vocals in the spotlight.

I'm mostly looking at a TRBX305, 505, or 605 or a BB435. I think I understand the differences (305 active only with ceramic pickups, 505 and 605 passive or active with Alnico pickups, 435 passive; TRBX humbuckers, BB P-J pickups; 505 all mahogany, 605 maple/mahogany), but ultimately does any of that matter? In spite of all one can say between double humbuckers vs PJ style, passive vs active, and wood, maybe are all of them just as good for what I'm looking to do, especially given how I'd be able to adjust the sound after the fact? The 305 (cheapest) is $250 less than the 605 (priciest), but I'd be willing to go from the 305 to the 505 or the 505 to the 605 if it's worth it. The BB435 is basically the same price as a TRBX505, and a BB totally seems like something that could tempt me away from a TRBX. FWIW, I don't expect to be in a position to worry about a battery dying on me, and I would expect to mostly play sitting down but I also don't have back problems in case I need to stand and play it. I certainly don't expect to ever become a bassist who plays long sets in front of people unless I magically become good or unless mediocre bass playing becomes a popular part of live music.

Anyway, any thoughts on what you'd select in my position are greatly appreciated.

 

[stingray69]

Yamaha makes fantastic instruments and both of the basses you have your eye on (TRBX and BB) would be more than capable of delivering the goods. From the style of music you described, the BB (IMO) would be better geared right out of the gate. But the TRBX would also be fantastic as well, just might require some EQ tweaking to give you what you want. Essentially, I think you're up against the classic active/passive pro's and cons list here. Each will be able to do some things the other can't <quite> pull off, but either bass can do those "other things" with passable results with a little EQ tweaking. But for the most natural ultra-warmth in the low end, between the two, I'd lean toward the passive BB. Best of luck deciding between 2 great choices!

 

[Nedmundo]

I agree with the above, but since you mention playing solos and melodic lines, you might want to use the bridge pickup on its own. If so, keep in mind the BB's bridge pickup is a single coil, so you might get some noise depending on the environment. The TRBX humbuckers will be quiet, and those in the 505 and 605 sound good IMO. I considered getting a 505 a couple of years ago.

 

[McGruff]

Thanks, stingray69 and Nedmundo!

I agree with the above, but since you mention playing solos and melodic lines, you might want to use the bridge pickup on its own. If so, keep in mind the BB's bridge pickup is a single coil, so you might get some noise depending on the environment. The TRBX humbuckers will be quiet, and those in the 505 and 605 sound good IMO. I considered getting a 505 a couple of years ago.

The single coil noise consideration is one I do think about. Not sure how bad it would be in a typical house with 120 V 60 Hz power and no large inductive loads like motors necessarily running, which is where I'd record. FWIW, I would have the ability to shut off most everything in the house when recording but I would prefer not to have to do anything special to reduce electromagnetic noise when playing. I'd have to imagine hum in a situation like mine wouldn't be too bad with single coils or else people wouldn't stick with single coils as enthusiastically as they do. If I should worry about it, that would cause me to lean toward the TRBX series.