• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best Yamaha basses on a budget?

W

wriinkles

Feb 9, 2020
2
7
#1
Hi, I've been playing for a few years now and I'm finally looking to buy a bass of my own, but I was hoping to get some second opinions from more knowledgeable players. I'm thinking of going with Yamaha since I find that I've liked those best of the basses I've tried so far in my budget (I'm hoping for something around the $300 range).

So far, I've played the TRBX174 at my school, and I've generally quite liked that, and it sells at a store nearby for about $270 CAD.

My other main consideration is the BB234, which I was offered for $360. I'm not in love with the color of (the store only carried black and white), but I can probably put that aside given that I liked almost everything else about it. I've also seen a used BB300 in my area for $150.

I'd probably be mainly playing jazz, as I play for my school's jazz band, if that makes a difference? I'm honestly just feeling quite clueless and really hesitant about where I'm putting my money since this is my first buy. So-any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
  • Like
Reactions: alanloomis1980, Kro and dramatwist
#4
+1 it’s hard to go wrong with a Yamaha!

It’s best if you can try them. Focus on the neck; find a neck you can’t put down and you’re 90% there. Any style of bass can play jazz. Pickups can be upgraded down the road. But the neck is the backbone, the secret sauce, if you will.

Looks like the trbx and bb234 have very similar necks, just more frets on the trbx. The BB300 is going to be a little wider, so best to test that one out if you can. (Personally I’d be going to check out the BB300 ;) )

Good luck, have fun, welcome to TB and the low end! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: BobDeRosa, Jim C, fishdreams and 2 others
#8
Yamaha is just a great company for doing quality instruments at reasonable prices. And no, they didn't pay me to say that, it just seems to be the way they work across the board.

I'm a fan of the BB series particularly. The one thing I would comment between the BB300 and the BB234, is that the BB300 is likely to be heavier in weight but may have a bit more personality in its tone. I find the newer BBs a little more neutral in tone, which can mean more versatility but less persona.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gringo Basso and alanloomis1980
#9
wriinkles said:
Hi, I've been playing for a few years now and I'm finally looking to buy a bass of my own, but I was hoping to get some second opinions from more knowledgeable players. I'm thinking of going with Yamaha since I find that I've liked those best of the basses I've tried so far in my budget (I'm hoping for something around the $300 range).

So far, I've played the TRBX174 at my school, and I've generally quite liked that, and it sells at a store nearby for about $270 CAD.

My other main consideration is the BB234, which I was offered for $360. I'm not in love with the color of (the store only carried black and white), but I can probably put that aside given that I liked almost everything else about it. I've also seen a used BB300 in my area for $150.

I'd probably be mainly playing jazz, as I play for my school's jazz band, if that makes a difference? I'm honestly just feeling quite clueless and really hesitant about where I'm putting my money since this is my first buy. So-any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

Well, if you don't mind spending closer to the 1K mark, and can find a used one, grab the flagship BBP35. Mine is incredible.
 
#13
wriinkles said:
Hi, I've been playing for a few years now and I'm finally looking to buy a bass of my own, but I was hoping to get some second opinions from more knowledgeable players. I'm thinking of going with Yamaha since I find that I've liked those best of the basses I've tried so far in my budget (I'm hoping for something around the $300 range).



My other main consideration is the BB234, which I was offered for $360. I'm not in love with the color of (the store only carried black and white), but I can probably put that aside given that I liked almost everything else about it. I've also seen a used BB300 in my area for $150.

…... So-any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...


hypercarrots said:
bb300 alll the way. i’ve had 4.
Click to expand...


This^^^

Had a bb myself, great bass.
 
#15
I've owned quite a few Yamaha basses on the low to mid price tier....my answer is yes. Pick one up, any one up. :)
One thing I love about their basses is that everything I've owned or tried from the lowest priced model to the highest, have been consistently of a high quality. Solid basses for sure.
In terms of which particular model, you need to establish whether you want a P/J pickup configuration, or one with beefy humbuckers, do you want active or passive? I would also recommend looking at the used market, you can often find good used ones you wouldn't have been able to afford if bought new. I bought a used RBX375 and already owned a TRBX305 not too long ago. Between the two, I actually preferred the sound of the older RBX375.
 
#19
The first Yamaha I bought was a BB because I prefer a more Fenderish appearance to my basses. But a little later I got a good deal on a TRBX and now I prefer it. It's weighs less, has a slimmer neck, and sits in my lap better. You should put your hands on both of them to see if you have a preference.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back