Best Yamaha basses on a budget?

[kopio]

I picked up a used BBN5 a while back and it has been very solid. I ended up dropping a pair of Barts in it, and it sounds amazing for jazz.

 

[jmlee]

I have a TRBX304 and can't say enough good about it. You can usually find them used for under $300.00.

This. Absolutely remarkable value and great tonal flexibility with the toggle switch.

 

[dalkowski]

Yamaha are probably the safest buy in the bass world.

or any other world where they play.

 

[eriky4003]

Get that BB300, as long as there is nothing wrong with it, you won't regret it. Slap a set of DR Lo-Riders on it to get an amazing tone that will bring a smile to anyone's face!

 

[oldcatfish]

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!

If you're still not sure about Yamaha, I'll give you a different perspective. I don't own a Yamaha bass. But I am a multi-instrumentalist and guitar bass/teacher. And I do own 2 Yamaha digita pianos, 1 Yamaha keyboard, and a Yamaha guitar, and I have had students that did own Yamaha basses.

Yamaha probably has the best quality control of ANY musical instrument manufacturer....and that goes for ANY of their instruments. They manufacture violins, drums, guitars, pianos, PA systems, etc. All of their gear is known to be good "bang for your buck" by professional musicians, even ones who prefer other brands. I can't recall EVER running into a musician that hates Yamaha gear, even if they don't own any, and I can't recall ever seeing a "lemon" Yamaha instrument. I really don't think that I can say that about any other brand. That doesn't mean that there aren't any, but I haven't seen any.

As others have said, you really can't go wrong with Yamha.

 

[overit]

Love my TRBXs. As mentioned, great value instruments. My tastes would probably be more along the lines of the BB series (owned an '80s BB3000S in the early 2000s) as far as looks but once I tried one of these, the weight, ergonomics and range of tones convinced me. I play the TRBX305 with Fat Beams for rock/pop and the TRBX505 with Labella Flats for jazz, R&B, soul. If I could find a lightweight BBP35 or 735A, I'd probably get one. I'd love if they offered a fretless 5 for either series.

 

[Mr Cheese]

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!

I have a RBX 800A, got it used for $300. Great bass. Like the others are saying, you almost can't go wrong with Yamaha.

 

[Spent]

Not to sound redundant, but I’ve had a few a Yamaha basses over the years and found they always punch above their weight. I bought a trbx 505 as a backup a few years ago and it’s my main practice bass at home (I leave my main bass at rehearsal).

 

[Jim C]

Now you have me wondering!
Does Yamaha make a neck that is a similar shape as a P?
Do any of these models normally run in the 8.5 lb. and lower weight class?
Due to some hand issues, my Laklands don't have a very deep neck (front to back) and that's become a problem.

 

[Skillet]

I'd recommend selling some valuables and buying the BB734 for sale in my sig. Monster bass in immaculate shape....... just sayin.

 

[TrustRod]

Like everyone else in this thread I love the Yamaha but was first attracted to the motorcycles. It's a great company, I've played many great Yamaha guitars and own a BB415 that has an aggressive Fendery sound and plays wonderfully. I do want to get rid of it because I'm into 16.5mm or less spacing and it is 18mm and I never got into the orange color (and I have too many basses). The only reason I don't sell it is because you can't get anything for them used so I don't even bother. But since you're looking to buy this is in your favor