I need help choosing my second bass

[riangosling]

I've been practicing bass for a good few months now with a Yamaha TRBX174. In a few more months, I'll be moving away quite far (across the country) for university, I'll have to leave the TRBX174 and buy a new bass there. So I checked the music stores, and I found 3 basses within my budget. All of which I know are reliable and durable, but yet I'm still in a dilemma. The 3 basses are as follows:
1. Yamaha BB234
2. Bacchus BJB-1
3. The classic Squier Affinity

I plan to join my first band in uni, and possibly play gigs.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Everyone's tastes (and hands) are different. Go play all three and see what feels best to you.

I would also check the classifieds when you get there. It's a buyer's market right now. The university music department may also have cheap rentals.

 

[Marihino]

I have zero experience with Bacchus. Out of the other two, I'd choose Yamaha. Actually, I'd try to find a used BB414, which would probably be cheaper than a new 234 and (imho) better.

 

[WayneP]

There was a thread last night with someone complaining of neck dive with the 234, might want to scratch that one.

Really, I’d suggest doing internet searches for “talkbass [name and model of bass]” and you’ll probably get some threads on them. I do this all the time for all sorts of equipment and bass situations, and can usually find some useful information. (Pro tip – use an internet search engine, not TB’s search function which is frequently panned here as inadequate.)

Thread 'Counterweights for neck dive'

May 30, 2026

I’ve realized recently that my BB234’s neck dive is starting to be a bit of a nuisance to my playing, so I tried finding ways to solve the neck dive. The simplest solution I found was to put coins in the electronics as a counterweight, which in theory sounds like it should work. Are there any drawbacks to this?

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[ProbablyTooLoud]

234

 

[tb-player]

Based on reputation alone, I vote for the Bacchus.

 

[tpaul]

Have you looked at the talkbass classifieds?

 

[riangosling]

Have you looked at the talkbass classifieds?

I have not, I'm pretty new to the site. Made an account just for this question.

I feel like I also have to mention that the country I'll be going to is Malaysia.

 

[SpyderX]

If you aren't moving for a few months, is there a rush? Something more intriguing to you might pop up between now and then. That said, you kind of know what you're getting with Yamaha.

 

[Aric Bjorn]

If you like your 174, why not get another of those brand new in Malaysia too? It's a quality passive P/J, good value for the money, and pretty versatile considering its simplicity, imho.

 

[riangosling]

If you aren't moving for a few months, is there a rush? Something more intriguing to you might pop up between now and then. That said, you kind of know what you're getting with Yamaha.

I guess you are right, I still have quite a lot of time before moving

 

[riangosling]

If you like your 174, why not get another of those brand new in Malaysia too? It's a quality passive P/J, good value for the money, and pretty versatile considering its simplicity, imho.

Well I just feel like upgrading a bit y'know?

 

[mpdd]

if you have a bacchus in the mix, make sure you can deal with the weight
they play great and sound great, but they can be super heavyweights

 

[Liam Wald]

IMHO Yamaha is always a good choice. Another company that builds really good quality instruments at modest prices is Ibanez.

 

[Liam Wald]

PS; congrats on attending university. There will be lots of opportunity for playing music there.
When I was in college I was in a band and made a pretty decent amount of cash playing frat parties and the like.
Nothing but fun!

 

[riangosling]

PS; congrats on attending university. There will be lots of opportunity for playing music there.
When I was in college I was in a band and made a pretty decent amount of cash playing frat parties and the like.
Nothing but fun!

Thank you! I hope I'll have as much fun as you did!

 

[Malak the Mad]

Based on reputation alone, I vote for the Bacchus.

That was my thinking, too. They're known for producing quality instruments.

3. The classic Squier Affinity

This is also not a bad choice. If it turns out to be good enough to get the job done, that's great. Plus, they are great platforms to make pickup and/or electronics upgrades. (Think "Laura Lee from Khruangbin", a long-time player of an upgraded cheap bass.)

I plan to join my first band in uni, and possibly play gigs.

Very nice! Have a great time out there!

Oh, and before I forget, welcome to TalkBass!

 

[riangosling]

That was my thinking, too. They're known for producing quality instruments.


This is also not a bad choice. If it turns out to be good enough to get the job done, that's great. Plus, they are great platforms to make pickup and/or electronics upgrades. (Think "Laura Lee from Khruangbin", a long-time player of an upgraded cheap bass.)


Very nice! Have a great time out there!

Oh, and before I forget, welcome to TalkBass!

Thank you very much!

 

[Neck Diver]

All good advice. I’m also a big fan of the Yamaha rbx174, talk about value.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Quality wise, if one of these is made in Japan, that’s what I would go for.

The Squier Affinity seems to be the lowest quality of the 3 IMO.

A Bacchus made in Japan would be a hell of a bass !