NBD - Peak MIJ Yamaha Content

[ggvicviper]

This is a Yamaha TRB-5 in cherryburst. The serial number and deduction of the model lineage's timeline seem to date this bass to September 9th, 1989. Headstock is a little dinged up, but the bass is in nice shape otherwise.

It is stupidly easy to play, and sounds great. I gotta put new strings on it.

Don't think much else needs to be said here. I do need some funds, so please take a look in the classifieds for some stuff I have for sale, though.

 

[Church-Bass]

I approve - I love these Yamahas from that era - have owned a couple TRB6Ps, I'm now rocking a TRB6PII - the feel and tone are unparalleled.

 

[ggvicviper]

I spent a little time putting on D'Addario XTs and lowering the action. If I thought it had mojo before I did that...

D'Addario and Yamaha go together like PB&J!

 

[Swerve]

I spent a little time putting on D'Addario XTs and lowering the action. If I thought it had mojo before I did that...

D'Addario and Yamaha go together like PB&J!

View attachment 7403988

Just perfect. And I agree on the string pairing. I have NYXL’s on my BBG5S.

 

[Z-Bass]

D'Addario and Yamaha go together like PB&J!

What a great score! Congrats! I too love these Yamahas from this era, this looks to be in excellent shape. Are these 35" scale?

In addition to the D'Addarios, those Yamaha humbucker pickups with make it chunky PB&J.

 

[Brandon Shea]

Nice looking bass, congrats! That one definitely looks like it has some mojo.

 

[ggvicviper]

What a great score! Congrats! I too love these Yamahas from this era, this looks to be in excellent shape. Are these 35" scale?

In addition to the D'Addarios, those Yamaha humbucker pickups with make it chunky PB&J.

I think the first TRBs were 34". Very comfortable.

 

[BioDriver]

My old TRB5-II is one of the few basses I deeply regret selling.

 

[ggvicviper]

I did a little more setup today on this with a slight loosening do the truss, and I think I got the hang of the 3-way rotary selector...

The rear selector position is what I think is what Yamaha wants you to think of as "flat". It's probably where I am going to spend the majority of my time.

The middle position is "EQ1", and it seems to slightly boost treble and bass, but does a selectable mid scoop using the VR dial on the preamp PCB. I current have this at a upper mids cut for a unique sound.

The front position is "EQ2", and it's similar to flat, but you can sweep the mid frequency using a different VR dial on the PCB, and pick whether to boost/cut using the trim pot. I have this as mildly boosting lower mids for a little more vintage sound.

Impressed by the flexibility of this thing! And the B-string's pretty deadly.