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Questions about Yamaha TRBX Series

#21
dave_bass5 said:
Yes, that doesn't sound right. Most of the time I can't tell what mode im in unless I'm really pushing the EQ. The difference is there of course but it's not over the top loud when in one mode.
Hope you get it sorted. It sounds like an easy fix. At least the bass plays and feels well, that would be my main worry.
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Yeah, the weight is great and it plays well. Even in its current state I can get some great sounds out of it. I bought it through Sweetwater and contacted them last night and they are going to give me some options today.

Crystalman85 said:
Between the trbx305 and the trbx505, which yamaha bass you guys like the best? I would like to try out those basses if I get a chance to go to either a guitar center or a sam ash. I own a yamaha trbx174 in a metallic blue finish and I think it sounded pretty cool. especially when I use my effects.
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Even though my 505 has some slight issues, I prefer it over the 305 as well. It seems like it covers more sonic space from bottom to top and gets a nice punchy, growly sound to it. The 305 has cool features but seems a bit tame compared to the 505.
 
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#22
dave_bass5 said:
I only briefly played a 305 but i much preferred the 505. More so for the look and finish, plus the EQ rather than feel. Both felt really nice to play.
I wanted a more traditional EQ, although the presets did sound good in the shop, but the big plus point was the fact that the bass will run in passive mode, even without a battery in it.
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Hey Dave. How is your mid control on the bass? Mine seems to cut more than it will boost. I know that could be part of the defective EQ I have but I forgot to try that out in the store yesterday. Didn't have much time and I was really just focusing on going between passive and flat active. Thanks.
 
#23
I find the EQ is more useful for tweaking rather than any drastic changes, although it can do this if pushed. Considering now little i use it i suppose i could have have got away with the 305, but i didn't like the glossy finish as much as on the 505.
Quite a few times ive gone back on for the next set, plugged my transmitter in and forgot to turn the bass on for a few numbers. Both volume levels are pretty close, its only the bass boost that makes the most difference to the overall volume.
The mid control seems to thicken things up nicely on my bass, but i too would say it seems to make more of a difference when i turn it down, it gives a nice mid scoop. I tend to keep it around the centre point as my cab is quite mid heavy already.
 
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#24
jjk2007 said:
Yeah, the weight is great and it plays well. Even in its current state I can get some great sounds out of it. I bought it through Sweetwater and contacted them last night and they are going to give me some options today.



Even though my 505 has some slight issues, I prefer it over the 305 as well. It seems like it covers more sonic space from bottom to top and gets a nice punchy, growly sound to it. The 305 has cool features but seems a bit tame compared to the 505.
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I can see from your point of view that they're both great sounding basses. but they have some differences. I would know the trbx305 has a tone switch for different styles like finger, slap, pick, flat, and solo. while the trbx505 has a 3-band eq for tone flexibility and a passive to active switch. I would like to try them out if I ever get a chance to go to a guitar center or a sam ash. I've only tried out the trbx305 once at a music store in hawaii and I would like to try it out again.
 
#25
As far as I can tell from reading the website and watching some videos is the switch on the 300's just quickly sets the EQ to preset settings that can be tweaked by the treble and bass knobs while the 500's have a full 3 band EQ that you can tweak.

I'd rather have the full 3 band EQ that I can set as I want rather than the presets. Plus the active/passive switch seals the deal for me.

I have GAS.

Going to try out the 504 tomorrow at GC
 
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#26
I was able to get the chance and play both the 504 and the 505 this afternoon at GC. They had a black 504 and a white 505. The white was very nice. I've never really played a 5 string so it was hard to gauge how it felt as I had a hard time getting used to the 5th string.

However I REALLY liked the 504. It felt great, I liked the flatter neck profile and the active EQ was great.

But don't buy the black 504 at the GC in Grand Rapids, the whole body has a crack in it.
 
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#27
After sending in some video and audio clips of my bass to Sweetwater they were able to confirm there is some kind of an EQ issue going on. They shipped me out a (tested) replacement bass with a prepaid UPS label for the one I have now. I've got my current one boxed up (I always try and keep the factory shipping containers) and all I have to do when the new one arrives is slap the label on and drop it off at any shipping/mailing center. I'll use my 305 for tonights gig and should have plenty of time to get the new one set up for next weekends double header. I'll update when the new one shows up.
 
#30
Well, my replacement bass came in and it is a good improvement over the previous one. I gigged it twice this past weekend with good success and spent today tweaking some EQ settings on my Eden rig and have come up with some good sounds. Looks like this one should be staying in the stable for a while!
 
#35
Well, I'm horrible with pics but here's a shot of my upper horn. You can see the dark lines/streaks underneath on the mahogany body. Kind of subtle but definitely noticeable when giving the bass a close look.
2015-03-05%2012.56.40.gif
 
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#36
Thank you. That is pretty bright; the audience might have to wear sunglasses. Is the finish reasonably durable looking? I know some of the Ibanez satin finishes wear through quickly--not that it matters that much. I have several traditional P and J basses and, with my Ray gone, was thinking a modern tone might be the way to go now and then; somehow, I feel the Yamaha line is a cut above the Ibanez at similar price points.
 
#37
I had a TRBX304- really liked the neck but didn't like the tone output so I ended up trading it. The 504 has much better tonal ability.
High quality for the price- neck seems sturdier than similarly priced Ibanez basses (this coming from someone who loves Ibanez basses).
 
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