This is my debut post on the venerable TB site after many moons of reading and enjoying shared insights, thoughts, advice, and reciprocation. I began learning the double bass 40 years ago this month with the electric bass diving in soon after so I thought to send greetings because after all these decades, bass playing is still as much a thrill as it was when beginning in 1983.
I’m curious to know if any of you have come across the passive Taiwanese Yamaha RBX models which appeared during the early to mid 1990s? They are still my basses of choice despite having played a variety of so-called upmarket/high end models of instrument. The photo below are the twins (RBX 250) and their blue sibling (RBX350) bought respectively in 1992, 1994, and 1997.
I find that their construction, sound, consistency, tone, and durability to be outstanding; I’ve rarely had to have any upkeep made on any of them beyond an occasional input Jack or pot rewriting c/- wear & tear. They also record very well; a very even tone over 22 frets regardless of flats, tapes, or round wound. I was initially told to not bother with them at the times of purchase because they were ‘beginner basses’ and that I should have more professional instruments….I found this ludicrous then and now because I’m hard pressed to think of a beginner bass beyond J.P. McCartney’s first Hofners as Gibson copies, and he seemed to play quite well with those instruments(!). Still does, come to think of it….
…..Anyway, it’s not often that I find too much info on these RBXs hence why I’m keen to see if any of your good selves play these or versions that are close. I’m also keen to hear about the other side of the coin as well should any of you not be too fussed about them.
Everything on my basses are stock; no upgrades whatsoever. They’ve become as rare as teeth on a chook in this part of the Pacific during recent years despite the occasional appearance on Reverb & eBay, et al. Cheers to you all.
