This isn't a great picture, but I found this page from a '92 catalog on the interwebs. It shows Alder as the body wood for the 350. This is the catalog that I had as a kid.
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Yamaha RBX basses (made in Taiwan).
- Thread starter Alphonso Lamp
- Start date
Nice! I guess many of 350 offerings are possibly mis-stated? In my book alder is a bonus! Not necessarily a 'tone wood' guy but I have always preferred alder on my Fender's/FSO's does that make me a tone wood guy? 
Haha cool, good info.
Haha cool, good info.
RBX260F fretless, not sure of the wood type but it's very light weight if that is any help.
I got two RBX270 basses, one fretted and one fretless. Alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and they are very light. I paid $100 for the freetless and a little more for the fretted one. Great instruments.
These discussions have given me much food for thought for which I am very grateful as part of RBX knowledge was very thin. That 1992 Yamaha advertisement posted above brings back tall memories yet I don't recall there being much of a push for these models in comparison to other names competing for our wallets (I.E.: Washburn seemed to be everywhere at the time for some reason).
I actually remember a music store salesperson trying to talk me out of buying my 1st Yamaha stating the usual idiotic 'beginner bass/not as professional as a Fender' excuse….it actually made me more determined to buy the bass as I was enjoying trying it out already. Mind you, the same individual tried arguing the merits of the wonderful 'Fender Percussion' bass. I replied that I'd never heard of that. He replied that there's the 'Fender Jazz' bass and the 'Fender Percussion' bass (no Mustangs or Jaguars in sight…just as well, really, as he would've thought that Fender manufactured cars). I paused before inquiring if he meant the 'Fender Precision' bass. No, said he, it was definitely the 'Fender Percussion' indeed. I had a little cry over that; can you imagine what would've been had he misheard the word 'Jazz'??
The fretless RBX250 was lovely to play but I never had the funds to finance more than 1 bass at a time. Not having fingerboard dot markers threw me a little when trying them; I'm certainly keeping my retinas wide open these days as I have no wish to defret the basses that I have. I played a session last night with my blue RBX350; it's such a joy - almost plays itself, really. Hope that you've all enjoyed a bonzer musical week.
I actually remember a music store salesperson trying to talk me out of buying my 1st Yamaha stating the usual idiotic 'beginner bass/not as professional as a Fender' excuse….it actually made me more determined to buy the bass as I was enjoying trying it out already. Mind you, the same individual tried arguing the merits of the wonderful 'Fender Percussion' bass. I replied that I'd never heard of that. He replied that there's the 'Fender Jazz' bass and the 'Fender Percussion' bass (no Mustangs or Jaguars in sight…just as well, really, as he would've thought that Fender manufactured cars). I paused before inquiring if he meant the 'Fender Precision' bass. No, said he, it was definitely the 'Fender Percussion' indeed. I had a little cry over that; can you imagine what would've been had he misheard the word 'Jazz'??
The fretless RBX250 was lovely to play but I never had the funds to finance more than 1 bass at a time. Not having fingerboard dot markers threw me a little when trying them; I'm certainly keeping my retinas wide open these days as I have no wish to defret the basses that I have. I played a session last night with my blue RBX350; it's such a joy - almost plays itself, really. Hope that you've all enjoyed a bonzer musical week.
Should anyone still be reading...
....I'm discovering that a fretless version of the RBX250 (or 200, 300, & 350) area as rare anywhere as feathers on a frog. Does anyone reading this have an argument for or againgst defretting one of my twin RBX250s? If so, would an epoxy finish on the fingerboard be recommended to stop round wound strings in particular from eating the wood? I'm still keeping an eye out for an original fretless model so there is no rush; am simply thinking further down the track. Cheers ever so.
....I'm discovering that a fretless version of the RBX250 (or 200, 300, & 350) area as rare anywhere as feathers on a frog. Does anyone reading this have an argument for or againgst defretting one of my twin RBX250s? If so, would an epoxy finish on the fingerboard be recommended to stop round wound strings in particular from eating the wood? I'm still keeping an eye out for an original fretless model so there is no rush; am simply thinking further down the track. Cheers ever so.
Unless you have other more pressing needs for 2 RBX 250s (like rounds and flats, different pickups, etc.), I see no issue defretting one. Epoxy might be pretty cool. It would be reminiscent of the old maple-board fretless P-basses with finish on the board. Obviously not maple, but probably a similar brighter tone than bare/oiled rosewood.
As far as wear on the board, I really, seriously, wouldn't worry about it. Even if you are very heavy-handed, then learn to use a softer touch. Don't bend the strings across the board for vibrato, like you would a fretted instrument. You'll get many, many years out of a bare rosewood board, even with rounds.
Go for it!
As far as wear on the board, I really, seriously, wouldn't worry about it. Even if you are very heavy-handed, then learn to use a softer touch. Don't bend the strings across the board for vibrato, like you would a fretted instrument. You'll get many, many years out of a bare rosewood board, even with rounds.
Go for it!
That is pearler feedback; much appreciated, Squire Lowfreqgeek. There are several worldclass luthiers in town so will go shopping for price/service comparisons during the next few days. I usually play with the flatwounds so have no desperate need to retain both RBX250 as being fretted. Your insights about the epoxy are also valued as having an approximate maple neck tone (especially on rosewood) would be lovely to have. Cheers once again.
Haha had me at "Pearler" I knew what OP meant by context just never heard itKeep throwing around Australianisms like this and I'll never look away
He was being polite. He really meant to say they're as rare as rocking horse $hit.Keep throwing around Australianisms like this and I'll never look away
You're all dandy kind to put up with my vernacular; there are some elements of Australian English which remain in verbal currency despite being very 20th (or even 19th) century. That being said, it is just as well that the good folk at Yamaha never had the likes of me writing an early '90s review for the model of bass that we've been discussing during recent times....can you imagine their horror if something like this appeared?:
'EVERYBODY KICKS A GOAL WITH THE YAMAHA RBX 250'
You'd have to be a twit of the highest order to look the other way when a decent bass guitar is at your party. The bass in question is none other than the Yamaha RBX250, a humble companion that will remain more faithful to you than any government promise. That comparison is not saying much, but the Yamaha RBX250 says a lot.
An alder body; a maple neck; a rosewood fingerboard; 22 medium sized frets; a split coil pickup, a low mass bridge, and a bolt on neck does not mean that this is a Fender interloper. Nah; there's no need for the F word here. The RBX250 is a family friendly addition to The Tribe of Bass that is anything than being a one trick pony. The unique style of body balanced with the smooth 33.7" neck means that this bass is as light as a feather's kiss dancing through the top paddock to any style or genre of music that you wish to play. The fret construction is even and smooth, ready for rounds or flats or tapes or half-wounds, but there is nothing done by half with this bass.
The asking price of the RBX250 will not burn a hole in your pocket; you're free to invest in a quality instrument made by a quality name with enough change left over to buy a bag of chips. This bass however does bring to mind the other F word: fun. it is fun to play with everything needed to make your music sound better than good. This bass of fun nevertheless will remain in serious shape for decades to come.
You could well be a few sandwiches short of a picnic to ignore this bass guitar so do yourself a favour before you end up frustrated with a face like a dropped mince pie. Bob's your uncle; Fanny's your auntie, and Everybody's Kicks A Goal with the Yamaha RBX250.
See? Just as well I don't attempt to eke out a meagre living as a reviewer writer. I learnt the 'Something Else' album by The Kinks this evening with one of the RBX250 models strung with flats; such a joy to play while learning a fantastic collection of songs. Hope that Monday has treated/is treating you all with obese smiles; cheers from over here.
'EVERYBODY KICKS A GOAL WITH THE YAMAHA RBX 250'
You'd have to be a twit of the highest order to look the other way when a decent bass guitar is at your party. The bass in question is none other than the Yamaha RBX250, a humble companion that will remain more faithful to you than any government promise. That comparison is not saying much, but the Yamaha RBX250 says a lot.
An alder body; a maple neck; a rosewood fingerboard; 22 medium sized frets; a split coil pickup, a low mass bridge, and a bolt on neck does not mean that this is a Fender interloper. Nah; there's no need for the F word here. The RBX250 is a family friendly addition to The Tribe of Bass that is anything than being a one trick pony. The unique style of body balanced with the smooth 33.7" neck means that this bass is as light as a feather's kiss dancing through the top paddock to any style or genre of music that you wish to play. The fret construction is even and smooth, ready for rounds or flats or tapes or half-wounds, but there is nothing done by half with this bass.
The asking price of the RBX250 will not burn a hole in your pocket; you're free to invest in a quality instrument made by a quality name with enough change left over to buy a bag of chips. This bass however does bring to mind the other F word: fun. it is fun to play with everything needed to make your music sound better than good. This bass of fun nevertheless will remain in serious shape for decades to come.
You could well be a few sandwiches short of a picnic to ignore this bass guitar so do yourself a favour before you end up frustrated with a face like a dropped mince pie. Bob's your uncle; Fanny's your auntie, and Everybody's Kicks A Goal with the Yamaha RBX250.
See? Just as well I don't attempt to eke out a meagre living as a reviewer writer. I learnt the 'Something Else' album by The Kinks this evening with one of the RBX250 models strung with flats; such a joy to play while learning a fantastic collection of songs. Hope that Monday has treated/is treating you all with obese smiles; cheers from over here.
Hi everyone! I feel like this is the best forum to ask my little beginner questions... I have been playing guitar for about 15 years but want to get a nice solid beginner bass to start having a bit of fun.
I found this Yahama RBX350 4 strings from the 90s in my area, and negotiated it for 200EUR ($219). Do you see it as an okay price, or in your opinion I could get for new and also 200eur a bass in better state and more reliable?
Yamaha RBX 350 Viersaiter Bass 90er Jahre metallic Blau
They sell only the guitar itself, without case or any accessories.
I am open to any suggestions for any 4 strings bass model, in any brand, for max 200EUR, I am very excited to find a great one to start playing a bit at home. Too cheap isn't good I know, but for 200 I hope to find something ok. (for example this one I saw seemed not too bad Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 IL Snow White - 199 € - Muziker or this one https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/201261489_-tmb100-iv-ivory-ibanez.html)
Thanks a lot to all!!
I found this Yahama RBX350 4 strings from the 90s in my area, and negotiated it for 200EUR ($219). Do you see it as an okay price, or in your opinion I could get for new and also 200eur a bass in better state and more reliable?
Yamaha RBX 350 Viersaiter Bass 90er Jahre metallic Blau
They sell only the guitar itself, without case or any accessories.
I am open to any suggestions for any 4 strings bass model, in any brand, for max 200EUR, I am very excited to find a great one to start playing a bit at home. Too cheap isn't good I know, but for 200 I hope to find something ok. (for example this one I saw seemed not too bad Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 IL Snow White - 199 € - Muziker or this one https://www.idealo.de/preisvergleich/OffersOfProduct/201261489_-tmb100-iv-ivory-ibanez.html)
Thanks a lot to all!!
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I have a white RBX350 just like your blue one. Bought it in 1995 from Brook Mays in TX USA, because I wanted a white one and the Yamaha was what they had. I haven't changed anything on it other than strings. I always wished it had a little more gain and keep threatening to change pickups, but never have and most likely won't. Once in a while the pots get scratchy, so I go in with contact cleaner, and that's it.
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I would pay $220US today for the '92 RBX350 that I had in the 90's. In my opinion, it was every bit as good as, and probably better than, anything else in that price range today. The wood, hardware, and fit and finish was all high quality. Pickups weren't superb, but did a fine job.
Thanks a lot Mebsuta and lowfreqgeek, in the end I could not get the blue RBX250 on time... And I chose a new one, also a Yamaha: Yamaha E-Bass TRBX174EW RTB Root Beer
I'm very looking forward to receiving it!!
cheers
I'm very looking forward to receiving it!!
cheers
My only electric (and first bass, period) is an RBX270, Taiwan, alder body, maple/rosewood neck/fb but later production (2001) with the 2x2 headstock. Which I prefer to the 4-in-line, personally. I got it precisely because they are rock solid and undervalued, while Peaveys that I was also looking at had lost the undervalued part of that equation at the point that I was looking.
These days I mostly play upright, since that's the way the folks I play with go, but I have no plans to get rid of the 270, as it's really good at what it does and would be hard to replace with anything as solid for what I have into it. I replaced some rusty roundwounds it came with with a set of tapewounds 10 years ago, and they have been a happy pair ever since (tapewounds - so smooth, great sound, practically never die.)
These days I mostly play upright, since that's the way the folks I play with go, but I have no plans to get rid of the 270, as it's really good at what it does and would be hard to replace with anything as solid for what I have into it. I replaced some rusty roundwounds it came with with a set of tapewounds 10 years ago, and they have been a happy pair ever since (tapewounds - so smooth, great sound, practically never die.)
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I have a mid-90s Taiwanese RBX 350 that we bought new. Natural finish (stained). Don't remember the price.
