Yamaha RBX170 Owners

[Ghook]

There is a ground wire that is stripped bare and resides under the metal bridge. Some where from there to the beginning of that wire there is a break. It is most probably at the bridge. It's worth fixing because they are really nice basses. My suggestion is buy a set of LaBella Tapewounds (blacks look awesome) and check your ground at the same time or tell the shop your getting your restring from about the hum and have them check ground. GC carries that useless noise cancellation product for what reason I will never know. Get a refund, find a local guitar tech at the mom and pop store or check YouTube and repair it yourself. I have had my 170 for years...great sounding P/J.

 

[S-money]

Thanks for the reply, Ghook. My research (such as it is) tells me that if it’s a ground wire problem, then touching the strings or other metal wouldn’t reduce the hum. But in my case, it does reduce the hum.

On one hand, that would indicate an EMI shielding problem. On the other hand, the hum occurs in multiple rooms, though I haven’t tried changing my position or orientation in the room to see if the hum level changes.

 

[S-money]

Regarding my hum problem, I phoned a tech who figured that since the hum went away when I touched metal, it was a likely a 60 Hz hum/shielding problem. But he suggested to first take it to the shop and try it there compared to another RBX170 to make sure there was nothing defective. The shop must have filters that help with interference, because both basses were very quiet. Both did exhibit a slightly noticeable hum in my earphones when I wasn't touching anything - and this was with the tone way up and the overdrive switch on the Rumbler 25 (which I also use at home). So I eliminated mechanical defect as a cause.

I popped the back cover and was not surprised to see that there was no shielding. I tested at home again and also noticed that when I turned the kitchen lights on (LED bulbs), the hum increased noticeably though not much. So my end conclusion is that I'm surrounded by interference without shielding and just need to live with it for now. I punted and use a noise gate so I don't go crazy when studying my music book or otherwise trying to think. Eventually, if my skills rise to the extent to which I feel I am worthy of spending more money, I'll get the thing shielded. In the meantime, it's a beautiful piece, doesn't weigh down my skinny frame too much, and is enjoyable for mucking about.

 

[metal lover25]

i want to know what knobs i need to get for the knobs for my RBX170Y

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