Yamaha RBX170 vs. Essex P-bass

Essex, hands down.

 

I am pretty impressed with the Yamahas. I think you should try them and decide which is right for you. BTW, you could also switch the pick ups in the Yamaha for a big sound improvement.

Dan

 

If you need all 24 frets, go for the Yamaha (or the 24 fretted Essex). But for classic rock you need a classic bass.

 

That's a bit of a brash statement. Surely you can play classic rock just as well on the yammy, as well as practically any other model of bass, not just fender deriratives.

 

Well, classic rock SOUNDS better and has a better vibe with a classic bass.

 

Have you ever played an Essex? j/w.

 

He is (was) a bass god, so he doesn't count.

 

Have YOU ever played a Yamaha?

I had a chance to try out one of the Essex (or SX) basses. It was the 70's style J, and the owner wasn't able to set it up without the action being extremely high. Turns out the neck was already starting to twist.

By comparison, I've purchased a number of inexpensive Yamaha basses (RBX250, RBX260, etc.) on behalf several younger people who wanted to start out on the bass and have found them to be consistently decent. They aren't much to look at, but there's virtually nothing about a lower end Yamaha that keeps it from being a completely usable bass for gigging or recording.

 

Actually i have tried quite a few low end Yamahas. One was set up crappy, so not the basses fault, the other ones played very nicely. They could use new pickups, obviously, so i see your point in them being a decent bass. I just think Essex is better though, if you replace the pickups.

 

The ESP is also a nice bass. Tough decision...I think you're safe with either one.

 

Ditto. My preference is the Yamaha but Figjam is right.

Dan