I have been searching the forums for information on the Yamaha RBX series. Currently, I am in the process of trying to find an entry level bass in terms of price but something that has decent playability and will not be frustrating to learn on. So, in the end the Yamaha seems to be my best choice. The problem is a Yamaha RBX170 is $240 at my local music store (I live in Canada) and I have been finding Yamaha RBX260s and 270s on Craigslist for a much lower price. The thing is, I can't find Yamaha 260s and 270s on online music stores! Have they discontinued the products? And do you think it would be possible for me to post some of these basses from Craigslist and get your guys opinions?
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Yamaha RBX260/270 Bass
- Thread starter ProdigyJ
- Start date
I have to ask you, ProdigyJ: how set are you on the Yamahas? Don't get me wrong, they're very nice instruments for the $$$ (and AFAIK, yes, the 260 & 270 models have been discontinued) but fortunately today there are a lot of great entry-level basses to choose from out there. The Squier VM line is great, as well as the SX (or 'essex' if you want to do a search here on TB) line. Lots of good things have been said about both. Going with something like this would definitely not be frustrating to learn on... they're very giggable instruments.
Otherwise, if you wish to post CL ads on here, most members will be helpful (and brutally honest
) about the quality of a given bass. Careful someone doesn't jump on an ad you post here though... just about everyone on here is extremely cool, but you never know... 
someone might snag a bass before you're able to (maybe just post any descriptions or pictures about a bass your're curious about & that's it).
Anyhow - good luck in your search!
Otherwise, if you wish to post CL ads on here, most members will be helpful (and brutally honest
) about the quality of a given bass. Careful someone doesn't jump on an ad you post here though... just about everyone on here is extremely cool, but you never know... someone might snag a bass before you're able to (maybe just post any descriptions or pictures about a bass your're curious about & that's it).Anyhow - good luck in your search!
I've played the 270s, theyre upgraded versions of the 170s series.
very good basses, sounded,felt, and looked great!
very good basses, sounded,felt, and looked great!
Well, I have spent a day reading about the Essex basses and now am seriously considering one, particularly one of the "Ltd" models. But the offer on Craigslist is almost too good to refuse:
-Yamaha RBX 270J, gig bag and cord for $100. What would you guys say? I think it is really a matter of used vs. new but would you say these Ltd models are of better quality than a 270? Or would one of $109 or $119 models be just as adequate? I also have a feeling if I buy either the Yamaha or an Essex I will be bringing it into my local music store to get looked at.
And because I live in Canada I cannot get an exact price on shipping. Does anyone have any idea what it is roughly for shipping an Essex (SX) bass? I live in Vancouver, British Columbia.
-Yamaha RBX 270J, gig bag and cord for $100. What would you guys say? I think it is really a matter of used vs. new but would you say these Ltd models are of better quality than a 270? Or would one of $109 or $119 models be just as adequate? I also have a feeling if I buy either the Yamaha or an Essex I will be bringing it into my local music store to get looked at.
And because I live in Canada I cannot get an exact price on shipping. Does anyone have any idea what it is roughly for shipping an Essex (SX) bass? I live in Vancouver, British Columbia.
100 dollars is a prety good price
yamaha makes some of the best beginner stuff, and the 270 is sort of an upgraded beginner model, one i played was really good.
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/product/Yamaha/RBX-270/10/1
here are some reviews of the 270.
yamaha makes some of the best beginner stuff, and the 270 is sort of an upgraded beginner model, one i played was really good.
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/product/Yamaha/RBX-270/10/1
here are some reviews of the 270.
Hi ProdigyJ,
I would recommend the RBX because I play it (for about 6 years now).
But remember, what feels good to me might not feel good to you.
I have an RBX260F (fretless) that I especially sought after used because this model was discontinued about 6 or 7 years ago. I had the option of buying the new 270 back then. But the 270 had P/J configuration pickup and the 260 just a single P-style pickup, which I prefer. The 270 is the update of the 260. New isn't always better. To me it wasn't in this case.
I also have a more expensive Fender MIM Jazz Bass. But I shouldn't have bought it. To me it doen't feel as good as the RBX. (That's G.A.S for you.)
The RBX is ideal for the beginner because it is so easy and fun to play, and because of that I stick with it even with the fact I improved over the years.
I haven't come across a bass yet that would be more suited for me. And I still can't believe such a fine instrument was so cheap.
And so durable, nothing ever went wrong with mine.
I'm not trying to push you to purchase an RBX, just sharing my positive experience with it.
greetings
I would recommend the RBX because I play it (for about 6 years now).
But remember, what feels good to me might not feel good to you.
I have an RBX260F (fretless) that I especially sought after used because this model was discontinued about 6 or 7 years ago. I had the option of buying the new 270 back then. But the 270 had P/J configuration pickup and the 260 just a single P-style pickup, which I prefer. The 270 is the update of the 260. New isn't always better. To me it wasn't in this case.
I also have a more expensive Fender MIM Jazz Bass. But I shouldn't have bought it. To me it doen't feel as good as the RBX. (That's G.A.S for you.)
The RBX is ideal for the beginner because it is so easy and fun to play, and because of that I stick with it even with the fact I improved over the years.
I haven't come across a bass yet that would be more suited for me. And I still can't believe such a fine instrument was so cheap.
And so durable, nothing ever went wrong with mine.
I'm not trying to push you to purchase an RBX, just sharing my positive experience with it.
greetings
yep, one i played was pretty solid. body is made out of alder too and its got upgraded electronics and hardware from the 170s.
I played the snot out of an RBX170 for the last 3 years...just sold it for a Squier Deluxe Active 5 string.
The Yammy was a fantastic playing instrument...AMAZING bass for the price, IMO.
Body on a 260 is alder...body on the 170 is agathis...nothing wrong with either.
The Yammy was a fantastic playing instrument...AMAZING bass for the price, IMO.
Body on a 260 is alder...body on the 170 is agathis...nothing wrong with either.
Congratulations,
A very good bass wich will give you years of enjoyment.
Good price for it.
