• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

YAMAHA TRB CLUB

#661
BluesMan84 said:
Hi Amigoz2k,

I am going through a similar thing. I have a TRB 1004 J and have found that the pickups are EMG 45 sized.

There are a few options, Bartolini, EMG, Seymour Duncan SSB and quite a few others.

Any pickup that uses the rail design is a good option as Yamaha use the same size Pup for there 4/5/6 string TRB's.

I have recently upgraded to an EMG Pre and JCSX and CSX Pickups. Still waiting on the parts so can't judge on the sound just yet.

Alot of members have felt the pickups were great but that the Pre was not the best. If you are unhappy with the sound I would maybe start with the pre.

As I have stated several times in different threads, I have found that the Body,neck and playability is second to none but all the other bits and pieces are the difference between a TRB and a BB2024 or similar.

I am currently doing a giant upgrade project on a TRB.

Regards,
Click to expand...





Thanks BluesMan 84 for rapid response and I 100% agree with you to try a preamp first .
anyway I`ll wait for you completing your project to tell me more about the difference
wishing you the best :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
#664
#666
AndyPanda said:
Hope you guys can help me with a decision. I'm shopping for a used TRB and I've found an old TRB 5 and a TRB1005 and a TRB5-II --- curious what the general opinion is on which version is the best?
Click to expand...

IMO the original TRB series is the best, condition depending of course. I've played both the 1000 series and the IIs and greatly prefer the original models. The fit, finish, and electronics are superior in the original series IMO. The only Yamaha equivalents I've played are the TRBJP and TRBJP2, and possibly the TRB6 (gen2). All are bolt-on vs. neck through, and I prefer the latter on my TRB-6P.
 
#667
Here's mine. Love it a lot.
uploadfromtaptalk1405736874658.jpg
 
#669
AndyPanda said:
Hope you guys can help me with a decision. I'm shopping for a used TRB and I've found an old TRB 5 and a TRB1005 and a TRB5-II --- curious what the general opinion is on which version is the best?
Click to expand...

Dunno if you've already bought one, but IMO, the 5 and 5II series are very similar. The PII series I have has some amazing attention to detail in the construction aspect of it.

The 1000 series is made in Korea, and i've never played them, but the consensus is that they arent as good as the Japanese versions.
 
#673
I kinda want an Original TRB6P just to have two 6Ps. But as it stands, I dunno if that's actually feasible :lol:

The Yamaha stock stuff sounds GREAT with the fretless board on it. I might have to switch to flats. Steels + Piezo = extreme brightness
 
#674
I had the TRB5P, but didn't enjoy the pickups and eq. Being in South Africa, the cost for replacement pups and eq is scary, so like a twit I ditched it for a cheaper 5 and some pedals. However, my TRB6 will never leave my position. I do still want to fit Barts with an Aguilar OBP-3. From what I've seen on many bass groups, that's the answer answer for me. I find the stock kit a little too harsh (brash), and I'm after more of a smooth, jazz tone - something like a Fodera... But that's in the future... Also want to shave the neck down (thinner) and take the varnish off and do a tung oil finish.
 
Last edited:
#677
^^ That's a hell of an upgrade. Damn. Those inlays and the inlays on the RBX6JM (original yamaha John Myung model) have to be my all time favorites.

glassmoon said:
BTW, in my opinion, you could try nickel rounds, or half rounds for a less bright tone. Just my 10c
Click to expand...

I could. I'm trying to find some exposed core strings with some decent string gauges first.

Here's a few more pics of my defretted 6PII:

20140916_015418.jpg
20140916_015545_Richtone(HDR).jpg


That action! :D
 
#678
Stunning action. I'm impressed. I take it that you have a light touch? I refretted my 6 with mandolin frets (tiny) a while ago. Love them. Just wish I could find even smaller frets - something that is nearly flat for a near-as-damnit frettless sound, but with enough fret to be accurate.
As for strings, not sure about exposed core, but check out [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#679
glassmoon said:
Stunning action. I'm impressed. I take it that you have a light touch? I refretted my 6 with mandolin frets (tiny) a while ago. Love them. Just wish I could find even smaller frets - something that is nearly flat for a near-as-damnit frettless sound, but with enough fret to be accurate.
As for strings, not sure about exposed core, but check out [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

I try to have a light touch, yeah. Plus, when you smack the strings against the board, you can still kinda get something reminiscent of fret clank (A la steve harris).

As far as strings go, I just ordered some Ken Smith strings, in medium with the bottom 3 strings tapered. We'll see what happens. I used http://www.bassstringsonline.com/ ... they don't charge shipping inside the US, like JustStrings does.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back