I don't have this bass anymore, but I checked a photo of it. Normally, if the bass is on a stand, the Yamaha sign is on the lower right, and readable. On my bass the signs were on the top left, upside down
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
I don't have this bass anymore, but I checked a photo of it. Normally, if the bass is on a stand, the Yamaha sign is on the lower right, and readable. On my bass the signs were on the top left, upside down
It's not possible that the previous owner inverted their position then.
Don't think so, there were no exisiting screw holes when I reversed the pickups... and it does look a bit weird when the Yamaha signs are upside down
Don't think so, there were no exisiting screw holes when I reversed the pickups... and it does look a bit weird when the Yamaha signs are upside down
Today I was looking at the back of the stock pickups which I just swapped with some custom made ones, and I thought.. How do you know the working coil is the neck one?
I've recently purchased a TRB5P... I think it was produced in the late 80s. The serial is 0N2XXXX . I think that indicates a build between either 86-89 (Here's the serial number dater PDF I am looking at). I thought the TRB line started in '89, does anyone really know?
Now to the pics
Now to the pics
Hi, it's pretty simple: tap the surface of the pickups lightly with a steel screwdriver. You'll hear most noise from the amp where the active coil is.
Nice find and my favorite color! I always wanted to find one just like it. According to this the TRB series started in 1991: Chronology - Yamaha - United States
Unless a company has a searchable serial number database on their website, I think it's a crap shoot. Otherwise there's always too many exceptions and hearsay. Regardless you've landed an amazing 20+ year old bass
IIRC I got my TRB-6P in 1992.
I asked cause mine on the back have a big grey coil on the neck side.. But that's the phantom coil actually
Nice find and my favorite color! I always wanted to find one just like it. According to this the TRB series started in 1991: Chronology - Yamaha - United States
Unless a company has a searchable serial number database on their website, I think it's a crap shoot. Otherwise there's always too many exceptions and hearsay. Regardless you've landed an amazing 20+ year old bass
IIRC I got my TRB-6P in 1992.
Thanks for the response. You are right, it is all a bit uncertain. But I'm guessing the 5 string came out before the 6 string in 1991. Anyway, is an amazing bass, loving that ebony finger board. Can't put it down!
Yamaha's ad copy used to say that the 5-string TRB was born out of the 6-string TRB for those who don't need all six strings and just want the benefit of the low B.
"TRB was born as a versatile 6-string bass guitar along with the greater involvement of synthesizers in music in end of 1980s. TRB has been developed to cover low tonal range with a 6th string (low B), which could not be reached by orthodox 4-string bass, and also the 1st (high C) makes possible for advanced players for further improvisation and expression.TRB has employed a longer scale length of 35" to increase crisp tonal character in low range and great feel for string tension. TRB's low-noise PU and 3-band active circuit produce well-balanced clear sound and provide access to a wider range of tonal possibilities. As a result of Yamaha's countless efforts for innovation, TRB has been supported by many professional musicians since its debut in 1989 and become an icon of a 5 and 6-string bass in the world."
"TRB was born as a versatile 6-string bass guitar along with the greater involvement of synthesizers in music in end of 1980s. TRB has been developed to cover low tonal range with a 6th string (low B), which could not be reached by orthodox 4-string bass, and also the 1st (high C) makes possible for advanced players for further improvisation and expression.TRB has employed a longer scale length of 35" to increase crisp tonal character in low range and great feel for string tension. TRB's low-noise PU and 3-band active circuit produce well-balanced clear sound and provide access to a wider range of tonal possibilities. As a result of Yamaha's countless efforts for innovation, TRB has been supported by many professional musicians since its debut in 1989 and become an icon of a 5 and 6-string bass in the world."
This is interesting, looks like written down the track a bit. It looks like 5 and 6 string were in production by 1989, which would match the production dates of 87-89 based on the serial number.
Hi all, I recently came across the a TRB 5PII in a partial trade here on TB. The for sale post is here: SOLD - Yamaha TRB 5P II - Price Drop !!!
It's a cool bass and once I replace the strings I'm sure it'll be all the more amazing (I believe it has old GHS Boomers on it by the looks of them).
My two issues with it is the faded and/or oxidized gold hardware and some bumps and bruises especially with the clear coat enamel. I'd could reasonably expect some of that on a ~20 year old instrument.
Since it's such a rare piece, I wouldn't mind taking it to a luthier or shipping it off to get it stripped and re-enameled. I can replace the gold tuning machines with gold Gotohs or Hipshots. The main problem is the bridge. Those saddles have seen better days. It wouldn't be a big deal if it was a standard bridge, but I have zero experience with piezo equipment.
I could try some polish, but these doggies look like they may be beyond polishing. I've tried searching for a 1 to 1 replacement, but with no luck. Have any of you who own a 5PII had the need or desire to replace the bridge saddles and if so, were you successful? Here are pics of the blemishes in the enamel and oxidation on the bridge saddles. Thanks.
It's a cool bass and once I replace the strings I'm sure it'll be all the more amazing (I believe it has old GHS Boomers on it by the looks of them).
My two issues with it is the faded and/or oxidized gold hardware and some bumps and bruises especially with the clear coat enamel. I'd could reasonably expect some of that on a ~20 year old instrument.
Since it's such a rare piece, I wouldn't mind taking it to a luthier or shipping it off to get it stripped and re-enameled. I can replace the gold tuning machines with gold Gotohs or Hipshots. The main problem is the bridge. Those saddles have seen better days. It wouldn't be a big deal if it was a standard bridge, but I have zero experience with piezo equipment.
I could try some polish, but these doggies look like they may be beyond polishing. I've tried searching for a 1 to 1 replacement, but with no luck. Have any of you who own a 5PII had the need or desire to replace the bridge saddles and if so, were you successful? Here are pics of the blemishes in the enamel and oxidation on the bridge saddles. Thanks.
Attachments
Nice find. Regarding the bridge, I've seen worse that came out pretty good from just compound and elbow grease. That's assuming though they're brass and not gold plated, and also assuming it's patina and not pitting.
Good luck!
Good luck!
What do you think, the pickups could be replaced in the 6 II with a bartolini 6 sting pickups, if the pickup covers replaced with biggers to fit the cavities?
Don't know how easy could be the cover swapping. You have other options:
- install a 7 strings set like the Delanos with blade magnets (those fit almost perfectly and string spacing is not a problem since they use blades instead of poles).
- install any kind of EMG45 sized pickups and build some wooden or plastic extensions to keep up with the extra top and bottom length.
- Have some custom made.
