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YAMAHA TRB CLUB

Not a molded case, just a basic universal Gator hard case. The sake you can get at Spec's if you have one nearby, it's called oni koroshi and it sucks and is mad overpriced considering they're like a dollar a pop in Japan but over $4 each here. It's a funny prop to have around if you're a Hiroi fan though lol


what string gadge are you running on yours i have some unknown stings ( had it set up and shipped from PA to WA) and they feel pretty loose (i have it fast and low on the action) for a 35" even with a full set up i'm still getting a bit of fret not really buzz but it just feels loose the truss is set and intonation too so idk what gives lol E standard and Eb just sound mushy not crisp and tight. my Pbass feels tighter and its 34"...
 
I need a number to this club!
JayT

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Anyone know how the later TRB5 (late 90’s) with the two humbuckers and slap cut out compares tone wise with the original from the 80’s?

Thanks,
JayT

I cannot (so why am I responding? :>) but... having just purchased one (2006 N.O.S condition) 2 days ago I can say that the slap tone is fantastic, just awesome nasty modern, or mellow it out to get some P-Bass slap 'hollow' in there by panning to the neck pick-up. Highs can get plasticky at first but easily overcome, don't be fooled. And finger style.... I just pan back to like 80/20 favoring the bridge, roll back the mids a bit and let'er rip. Wow! Stock D'Addarios I believe... Ash snap or Alder phaat, this things got it. And I could go on for days about the build quality/price point as well as perhaps the best neck I've ever played.
 
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I'm interested in learning more about the TRB-JP2 so I wanted to ask owners here a couple of questions....

Regarding the string spacing, I have a Modulus Q6 which I love but always feel like I need a little bit to get used to the 17mm spacing if I haven't played it in a while. One of the reasons I am interested in the JP2 is the 19mm spacing but does anyone feel it is *too* wide?

The upper fret access looks like it would be good, is it?

The upper horn is a little short of the 12th fret which prompts me to ask, how is the balance?

What else should I know about the bass to help me decide?

If you were buying one today: new or used? Neither option is inexpensive, more wondering if you feel it's priced appropriately?

Thanks! Looking forward to hearing what you think about it!
 
I'm interested in learning more about the TRB-JP2 so I wanted to ask owners here a couple of questions....

Regarding the string spacing, I have a Modulus Q6 which I love but always feel like I need a little bit to get used to the 17mm spacing if I haven't played it in a while. One of the reasons I am interested in the JP2 is the 19mm spacing but does anyone feel it is *too* wide?

The upper fret access looks like it would be good, is it?

The upper horn is a little short of the 12th fret which prompts me to ask, how is the balance?

What else should I know about the bass to help me decide?

If you were buying one today: new or used? Neither option is inexpensive, more wondering if you feel it's priced appropriately?

Thanks! Looking forward to hearing what you think about it!

I personally like 19 mm string spacing, which is one reason I got the JP2. I find it easier to switch from playing my 4 string Fender and 5 string Lakland bass in this regard - however it does make for a wide neck, so there is a compromise. I don't find it to be too wide after spending a lot of time practicing on the bass. A bigger consideration may be the 35" scale length, which combined with the wide neck, can be a bit of a stretch when playing in the first 4 frets, but after practicing a lot (Play Bach's Cello Suite I, as written, second finger on low G every day) you will get used to this bass.

I find the balance to be pretty good when standing and sitting - very slight neck dive, but not annoying in any way.

Upper fret access is very good - comparable to a Fender Jazz if it had 26 frets.

Definitely priced appropriately, (you could end up paying twice the amount for a 'boutique' 6 string, which may or may not be any better than a JP2) if you are buying from a good dealer in the US. I have seen prices in other countries that are a lot higher than in the US. (I paid under $3,000 USD including sales tax new last year, but prices may have gone up). Always ask dealers for their best price, and shop around.

I don't regret buying a JP2. If I had the money for a hand made custom, there are some things I would change, but for a stock high end 6 I think it is pretty unbeatable. It is beautiful to play, and feels like a high end instrument.

If possible though, I would try before you buy (I couldn't due to my location). I did have to spend some time setting up mine, and I also had to shim the neck to get the action low enough for me, which shouldn't really be necessary on a bass costing more that 2k, so you may not always get the best one straight out of the factory even though they come from Yamaha's Japanese custom shop. Sound wise it does lack some natural mid range punch for me, it is very smooth with a lot of attack and a very 'up front' sound - but with different external pre amps and amps, it can be very versatile. I still have not found a classic Jazz bass punch from it - But that's why I also have a Jazz bass!
 
@ScotJam Bassie thank you for your detailed response!

My favorite 5'ers are 35" scale, 19mm which is partly why I thought the JP2 might be good for me. But as you say, it's really the lower end of the fretboard where your technique can suffer.

I'm not surprised there's a little neck dive so thanks for confirming that. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to try before I buy but good to be aware of. Current new prices look to be $3700 so it seems like the price went up since you bought yours.

I realize this is subjective, but what changes would you make to suit you a little better?

Thanks again!
 
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@ScotJam Bassie thank you for your detailed response!

My favorite 5'ers are 35" scale, 19mm which is partly why I thought the JP2 might be good for me. But as you say, it's really the lower end of the fretboard where your technique can suffer.

I'm not surprised there's a little neck dive so thanks for confirming that. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to try before I buy but good to be aware of. Current new prices look to be $3700 so it seems like the price went up since you bought yours.

I realize this is subjective, but what changes would you make to suit you a little better?

Thanks again!
Yeah, I love my 35" Lakland 5 string jazz - which was why I was not too worried about getting the JP2, and I don't have small hands. Having said that I see people with small hands tearing it up on a JP2.

If you can haggle a bit, popular big name dealers (not mentioning any names...) will usually knock 10 - 20% of of retail, and will beat each other's prices - don't be afraid to ask.

For changes, I would like to try a little more radius on the neck, although I have finally gotten used to the almost flat fingerboard on my JP2. I would definitely want a passive bypass, and probably a passive tone control. I Would like to try a JP1 with the 34" scale to see how it compares. I see some manufacturers making 6 strings with 34 1/2" scale as well. I would probably go for lighter woods on a custom build as well, the JP2 is not light, but again it is not a dealbreaker for me.

My ultimate 6 would probably be a 6 string Lakland Jazz.
 
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I’m getting some humming on my late 80’s 5P, more pronounced when the piezo is on full.
Can someone provide answers to the following questions to help troubleshoot?
1) Is the jazz pickup on these basses a single coil?
2) Are the bridges on these grounded?
3) Has anyone shielded their cavities and if so was it different to pull or lift out the preamp to do so?
4) Unrelated to the hum, anyone know what the db ratings are for the bass and treble frequencies are?
The humming I’m experiencing seems to go away when piezo is turned all the way down and also when the jazz pickup is not engaged. It also seems to go away depending on how the bass is positioned in the room.
My amp and speakers are in close to proximity to my television, but My other basses don’t have any problems. I tried the TRB5P in a different room and amp but the humming was still present

Thank you,
JayT
 
soooo just a crazy idea wanna splash purple on the Amber of my 4 just to see how it would turn out, yes that would destroy the resale value as IF i would ever sell this godly bass...

kinda like what Kurt did to his tele
kurt 2 .jpg
kurt tele.jpg


but not as cringe lol i'm likely never going to do it but just a passing though for some trippy psychedelic stuff idk lol
 
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