Yamaha TRB5PII - are they worth searching for?

[Bassonata]

I'm still honing down my choice of a new 5 string, and have been reading some surprisingly praiseworthy reviews of Yamaha's TRB5PII, many on here from owners who love them.

But are they biased, or is this really an instrument to die for at the price, even though there are so many worthy alternatives available these days, and for less money too?

For example, is the TRB5PII really so much better than the lower-range TRB models at less than half the price?

The TRB5PII seems increasingly hard to come by here in the UK too, so I'm wondering whether it's worth the effort pursuing this or whether I'd kick myself one day for not holding out to try one before making a decision.

I know it's all personal at the end of the day, but I'd welcome some unbiased thoughts to help me put my curiosity to bed!

Thanks and regards.

 

[Bassonata]

My question may be irrelevant, since I'm now hearing rumours that Yamaha may have discontinued production of their high end basses.



Anybody have any more on this?

 

[idoker]

Yamaha may have discontinued production of their high end basses.



Anybody have any more on this?

Bassonata,

It's not that Yamaha has discontinued production of these basses, but rather that they are no longer exporting them. As far as I know, Yamaha recently stopped exporting them to the U.S. I have no idea regarding the exporting to other areas of the world.

Now, as unbiased as I can be, I would have to say that the TRBII-P series basses (5 or 6 string) have to be one of the finest made basses in their price range. This is something you probably have found out during your research on this. The only difference between these basses and, let's say... Foderas, MTD's, etc. would be that it's not a hand-crafted instrument. But the fit and finish is second-to-none in the price range. The sheer versatility of the bass is astounding. Everything from metal to jazz can be played on one. The piezo bridge pick-up is a very usful and unique feature. You can possibly buy one of these for around $2000 USD, where as the lower-end Fodera's and MTD's will cost considerably more. The Japanese makers did not cut corners in any way in producing these basses... they are the Top-of-the-line-Yamaha's! Everything from the wood choice to the electronics are top notch.

The II-P series basses are far better than the standard TRB's due to the quality of the construction, electronics, and above all, they're made in the Japan factory under very high standards.

This, of course, is all my opinion, and should be taken as such. But I've been playing for quite some time, and have played on many, many different instruments. And my TRB5IIP is the best bass I've ever owned... period!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I'm pretty sure these basses can still be special ordered. IMO, Yamaha and Ibanez suffer because too many people confuse their budget instruments with their premium ones.

One suggestion is to look for a 1990's era TRB5 or TRB5II. These basses can often be had for modest amounts ($450-$700,) but they are equal in quality to a production bass like a Music Man Stingray or Fender Jazz Deluxe.

 

[jjk2007]

Bassonata,

It's not that Yamaha has discontinued production of these basses, but rather that they are no longer exporting them. As far as I know, Yamaha recently stopped exporting them to the U.S. I have no idea regarding the exporting to other areas of the world.

Now, as unbiased as I can be, I would have to say that the TRBII-P series basses (5 or 6 string) have to be one of the finest made basses in their price range. This is something you probably have found out during your research on this. The only difference between these basses and, let's say... Foderas, MTD's, etc. would be that it's not a hand-crafted instrument. But the fit and finish is second-to-none in the price range. The sheer versatility of the bass is astounding. Everything from metal to jazz can be played on one. The piezo bridge pick-up is a very usful and unique feature. You can possibly buy one of these for around $2000 USD, where as the lower-end Fodera's and MTD's will cost considerably more. The Japanese makers did not cut corners in any way in producing these basses... they are the Top-of-the-line-Yamaha's! Everything from the wood choice to the electronics are top notch.

The II-P series basses are far better than the standard TRB's due to the quality of the construction, electronics, and above all, they're made in the Japan factory under very high standards.

This, of course, is all my opinion, and should be taken as such. But I've been playing for quite some time, and have played on many, many different instruments. And my TRB5IIP is the best bass I've ever owned... period!

Have you ever been able to compare your TRB to one of the JP signature sixers? I uses to own the JP but I never warmed up to it completely as I'm just a five string kind of guy. If I had that same bass in a five, it might be the only one I'd own. Just wonder how it compares to the JP???

 

[idoker]

Have you ever been able to compare your TRB to one of the JP signature sixers? I uses to own the JP but I never warmed up to it completely as I'm just a five string kind of guy. If I had that same bass in a five, it might be the only one I'd own. Just wonder how it compares to the JP???

Yes, I've played the JP model before. It is of excellent quality also, as it is made in the Japan factory too. And also realize the the JP sig model IS a modified TRB. John used the spec from the original TRB-6 (not the P-series) for his signature design. And both the JP model and the TRB-IIP series basses have a very similar feel... different, but very similar.

If you're looking for a 5-string with a similar feel. Then yes, check out the TRB5IIP, TRB5II, or even the original TRB5 if you can find it. Those are/were all MIJ models, and will have the same familiar feel of the JP sig model.

 

[metallutca]

Bassonata,
...The only difference between these basses and, let's say... Foderas, MTD's, etc. would be that it's not a hand-crafted instrument.

I thought TRBPII are hancrafted?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I thought TRBPII are hancrafted?

They are.

 

[idoker]

They are.

As far as I know, they are cnc machined (body/neck woods) like Lakland's, but ASSEMBLED by hand. Can't find anything stating otherwise. Please provide a link to that info... I would probably appreciate my bass even more than I do now. Thanks.

 

[metallutca]

As far as I know, they are cnc machined (body/neck woods) like Lakland's, but ASSEMBLED by hand. Can't find anything stating otherwise. Please provide a link to that info... I would probably appreciate my bass even more than I do now. Thanks.

Just checked Yamaha's website and it did not mentioned about the bass being handcrafted or CNC machined, but I remember reading about it being handcrafted in Japan a few years ago prior to ordering my TRB.

 

[Munjibunga]

If I compare my TRB5P-II against every other bass I own or have owned, including Fender, Lakland, Sadowsky, Fodera, Ernie Ball, Roscoe, Zon, Pedulla, MTD, F Bass and Jerzy Drozd, none has a superior build quality, and few, if any sound better. The playabilty, fit and finish of the Yamaha are also on par with any of the basses mentioned.

The bass is exceptionally versatile with its two magnetic pickups and piezo pickups. The tone is full across the spectrum. You would be hard-pressed to find a better bass in any respect. It's a bit heavy - 10 to 11 pounds, but the sound is worth it.

I have the only one with an ovankol top that I've seen in the wild. Would you like to see it? You would? OK.

 

[Munjibunga]

As far as I know, they are cnc machined (body/neck woods) like Lakland's, but ASSEMBLED by hand. Can't find anything stating otherwise. Please provide a link to that info... I would probably appreciate my bass even more than I do now. Thanks.

They are neck-through basses. That doesn't necessarily mean they're not CNC basses, but I doubt that they are.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

As far as I know, they are cnc machined (body/neck woods) like Lakland's, but ASSEMBLED by hand. Can't find anything stating otherwise. Please provide a link to that info... I would probably appreciate my bass even more than I do now. Thanks.

I remember a post on TB that said that the high end Yamahas are only made when their is an order at what is essentially the custom shop in Japan,

 

[Toptube]

I'm sure the construction is similar to Ibanez' prestige line where they CNC parts and then hand check and refine them.


There's a Filipino band called Up Dharma Down. The bassist uses a 5 string TRB (since their second album). I think its the 1005, not sure. He has his tone set to make it super smooth and deep.

for sound research purposes. the uploader borked the sound in this somehow (I actually own the DVD its from), but its still decent.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I'm sure the construction is similar to Ibanez' prestige line where they CNC parts and then hand check and refine them.


There's a Filipino band called Up Dharma Down. The bassist uses a 5 string TRB (since their second album). I think its the 1005, not sure. He has his tone set to make it super smooth and deep.

for sound research purposes. the uploader borked the sound in this somehow (I actually own the DVD its from), but its still decent.
YouTube - ‪Up Dharma Down - Every First Second‬‏

Comparing a TRB1005 to TRB5PII is like comparing a Custom Shop Fender to a MIM Fender Jazz Standard.

 

[idoker]

They are neck-through basses. That doesn't necessarily mean they're not CNC basses, but I doubt that they are.

I remember a post on TB that said that the high end Yamahas are only made when their is an order at what is essentially the custom shop in Japan,

That would definitely explain their high-end quality. You would think they would cost a lot more (not that they're all that inexpensive either). Whether they're CNC'd or hand-crafted, the quality of the final product is second-to-NONE in their price range.

Comparing a TRB1005 to TRB5PII is like comparing a Custom Shop Fender to a MIM Fender Jazz Standard.

+1000

These two basses can't be compared. The only thing they really have in common is the Yamaha and TRB name.

I have the only one with an ovankol top that I've seen in the wild. Would you like to see it? You would? OK.

Like I told you before... Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I do love my maple-top, but there's something about the contrast of the ovankol.

 

[stflbn]

Yes, yes, yes... the TRB5P's 'are' exceptional instruments. But they're also priced beyond many people's reach.

You keep hammering (maybe not intentionally, but by negative comparison) on the TRB5, TRB5ii 's like they're pieces of crap (1005's least build quality of the lot, but still not MiM level of quality), and honestly they're not. They're very fine instruments compared to others in their price ranges. THey're just not the instruments that the P's are... at a greatly increased price.

I just don't want people to get the idea that there's anything wrong with these other basses. The TRBP's are exceptional and a cut above, adn worth tracking one down if you have the resources, but the others still have value.

IMHO.


.

 

[Moto]

I have owned many 5 string basses. Fender American jazz. Warwick corvette standard to name a few. I have to say Trbpii5 That I play now is the best. Its play ability is amazing. Sound is huge. I can dial in any sound I want. Defiantly worth finding one. You can not compare it to any other Yamaha bass. I can't find a bass that I would give it ip for. Problem is you will never find one hanging in a store to try. No worries tho. Buy it sight un seen you wont regret it.

 

[soundslive]

Hi chaps, sorry for a shameless plug but I will have a brand new TRB5Pii in bubinga arrive within 1-2 weeks. It was imported from France as a special order, bizarrely cancelled by a customer so this is the only one we have available. If anyone is interested please get in touch with Martin at Sounds Live.

 

[idoker]

You keep hammering (maybe not intentionally, but by negative comparison) on the TRB5, TRB5ii 's like they're pieces of crap (1005's least build quality of the lot, but still not MiM level of quality), and honestly they're not. They're very fine instruments compared to others in their price ranges. THey're just not the instruments that the P's are... at a greatly increased price.

You're correct. The original Yamaha TRB's and TRB-II basses are of excellent quality. I've also owned a few of those both on models. The thing to remember about those models is the fact that they we're made in Japan just like the P and Pii series basses. So the standard of production were very high.

However, even though the quality of the 1004 and 1005 are very good, they really don't compare to the Japanese made models. The production standards just aren't the same. Regardless, they would make for a fine instrument in their price range.