Yamaha RBX5A2

Bought from eBay for USD 250. I wanted better than an "entry-level" 5-string bass with a limited budget to spare. As usual I turned to Yamaha and found what I wanted. This bass is over 12 years old, not to be confounded with the current RBX-series. The body looks like a P-bass, glossy black finish with golden hardware.

The neck is only 1 3/4 in. wide and is very thin, which makes it a delight to play for a 5-string. It's only 1/4 in. wider than my 4-string SoundGear. The original EMG pickups have been replaced with active Seymour Duncan and upgraded electronics. The sound is very nice and the two-pickup configuration with separate volume controls, and common tone control allows for variations of the sound envelope.

Not much, really. It's a bit on the heavy side, that would be my only complaint. But it has a solid alder body which offers excellent resonance.

After those years the bass still looks and handles perfectly. The build quality is faultless, as with all Yamaha instruments. The black glossy finish is still shiny with the expected little scratches after more than a decade of use. The neck is straight and strong, intonation very low. The tuners are strong and accurate and hold their position. The strap buttons solidly hold in place. Quality is at par with expensive basses I have seen.

As with all other Yamaha instruments I own this one is no exception, quality is present everywhere and leaves behind many other expensive branded basses. If your budget is limited and still want the best, buy a Yamaha!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This is an extremely low light .. Who did not "reach" can not realize.
It was almost like having a liter of milk hanging from the strap ... lol
This is absolutely perfect for that back problems or girls who do not want a bulky and heavy bass because it will not interfere with or influence, and I'm talking about the five strings .. the heaviest ...
Its strong point is its look, its LEDs, shape.
But it's still a little cheap.
Yamaha has developed a piece of hollow plastic as a finish on the head.
There, it lacks serious. it's gadget toy.
At the easel, paint is rough, so that the bridge does not cover the cavity. This is approximate.
The key is fine. Too thin.
Do not forget that Yamaha has not continued with the AIR concept .. I think it is revealing.
They have been champions in the design, but then it does not follow.
This is pretty average, even if the sound is nice, but nothing more.

UTILIZATION

The handle is very nice, the only hands slide all over in the manner of a Precision. It is still a five-string, you can not ask the finesse of a jazz bass handle.
The varnish on the back of the neck is acceptable. However, it tends to slow down a little slip.

SOUNDS

This is where the shoe pinches. This bass is certainly very pretty, especially in White, and very rare to find ... But ..
Do not expect a sound that smashes.
In fact it sounds quite round, and tone gives acceptable acute, but very little slap.
It makes the job well with clear notes, a nice sustain, but is not very generous.
It is a passive, but the passive Precision catch cold!
If you want to play in projects with a powerful amp that colors (Hartke, Ampeg ..) effects pedals, no worries, your amp will give personality to this low and you will be happy, but if, as me, you use high quality sound amplification straight (EBS, David Eden, Markbass), you will not be conquered because it turns flat. I say this in comparison with high-end instruments that I have and that totally asleep, but I I do not spit on the beast.

Regarding the string SI, no worries .. no problem keeping notes or sustain molichon ...
MI and LA are great, D and G are honest but no more.

OVERALL OPINION

My faith I did a one-month trial with this bass, but I was annoyed by the lack of definition of his personality and treble.
I have not found either narrowly in the upper part of the handle, yet believe me, I know about violin making, and I set the absolute lai hair!
It is intended for people who do not really work the handle but play fairly basic lines of the handle.
Perfect for Metalica, Muse .. this music where the pedals improves the sound. The lower tool rest a "Midi way", which serves for service keyboard sounds defined elsewhere.
But if you want a coffee with personality, direct plugged into the amp .. c'st light. Turn to DUESENBERG, FENDER, SANDBERG, GIBSON and that is often overlooked ... or you dégotez Guild Pilot secondhand nearly 800 Euros but its absolutely fantastic ... or an Ibanez ATK Japan ... you better invested in this price segment.

YAMAHA So, this price segment is acceptable, but I think the aesthetics disguise the lack of personality. For me this is a bass that lack of guts, but has a great look.
Obviously I will not repeat that choice.
I sold no regrets because it does not absolutely competes with my U.S. Precision, JB, Duesenberg, Guild ...
Summary: OK, but nothing more.