Yamaha RBX765A

About four years ago I was in the market for a new stick. I went to guitar center because they had the largest selection in town. I spent hours in the bass section and test drove every bass guitar in the store using the same modest mid-range Ampeg Amp, price not a consideration. I ended up spending a lot less than I expected, about $500 for the red one. Considering I hadn't owned a bass that cost less than $1000 in over 10 years. I have since bought another RBX765A on e-bay (a blue one) because I couldn't find a new one in the stores. (Out of production I guess)

I play in a Hard Rock band and tour on occasion with some heavy hitters. Every sound engineer I have worked with has done nothing but Rave about the tone of these basses. The basses play incrediably well right out of the box, but after a tweek or two from the local guitar pro, they surpass custom basses costing thousands. It has more tone control than any one can ask for, check out the 5 knobs on the front, and the EMG active electronics... well, they speak for themselves.

Unfortunately there are a few "little" things about the basses that can be improved upon. The battery cover only clips on on the back of the bass, a screw securing it would be an improvement and the input jack placement (its a personal thing) kinda sucks.

The body is made of Alder with a two octave fret board, and did I mention the EMGs. The gold hardware has a flashy/classy touch and I think the bridge is the closest thing to a Bad Ass bridge I've seen, if it isn't a Bad Ass.

I've played bass for over 25 years and have played Ricks, Fenders, Gibson, Ibanez, Warlock, Musicman, ect., ect., ect. and I'd put this bass in a catagory all its own considering its versatility, playability, quality, sound, and cost. You can not beat this bass with any other comparably priced bass, period! They are only allowing a 5 as the best for rating, this one is a 5 1/2. P.S. anyone got a green one for sale, I'm lookin.


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

I purchased this bass in late 2002 at a Guitar Center in Houston for $450. I spent approximately three hours in the store playing a wide range of 5 string basses. I initially was unsure of the green color of this bass, but could not ignore the ease in which it played in my hands. I tried many others, including other Yamahas, but none of them played as well, nor felt as good as this one did. Oddly enough, I did try both the blue and red versions of the same make and model, but I found the green one just felt better.

First, I appreciate the feel of this bass. The ergonomic considerations that went into the design contribute to a very comfortable instrument. Although I am six feet tall with somewhat broad shoulders, I don't consider this bass to be very heavy. While my hands are just slightly larger than average, I have no trouble accessing and manipulating all of the portions of the strings. I play (on a regular basis) in a Christian praise and worship band in my church. The styles that we play tend to range from lite contemporary and traditional hymnals to some calypso and fast rock/mild metal.

I am also very pleased with the sound of this bass guitar. The active pickups in this instrument deliver a deep, aggressive, punchy sound. As opposed to some five and six string basses, this Yamaha's low B string emits a deep, clear tone, allowing it's lower range to be very effective in a variety of musical styles.

While trying to be truly objective, the only complaint I can really think of is that the gold hardware tends to accumulate dust and funk rather easily.

This five string bass has an alder/ash veneer body, a maple bolt-on neck, rose wood fretboard with 24 frets, 2 active humbucker pickups, gold hardware, and four volume/EQ controls.

It is available in three attractive translucent finishes - red, blue and green. As mentioned earlier, mine is green. The overall design makes for a very visually appealing bass guitar.

I have had a few Yamaha products in the past (4 string bass and 6 string guitar) and I have found them to be of a high quality when it comes to things like tone/sound, comfort, durability and action.

Keep in mind that the fact that this model bass utilizes active pickups means that it will only function if a nine volt battery is installed. I keep extra batteries with me in case the existing battery fails (which can be a bad thing during performance).

I love this bass guitar. It's design suits me and my playing style better than any I have ever used and it's appearance is both elegant and just plain cool. I have found that since I have begun playing this bass, I do not care for the feel of any other bass that I encounter, regardless of whether it is an old, beat up Ibanez or a new Warwick. This bass suits my every musical need, thus I have no use for any other bass guitar.

I realize that everyone is different and that this bass may not be as suitable for every bass player, but if you are a intermediate or advanced player* and seeking a new five string, I strongly recommend going to a Yamaha distributer and taking this model for a testdrive. In any event, take your time when looking for a new bass and try as many basses as possible - sooner or later you will find the one that brings you as much enjoyment as my Yamaha brings to me.

* I believe beginners should stay simple when looking for a new bass, at least until they develop their own style and technique.

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

I bought my Yammy 5 in Clovis Ca, and paid $800 in late 1997. I bought it to compliment my Jazz Bass. I play modern Worship for a couple of churches, and work with a couple of regional artists.

I like the versatile tone I get out of it - from a great Jbass/Jaco sound, to a decent Pbass sound. The B string sound is good, and resonates well. I have been using he J bass sounds exclusily as of late and love the tone. Recently I attended a bass clinic with several pro's who brough Modulus's & Alembic's, which my Yammy kept up with. The p-ups are great. I have left it stock because I am happy with the sound. The three tone controls make it easy to dial in a sound. I can get thin with a simple cut to the Bass/Treble boost. You can get big, deep with the opposite adjustments. You can get a bright tone without that annoying clicky sound. I have recorded with it a few times and engineers have been happy with it.

I have a hard time getting a good popping sound with it. I play through a Trace Elliot/Ampeg rig and cannot get a good popping sound. No trouble on my JAzz Bass - so I am forced to beleive tat Yamaha engineered the RBX to have a more "earthy sound". Living near the coast probibly hasn't helped with the Gold hardware. It is minor -But I'm finding I have to keep up with the maintenece more.


The translucent red color with the gold hardware looks nice. The controll cavity is clean and plenty of space for a pre-amp if needed. The standard of construction is high. Although my nut came loose and I had to glue it back on - the problem was it happened during a gig. Ouch.

I would recommend his bass to anyone who needs to add to their bass arsenal. I have been happy with it & get great comments from many engineers about the tone.

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