Wouldja? (Yammy RBX170 content)

[Brian Krashpad]

Local craigslister is selling what looks like a Yammy RBX170 for $75:



I have 4 basses, so I don't "need" another one. Sfaik these street at $179.99, MSRP: $279.99, so the used price is less than half street, which is my usual standard for a good deal.

I don't have, and have never owned, a P/J, so I'm thinking this might be a neat addition to the stable. (Other basses are: Fender MIM Jazz, Squier MIJ P, Epi MIK T-Bird, and a Peavey USA Fury I.) I've never played a Yamaha bass, though I once owned a Yamaha electric guitar and currently own a Yammy 12-string acoustic, both of which were/are solid products. Are these RBX's MIC? If not, what country of origin? Any experiences good or bad? Heft? Neck? Pups? I know these are seen as starter basses at the bottom of the Yammy line.

Wot say you, my brethren (and sistren)?

[Monkus]

Krash,

I've got one in the metallic blue finish. I bought it because I'm tired of playing keyboard bass and wanted the authenticity (feel?) of a real bass on my recordings. I'm not a bass player but I can trick my way around.

The RBX 170 is made in China. Agathis body, maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. It has passive yamaha pups, from what I hear the 270 has active ones. To my ear the split coil has a deep growling tone that I like, YMMV though. Its a more modern sound which I find refreshing. It was set up very nicely from the factory, but I reset it to my liking. The agathis makes it surprisingly light without sacrificing tone and the playability of the fretboard is sweet. I've had mine for about two years and while I've never gigged with it, I won't hesitate to. Mine cost about 200 bucks new. 75 bucks is a steal, you cant go left on a deal like that. This is a pic I found from elderly Instruments. (I really need to take pics of my gear)



I'm working on a gospel based song idea. I recorded the RBX170 into my Presonus firebox into garageband. No effects, no eq. Heck even the acoustic Ibanez is direct without eq. The PRS went through my Yamaha MagicStomp then direct into the Firebox. Hopefully you can discern the bass from this clip in the attachment. Remember, its a work in progress. Hope this helps...

[Brian Krashpad]

Thanks Monkus.

Nice mellow tune.