Yamaha TRBX604FM - Matte Amber Review

Bright & Fast

I've had this bass about three weeks now, and it's definitely growing on me. It took me some time and effort to get the action set just right, but it was worth it. For this baby to be what it was meant to be (fast and easy), the action needs to be really low, especially on the G string. If you're into slapping and popping, it just doesn't fly on this bass if it's set even a little… read more bit too high. But even if you're not into that, this bass becomes too stiff and formal for my taste with a high, tight action. Tone-wise, this thing is super versatile in both active and passive mode, but especially in active. Just orienting between the pickups creates a lot of variety. The tone is naturally bright and crisp, but it's got some good bottom end, though I wouldn't mind a little more in that respect. I also wouldn't mind a little more sustain, but I can't say it's really lacking in that department, just not outstanding. It is an outstanding bass when it comes to speed, precision, and almost effortless playability. It's hard to put down. The neck is very thin for a bass, and this one might not be for you if you're into pounding it, digging in deep, or you just like that chunky, sturdy feel of a thick neck. You can get a very modern, almost keyboard-like sound out of this bass, and adding in a little chorus/reverb will make this baby sing. But it can get nasty. Just put it in active mode, dial out all the mids and highs, set the bass knob about halfway, and play angry. I have been getting a little background fuzz in passive mode, but I'm not sure if that's the bass or my amp. In active, it's dead quiet unless you're making noise on purpose. Overall, I'd say this is a keeper. But if Yamaha's thinking about putting out a TRBX704, they might consider an upgraded, higher mass bridge or maybe individual saddles and a string-through design. And they might try to get a little more low-end boost in the active preamp. Just some suggestions.

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TRBX604FM

First off my experience with sweetwater has been excellent. Upon getting this bass i did have some small issues. The neck is so thin i had to play with truss rod a few times. Seems like i would set it and jam, then next day do it all over again. This happened a few times. Very sensitive to temperature change as far as truss rod and staying in tune. The good about this bass is… read more it sounds fantastic. Get any sound you want with these pickups. Briidge pickup with active on and bass cranked and highs turned down sounds just like musicman stingray. Awesome tone. Took some time to get used to the small fret marker inlays. Cant see them at playing angle because behind strings. This is a beautiful looking and sounding bass. Very pleased and sweetwater was excellent.

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Great Value Excellent Instrument

I have found the entire range of Yamaha Bass guitars be very good value for the money and this bass in no exception. It is beautifully made, and the enhancements to the TRBX range make is a very desirable instrument. Not only does it look amazing, but the new voiceing for the active pickups is very versitile. Having the active passive mode is almost like having two different instruments.… read more While this bass it's own unique sound the pick ups give a nice range between thump and nasal, the active pickup mode gives you a nice tight modern sound. The new woods give the bass a nice even tone across the neck, everything feels solid and is nicely finished. If you are starting out, or have been playing for a while this bass is well worth considering, Clean, quiet and beefy.

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Please Pinch Me!

First, I have to say that this is the best bass I have ever played. I have owned several high dollar and very high dollar basses in my playing history and this one rules over them all. The playability and tone are without peer! Mine is an amber one, 8 lbs even. The neck on this bass is not to be believed, very smooth and fast and the preamp/amp combo sounds like a friends Alembic.… read more Very cool! It is true, this is two basses in one; when played passive with the back pickup selected you get Jaco's "Bass of Doom" tone. Want John Entwistle's latter-day tone, go to active mode. One thing, if your technique is less than excellent this bass will expose you, so get you chops together. I like the fact that there is not alot of sticky finish on this bass, it breathes and I can feel it vibrate when I play it. This bass is an absolute bargain. I hope they come out with a fretless.

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Blown away by the Quality

You just have to watch the videos with James Lomenza, to hear how great these things sound. But the build quailty for the money is wonderful. Yamaha is a huge company, they have their own factories. These aren't made FOR them, they're made BY them. That's why they're such a bargain. I liked my 604 so much, I bought a TRBX 305 as well. A wonderful bass, for very little money.

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