Yamaha Bass Guitars
4-String & 5-String Basses Set Up by Professional Working Musicians
Explore Yamaha Bass Guitars at MusicStreet
Yamaha BB434 Bass Teal Blue
Yamaha TRBJP2 'John Patitucci' 6-String Bass Guitar Translucent Dark Red
Yamaha TRBX604FM Bass, Translucent Black
USED - Yamaha Trb-4P Bass Guitar
USED - Yamaha Trb-5P Bass Guitar
USED Yamaha Rbx774
Yamaha Bass Buyer’s Guide: TRBX Modern Performance vs. BB BroadBass Vintage Punch
Whether you require modern active tone-shaping for contemporary metal or vintage passive growl for Motown and rock, Yamaha structures its bass lineup across two flagship series architectures:
1. TRBX Series: Modern Ergonomics & Active EQ
- TRBX174 (The Benchmark Starter): Solid mahogany body, fast maple neck, and versatile PJ pickup layout (split single-coil neck + single-coil bridge) delivering unmatched value for new bassists.
- TRBX304 / TRBX305 (Performance EQ): Active 2-band EQ paired with a 5-way Performance EQ preset switch (Slap, Pick, Flat, Finger, Solo) optimized for instant live tone changes in 4 and 5-string setups.
- TRBX504 / TRBX604 (Active/Passive Preamp): Audiophile-grade active/passive electronics, battery-alert LED, and quad-pole Alnico V pickups with figured flame maple tops.
2. BB Series (BroadBass): Vintage Authority
- 6-Bolt Miter Neck Joint: Two bolts run diagonally at a 45-degree angle through the body into the neck tenon, pulling the neck tightly into the body for superior acoustic transfer and sustain.
- Diagonal Body-Thru Stringing: Strings pass over the bridge saddles at a 45-degree angle through the back of the body, eliminating string stress while maximizing string vibration.
- BB Tiers: BB234/235 (solid alder/ceramic pickups), BB434/435 (miter joint/Alnico pickups), and BB734A (active 3-band EQ with passive bypass).
3. 4-String vs. 5-String Extended Range
- Low-B String Clarity: Yamaha 5-string basses feature 34" full-scale lengths with rigid multi-ply maple/mahogany laminate necks that prevent floppy Low-B string response.
- Pickup Versatility: Classic P/J configurations blend the thick thump of a Precision-style split-coil with the tight, punchy articulation of a Jazz-style single-coil.
The Music Street Bass Workshop Promise
Bass string tension and low action require exact bench setup. Before dispatch from our Huntingdon showroom, our technicians perform:
- Truss rod relief calibrated under full bass string tension to eliminate fret buzz
- Nut slots cut to precise depth for effortless, fatigue-free low-F fretting
- Individual bridge saddle heights curved to match the 10" or 14" fingerboard radius
- Low-B and E string intonation set precisely across all 24 frets
- Active preamp circuits, Performance EQ switches, and volume blend pots continuity-tested
Frequently Asked Questions: Yamaha Bass Guitars
What is the difference between Yamaha TRBX and BB series bass guitars? +
The TRBX Series features sleek, deeply contoured modern bodies, slim fast necks, dual humbucking or PJ pickups, and active EQ circuits tailored for contemporary rock, metal, pop, and slap. The BB (BroadBass) Series is a classic heritage design featuring a traditional body shape, a 6-bolt miter neck joint for massive acoustic resonance, and vintage-voiced P/J pickups delivering rich, warm, organic low-end punch for rock, funk, and blues.
Why is the Yamaha TRBX174 considered the best beginner bass guitar? +
The Yamaha TRBX174 features a solid mahogany body, smooth satin-finished maple neck, and a versatile PJ pickup configuration. Having both a split single-coil (neck) and a single-coil (bridge) lets beginner and intermediate bassists dial in everything from deep Motown thud to bright, articulate slap tones on a reliable, comfortable instrument.
What is the Yamaha 6-bolt miter neck joint on BB series basses? +
On Yamaha BB434 and BB734A models, the 6-bolt miter neck joint uses four conventional vertical bolts plus two additional bolts installed diagonally at a 45-degree angle. This pulls the neck heel firmly downward and backward into the body pocket, creating an ultra-rigid joint that improves energy transfer, low-end punch, and acoustic sustain.
Should I choose a 4-string or 5-string Yamaha bass guitar? +
A 4-string bass (E-A-D-G) is standard for most traditional rock, blues, funk, and indie styles and features a narrower neck that is easier to navigate for beginners. A 5-string bass adds a low 'B' string (B-E-A-D-G), giving you lower pitch range essential for modern worship, contemporary R&B, progressive metal, and theater pit work without having to down-tune.
Do you offer free UK delivery and finance options on Yamaha bass guitars? +
Yes. Music Street provides free tracked, fully insured UK courier delivery on all orders over £99. We also offer 0% interest-free finance options at checkout alongside competitive trade-in and part-exchange valuations on your current instruments.
