I have had my RBX 170 for about 2-3 years and it is a work horse and you can play anything from jazz to rock with it, amazing bass for the money recommend it to anyone who wants to start playing bass.
So appreciate your review. After 10 years it is still relevant as we are still picking them up used at reasonable prices. Why? Because they stand the test of time. Like used Toyotas, the just keep soldering on. Lastly, yours is the only review where you use the same base line for the various pickup and tone selections. From an engineers perspective, this provides a true apples to apples comparison. Keep up the good work my friend your right on the mark.
I'm primarily a guitar player, b1956. The RBX170 is perfect for me to practice on like an exercise machine. This is the most ergonomic bass I've ever played; It's light, it's full scale, the top wing is designed to balance using a strap, and lines up directly to the octave harmonic - genius. It's useful to practice on without an amp that may jolt my neighbors into a rage. Yamaha makes great instruments.
Thanks for the positive feedback! You sure can dial in a nice fat tone no problem on the RBX170! On all my bass videos I aim to give you the pure DI tone so there is no amp emulation, EQ (other than the EQ on the bass it self) etc etc. This is a great bass for the money. Cheers Paul / Stick
recorded with it few years ago and played it again @ the guitar shop vs some of other more expensive model. what i can say this bass got more rock and metal punch that fills out the mix nicely. sounds really solid
Just bought one although I'm not a bassist (guitarist singer) it feels and sounds great and is really going to add to my original song recordings, cheers
@@mkphotofusion3676 idfk I quit the course lol. But your question has a lot to consider, primarily two things, what do you want out of your sound and what does your band need? In jazz electric basses won’t vary so much in the feel from your sound but more so from how you’re playing. At least personally that’s how I feel, only reference I can think of is the ending of Promiscuity by Feed Me Jack. Anyways, only time the sound of a bass changes everything imo is the difference between an upright and electric bass but that’s pretty obvious. Then again I never finished the course nor got very far with bass (still wanna get better tho) and it’s literally 2 AM
I have a Blue RBX170 that is about 5 years old or so...I bought it used for $100. The only thing I had to do was add new strings and the bass sounds great...I also have a 1970's UniVox Hi Flier that gives me great vintage, classic rock type sounds. But the RBX170 gives great all around sound and I find the fret board faster then a P-Bass. I've heard people make a small complaint that the electronics are passive and not active, but for the price, this bass does more than what you'd expect.
Just bought one at Guitar Center. The Tech dropped the price of the bass and provided a Pro Coverage warranty so the price was the original $199 as listed! I am a beginner... shopped for weeks....months! I had played this and loved the sound and deep lows. Got a Fender Rumble amp 100W and practice every day. My finish is Old Violin Burst. The grain is visible underneath until it darkens around the edges. The grain is just straight and advertised as Alder, Agathis or Nato. It doesn't have that individual look of certain wood grains. But....... I"M A BEGINNER....... and this bass has it all. Right now I spend most of my time messing with all the controls on both the bass and amp. I get so many different sounds and configurations. Look, for a bass and Pro Coverage, and free set-up, all for $199............. there is no way to regret my decision.
In 2012, I accepted one of these as pay from the lead guitarist / agent of the Shanghai band I played bass in, (I am mainly an acoustic guitarist / singer). He was short of cash, and after several gigs without pay, I told him he had to give me something, so he gave me this bass that he owned, virtually unused… what a great deal! I continued to play in the band, and replaced the $500 Epiphone Thunderbird bass that I was using, with the Yamaha… played easier, and I could hear no difference in tone. Sold the Epiphone, and recouped my lost wages! Still have the Yamaha, and amazingly, am playing it in Phoenix, with the same guitarist from Shanghai!
2, days ago i got my first bass, this YamahaRBX170 and then i wanted to find out which it was so i found your video , im working hard , im gonna try to be a great female bass player, i already learned basic songs and notation and basics, wish me luck xD!
I am no pro bassist or anything i have one since 7 yrs ago , I changed the strings for some Daddarios and use a Fender 60 Bassman amp and it sounds fucking amazing! Great tone and depth , can play practically any music style and it only weights 3.4 kg!
Great Bass, I used to have the fretless version. I sold it to help finance some other gear, but now I wish I'd kept it. The only thing I don't like about these, and most other Basses in this price range, is the "Straight off the sander" look and feel of the non finished neck. Nothing a bit of Tru Oil and some elbow grease couldn't fix tho.
Big props on the video! You're very warm and entertaining to watch while staying very informative. I'm considering buying one of these off a friend, do you think this bass will work well for more bass driven tones rather than treble? I don't slap, I usually use bass in my songs to fill that low bass frequency void. Is this gunna suit that purpose well in your opinion?
I was thinking of getting this bass to learn on and maybe jam with my brother, (if I can get good enough). Can you get a good 80's rock sound out of it?
Sir Paul, first of all, congratulations for the amazing videos! I'm think I'll buy a ( used ) Yamaha RBX 170 bass. I'm 15 and im not that tall... so as you said, this bass fits me perfectly. You also said that this bass has got a really good price and indeed it does. If you can, could you send me some tricks and tips about the bass or about bass playing (im a beginner and i want to create a band)? Thanks a lot!
You should review the Vintage Modified range if you haven't already, they absolutely BADASS also adding a badass bridge II for another £100 is a good shout
I saw this bass used at guitar center for $125! in "great" condition. Think i'm gonna get after hearing how good it sounds. Yamaha always an excellent choice!
I ships with somewhat high action. You (or your tech) will have to lower it, preferably along with a strings upgrade. Factory strings, like factory tires, are rarely good, particularly on inexpensive basses.
Hii Paul .. thank you for your videos .. they are so good & funny. I would like to ask you about a nice bass ..Im a beginner, I want to learn how to play the bass .. and I was looking for theese bass .. the yamaha rbx170 and the fender jazz bass vintage modified .. I dont know what of these ones or what another bass could you recommend me .. Im gonna play a funky hip hop jazzy style .. Thank You so much :)
I just traded a Dean Evo guitar for one of these basses. I had been wanting a pJ setup with a J neck. I have a fender p bass and the weight differece is crazy. At first glance I would have sworn the yammi was a short scale since it looked so much smaller and lighter. Too bad I have to work tonight so I won't have time to get really familiar with it just yet.
hey man enjoy your vids, i wanted to ask you what pickups would be good replacements for the current ones it has? i like funk,metal, and a sortve jazzy sound but enough punch to get sortve a primus'y sound,do you think i'll be able to get that sortve tone outve this bass?
I have bass guitars worth big money but this Yamaha is a cool bass and with the right strings it will do anything you want! Jazz Rock Metal or Folk. Save money on pedals start with strings!
Going crazy trying to pick my first bass, never played a guitar or bass. I've finally decided on a P-Bass, but now can't decide between a Squier Affinity P-Bass or the Yamaha TRBX204 or RBX170??
Noob Blaster you might wanna look up the basic differences between Yamaha and fender (squier affinity) basses. they will tell you all the pros and cons of both brands which might help you in making your decision. as far as I know Yamahas have a more modern look and have a generally slimmer neck and body profile though I'm not sure if they are always lighter
Good review. I'm selling one of these as I finally got a Jackson Concert bass. Can't get rid of the Yamaha even for £80! I can't understand why people won't pay that for this thing, it's a great bass. It's on a par with the more expensive Jackson, I just love that brand (and it has Seymou Duncan pups in it) or I'd keep this.
I have tried both and I have to say the 174 in my experience is better. I had the 174 for a couple years and it is a good versatile bass I eventually switched to a sterling music man sub
Hey does anyone knows how to change the batteries in these, mines is dead.....Its giving me a Distorted Tone when I turn up the volume, which hopefully means the batteries are dead or dying.
Rashard Rolle I'm pretty sure this is a passive bass so it does not have a battery.... so the distortion can't be caused by a nearly dead battery. I hope it's not your amp!
Bought a used one today for 40 euro, you are right, the only negativ thing is the plate on the back, but because it's on the back I really don't mind :)
man I definately want this one.. but I can't have it because I'm la lefty :( it would be amazing if they'd also just do a left handed version of the guitars..
I know this message is old, but keep at it, I'm lefty too, but now am used to playing with my right. Very strange tho, I can't remember when I used to want to play with my left!
The only noticable differences are that the GSR200 only has 22 frets and the RBX has the more standard 24. The controls are a bit different too. The GSR has an extra control for the low end. RBX is also a little cheaper. In the end they're both pretty much the same and it may just be best to choose one that has the best color. Having a cool color bass automatically makes you a better bass player :P Either one is a good choice for the price range. This is all assuming you are just going to buy one of these without going to a music store and playing them both. Testing them both is actually the best thing to do. Even if you can't play, just plug each one in and hit some strings and mess with the tone knobs. Pick the one that sounds better to you.
Premoose I went to pick up a GSR200 today and walked out the with Yamaha rbx170 only because the GSR was out of stock, but as soon as I struck the Yamaha I said I'll take it....... :0)
its a great bass , the relation price\quality is just awesome , i saw lots of basses and this is the best :D thanks for the review you helped me a lot , i love your videos , continue like that :D ( sorry for the poor english , i'm from portugal :\ )
I have had my RBX 170 for about 2-3 years and it is a work horse and you can play anything from jazz to rock with it, amazing bass for the money recommend it to anyone who wants to start playing bass.
I am still amazed every day by this bass. Even after having it a year I still feel no real need to upgrade.
Ive had this one for 10 years at least now, it's still as good as the day we bought it, changed the strings only once 😁
So appreciate your review. After 10 years it is still relevant as we are still picking them up used at reasonable prices. Why? Because they stand the test of time. Like used Toyotas, the just keep soldering on. Lastly, yours is the only review where you use the same base line for the various pickup and tone selections. From an engineers perspective, this provides a true apples to apples comparison. Keep up the good work my friend your right on the mark.
Nice review Mr Stick - you got your groove on!
I'm primarily a guitar player, b1956. The RBX170 is perfect for me to practice on like an exercise machine. This is the most ergonomic bass I've ever played; It's light, it's full scale, the top wing is designed to balance using a strap, and lines up directly to the octave harmonic - genius. It's useful to practice on without an amp that may jolt my neighbors into a rage.
Yamaha makes great instruments.
Great to hear and thanks for the nice feedback. I will continue!
Stick
Thanks for the positive feedback! You sure can dial in a nice fat tone no problem on the RBX170! On all my bass videos I aim to give you the pure DI tone so there is no amp emulation, EQ (other than the EQ on the bass it self) etc etc. This is a great bass for the money.
Cheers
Paul / Stick
recorded with it few years ago and played it again @ the guitar shop vs some of other more expensive model. what i can say this bass got more rock and metal punch that fills out the mix nicely. sounds really solid
Just bought one although I'm not a bassist (guitarist singer) it feels and sounds great and is really going to add to my original song recordings, cheers
I bought it too....could yo please please tell me why there is a "hole" by the last fret
***** thanks man :)
I love this bass been using it for the past 3 years I even use it for my bands shows I play at a drop A# and it still provides wonderfully
Being in a jazz course and learning bass for the first time, this helped a lot in finding out what I want personally in the sound of my bass
Since you studied jazz, what would u say which bass was more suited to jazz?
@@mkphotofusion3676 idfk I quit the course lol. But your question has a lot to consider, primarily two things, what do you want out of your sound and what does your band need? In jazz electric basses won’t vary so much in the feel from your sound but more so from how you’re playing. At least personally that’s how I feel, only reference I can think of is the ending of Promiscuity by Feed Me Jack. Anyways, only time the sound of a bass changes everything imo is the difference between an upright and electric bass but that’s pretty obvious. Then again I never finished the course nor got very far with bass (still wanna get better tho) and it’s literally 2 AM
I have a Blue RBX170 that is about 5 years old or so...I bought it used for $100. The only thing I had to do was add new strings and the bass sounds great...I also have a 1970's UniVox Hi Flier that gives me great vintage, classic rock type sounds. But the RBX170 gives great all around sound and I find the fret board faster then a P-Bass. I've heard people make a small complaint that the electronics are passive and not active, but for the price, this bass does more than what you'd expect.
Just bought one at Guitar Center. The Tech dropped the price of the bass and provided a Pro Coverage warranty so the price was the original $199 as listed! I am a beginner... shopped for weeks....months! I had played this and loved the sound and deep lows. Got a Fender Rumble amp 100W and practice every day. My finish is Old Violin Burst. The grain is visible underneath until it darkens around the edges. The grain is just straight and advertised as Alder, Agathis or Nato. It doesn't have that individual look of certain wood grains. But....... I"M A BEGINNER....... and this bass has it all. Right now I spend most of my time messing with all the controls on both the bass and amp. I get so many different sounds and configurations. Look, for a bass and Pro Coverage, and free set-up, all for $199............. there is no way to regret my decision.
In 2012, I accepted one of these as pay from the lead guitarist / agent of the Shanghai band I played bass in, (I am mainly an acoustic guitarist / singer). He was short of cash, and after several gigs without pay, I told him he had to give me something, so he gave me this bass that he owned, virtually unused… what a great deal! I continued to play in the band, and replaced the $500 Epiphone Thunderbird bass that I was using, with the Yamaha… played easier, and I could hear no difference in tone. Sold the Epiphone, and recouped my lost wages! Still have the Yamaha, and amazingly, am playing it in Phoenix, with the same guitarist from Shanghai!
2, days ago i got my first bass, this YamahaRBX170 and then i wanted to find out which it was so i found your video , im working hard , im gonna try to be a great female bass player, i already learned basic songs and notation and basics, wish me luck xD!
virginia hernandez How are you now? You commented over a year ago!
How are you now? You commented over two years ago
virginia hernandez let's hear it
How are you now? You commented over three years ago.
How are you now? You commented over four years ago
Great review Stick, keep up the good work.
I find you get a lot for your money with most Yamaha gear.
I am no pro bassist or anything i have one since 7 yrs ago , I changed the strings for some Daddarios and use a Fender 60 Bassman amp and it sounds fucking amazing! Great tone and depth , can play practically any music style and it only weights 3.4 kg!
3:51 Looks like your rear cavity cover plate still has a protective plastic film on it.
WOW that sound awesome with the tone full up and both pickups on ...what u using?
Keep up the bass playing, Your getting better by every vid u do dude!! :)
Thanks Funkywhiteboy! I find making these videos soooo stressful, I actually shot this one a while ago and almost threw it all away!
Great review, answered all my questions before I had to ask them! Thanks for this. Definitely getting it for my first bass.
Great Bass, I used to have the fretless version. I sold it to help finance some other gear, but now I wish I'd kept it. The only thing I don't like about these, and most other Basses in this price range, is the "Straight off the sander" look and feel of the non finished neck. Nothing a bit of Tru Oil and some elbow grease couldn't fix tho.
Big props on the video! You're very warm and entertaining to watch while staying very informative. I'm considering buying one of these off a friend, do you think this bass will work well for more bass driven tones rather than treble? I don't slap, I usually use bass in my songs to fill that low bass frequency void. Is this gunna suit that purpose well in your opinion?
most entertaining review I ever seen. Thanks man!
Cheers dude! I'm struggling to get hold of basses hence there have been no more reviews recently.
Stick
That's the one I have. Its a good quality bass for students / beginners
I was thinking of getting this bass to learn on and maybe jam with my brother, (if I can get good enough). Can you get a good 80's rock sound out of it?
I have the same bass in sunburst and I recommend getting it shielded because the bridge pickup is pretty noisy.
Sir Paul, first of all, congratulations for the amazing videos! I'm think I'll buy a ( used ) Yamaha RBX 170 bass. I'm 15 and im not that tall... so as you said, this bass fits me perfectly. You also said that this bass has got a really good price and indeed it does. If you can, could you send me some tricks and tips about the bass or about bass playing (im a beginner and i want to create a band)?
Thanks a lot!
cool picking one up down the road, a kids got one for sale with a small amp 200 bucks AU. good enough for recording, cheers !!!
You should review the Vintage Modified range if you haven't already, they absolutely BADASS also adding a badass bridge II for another £100 is a good shout
Excellent bass and excellent review. I love this video.
I saw this bass used at guitar center for $125! in "great" condition. Think i'm gonna get after hearing how good it sounds. Yamaha always an excellent choice!
Can you grip this neck easily? Or is it a bit too thick?
I ships with somewhat high action. You (or your tech) will have to lower it, preferably along with a strings upgrade. Factory strings, like factory tires, are rarely good, particularly on inexpensive basses.
Cheers, no amps or amp emulation, just a DBX DI box into a RME FireFace 800/Logic Pro 9.
Stick
Hii Paul .. thank you for your videos .. they are so good & funny. I would like to ask you about a nice bass ..Im a beginner, I want to learn how to play the bass .. and I was looking for theese bass .. the yamaha rbx170 and the fender jazz bass vintage modified .. I dont know what of these ones or what another bass could you recommend me .. Im gonna play a funky hip hop jazzy style .. Thank You so much :)
I just traded a Dean Evo guitar for one of these basses. I had been wanting a pJ setup with a J neck. I have a fender p bass and the weight differece is crazy. At first glance I would have sworn the yammi was a short scale since it looked so much smaller and lighter. Too bad I have to work tonight so I won't have time to get really familiar with it just yet.
one of the reason i bought this bass was because of you , thaks :D
i own one but i am concern about the fret noise it makes, im not sure if its my technique or the bass
Sure does.! He is a top guy, I helped him out a while ago with some recording advice.
I was gonna say, Stick is rockin'!
hey man enjoy your vids, i wanted to ask you what pickups would be good replacements for the current ones it has? i like funk,metal, and a sortve jazzy sound but enough punch to get sortve a primus'y sound,do you think i'll be able to get that sortve tone outve this bass?
I have bass guitars worth big money but this Yamaha is a cool bass and with the right strings it will do anything you want! Jazz Rock Metal or Folk. Save money on pedals start with strings!
Going crazy trying to pick my first bass, never played a guitar or bass.
I've finally decided on a P-Bass, but now can't decide between a Squier Affinity P-Bass or the Yamaha TRBX204 or RBX170??
Noob Blaster you might wanna look up the basic differences between Yamaha and fender (squier affinity) basses. they will tell you all the pros and cons of both brands which might help you in making your decision. as far as I know Yamahas have a more modern look and have a generally slimmer neck and body profile though I'm not sure if they are always lighter
I hope you'll be happy playing whatever bass you go for!
if at all possible could you do a review of the epiphone toby standard because i wanted your opinion and there's not allot of reviews for it thanks
is it suitable for genres more to rock and metal?
what is the difference between rbx170 and rbx 174?
review a 5strings affordable bass would you?
Do you know where the battery is located on it? I have it and I need to change the battery though I don't know where it is located.. ?
Good review. I'm selling one of these as I finally got a Jackson Concert bass. Can't get rid of the Yamaha even for £80! I can't understand why people won't pay that for this thing, it's a great bass. It's on a par with the more expensive Jackson, I just love that brand (and it has Seymou Duncan pups in it) or I'd keep this.
Would this be alright for recording Jazz/Hiphop?
I'm looking to buy my first bass and I'm in doubt between RBX170 and MEMPHIS TB440A, which you indicate me? Thanks.
which brand is the best or recommended for bass strings?
question is this bass good if u have big hands?
Great demo dude! Impressive price too!
what amps would you recommend for a beginning bass player? preferebly on the low budget end.
Cool! Happy slapping!!!
Someone's been having lessons! Nice stuff mate!
Great grooves sticky
Good day everyone! I can't find rbx 170 only 174. Is it so nice as 170?
I have tried both and I have to say the 174 in my experience is better. I had the 174 for a couple years and it is a good versatile bass I eventually switched to a sterling music man sub
+Joey Kitts (Jpkittl) because I prefer it but it is still a good bass
Joey Kitts Thank you!
hi ,
How can I change my tune on my bass guitar like you did at 4:50 - 6:00 ?please help me.. im just started learning/play bass guitar..
What battery? It's a passive bass.
Do you have any idea what the metal piece about the nut is called?
awesome what amps were you using?
Having this a first bass, what should be the next step? (I have a Fender P-Bass in mind)
Hi, I'm speaking to the guys int the UK for Ibanez, hopefully I should have some soon to review so watch this space.
Stick
Cool, let me know what you think or post a video response!
Stick
Thank you Mr.Andertons
Sure, I can't remember all the spec but I'll find out and do one for you.
Stick
Hey does anyone knows how to change the batteries in these, mines is dead.....Its giving me a Distorted Tone when I turn up the volume, which hopefully means the batteries are dead or dying.
Rashard Rolle I'm pretty sure this is a passive bass so it does not have a battery.... so the distortion can't be caused by a nearly dead battery. I hope it's not your amp!
amazing.... hows this guitar for metal? :D
Bought a used one today for 40 euro, you are right, the only negativ thing is the plate on the back, but because it's on the back I really don't mind :)
man I definately want this one.. but I can't have it because I'm la lefty :( it would be amazing if they'd also just do a left handed version of the guitars..
I know this message is old, but keep at it, I'm lefty too, but now am used to playing with my right. Very strange tho, I can't remember when I used to want to play with my left!
Can you make a review about court gbjb?
Shall i buy this or Ibanez Gsr200?
The only noticable differences are that the GSR200 only has 22 frets and the RBX has the more standard 24. The controls are a bit different too. The GSR has an extra control for the low end. RBX is also a little cheaper. In the end they're both pretty much the same and it may just be best to choose one that has the best color. Having a cool color bass automatically makes you a better bass player :P Either one is a good choice for the price range.
This is all assuming you are just going to buy one of these without going to a music store and playing them both. Testing them both is actually the best thing to do. Even if you can't play, just plug each one in and hit some strings and mess with the tone knobs. Pick the one that sounds better to you.
Premoose I went to pick up a GSR200 today and walked out the with Yamaha rbx170 only because the GSR was out of stock, but as soon as I struck the Yamaha I said I'll take it....... :0)
What were the strings u used
its a great bass , the relation price\quality is just awesome , i saw lots of basses and this is the best :D thanks for the review you helped me a lot , i love your videos , continue like that :D ( sorry for the poor english , i'm from portugal :\ )
what amps are you using and does this come in a 5 string model?
+miguelr246 No amps in the demo, all DI. I don't know about a 5 string of this model.
Paul
What is the difference between the 170 and the 170EW
the rbx170EW has an exotic Wood for the body wich looks nicer
sam gotsef what would the price be for a bass like this
its a litle bit more expensive than the regular one (but not that much)
sam gotsef what i meant was how much in dollars. thinking of buying it
i dunno im Greek. however i have the normal version and let me tell you is a great bass
Cheers dude, it's crazy value! There are loads of guitars that are out there (as you know) for that kind of money but this one was actually good! :o)
this one or a squier affinity p bass?
The RBX170 is better than the Affinity.I've gigged with my 170.. it never let me down.
hahah thanks for the answer. :D.
but ive already bought the affinity
rally happy with it!
Can u do a review on the Ibanez SRA550?
What amp are you using pal?
Michael Anthony Hall plays the bass? Who knew?
Try both and see which feels right to you.
Stick
this was my first bass
Thank you for a great review! You need some more views on yer vids! I'll share this with my friends! :)
However you chose to set it up!
Paul / Stick
if you spend just a tad more youl get greater tonal and variation of tones in the Yamaha rang.
if you buy 3245 you get a free moped !
Agree
Paul / Stick
Its a fast Jazz type neck but thinner than a Fender!
One of each!
I'd like to see a more astheically pleasing top "cutaway".
That immigrant song cover was on point +Paul 'Stick' Annis
HELL!!! It is cheaper than my LTD-b55 and sound better!
Seems I'm going to sell it and buy this beauty!
can you "review" that silver custom bass that you have? :D
Arigato 🎌
LOL Yep! I didn't think about that at the time hahaha, I will remember if I continue to 'tick' in videos ;o)
Stick
Sawthis bass at local music store amazing for slap!
Stick is next Chappers for basses