Yamaha TRBX174 Bass Guitar Review
The Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar is a versatile and reliable instrument that has become increasingly popular among both beginner and experienced players. This article will provide an in-depth review of the Yamaha TRBX174, covering its features, sound quality, playability, and overall value.
Introduction
Yamaha has been a leading name in the world of musical instruments for many years, with a reputation for producing high-quality products that cater to a wide range of musicians. The Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar is no exception, offering a great entry-level option for those looking to start playing bass or an affordable upgrade for more experienced players.
Design and Construction
The design of the Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar is simple and elegant, with a solid double-cutaway body shape that provides easy access to all 24 frets. The body is crafted from mahogany, which gives the instrument a warm and resonant tone, while the neck is made from maple, offering stability and reliability.
The fingerboard is constructed from either rosewood or sonokeling, depending on the specific model, and the dot inlays make it easy to navigate the frets while playing. The body and neck are joined together using a bolt-on construction, which is common for bass guitars in this price range and contributes to the overall affordability of the instrument.
The hardware on the Yamaha TRBX174 is also impressive for its price point. The bridge is a vintage-style design with four adjustable saddles, allowing for precise intonation and string height adjustments. The tuners are die-cast and provide stable tuning, ensuring that your instrument stays in tune during performances.
Electronics
The Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar features a passive pickup configuration, with a split-coil pickup in the middle position and a single-coil pickup at the bridge. This combination provides a wide range of tonal options, allowing players to experiment with different sounds and styles.
The control layout is simple and intuitive, with a master volume knob, a pickup balance knob, and a master tone knob. The pickup balance knob allows players to blend the sound of the two pickups, offering an impressive variety of tones that can be tailored to suit any musical genre or style.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar is exceptional for its price range. The mahogany body provides a warm and resonant tone, while the maple neck adds brightness and clarity to the mix. The combination of the split-coil and single-coil pickups offers a versatile range of tonal options, from deep and punchy to bright and articulate.
Players can further shape their sound using the onboard controls, with the master tone knob offering a wide range of adjustments from mellow to aggressive. The pickup balance knob also allows for seamless blending between the two pickups, ensuring that players can find the perfect tone for any situation.
Playability
The playability of the Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar is another standout feature that makes it a popular choice among players of all skill levels. The slim, comfortable neck profile is ideal for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a faster playing feel. The double-cutaway body design provides easy access to the higher frets, making it suitable for more advanced playing techniques.
The action on the Yamaha TRBX174 is typically set up quite low out of the box, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. However, the adjustable bridge allows players to fine-tune the action to their personal preferences if necessary.
Value for Money
Considering its features, sound quality, and playability, the Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar offers excellent value for money. While it may not have some of the bells and whistles found on higher-end bass guitars, it delivers a reliable and enjoyable playing experience at an affordable price point.
This makes the Yamaha TRBX174 an ideal choice for beginners who want a high-quality instrument to start their musical journey or experienced players looking for a dependable and versatile backup bass.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- High-quality construction and materials
- Versatile sound with a wide range of tonal options
- Comfortable playability, suitable for players of all skill levels
Cons:
- Passive electronics may not provide the same level of output as active systems
- Bolt-on neck construction may not offer the same level of sustain as a set-neck or neck-through design
Conclusion
The Yamaha TRBX174 bass guitar is a fantastic option for players seeking a reliable and versatile instrument at an affordable price. With its high-quality construction, impressive sound quality, and comfortable playability, it is a great choice for both beginners and experienced players alike. While it may not have all the features of more expensive bass guitars, the Yamaha TRBX174 offers outstanding value for money and is a worthy addition to any musician’s collection.
