Yamaha
Yamaha TRBX174 Electric Bass Blue Metallic
80
EJ Score
Killer $289.99
Yamaha's TRBX174 is a no-compromise starter bass that punches way above its $290 price tag. P/J pickup combo delivers versatile tone from funk to metal, and the build quality puts 'beginner bass' stereotypes to shame.
Critics
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80
EJ Score
Killer Pros & Cons
Pros
- +P/J pickup configuration offers genuine tonal versatility for experimenting across genres
- +Stays in tune reliably despite rough handling — solid hardware for the price
- +Alder body with maple neck provides resonant, balanced tone with upper-mid clarity
- +Plays and feels like instruments costing significantly more, per multiple user reports
Cons
- −Noticeably heavy even with padded straps — weight was a dealbreaker for at least one owner
- −No pickup selector switch limits quick tone changes (volume blend only)
- −Some units ship with sharp fret ends requiring filing
- −Neck shim may be needed to achieve optimal action on some examples
The Verdict
The TRBX174 is the rare budget bass that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Yamaha nailed the fundamentals: it stays in tune, the P/J pickups actually sound good, and the build quality is legitimate. The weight is a real concern if you’re gigging or practicing long sessions, and the lack of a pickup selector is annoying but not fatal. At $290, this competes with instruments twice its price. If you can handle the heft, it’s a killer value whether you’re starting out or need a reliable backup.
Specifications
| Radius | 10'' (250 mm)Nut |
