Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $605
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass is a masterclass in versatility and craftsmanship, designed to meet the demands of both stage and studio. This bass features a sculpted mahogany body that not only provides a resonant and balanced tone but also ensures comfortable playability throughout long performances. The 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers stability and a fast-action profile, making it ideal for a variety of playing styles.
At the heart of its sound, the Yamaha-designed H5 humbucking pickups, equipped with alnico magnets, deliver a robust and hum-free tone. Whether you’re laying down a groove or showcasing intricate solo work, the active/passive preamp system allows you to tailor your sound with ease. The 3-band EQ and switchable tone controls provide nuanced control over your output, making this bass adaptable to any musical situation.
Designed for the discerning musician, the TRBX505 boasts a high-mass die-cast bridge for maximum string vibration transfer and sustain, while the precision-fitted bolt-on neck joint contributes to its clear, punchy tone. With its advanced tone-shaping capabilities and durable construction, this bass guitar is as functional as it is stylish.
Key Features:
- Sculpted solid mahogany body for balanced, resonant tone
- 5-piece maple/mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
- Yamaha H5 alnico humbucking pickups
- Active/passive preamp with 3-band EQ
- High-mass die-cast bridge for enhanced sustain
- 18mm string spacing for comfortable playability
- Durable metal jack plate for frequent use and touring
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | TRBX |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Finish | Satin Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | 5-piece Maple/Mahogany |
| Radius | 23.625" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Offset Dots |
| Number of Frets | 24, Medium |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.692" |
| Nut Material | Urea |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Die-cast Bridge |
| Tuners | Die-cast Closed Gear |
| Neck Pickup | H5 Alnico V Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | H5 Alnico V Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume, 1 x balance, 3-band Active EQ |
| Switching | 2-way Active/Passive mini-switch |
| Strings | D'Addario EXL, .045-.130 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass?
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The Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass features H5 Alnico V humbuckers, offering a versatile range of tones. You can expect a rich, full-bodied sound suitable for various genres, with the ability to switch between active and passive modes for added tonal flexibility.
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Is the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass suitable for beginners?
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While the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass offers advanced features ideal for experienced players, its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound make it accessible for beginners eager to explore a 5-string setup.
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How does the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass handle different playing styles?
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The Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass is designed to accommodate various playing styles, from fingerstyle to slap bass. Its 5-piece maple/mahogany neck and medium frets provide smooth playability, while the 3-band Active EQ allows for precise tonal adjustments.
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What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass?
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The Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass features a comfortable neck profile with a 5-piece maple/mahogany construction, offering stability and smooth playability. The 34" scale length and medium frets make it easy to navigate for both fast and intricate playing.
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Does the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass come with a case or gig bag?
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No, the Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass does not include a case or gig bag. These accessories are sold separately, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile active/passive mode for diverse tonal options
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Lightweight and well-balanced for long playing sessions
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Thin neck ideal for smaller hands, providing comfortable playability
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Robust electronics with a responsive EQ and battery indicator
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High-quality pickups with expressive sound character
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Durable construction with a visually appealing translucent finish
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Accommodates easy upgrades with standard pickup routing
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Solid B string performance across entire neck
CONS
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Limited finish options might not appeal to all
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Onboard EQ not ideal for radical sound sculpting
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Input jack and nut quality issues reported by users
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Treble preamp may produce noticeable hiss at higher settings
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Lack of a thumb rest area on pickups for some playing styles
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass.
Build quality
Comparisons
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The B string on both the 505 and 605 is described as "fine" for a 34" scale, indicating similar performance in low-end response.
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One user notes that the TRBX505 provides the best recorded tone they've achieved, even compared to other high-end basses.
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The TRBX300 and 500 are noted for having a mid-scooped sound by default, unlike Stingrays and Warwicks that naturally emphasize mids due to pickup design.
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Use cases and applications
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Despite owning more expensive basses, one user consistently chooses the 505 as a gig backup due to its reliability and sound quality.
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The TRBX505 is versatile, suitable for various styles, and provides a solid recorded tone.
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The 505's tonal control is particularly beneficial for players seeking versatility in musical genres that require varied midrange emphasis.
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Features and functionality
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The 505's shorter length compared to other 34" basses makes it a practical choice for frequent gigging and transport.
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The active electronics require a battery, which might be a learning curve for beginners.
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The 505's 3-band EQ is favored for its flexibility over the 305's 2-band EQ, offering more precise control of mids frequency, a critical factor for active basses.
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User experience
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Owners emphasize the importance of trying in-store due to five-string neck variation.
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Some owners use the TRBX505 as a reliable backup despite owning more expensive models.
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Owners express strong satisfaction with the 505, citing it as a worthwhile investment even over lower-priced models like the 305, due to its superior quality and functionality.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
170
Best cost-benefit ever
Pros: EQ is PERFECT! Never seen another bass so flexible in terms of tone. B string performs very well along all the flats.
What I dislike: In the 304 version que have a "thumb rest area" on top of the pickups and I love the idea, unfortunately this model doesn't have. The back of the bass scratches very easily.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha 500 Series 5 String Electric Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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