Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $300

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Yamaha Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha TRBX174EW is not just another bass guitar—it's a statement piece for musicians who value both performance and aesthetics. Crafted with an exotic mango wood top, this electric bass stands out with its unique grain patterns and a sleek Tobacco Sunburst finish. Perfect for modern bassists, this model marries Yamaha's trusted craftsmanship with visual intrigue.

The TRBX174EW is designed with a familiar and comfortable body shape, ensuring hours of effortless play. Its fast-action bolt-on maple neck, coupled with a smooth rosewood fingerboard, offers a 10" radius and a narrow 40mm nut width, catering to players who prefer a more traditional feel.

Sound versatility is key, and this bass delivers with its P/J pickup arrangement. The combination of a split-coil Precision Bass pickup and a single-coil Jazz Bass pickup allows for a wide tonal range—from deep, punchy bass lines to articulate, bright highs. With on-board controls for master volume, pickup blend, and tone, you're equipped to shape your sound for any musical setting.

Built for reliability, the TRBX174EW features road-ready durability. Its solid mahogany body, robust chrome-covered tuners, and vintage-style bridge are designed to withstand the rigors of both practice and performance. Whether you're heading to a gig or a studio session, the included gig bag ensures your bass travels safely and in style.

Key Features:

  • Exotic mango wood top with Tobacco Sunburst finish
  • Comfortable body shape with a fast-action bolt-on maple neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard with a 10" radius and 40mm nut width
  • P/J pickup configuration for versatile tone
  • On-board master volume, pickup blend, and tone controls
  • Durable mahogany body with chrome-covered tuners
  • Includes gig bag for safe transport and storage
Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Yamaha TRBX304 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX304 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Demo by Kraft Music

Yamaha TRBX304 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Demo

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX Basses - Awesome & Affordable! by Andertons Music Co

Yamaha TRBX Basses - Awesome & Affordable!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX174 - Our pick for best bass guitar for beginners by NYT Wirecutter

Yamaha TRBX174 - Our pick for best bass guitar for beginners

NYT Wirecutter

NYT Wirecutter

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX604 Bass Demo by Sweetwater

Yamaha TRBX604 Bass Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally versatile sound, from punk to classic to funky slap

  • Works well with any amplifier

  • Comfortable to play for extended periods

  • Affordable price for beginners and casual players

  • Attractive finish and body design

  • Can be easily customized, like converting to fretless

CONS

  • Sound can be perceived as cheap by some

  • Low sound output and gain

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Bass Guitar.

Build quality

  • Some TRBX174 owners found the neck stable and build quality impressive, with perfect frets and finish, especially when compared to other budget options like Squier.

    Source
  • The neck joint screws on Yamaha BB basses are diagonally placed, enhancing stability and showcasing thoughtful construction.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user upgraded their TRBX170 with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders after a stock pickup failure, enhancing the bass's tonal qualities.

    Source
  • One owner replaced the bridge and tuners on a BB350f and added a hipshot key, significantly improving functionality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The BB434 and BB435 are noted for quality control and finish exceeding Squier offerings, suggesting Yamaha's BB series as an upgrade option.

    Source
  • Users often find Yamaha BB series basses preferable over Fenders for a similar tone but with better build quality.

    Source
  • The TRBX304's active electronics require a 9V battery, unlike the passive TRBX174 models, which might be inconvenient for those not wanting to frequently change batteries.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of older models like the RBX800 and BB605 report long-term satisfaction, highlighting Yamaha's durability over decades of use.

    Source
  • A Yamaha RBX765a used as a main gigging bass for 10 years demonstrated exceptional stability and neck responsiveness, with an active preamp that efficiently uses 9V batteries.

    Source
  • Owners of the TRBX174 report positive initial setups, noting no significant issues with playability or comfort, making it a reliable choice for beginners.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active electronics in the TRBX series provide versatility, though some prefer passive models like the BB435 for simplicity.

    Source
  • The TRBX174EW features an exotic wood finish, distinguishing it visually from the standard TRBX174 while retaining identical neck and passive electronics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Yamaha basses, including the TRBX174, are praised for recording due to their clean, punchy tone that fits various musical styles.

    Source
  • The TRBX305 is praised for its value in the price range, with an especially satisfying neck feel, suitable for diverse musical styles according to a long-term user.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A mint condition BB734A was purchased used for $350, highlighting potential savings and value in the second-hand market for Yamaha basses.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
R

An exceptional versatile instrument

Though a lot of people criticize these basses for how cheap they sound I for one adore my Yamaha. It was the first bass I ever bought & I've used it on every album I've recorded & borderline every song. It can go form a punchy, skate punk sound to a warm classic sound to a striking, funky slap sound in a matter of seconds. An exceptionally versatile instrument & works well with any amplifier.

anelisse

Comfortable

Comfortable but the sound is low and with low gain.

benblu

Bass

I love this so much. Best instrument of all time tbh.

D

Good+ for the money

Nice finish, nice body, cheap price. Good for noodling around with if you are a guitar player.

wak_yatim_s_grandson

Fretless

My Yamaha Bass is fretless, i decided to take off all the fret wires just to get the fell of fretless bass

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jorge González uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Jorge González

Singer, Guitarist

Los Prisioneros

...
Verified via Photo

Use for record 'La voz de los '80', 'Pateando Piedras' and 'La Cultura de la Basura'

See how Max Green uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Max Green

Singer, Bassist

Escape The Fate

...
Verified via Photo

Max Green used a Yamaha Bass Guitar as his first bass when he started playing and joined bands with fellow musician Ronnie Radke. It was also the first bass he used with Escape the Fate, as evidenced by the image provided.

See how Chris White uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Chris White

Singer, Bassist

The Zombies

...
Verified via Photo

Chris White, renowned for his work with The Zombies, transitioned from his Gibson EB-3 to a Fender Precision Bass during the recording of "Odessey & Oracle." Visual evidence from Abbey Road Studios showcases this Fender bass, distinctively decorated with the phrases "THIS IS A PIANO" and "THIS WAY UP" by the artist who crafted the album's iconic misspelled title cover. This bass was later lent to Argent's bassist, Jim Rodford, who is also associated with The Zombies. Rodford has been documented using this bass in performances with Argent. In a nod to his musical legacy, Chris White, marking the 50th anniversary tour of "Odessey & Oracle" with The Zombies, now performs with a white Yamaha BB2004 bass guitar. This instrument inherits the unique markings "THIS IS A PIANO" and "THIS WAY UP," alongside White's signature tiger tail accessory, evidencing a blend of tradition and personal flair in his choice of gear.

See how Cavan McCarthy uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Cavan McCarthy

Bassist

Swim Deep

...
Verified via YouTube

This bass guitar is used in the scene in the van from the documentary 'What Are We Doing Here?'.

See how Atroz Musician uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Atroz Musician

...
Verified via Photo

Atroz Musician uses the Yamaha Bass Guitar, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Artiesmusic.

See how Nick Bonnici uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Nick Bonnici

Singer, Bassist

Forest Hills Project

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Bonnici can be seen playing a Yamaha Bass Guitar in a post on his Instagram, showcasing his punk rock style.

See how Sergey Khavro uses Yamaha Bass Guitar

Sergey Khavro

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Black

In the YouTube video titled "Звукоизоляция // Parks, Squares and Alleys" by ИМИ, Sergey Khavro is seen using a Yamaha Bass Guitar at the 2:32 mark.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Bass Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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drw72

drw72

Gear IQ 188

vincecreed

vincecreed

Gear IQ 141

thetrespasers

thetrespasers

Gear IQ 223

david_fesler

david_fesler

Gear IQ 56

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