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Average Price: $298

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Yamaha RBX-170 Electric Bass Guitar, a staple in the world of bass guitars known for its versatile sound and exceptional playability. Perfectly designed for both budding bassists and seasoned pros, this instrument combines Yamaha's renowned craftsmanship with a modern touch, making it a reliable partner for any musical journey.

The RBX-170 features a solid agathis body, ensuring durability and a rich, resonant tone that can fill any room. Its fast-action maple neck and smooth rosewood fingerboard promise effortless playability, allowing your fingers to dance across the frets with ease. The dual pickup configuration—a P/J setup—offers a wide range of sonic options. Experience deep, robust basslines from the split-coil pickup and punchy mids and highs from the single-coil pickup. This combination lets you customize your sound to fit any genre or style.

The Yamaha RBX-170 is not just about performance; it’s also about style. Its sleek, ergonomic design provides comfort during long jam sessions, while the chrome hardware adds a touch of elegance. Whether you're grooving in a jazz ensemble, rocking out on stage, or recording in the studio, the RBX-170 stands out as a versatile and reliable tool in your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Solid agathis body for rich and resonant tone
  • Fast-action maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • P/J pickup arrangement for versatile sound options
  • Chrome tuners and bridge for sleek aesthetics
  • Passive tone controls for customizable sound
  • Comfortable, ergonomic design for extended playability

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model RBX170 4-String Bass Guitar
Finish Metallic Red
Year 2010s
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil / S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Yamaha RBX-170 have?

The Yamaha RBX-170 is equipped with passive dual P/J-style pickups, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the Yamaha RBX-170 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha RBX-170 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordable price, comfortable playability, and versatile sound.

What is the neck profile of the Yamaha RBX-170?

The Yamaha RBX-170 features a slim maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a comfortable playing experience for both new and experienced bassists.

How many frets does the Yamaha RBX-170 have?

The Yamaha RBX-170 has 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.

Does the Yamaha RBX-170 come with a case?

No, the Yamaha RBX-170 does not come with a case; it is sold separately.

Paul Annis

Paul Annis

Yamaha RBX170 Bass Review

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RBX170 Bass Review by Paul Annis

Yamaha RBX170 Bass Review

Paul Annis

Paul Annis

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight - Yamaha RBX170 Bass Guitar by Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Yamaha RBX170 Bass Guitar

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RBX170 Bass Guitar by Yamaha Music Australia

Yamaha RBX170 Bass Guitar

Yamaha Music Australia

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RBX-170 Bass Demo by Kley De Jong

Yamaha RBX-170 Bass Demo

Kley De Jong

Kley De Jong

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha RBX-170 Electric Bass Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have replaced the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder for a brighter sound.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner has played their RBX170 for over 25 years, even defretting it to extend its life.

    Source
  • An owner who has used the RBX170 as their first bass still finds it the most enjoyable to jam on, even after acquiring other basses.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users prefer Yamaha's feel over Squier Affinity, VM, and Ibanez GIO models at the $200 price point.

    Source
  • The Ibanez SR300 is considered a tier above the RBX170, offering a more versatile studio instrument due to its three-band preamp.

    Source
  • The Cort Artisan C4 and Ibanez SR300 are made in the same factory, with the Cort not necessarily being a superior option despite a higher price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RBX170 impresses even those with high-end basses like the Warwick Corvette.

    Source
  • The RBX170 is recommended for laying down simple bass lines in a studio without causing fatigue or discomfort during extended play.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
freezingmoon94

Excellent choice for beginners and professionals.

This bass guitar is simple. It has two volume knobs, and one tone knob.

I find that the FIRST knob is for bass, the SECOND knob is for treble, and the THIRD knob (the tone knob) gives you the option of either a more muffled tone, or a more clear tone.

jrzeszowski

This is a fantastic starter bass. It is a great value for the price and will keep playing for years to come.

This bass was made in Indonesia, has 24 frets and a solid top. Includes Master Volume, Master Tone and Pickup Fader for the P/J pickup config. The pickups aren't as good as the mexican fenders but they do the job well. This model doesn't include active electronics .The body is made from agathis which is mega light so this bass is great for long shows, the neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard. The hardware is unbranded but from what I've seen it could withstand a nuclear war. The neck is FANTASTIC, it is 40mm at the nut so it's thicker than jazz but more slimline than P-Bass which is great!!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how bill wurtz uses Yamaha RBX-170 Electric Bass Guitar

bill wurtz

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

wurtz's signature red bass is visible around 0:46 in the video.

Genre Usage

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