Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (13)
$649.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (9)
$649.99
Amazon
4.6 (1907)
$649.99
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$649.99 New
$425.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (11)
$649.99
Thomann
4.6 (17)
$664.00 $659.00 $5.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£588.00

Average Price: $619

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Yamaha TRBX505". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Behold the Yamaha TRBX505 - Translucent Brown, a 5-string marvel that merges versatility, aesthetics, and unrivalled performance in an all-encompassing package. This sleek, impressive bass guitar sports a comfortable Yamaha body shape, a swift-acting bolt-on 5-piece maple/mahogany neck, and a buttery rosewood fingerboard. It's a bass that's not just made to be played, but to be experienced.

The TRBX505's solid mahogany body lends a balanced, resonant tone that's complemented perfectly by the punchy tone of its 5-piece maple/mahogany neck. This combination of premium tonewoods results in a rich sound with a sustain that sings. The Yamaha-designed quad-polepiece YGD H5 pickups are equipped with alnico magnets and balanced windings, delivering clean, open tone with the power to drive the active preamp and the sensitivity to capture every subtlety in passive mode.

The TRBX505 doesn't just stop at sound; it's built for the stage, with a pronounced upper bout providing balance, and a deep cutaway offering clean access to the higher registers for soloing. Its active/passive preamp gives you the ultimate tonal flexibility, with matched output in passive or active mode and seamless switching between treble control and master passive tone.

Key Features:

  • 5-string bass for all styles of music
  • Fast-action 5-piece maple/mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Comfortable mahogany body with deep cutaways
  • YGD H5 humbucking pickups provide a variety of great bass tones
  • Audiophile-grade active electronics for precise tone sculpting
  • Yamaha's Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • High-mass die-cast bridge for rich tone and sustain
  • 18mm string spacing for comfortable playability
  • 43mm nut width for fast, comfortable playability
  • Yamaha's durable metal jack plate withstands the demands of 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 White 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

What kind of music genres is the Yamaha TRBX505 suitable for?

The Yamaha TRBX505 is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of genres from rock and jazz to funk and metal, thanks to its H5 Alnico V humbuckers and active/passive switch which provide diverse tonal options.

How does the active/passive switch on the Yamaha TRBX505 work?

The TRBX505 features a 2-way mini-switch that allows you to toggle between active and passive modes, offering more tonal flexibility and allowing you to adapt quickly to different playing styles and musical settings.

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha TRBX505?

The TRBX505 features a slim, comfortable neck profile with a 5-piece maple/mahogany construction, providing strength and stability ideal for fast playing styles and extended sessions.

Is the Yamaha TRBX505 suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Yamaha TRBX505 is well-suited for slap bass techniques due to its 18 mm string spacing, which offers excellent playability and room for dynamic fingerstyle playing.

What type of wood is used in the body of the Yamaha TRBX505?

The body of the Yamaha TRBX505 is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm, rich tonal characteristics and sustain.

Does the Yamaha TRBX505 come with a case or gig bag?

The Yamaha TRBX505 does not come with a case or gig bag; these must be purchased separately to protect the instrument during transport.

Fernando Mainer

Fernando Mainer

YAMAHA TRBX 505 Bass Sounds (Demo)

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA TRBX 505 Bass Sounds (Demo) by Fernando Mainer

YAMAHA TRBX 505 Bass Sounds (Demo)

Fernando Mainer

Fernando Mainer

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX505 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Demo by Kraft Music

Yamaha TRBX505 5-String Electric Bass Guitar Demo

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for This thing packs a punch! -- Yamaha TRBX505 Demo/Review -- Nick Latham by NICKO

This thing packs a punch! -- Yamaha TRBX505 Demo/Review -- Nick Latham

NICKO

NICKO

Video thumbnail for Simon Sammut with the new YAMAHA TRBX 505 electric bass guitar by Olimpus Music LTD

Simon Sammut with the new YAMAHA TRBX 505 electric bass guitar

Olimpus Music LTD

Olimpus Music LTD

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX 505 - Igor Odaryuk by 🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

Yamaha TRBX 505 - Igor Odaryuk

🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

Video thumbnail for Sire V3 vs Yamaha TRBX 505 by Rama Natanael

Sire V3 vs Yamaha TRBX 505

Rama Natanael

Rama Natanael

Video thumbnail for Yamaha TRBX 505 || Review with Igor Odaryuk by 🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

Yamaha TRBX 505 || Review with Igor Odaryuk

🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

Video thumbnail for Yamaha bass TRBX 505  sound by Adew bass

Yamaha bass TRBX 505 sound

Adew bass

Adew bass

Video thumbnail for Bass Yamaha Trbx 505 Mii White w/K-Plug by BULSS BASS STORE

Bass Yamaha Trbx 505 Mii White w/K-Plug

BULSS BASS STORE

BULSS BASS STORE

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent build quality and robust construction ensures durability

  • Versatile active/passive switch offers a wide range of tonal options

  • Thin, narrow neck enhances playability, especially for small hands

  • Balanced weight with great strap comfort for extended play

  • High-quality pickups deliver colorful and expressive sound

  • LED battery indicator prevents unexpected power loss during performances

  • Comfortable body contour and lightweight design suitable for long sessions

  • Strong sustain and solid B string performance for a 5-string bass

  • Attractive finish with high-quality powder coating

  • Affordable price point for the features and quality offered

CONS

  • Limited finish options, only three available

  • Onboard EQ not ideal for radical sound sculpting

  • Lack of push/pull pots for splitting humbuckers

  • Some users reported sharp fret ends needing attention

  • Active/passive switch issues reported, possibly due to shipping

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha TRBX505.

Features and functionality

  • The TRBX505 lacks sweepable mids, which some players feel could enhance its tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ability to switch between active and passive modes, often preferring passive for a less microphonic sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The TRBX505 is often compared to the TRBX605FM, with the main difference being the wood and finish, yet both deliver punchy low B strings.

    Source
  • The TRBX500 and 600 series are very similar, with the 600 offering upgraded wood finishes, but both provide substantial value and versatility.

    Source
  • The TRBX505 has a neck with an 18mm string spacing, considered more spacious compared to the G&L L-2500's 17.5mm spacing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass excels in wedding band settings, covering pop, R&B, and rock genres, with a beefy active preamp and substantial bass boost.

    Source
  • The TRBX505 is likened to a Jazz bass with humbuckers, offering ergonomic comfort for players frequently switching basses.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the TRBX505’s robust build quality, comparable to higher-end models, and superior craftsmanship, noting it as a standout in its price range.

    Source
  • The TRBX505's B string offers a "cleaner" tone and tighter feel compared to the Ibanez SG305, noted for its brightness and clarity.

    Source
  • Owners often prefer the TRBX505 for its lighter weight, especially compared to some heavier G&L Tribute models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A volume pot repair on the TRBX604 was inexpensive (€10) and easy, requiring no soldering, suggesting similar ease for the TRBX505.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha TRBX505 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Yamaha's TRBX505 is a versatile 5-string bass that excels in both tone and playability, offering great value for under $600. Its solid construction and impressive electronics, including a clever active/passive switch, allow for a range of sounds from contemporary to vintage. However, the bass can be neck-heavy when played sitting down, which might be a drawback for some. Despite this, its comfort and clear tonal definition make it a strong contender for those seeking an affordable workhorse. Whether you're slapping or fingerpicking, the TRBX505 delivers solid performance, making it worthy of consideration.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jjandrade

Best cost-benefit ever

A lot of possibilities with this bass due its EQ set! I am not a very 5 string bass guy but this instrument brought to another level and it is not expensive at all.

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