Yamaha RBXA2 Bass

[@Sungodv]

Ed, you're like the friend I've never met. I've been reading your stuff in magazines for many, many years. Good to see you on the "tube" and finally actually hear you play. You're a much funkier player than I imagined.

[@BassWhispererTV]

This bass is passive only, but I think it's a pretty "active" sounding bass. You can always run an outboard preamp, or even install one. Yes, you can have the best of both worlds.

[@iconic558]

I have the white/aircraft grey version, I have sold my Stingay 4H, Fender P, Tele and host of jazzers but the A2 will be staying....amazing things! Never had any pick-up buzz on mine....sometimes this will be a problem with two single coils, no humbucking going on, but as I said mine is fine.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Yes, I'm sure the battery is only for the lights. It's a passive bass.

[@SirWeasel]

I just ordered mine today! :-) I took the white one...my Apple Bass! I already own a RBX775, I love the RBX design, and the RBXA2 in white is like an special editon for me! And actually it sells for about 298€ or 420USD here in Austria/Germany! I wanted one since the RBXA2 got announced...but now for that price I had to get one! :-) Great review! Thank you!

[@PowermadNavigator]

I've played 5-string versions of this model many times. I gotta say they're real heavy for their price. They impress lots and i love their sound. The basses of this series are just plain awesome and if you haven't played one at least twice you can't seriously bitch their quality.

[@orappaarg]

@BassGuitarMag THANK YOU very much for the suggestion. The Fender was sold an hour before me to be able to contact the seller. Finally I bought the Ibanez. I also was doubting of buying a secondhand instrument because I am a beginner player.

[@peekaboo4390]

I have yet to play yamaha bass I didn't like or love. Yamaha really gets bass players and make top basses ... I have 10 of them. Prince played one of these.

[@fivestring]

Thanks for such a detailed and informative bass review. I must agree, as a working musician i carry nothing but Yamaha basses now. Reliable, consistent, comfortable and a great unique tone. I went through the bass label chasing phase in my early career, i found mostly basses that didn't live up to my expectations. My Yamaha's through 1980s Trace Elliot equipment does it all.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@RageicaNiels - This bass is passive, so the only eq is the tone control. It basically just rolls off the high end, it's not boost/cut like on an active bass.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@SDRockman - I don;t know what they cost in Japan, but in the US these basses have been severely discounted. They can be found between $350-500 new.

[@buzzguy76]

Another great vid, Ed! You guys seem to be covering alot of the basses I'm pricing right now. Can't wait for more!

[@n0possibility]

i love this bass, it sounds INCREDIBLE and it's less than $500, prooving that the cheaper it is, doesn't mean it sounds worse

[@savanaviolenta]

I played one its a solid modern jazz bass.Great tone.

[@PeterRosenqvist]

Yamahas super cool and light bass. The A2 series are so well built, the guitars too !!

[@BassWhispererTV]

@RageicaNiels - I typically default to both pickups, but if I want to get a little fatter, I roll to the front, if I want it a little tighter, I roll to the back.

[@ableite]

i love your improvisation song.

[@iwantagoodnameplease]

Love that riff at the start. Great review as usual. Looks like a great bass too.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@MegaNewBeginnings - I don't know that bass specifically but Yamaha makes consistently good instruments in all price ranges.

[@hyperion134]

one of the sweetest guitars ever made (the looks)

[@BassWhispererTV]

It's passive, the lights are run by battery, but not the pickups. These are great sounding basses, and I believe they are discontinued. I saw a used 5 string version sell for $250! I say, grab one if you see it.

[@chilimagik]

@BassGuitarMag I've been wanting one of these bad boys for a long time, this review tipped it for me for a good 4 string bass to learn Slap on. I currently own a Washburn xb500 which I made fretless. I've never looked back, If ever you get the chance to play one it's simply amazing. The heaviest thing you will ever hold though....It came with a bolted on strap...

[@plchung]

Hi Ed, Have you published the scores you played in this video somewhere such as books etc? (in particular the finger style and slapping parts) The sound is really cool!! Thanks

[@Raaben]

I saw the 5 string version of this bass for a good price a few days ago, and after seeing this review I didn't hesitate to buy it. No regrets! I think it looks weird with the LED lights, but it's the sound that counts in the end. Nice bottom end, punchy with that jazz growl. Do you know what strings came stock on this bass? I think my other Yamaha came with GHS Boomers and I'm wondering if these are them too. They look and sound familiar, but it's been a while since I've used them.

[@gwalj]

Ed do you teach bass ? I really enjoy watching your bass reviews, but some online lessons, that would be awesome...

[@PeterRosenqvist]

@TenebraearumParvulus YES !! , all the A2 basses and guitars have the dots on the sine, not on the fretboard. Same goes for the beautiful, but heavy RGX-520FZ.

[@upr1ght970]

Love the playing...and the TONE of this instrument! Slap funk on the back pickup, and it sounded like a clavinet in the room. Thank you....Looking to score one of these in White this coming weekend....got major G.A.S. thanks to this. Again, awesome technique, well presented demo of the ax...and kudo's to Yamaha with the hippest of engineers.

[@MantovasTwoStreetMusic]

Outstanding Video! We have a A.I.R Bass in White for sale right now. This is the best review I've seen on this

[@AvoidingKini]

I just saw these basses being sold by a local distributor here and checked your channel if you had any reviews on it. For some reason I kinda felt bad because the review dated a couple of years back meaning the model isn't entirely new. But the review really helped a lot. Was also wondering if you'd be reviewing their RBX374 or 375 models as well as the Dingwall Afterburner and Combustion basses. Thanks!

[@SketchRazor]

I just got the 5 string version of the RBX A2, and I'm loving it.

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

I've never tried a Yamaha instrument(besides their keyboards) but everyone who owns them seems to rave about em... I need to check em out. Thanks for the informative video!

[@SDRockman]

@BassGuitarMag Oh well. Maybe it was just the angle of the camera or something, but I did get to try out one those basses here in Japan and I really, really wanted to get it. But unfortunately, I did not have the money and planning on getting a TUNE N-TB 4 instead. Thanks for the info.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@fuji302 - first of all, it's not "plywood". But the fact that it uses layers of different woods does technically link it to the concept behind plywood. So that means a 7k Fodera with an ash/bubinga body, and maple top is also technically "plywood". If you don't like it, fine. No need to be all snarky about it.

[@seankisaragi]

Woo I just ordered this bass :) Can't wait till it arrives

[@FreekoKenn]

very cool stuff man! love your reviews!

[@BassWhispererTV]

It's a Genz Benz GBE1200 head through a Genz NeoXt 212 cab.

[@Rick_Petrone]

incredible sound!

[@victorbassplayer]

Hi Ed!!! Very Good sound!I don't belive!for this kind of bass!Excellent!!!

[@ITakeTheVisual]

simply superb! i love ur style of playing, its very simply and kool, i my self play bass for a reggae band in the caribbean. Nice stuff bro!

[@BassWhispererTV]

@john4short - I have a Yamaha BB2025 in right now that's going to get reviewed, so you'll see it online in a few months.

[@secretsofthedeep20k]

Hi, Really great video, you've got a great review and playing style. I've got the RBX374 version of this bass, and I was wondering what the A2 was all about. Now I know... Cheers!

[@BassWhispererTV]

@BennyFourStrings - Yes, they do make it in a 5.

[@schmuardian]

I love his vids. really tell you about the bass. and i tried this bass out, i could not believe the sound i was getting from something that weighs like this. was deciding between this and sr750... i went for the 750 in the end haha the neck is simply too lovely for words.

[@HDM111]

i got the body to this and customised it to fit the nack of a rbx 375 sounds sweet.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@timkick2 - That was a backdrop the former owner of my last house put up. She missed the beach. This was shot before I put up curtains.

[@BassWhispererTV]

I didn't have the time to do a video for the BB714BS. I liked it, it's essentially a P Bass sound with the option for massive woof. They blend well and the tone cut is cool. I wouldn't try to compare it to an Eastwood Classic 4, totally different beast. It's short scale, semi hollow - not anything like the Yamaha. However, I really like the Eastwood, I've been gigging with it alot and have used it in the studio with great results (with TI Flats on it).

[@NYtoPDX]

got a chance to try one of these yesterday, sounds great and it is super light, although i played it at guitar center and of course it was in desperate need of a setup, that place is such a joke sometimes.

[@shahafsagi]

Sounds exactly like jazz bass, amazing... And I actually love all active bass guitars

[@ingentingvirke]

Hi Ed. I have this bass, and it's a fine instrument. However, I'm having some issues with some weird buzz, which I've had since I got it. Basically I get a buzz whatever I do when I play. The length between the stings and the fretboard is about 0,5 cm from the 7th fret and further up. This also makes tapping very difficult. I've tried adjusting the screws on the bridge, but it haven't really succeeded. I'm not sure how to explain it really, but I was hoping you could help, as you've played it.

[@scarred2112]

I owned 2 RBX-775s (fretted and a custom fretless) that were my "main" basses for about 4 years until I lucked out and got some great deals on "dream basses" of mine (Spector ReBop EX/FM 4, 5 & 5 fretless, and Mike Lull Modern 4 & 5 Jazz Basses) but would have easily purchased an RBX-A2 4 and/or 5-string when they were being discontinued: great Yamaha quality, and much more of a classic Jazz tone than the soapbar pickups of the 775s.

[@Jonathan.R.Pereira]

Hey Ed , Have you reviewed the Yamaha BB series ? I am thinking of buying the BB , so I would want to see a good review of it before I buy it & we all know you do really good reviews .... Thanks

[@hjokwon9292]

This bass looks so much better in white.

[@BassWhispererTV]

The neck is nice, my only "complaint" would be the gloss finish. I prefer a satin finish on the back of the neck, but I typically knock down the gloss with sand paper on my basses.

[@Bassplayingboy]

Do they make a active version of the bass? What is your opinion of the active/passive electronics basses that Fender makes? It has a switch that switches from passive to active. Can you have the best of both worlds?

[@dinobass24]

great sound..which country produce this bass?how about a price?

[@ArmandoLozada_ThePapaX]

yeap.. I always wanted to know how does that bass sound since I read about the A.I.R technology... I think it is interesting... And definitely the bass sounds as good as it looks... Sick basslines man you are the best reviewer...

[@MarshallPust]

Nice man! That this is pretty damn sweet, its nice to see you doing a bass that does not cost upwards of 3 grand, thats a little bit out of my price range. Nice demo, but I have a question, do the blades have a different sound than just open poles?

[@entwistle14]

Could you turn of the LEDs while you are playing, without turning down the controls? Do they run on any battery?

[@BassWhispererTV]

Well, it's partly because I love what I do, and partly because I get PAID to do what I love. I review these basses for Guitar World magazine, this is actually a gig for me. GW sets up the product and the manufacturers send them to me for review.

[@plchung]

Hi Ed.. it is a great review and your playing is really great. I have been trying to play the groove you demo but I can't make the 16th notes as fast and smooth as you do at 3:05..... How should I practice to get that speed? Should I relax my plucking hands or should I just try "faster"?

[@ingentingvirke]

@JoeMomma2455 Well there is no local store where I live, and I don't have a case or anything so I can transport it somewhere else. And I'm a bit afraid of trying to adjust the truss rod myself. I'll look into it. Thanks.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@themightygermanman - These are great basses, and these days are very reasonably priced. Thumbs up.

[@Admiral3131]

Do you know any specific store that sells these?

[@SDRockman]

Hey Ed, whenever you showed the shot of the bass neck from the head, is the neck perfectly straight?

[@NYtoPDX]

sounds really good

[@bigoj3]

I was looking for a new bass for Christmas (currently with an epiphone thunderbird, nice, but not too great for slap bass in my oppinion, and is also a tad heavy) This one had me thinking about it when I first heard it. Then I saw the volume knobs light up, and I now Definatly want it :L

[@JanBoone]

A good demonstration! I have a Yamaha BB 1100 with D&R strings, which is a nice combination together. Although it's 15 years old, it still plays and sounds great, but it's time to buy a new one, and I'm looking for a 5 string. Would it be possible to demonstrate a 5 string Yamaha BB? I don't like bass, I love it to the bone!

[@gregorypbooth]

I have a black rbx a2. Absolutely love it. I would like to know the best way to reduce the P pick up buzz. I think it may be poorly grounded. any suggestions.

[@PhatPhunk]

Awesome review Ed! I've always wanted to know how this instrument sounds like and you've demo-ed all possible sound options here! Impressive for a rock bass don't you think?

[@BassWhispererTV]

@mlgsolidsnake - Have you played one? I have two students that play them, and they love them. I think they sound great too.

[@BassWhispererTV]

Yeah, I got it. This is a nice bass, it'll work for hard rock just fine, and they are pretty cheap these days, a great deal.

[@Springye]

That is a lush Bass Guitar! I might get 1, nice bass playing at the start

[@queesesolaluna]

to recommend more the ibanez sr400qmsc or this yamaha RBXA2? thanks sorry for my english i speak spanish

[@thebosicothe]

I bought it. great deal, too. only 200 bucks. Damn nice, beats a jazz bass i played. and you're right, it does have a finish, but it's not nearly as bad as I thought. I've tried fenders and ESP's that were much much thicher

[@NiegelDK]

How do you choose the picup sound? front, back both p.u´s?

[@JadeEyeland]

would you reccomend this over an ibanez btb or a like bart equipped active bass

[@Skeletomania]

You forgot to mention that it is the first, and only bass to match the insane lights on the genz benz.

[@BassWhispererTV]

@SDRockman - Ugh, I don't know... Not sure what you mean by perfectly straight... and I shot this a long time ago.

[@thebosicothe]

damn! I feel the same way. Guess I'll sand it down. Would I have to take off the neck and adjust the rod before doing anything?

[@Light_Rider]

Wow! Your improvisation sounds great! Could you please tell me what amp you use?

[@NiegelDK]

@BassGuitarMag so by adjusting the eq´s?

[@basssorc]

best bass tester on youtube

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

Amazing instruments. Quite sure there will come a time these will be sought after... Like crasy...

[@squiresuzuki]

yeah how do you get it to sound like that at 05:02 ?

[@Meemorp_]

Are the pickups active? Or is the battery for the lights?

[@CacophonyOfDestruction]

What amp and speaker are you using ? Sounds great

[@b1gman11]

hello ive been play electric and acoustic guitar fo near 2 years and thinking of taking up bass what would be a good bass to get and i need a amp and dat stuff

[@thebosicothe]

love the tone at 05:02

[@scott4781]

this video made we wish I had new strings

[@BassWhispererTV]

It is only possible to demo the instruments that get sent to me, and that I get paid to do! This is actually a job, I doubt I'd go through all the work it takes to do these videos just for the fun of it! The Yamaha BB 5s are nice, great basses! Go try one in a store and see for yourself.

[@GradeXX]

Hi. I'm actually thinking of buying this bass guitar from my local yamaha shop. But i just gotta ask. is it suited for playing metal music? more hard rock kind? Or should i look at the other ones in the RBX series by yamaha perhaps

[@nintendonut100]

that is so cool!

[@enrrwa]

i have one too.. it was my first bass

[@orappaarg]

Hi Ed.... I'm a drummer and now I'm learning to play bass. I'm looking for a bass for intermediate player with a good sound. For price I saw 3 options: Yamaha ERB 070 (new) Fernandes Gravity (new) Hear it for metal music Ibanez SR400 (new) Fender Jazz Bass 92 - 93 from Japan (used) Please, I really appreciatte any idea for my choice ! Thanks !

[@j4ck.]

Yamaha's are great!

[@tornmask1]

solid!

[@Light_Rider]

Well, thank you!

[@BassWhispererTV]

Nope, I'm just winging it, playing whatever comes to mind. I've probably never played any of that stuff since the review. I suggest that you learn it by ear and write it out for yourself. It will be a valuable education!

[@dinobass24]

thanks man.

[@GeoAl09]

i wish they made like a higher end version of this bass, like around $600 or so. so all the electronics are better and different like cool futuristic designs like this.