Yamaha TRBX304 (Blindfolded Bass Review)

[@MrOnihige]

Man, I think this is the best musical instrument review I've seen. Most of them are just demos, borderlining on ads. Kudos to you guys putting in actual effort and not just trying to hauk a bass.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks, glad you dug it!

[@theblytonian3906]

Agree. Subbed.

[@oliekigk]

@@BassBuzz wow. I need to grab the 305

[@S0UNDC1TY]

not bordering - nearly the entire demo genre is ad men posing as product testers. this wasnt that. it was extremely helpful.

[@laszloboviz8529]

Thanks for the unbiased review. Can I suggest its brother, the Yamaha BB234 to test and a Harley Benton JP-45 too?

[@victorcurtis6400]

I can honestly say I bought this Bass because of this review and LOVE IT. Its my first Bass and I'm really glad I shelled out a few extra bucks. I looked at TONS and TONS of videos and reviews and this series was the most educational. Thanks Josh and Crew!!!

[@_egi_]

Ha, me too, and I love both the design and the tone.

[@spaceghost5026]

I'm looking now... leaning towards this one

[@SRoth-kh2zv]

I decided for the TRBX 504 in the end and I am completely happy!

[@hamedpourkhorsandi7734]

me too!

[@ryno4ever433]

@@spaceghost5026 If you still haven't gotten one, I have it and I love it.

[@KyddBurton]

Your somber face as your friends play the bass is hilarious, so intent on forming your opinion. Good review

[@BassBuzz]

Bass is serious business. 😎

[@christopherconnolly1218]

Thanks for this review! I bought this Yamaha bass a few months ago, and I love it. I'm also a clueless newb, learning to play for the 1st time. Your other videos are fixing that. My high school kids are into music(really good jazz drummer senior, and piano/sax freshman), and I needed an instrument to get them to play together, and allow me to join. Thanks for making this goal happen! This Dad couldn't be happier.

[@WildBilly91]

I'm more into retro styled basses, but I can't deny how good this bass is. A friend of mine had one, and this is a great instrument. For a modern bass, it looks good, it's rather comfy and well built. If you like the sound and the look of it you can't go wrong with this bass.

[@mognet5220]

I just sold my TRBX304 today and it’s bittersweet to say the least. The new owner will hopefully love it as much as I did. I recently bought a Spector Legend 4 neck-thru, and even though I got it second hand I couldn’t really justify the expense without selling off the Yamaha. I absolutely love my new Spector, but I know I’m going to miss my TRBX304. It was just so versatile and so comfortable to play. I hope the guy who bought it gets a lot of joy out of it in the coming years.

[@dracken1]

I purchased this bass in Blue after watching your reviews on it. I have had more sucess watching your tutorials on bass playing than i have with any other tutor on here. you make it easier to understand than many others.

[@KinGoddess]

I bought this exact bass last year and I love it. I originally thought the thumb grooves on the pick ups were cool but my thumb would get thrown off by it. Takes time getting use to. I didn't know how trash my first bass was until I got this Yamaha. Playing definitely improved

[@theblytonian3906]

Buying my first bass to experiment with...playing bass. I'd love this particular bass, but because of its price point will get its entry level sibling TRBX174 as my initial bass. I don't think the price is unreasonable for what the TRBX304 is, but getting that past the GAS resistant wife won't fly. Happy wife happy life.

[@kezhintonmusic]

Great review! Love the blindfolded idea and so thorough.. Full marks - one of the best reviews of an instrument I've seen. Thanks guys!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@anthonymonk3086]

I got back into playing about 2 years ago after a long period of not playing (years). I wanted a reasonably priced but good quality bass good for the wide variety of music I now play in a pop rock and country band. I wasn't sure how long I was going to be playing so didn't want to spend too much. I chose the TRBX304 paired with a Rumble 500 amp. It's all I'll ever need so happy to see this bass do so well with professionals in this review. I pretty much leave it at one setting.

[@Potato-pn8sg]

Yamaha TRBX174EW The nicest bass I've ever played.

[@MichaelJohnson-eg4bj]

Agree 300 dollars tax included (Canada) trbx174ew great looks feels and sounds great

[@cousineddie7898]

Hi josh. I'm going through your beginner too badass course at the moment and I'm doing it on this particular base. Just want to let you know this thing plays like a house on fire. Can't believe you get all these features and creature comforts for this kind of money. Thanks for the heads up!

[@paulmarclalonde3834]

Nice 👍

[@thezogs95]

1:42 that line is so great for some reason

[@kriskollmar9728]

I’ve had the 305 for a few years now. Made it a fretless and I love it.

[@KOISANX]

Most versatile sounding low cost bass in the market - nothing else comes close.

[@sanjiviithevan4416]

How about the ibanez 300e series??

[@fva9674]

@@sanjiviithevan4416 i ve played sr400 and the yamaha is better

[@tired8302]

I just ordered this bass today! I literally couldn't find a single one for sale new but I happened to find one used, and for only $210. I can't wait to get it in the mail and get started. Thank you for the incredibly detailed review, it really helped in the decision making process.

[@BassBuzz]

Nice, congrats on your bass! That's a sweet deal.

[@annihilatedwicked]

İ think u got TRBX. So if you, would you recommend it?

[@tired8302]

@@annihilatedwicked yes, if you can find one!! definitely more likely to find used than new, but i’m super happy with mine

[@timl1481]

I used to play bass years ago and have decided to get back in to it,. Having watched all of your blind tests, this is the bass I've gone for. Ordered one in black finish. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@KazesDemons]

So I bought a bass after being overcome by the idea last weekend and this is the one I got! Mine is cherry though. Price runs about the same once converted (here in Australia) $500. I’m loving it, and those thumb notches in the pickups are BRILLIANT for beginners. Also, get yourself a copy of BassBuzz, the lessons are perfect for starting on bass!

[@phoarey]

Yes $500 here in Aus. I have a red one for two years. Neck and tone and thumb rests are great. A much better bass player than me borrowed it for a song in a jam bar and gave it a big wrap. Another time at the same bar te ex Dragon drummer was there and said nice tone. So there you go.

[@daltonehlert3110]

I'm about to start learning bass and have this ordered. Looks like I chose well, can't wait!

[@sudosocialize5371]

hey, im thinking about buying a bass myself did you regret buying this specific one?

[@savanaviolenta]

Im getting the 5 string version of this same bass,same color.

[@BassBuzz]

Cool!

[@abhijitkadam4316]

I'm planning to get the same in white colour, is it worth it??

[@bandicootb6876]

@@abhijitkadam4316 I've got the 5-string version. The neck is obviously slightly wider to accommodate a fifth, thicker string. That aside it's a fantastic axe.

[@sugarshane8622]

This is my favorite bass for the price. It has great sound.

[@keremaltun2622]

I bought this bass for second hand,it has some scratches but sound is really awesome,cool beginner bass

[@nobuna2114]

The TRBX305 was my first 5 string-bass and I still absolutely love it and play it the most

[@pattonPwr]

the new Smashing Pumpkins album was recorded with this bass.. dunno why. Billy doing Billy things

[@BassBuzz]

Interesting!

[@ejyohannan4708]

I love your RATM shirt! Great review btw!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks! Testify. :)

[@stuffofstuff3]

I think i might end up getting this in black i love the look of it, i watched this and your best beginner bass video and low-key fell in love with it. It would be my first real bass, the one that i have right now is a bridgecraft that i got at goodwill for $15 that has rust on the pickups thats missing the jack and sling mounts 😂

[@BassBuzz]

Haha, getting any bass with all working parts would be a good upgrade!

[@stuffofstuff3]

BassBuzz lmao yea you can say that again 😂

[@808Mark]

This was the only bass they had at our local music shop and i got it thanks to your review🙏🏽 i love it!

[@rudy2978]

I bought this bass recently, its taking me a lot to get used to it, been playing on a 100 dollars bass for over 2 years and this one jst feels so metallic and expensive. I need a lot more muting and a lot more control and knowledge of the whole selector system, which is fun and I like options. So far I think I made a good choice, but definitely looking towards Warwick in the future. Thank you for the review.

[@know_not_wickedness]

I'm a HUGE guy and wondered if it was too small for me but that one guy seemed to be comfortable playing and holding it. Thanks!

[@ROOKTABULA]

Considering the quality of the build and components, this isn't necessarily just a _beginner bass._

[@AzogDefilerFromMordor]

I own exactly the same bass for almost three years now. Even same color. And I just love that bass.

[@BassBuzz]

Nice! Didn't know trolls could play bass. :P

[@AzogDefilerFromMordor]

@@BassBuzz I am Orc not troll. Lol

[@jamescanjuggle]

@@AzogDefilerFromMordor oooooh human orc tensions still high after fall of moordoor

[@philboath8135]

Im a proud owner of one these beauties (in puter) I love it. Worth every cent I play through a 40w Fender Rumbler

[@alonzotanner1226]

Love this review. Just paid $350 for mine which I just ordered and is on the way. I think it seems to have the most balance between price, look, and versatility. You guys just proved it for me. Thank you! Do you review combo amps too?

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Lon, you can check out our beginner amp reviews right here - www.bassbuzz.com/gear/beginner-amps

[@hanner420]

how do you like it?

[@alonzotanner1226]

@@hanner420 didn’t like it. It has active pickups which I didn’t know how they worked until I got it I thought it meant something else. But it got frustrating how I had to use a 9V battery for it to work in my amp as opposed to a passive pickup bass that doesn’t need a battery. It’s just plug and play. If I plugged in and there was no battery or if it was dead, no sound came out. Sure the sound IS a little crisper and solid but passive pickup basses do more than enough with their sound to me and every bass I had before this one was a passive pick up bass. So what I did was return this bass and get the lower model the 204 and I love it. It’s $150 cheaper and the quality is there for me.

[@hanner420]

@@alonzotanner1226 so it’s a no on this one? okay, i’ll check out the 204

[@alonzotanner1226]

@@hanner420 well for me it’s a no. It just got annoying having to rely on a 9V battery to get better sound out of my pickups which to me isn’t worth it. The 204 to me has virtually the same look and feel and is $150 cheaper and gives so much more overall quality for the price.

[@aarondavis4341]

I used a foot file,you know for taking rough skin off your feet,yea,that'll smooth the frets out without messing up the fretboard

[@faamecanic1970]

LOL..with the blindfolds on these fellas remind me of old school "Suicidal Tendencies" . Actually your review convinced me to pick up the one better the TRBX504. $100 more got me a 3 band Eq and passive/active switch. 1st year down learning bass and loving it. Using a Ibanez GSRM20 Micro short scale. Wanted to get a full scale with more advanced features to continue my journey. And your channel ROCKS! Learned a lot from you so far! Keep up the great work.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks! And congrats on the TRBX504.

[@nathanwilliams4974]

I own this bass and in the same color. It was my main bass for 5 years before changing to a fender jazz. I still keep it around in case I need that humbucker sound. Good review, love the channel!

[@alexskibicki2262]

Awesome demo, guys \m/...I use to own a yamaha trbx305(which is the 5-string version). I miss that bass. so I plan to buy it once again.

[@domagojoinky8262]

Buy the trbx 505, it is the best bass I ever had.

[@alexskibicki2262]

I've actually bought the trbx305 a few months ago and it is a great sounding bass. and I do plan on getting the trbx505 next. that or the bb435.

[@alexskibicki2262]

Update: I have both the trbx305 and the trbx505. I like them both and they each have a phenomenal tone. they’re excellent for rock and metal music. Personally I would recommend them for if you play modern metal music. If you’re more into old school metal, the bb basses would be an excellent choice for that. I own both models and they’re definite keepers for me. Especially since I’m a huge Yamaha fan.

[@etpslick100]

I have the trbx304 (red). Great bass for the money. Slap tone is top notch. Personal gripe? ALL ACTIVE!! Should’ve got the trbx504 because it has a active/passive switch. But I have an xotic tri-logic a/p pedal so that’ll cut the active part down a bit. But all in all, a great bass.😌🎸🎶👍🏾

[@phoarey]

Red trbx304 too

[@HB-ve4wi]

Excellent review, thanks. Just wondering why you didn't review the TRBX174?

[@ki-ra9448]

yeah

[@mufasa0138]

I liked this review! Clear, simple and effective. The quality of this video doesn’t correlate with the views but, since when were bass guitars popular in KZbin? Btw, I like to use the bridge pickup for fingerstyle, and I use the neck pickup for picking and slapping. I usually ignore the EQ presets, but they’re interesting nevertheless

[@lglg64]

That one was my first bass, still have it and I love it! So versetile!

[@schmobbit5554]

Please do a Ibanez SR300E review and maybe compare it to the Yamaha TRBX304!

[@BassBuzz]

Definitely on the list, I like the SR/SDGR line a lot.

[@artinahmadi9958]

Linus Schmobbit good idea

[@ryevick]

You want a real comparison? The Yamaha doesn't come with a "Cancer and Reproductive Harm" Warning Label, the Ibanez does. There is no sane comparison to be made.

[@CobaltLancer]

BassBuzz Nice. Will you ever do a review on the Jackson JS3 Spectra IV? I haven’t found any video reviews on it...

[@tomb8430]

@@BassBuzz I just got myself an old SDGR SRA500 (now out of production)... would have been good to know what you guys thought of that model.

[@paulmarclalonde3834]

Just bought this as my second bass Totally love it

[@KlintonSilvey]

Been playing for like 24 years and just bought the 305.

[@leroyatleroys]

I find it hard to believe that anyone can dislike this bass. I admit that the tone isn’t the most versatile, but it is one of my favorite general bass tones. Bright and glassy. I do feel that the cuts in the body found have been thought out better, but it looks like a generally light and ergonomic bass. Not my top pick, but I would have this for variety and for certain gigs.

[@groveaholic]

Two and a half bass! Didnt know that Ashton kutcher could play like that. Seriously, your lessons and playing are always great

[@BassBuzz]

Ha. :) Thanks Ser Ma!

[@greggoso600]

other bassists: * describing the bass * josh: *nods vigorously*

[@Belgihjöss]

I got one of those in candy apple red. It's a great instrument. Thinking about getting the 5 string model aswell.

[@a_wretch_like_me9665]

Very thorough. Really appreciate the review.

[@danielelise7348]

I got the 5 string & I absolutely love it,they are so well made & the low B(.130) is a monster,so fat.🤘

[@kenthensley9974]

I own one(TRBX 304) and I have to say it has the best neck action of any guitar I have ever played ( player friendly) good quality hardware too, if I had a complaint about it ; it's got to be the ugliest guitar I have, ( unlike the opinion of the demonstrators) I'm not a fan of the contour job, aside from all that I do enjoy playing it and I'm glad I bought it.

[@davestreet7191]

I really like your reviews thanks.

[@kimmorgan379]

this is a super-duper helpful review. Really. All the stuff you want to know.

[@RCChair]

I bought this bass recently and I have to say, 100% worth it

[@BassBuzz]

Congrats!

[@astroninja136]

i skimmed through the video but the rage against the machine sold me 😛

[@peterosmusicstudio9414]

I like the sounds of this bass and thumbs up for demo best demo I've ever seen.

[@deborahchesser7375]

You gotta have some strong fingers to play any bass, that’s what I found out. If you don’t play for a while you’ll be buzzin all over the place. Arthritis doesn’t help either. It’s Hell gettin old

[@victzsdd3176]

That's exactly my bass too, the colour is same too

[@thedevshow4L]

i don’t think the pickup mode selector and blend and bass/treb is too much for the price. i think it’s a steal. u get to fully customize the tone on a $400 bass. ur trbx304 can sound completely different from someone else’s. coming from a new trbx304 owner it’s amazing

[@anoopjosephevg]

And you guys are awesome 👏 Thanks for your valuable reviews 👍🏻🎸

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Anoop!

[@joetspaulding]

You should have checked out the TRBX 174 it would have been a similar price as the others and still would have come in at the top. It is also passive with a P/J pickup set up for a more traditional first bass.

[@marike1100]

Like this bass, but I'm not crazy about the preset EQ settings. I prefer the more versatile EQ on the similarly priced Ibanez SR300E, which for me, is a more comfortable bass to play. At $349, the price for the TRBX304 and SR300E, I'd have to have a look at the new Sire V3 Marcus Miller JB style bass. If it's anything like the V7, it's going to be a winner at this price point.

[@BassBuzz]

Yeah, I'd like to pit all three of those basses against each other (Yamaha, Ibanez, and Sire).

[@MrAntpre]

Great idea. Just do it lol.

[@conradsz]

Hi, in your opinion, what is the advantage of the Ibanez as far as comfort goes?

[@sin3358]

I was watching this video while holding my breath. I've been searching for a LOT of basses that I may like and all of them had some issues going on which awfully disappointed me. This one FINALLY seems like it's gonna be the last bass I'll search.

[@marcusdaniels4180]

I just picked up a used one today from Guitar center for 120, its sound good on all settings but with full bass boost in the slap mode was the exact sound I was wanting, immediately knew it was the one I wanted to buy

[@Rumeel12708]

I've been playing drums for 15 years and now I want to start getting into jazz and fusion but also I want to pick up the bass for the same genres, but I'm looking at the 505 version? Good idea or no?

[@BassBuzz]

It's a good idea if you like it! They're quality basses for sure.

[@brandon_945]

I play guitar but I wouldn’t mind having a bass around to do full band covers and i really want to go with Yamaha. This bass seems nice

[@garyw.2224]

I'm a 59-year old who is finally planning to realize my teenage dream of learning to play bass. 🙂 I'm enjoying the reviews and other videos on your channel! What are your thoughts on the 304's "little brother", the TRBX174?

[@thewomble1509]

Driven to Tears at 3.00, good man!

[@muammerulutas2478]

Just bought this bass over ibanez gsr200 and going to buy the beginner to badass lessson…. I can’t wait for my bass guitar to arrive…

[@paoloabella412]

Great review!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Paolo! More to come. :)

[@sal8964]

Have the Cherry red 5 string version of this Bass Guitar, Its amazing and I'm trying to find good strings with it

[@mjbernardomusic]

how is the B string? I would really like to buy this bass because it really seems versatile. I'm a church musician btw.

[@sal8964]

@@mjbernardomusic Late Reply but it is really good, Ive found myself liking it a lot.

[@QuincyKane]

Hey, this was a super well made video! Great job! I record my own music and I'm thinking of upgrading my bass. I have a Washburn XB100; I've actually managed to get good recordings out of it, but I feel like it's playability is inconsistent. The low string seems to have much more low end resonance than the other strings, and it just doesn't feel that great to play. I'm looking for a good, solid bass to record metal with; ideally I'd get a Dingwall, but I just can't spend that kind of money yet, so I'm looking for something around $500 or less. Do you have any recommendations? Keep up the good work!

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Quincy, I think something like this, or maybe the 504, would work for you. Or check out the Ibanez SR basses, similar pickup setup, neck, etc. and should be zingy enough for metal.

[@QuincyKane]

@@BassBuzz Thank you so much for the reply! I'll check out those recommendations!

[@globamax]

you final comments on the bas are actually in a bass priced at 329.99. its the Cort Action DLX Plus, it has an active/passive switch with a 3 band eq.

[@moisturiserman]

how does this compare to the musicman sterling sub ray 4? They're about the same price and I'm planning to get one of them soon.

[@evertdelarge4851]

I have an RBX 374 and I love it, mine lacks the switch and I'm curious to find out what my bass would sound like with it. Either way, Killer fucking BASS.

[@logicomamk2848]

Awesome review, subbing

[@kevinpitts3548]

I bought this after I returned the 174. I really wanted that green 💚💚💚💚💚! I still waiting on the UPS guy to drop it off as of writing this 😢😢. Can't wait!

[@kurdtjohn]

Hey, man. Please do a SUB Ray 4/5 review!

[@christopherstorrier5560]

I would save up a bit more for an Ibanez SoundGear 600E with Nordstrand pickup's..very versatile with fantastic sounds..a keeper for life...beautiful Ash body & can be used for most genres of music...good review of the Yamaha...

[@arnlmndza]

Great review. +1 on the mid control. cheers.

[@whywewc]

I got this bass over the 604, it felt alot nicer to play for anyone else who might be in my situation defo go give them a comparison

[@ayushdivecha]

Due to a tight budget, I've decided to go for Yamaha TRBX174, a lower version of this because I really liked 304, what is gonna be the difference between the two

[@Oiak1086]

It is a good one too, but of course, for that price range you won't have what the 304 have to offer, the 174 is passive, whit a split P and a single J coil pickups, the 304 is active whit two humbuckers. You will have a nice sound range, but not as much as whit the 304, but you made a GREAT choice for the price either way, so nothing to worry about

[@uknavynige]

Thanks for the review,I bought the white one.....it’s sick

[@rafender07]

This is exactly my bass. TRBX304 mist green

[@evates7553]

Hopefully I’ll get this bass in white for my birthday in the next 2 weeks, I turn 21.

[@Joelvete6]

This guy got to be the pickiest musician in KZbin.

[@lookingforwhiteprivilege9330]

If it’s a Bax circuit you can get your mids back by lowering the bass and highs a little. And vice versa, raising the lows and highs would make more of a mid scoop

[@EpictheEpicest]

I know I'm way late on this comment, but the Yamaha trbx504 has the bass/mid/treble controls you are looking for. I still like this bass because it's cool to have both 5-way switch and EQ controls, most basses just have 1 or the other.

[@WUJIALEX]

I also like a lot of low mids and punchiness so, please demo a Yamaha BB434, that PJ bass looks greater. Thanks anyway.

[@teminajebarani3772]

Just brought the same BASS. Love it

[@bwabbel]

If I'm gonna buy a bass, it'll be this one!

[@lawrencebyrdsong7570]

I have a TRBX605FM The perfect bass

[@lil_weasel219]

Very good, concise review! How about the Ibanez GSRM20B and Yamaha TRBX174?

[@prosenjitdas7479]

Awesome review..... Kindly review on Cort Artesian B5 please & compare with this one.....

[@jesusvaldez2964]

Can you do a review on the ibanez sr300e or even a comparison between the two (Yamaha & Ibanez) since they are in the same price range

[@theFenix87]

Hi brother, could you make a review of that bass Cort action Dlx V. It would help me a lot! Thanks. Keep up the good job!!

[@BassBuzz]

Hey Pedro, we reviewd the Cort Action here (the 4 string model): kzbin.info/www/bejne/omTInIR3hrWpaaM

[@NiklausMetal]

Pulled the trigger and ordered one. I'm not a beginner bassist, but these simply sound too good for me to pass up. Love the tonal variety going on -- That's what did it for me. I wish they had some better colours though - they are all pretty bland. I kind of just picked one at random.

[@BassBuzz]

Haha yeah, a little industrial looking.

[@WUJIALEX]

I also watched a video that Prince used one Yamaha RBX A2 bass to slap that video was being detected. Don't know why.

[@savanaviolenta]

I know that RBX A2, great bass too, but discontinued, but I gotta tell you the TRBX300 series are better instruments than the RBX A2.

[@madsthedane634]

Just got mine for a couple of weeks ago payed alot less then 350 got lucky and found one 6 month old in black prestine condition at a mere price of 200 so im happy to own that base its my second bass ever had a shitty fender copy thats seen better days

[@andymartinphoto]

Great Review. I think that I am going to buy this bass. I may get the mist green.... hmmm Keep the videos coming.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Andy, more videos coming soon!

[@firstnamesurname6550]

The 24 fret 'access' is not made because of Neck Stability Issues on Bolt-On Basses ... and made it on Bolt-On necks is Expensive ... Easy on Neck-Through, not Easy on Bolt-Ons

[@BassBuzz]

Mmm, great point, that makes sense. Although there are neck-through 24-fret basses that still don't have ideal access up top also.