Yamaha RBX170-anyone?

[GuitarsFromMars]

I was down at GC today,looking for a bass to use for my recordings on Cubase.I started with a used Squier PBass until I picked it up and found that it weighed 12 lbs.Now I know the senior managers at this particular store and I found a CAR finished Yamaha RBX 170 normally at 279.99. got this one for 149.99 and put 20 bucks down on it,to buy in a couple weeks when I have the money.A nice easy way of dealing with GAS,and acquiring a player,lightweight bass(about 7 lbs),to use at home. It will need a set up,some strings,has a P/J combination of passive pickups,looks fairly hip and sounds ok-not great,but for 150 bucks?I was just wondering if any of you bass players have used one either as a primary axe or as a back up.Are there any mods I should be considering and what gauge of strings/brand?Thanks...

:)

[GuitarsFromMars]

btt:)

[The Golden Boy]

Honestly, I haven't used one at all.

I did own one Yamaha bass- it was not my favorite- but that's because it was fretless.

I've played Yamaha basses I've liked, and I don't recall ever hearing anything bad- quality wise about them.

Personally, if it's comfortable to you, and it gives up the sounds you're looking for- then it's good. To me, the big things are the nut width (how the neck fits your hand and how you can move around on it), the weight, and how the body fits you. These days, most basses are made to have a "Fender" type sound. If it's got P or J or a combination or variation of the two in the same positions, you're going to get a similar sound.

You probably know that the build quality on "cheap" stuff is better than the "cheap" stuff of years past. As far as any mods go... The electronics are nothing to switch out- if they're bad, or if you're looking for a change. I'd gues they're probably not the best quality pickups, pots and jack... but if they work for you... I honestly don't believe there are too many reasons to replace a "Fender" style bridge. If the bridge works, if it's not broken, if it's stable, it intonates and if it's well attached to the body- the majority of what you'll get of an improvement in "upgrading" the bridge is knowing you "upgraded" your bridge. That's about it. One of the gear deals I feel like I got "taken" on was "upgrading" the bridge on my Jazz from the 'bent piece of metal' to a Badass II. "Taken" is kind of strong, the Badass is a fine bridge, I just don't think it offers much of any improvement over a serviceable bridge. After switching back and forth a few times over the past 7 or so years, I keep the Badass on the bass, only because I paid for it.

As far as strings... I like D'Addario 50-105 nickel wound steel on my "Fender" type basses. (the orange packs) I have the 45-100s on my Thunderbird.