funkyspuke Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 hello all, I have just aquired a Yamaha RBX375 as I start to enter the world of 5 string bass guitars ... I thought that I would start cheaply, that way I don't lose out too much if it's not for me. so far, I have taked to a 5 string very nicely and I find myself wanting to spend silly money on getting a top quality 5 string (Sadowsky, Valenti etc). However, the Yamaha plays really well (after some initial set up) and I am wanting to explore the possibility of upgrading the electronics. I have searched bass chat and talk bass and it seems a small handful of people have had a crack at this .. however, no one seems to have posted what the result it ... problems encountered seem to be extremely small space for a preamp and over-sized Yamaha pickups. so, can anyone tell me / advise me on what you think I can do (or what you know I could do)? an Aguilar OBP-1 seems like the best option for pre, but I'm not sure on the pup abd which would fit? any help would be greatly appreciated. Luke Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted August 24, 2011 Share Posted August 24, 2011 Hmmm, Yamaha pups, IMO, are very very good. I think changing the pre-amp will improve the sound as much as should be necessary. I was looking at swapping the pre and the pups on my MIM jazz, but after fitting the J-East I really didnt feel the need to swap out the pups anymore. I would say, fit the OBP-1 and see how it is. I reckon you won't feel the need to buy new pups. Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted August 24, 2011 Author Share Posted August 24, 2011 [quote name='Truckstop' post='1350276' date='Aug 24 2011, 02:12 PM']Hmmm, Yamaha pups, IMO, are very very good. I think changing the pre-amp will improve the sound as much as should be necessary. I was looking at swapping the pre and the pups on my MIM jazz, but after fitting the J-East I really didnt feel the need to swap out the pups anymore. I would say, fit the OBP-1 and see how it is. I reckon you won't feel the need to buy new pups. Truckstop[/quote] hey, thanks for the quick reply I shall start with the preamp then! anyone selling an Aguilar OBP-1???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbyrne Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 If, at the end of the day, you can't get on with the humbucking pickups on that model, I'd be happy to swap you for a pair of Yamaha soapbars (P-type inside) which I have on my BB G5A. This can be quite bright & biting and are exactly the same size. G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkyspuke Posted August 25, 2011 Author Share Posted August 25, 2011 [quote name='geoffbyrne' post='1351073' date='Aug 25 2011, 10:21 AM']If, at the end of the day, you can't get on with the humbucking pickups on that model, I'd be happy to swap you for a pair of Yamaha soapbars (P-type inside) which I have on my BB G5A. This can be quite bright & biting and are exactly the same size. G.[/quote] I played this bass for the first time through my cab & amp ... and I was blown away with the ouput level and the sound! for the price, it's stupidly good! I've been used to the Sadowsky & Valenti jazz sound (Aguilar & Nordy setup) and I would love to get as close to that as possible ... might not be an option though. with regards to your pickups geoffbyrne, you say it's "P-Type" inside ... what does that mean? Precission style pups in a soap bar? If I'm right, can you get J-Type? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbyrne Posted August 25, 2011 Share Posted August 25, 2011 (edited) [quote name='funkyspuke' post='1351199' date='Aug 25 2011, 12:03 PM']I played this bass for the first time through my cab & amp ... and I was blown away with the ouput level and the sound! for the price, it's stupidly good! I've been used to the Sadowsky & Valenti jazz sound (Aguilar & Nordy setup) and I would love to get as close to that as possible ... might not be an option though. with regards to your pickups geoffbyrne, you say it's "P-Type" inside ... what does that mean? Precission style pups in a soap bar? If I'm right, can you get J-Type?[/quote] Yes, they are modified P-types in a soapbar shell. You can get soapbars with a J-type in them, but my best understanding is that Yamaha doesn't do those & that the Yammy pups are a size peculiar to Yamaha & no-one else makes an exact fit - near, but not exact - you'll get the width, but not the length. I had a 375 & loved the tone, but I have a small hand with a short reach & found the fretboard a bit too wide causing pains between my left thumb & forefinger, so I parted with it. I currently have a BB415 with a John East U-Retro (fitted by the Bass Doc - lovely job) and it's neck is narrow - reminiscent of a Jazz Bass. I also have a BB G5A which is the model shown above. The pickups are terrific, but 'modern' & bright - I'm looking for old school thump, hence the offer. I have to say the pups are much more like J bass than P. Pity you're in Bradford, it's a bit far away for a play unless you happen to be travelling past J23 on the M1 anyway! G. Edited August 25, 2011 by geoffbyrne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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