FT: Yamaha TRB-IIF 5-string fretless bass for 5-string Jazz
£1000
Bath

Jakester · 2025-05-11T15:19:24Z

Very sad to be doing this, but up for TRADE ONLY (for now) is my lovely Yamaha TRB-IIF 5-string factory fretless bass in trans blue.

It's a 35" scale factory fretless version of the well-regarded TRB-II basses. Made in Japan between 1998 and 2004, these were top of the line instruments, featuring Yamaha Alnico single-coil hum cancelling pickups and Yamaha's TRB 'Q-mix' 3-band preamp. This is an absolutely lovely example; there's some very small dings on the top but otherwise it's amazing for a 25+ year bass.

The serial no suggests it was made in 2000 (if I've read this guide correctly).

It has 18mm string spacing, and is currently fitted with DR Legend flatwounds. I think I have some Rotosound tapewounds if you would prefer. A lovely low action and amazing fretless tone.

Got Basschat strap holders on ATM - I'll remove those and the strap unless you desperately want them.

I picked this up a couple of years ago in a trade with TheGreek of this parish for my fretted TRB1005J, but the sad fact is I don't play enough fretless to justify keeping it, and I have some gigs coming up where a fretted 5 would be more useful (I have a Lakland 5 but it's strung E-C for one particular gig - I now need something strung B-G for other stuff).

So I'm looking for a 5-string, ideally an active Jazz or equivalent with at least 18mm string spacing. Active isn't a deal-breaker, though, so happy to consider anything that's got 5 strings and 18mm spacing.

Trading for a fretted Japanese TRB/TRB-II would be ideal; I might consider a TRB1005J plus cash if it's in natural. In a perfect world, I'd be happy to trade (plus adjustments as necessary) if someone had a TRB6 they were looking to shift on.

I'm not really looking for 4 strings, however nice they are (even if TRBs), sorry. Not really looking to trade for anything else either ATM, though if you are desperate to buy this for cold hard cash, message me.

I'm based in the SW so this is probably best for SW-based people as I'd prefer to meet up, but again if you're desperate and have something that fits the bill, but you're elsewhere, message me.

Thanks for reading!