90s Yamaha RBX Series

[Supernaut]

Does anyone have recent experience with these basses? Are they gig ready? 
 

Cheers. 

[HeadlessBassist]

Very reasonably priced and might just need a setup. Where are you buying it from?

 

The RBX series is very similar in price and quality to the Ibanez SR300. Great starter basses.

[ead]

I had an RBX270FL and it was a great bass.  I had it for years and only sold it when I fell into the ACG rabbit hole and bought a fretless bass from Alan (that I still have).

[Matt P]

I had a RBX765a as my only bass when i was starting out about 20 years ago, It was certainly gig suitable and I played many gigs and a huge number of church services with it before i moved on to other instruments, i believe its still being played in church by the friend i traded it to. I even did a recording session with it and was complimented on it's tone by the engineer.

 

The RBX range is a bit overlooked in my opinion, they're good instruments, well made with decent pickups and hardware and they sell for very low prices secondhand ( i think mine was £120 from a friend). people seem to gravitate to the Ibanez SR range instead which seems to have better availability.

 

I would happily gig with one again.

 

Matt

[Supernaut]

Thanks everyone. 

[Misdee]

My experience is that when it comes to basses, at whatever price point, Yamaha don't make rubbish. They're always  well-designed and as good or better than anything else for that money, be it a budget bass or a high-end one.

 

I remember those RBX basses as fairly decent budget PJ basses. What I also remember is that they were nice and light, which is never a bad thing.

Edited December 5, 2025 by Misdee

[pn_day]

I had an RBX. It was good. 

The only thing it really needed (apart from me to improve my technique) was shielding - the factory default shielding paint wasn't up to much. Copper tape made it all better.

 

Lightweight, flexible, and easy to play. What's not to like?!

[bassbora]

I know this is a very late reply but incase anyone reads this and is thinking about one.  

 

I had in the early 90s (got it in 93 I think and traded it around 2000) RBX1000 which was the top of the RBX range.  It was a very good bass, very light and I thought the range of sounds I got out of it was great.  Only thing I would say that let it down was the electronics and I used very early outboard Sadowsky preamp with it which made it sound fantastic.  I have often thought about tracking one of these down for the sake of it but I only play 5 strings last 25 years so I would probably never touch it.

[40hz]

I had an RBX270 20 odd years ago. It was brilliant.

 

The lightest, most comfy instrument I've ever played. Hands down - even compared to a lot of 'boutique' stuff I've had.

 

Sounded quite snappy and punchy with the PJ setup too.

[Cornwall Steve]

I'm joining the Party a bit on the late side I know, but only just read your Post reaching out to RBX owners/players.

I'm quite a fan of Yamaha basses, I have five including an RBX375 and a RBX775.

I love the build quality across the range, IMO it really is very good for the money. This feels especially solid on the RBX models. I love the necks too though I wouldn't disagree if someone criticised them for feeling chunky.

I've had some issue with the electrics on both my 375 and the 775 which was easily sorted by my local guitar tech however my biggest gripe is the muddy sound from the dull pickups. Something else which you see often commented on by 'On-Line' critics. I can see why owners whip the stock ones out and replace with something with a bit more Oomph !

I've often wondered how the 375/775 compares against a 765a ?

I've tried experimenting with different strings and played the basses through different amps. At the end of the day we all have a particular sound that works best for us.. My RBX's deliver very well finger plucked but less so when slapped. Just my opinion.

That said, as I say, I do love 'em and for me they are keepers. Secondhand, they're pretty good value too though beware of overly ambitious sellers thinking they're sitting on a gold mine and asking silly money.