If you’re wondering if Yamaha TRBX305 is a good 5-string bass or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that affordable model. It’s one of the most popular 5-string basses out there, but is it actually that good?
The truth is that Yamaha TRBX305 is a great sounding and reliable 5-string bass guitar. Although it’s not the best bass of this type in the world, it’s definitely one of the best options at this price level. It sounds, looks and feels absolutely amazing!
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the TRBX305 model so good and so popular among the bassists all around the world. Firstly, we’ll have a look at the detailed specifications of that model. Additionally, we’ll investigate the major pros and cons of that bass. Hopefully, this guide will help you figure out if this bass is a good fit for you!
Specs & Pricing
Yamaha TRBX305 is a high quality 5-string bass string guitar that exceeds all the expectations. In fact, it’s one of the coolest and the most popular 5-string basses that are currently available on the market.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features a mahogany body, a five piece maple/mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard which guarantees a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. This is really important, because it allows you to practice for several hours without getting tired.
What’s important, the manufacturer equipped this model with a pair of M3 Ceramic Dual-coil Humbuckers which offer a lot of versatility when it comes to tone. These pickups give you access to a really wide selection of various bass tones. I’m sure that all bassists will appreciate that kind of versatility!
It is also worth mentioning that the TRBX305 bass looks fantastic from the outside too. It’s really well made, so it’s very unlikely that you’re going to experience any factory flaws or quality issues. Additionally, it’s available in a few different colors: White, Mist Green and Factory Blue.
When it comes to pricing, it’s not the cheapest bass in the world, but it’s definitely one of the most affordable 5-string basses. That being said, this guitar is definitely worth the money. It certainly looks, feels and sounds like a bass guitar from the higher shelf. That’s for sure!
Here’s the sound demo – feel free to check it out below.
Who Is It For?
Yamaha TRBX305 is suitable for both amateur and more intermediate bass players, although it’s not recommended for absolute beginners. Due to the fact that this is a 5-string bass, it can be a challenging instrument for those who are searching for their first bass. It’s always better to start with a 4-string bass anyway!
The TRBX305 is a really versatile instrument, so it can be used in a lot of different styles of music. It works particularly well in drop tunings as well, so if that’s your kind of vibe, this bass will be perfect for you. At the same time, it can be efficiently used in such genres as blues, rock, grunge or funk.
It is also worth mentioning that this is one of the most affordable 5-string basses available on the market, so it’s a perfect choice for those who are searching for an inexpensive guitar of this type. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars for new gear, this bass will be an ideal choice for you.
Overall, the vast majority of bass players will appreciate the high quality of TRBX305. There’s just not much to complain about, especially when you think of how affordable this guitar actually is. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best 5-string basses out there!
Here’s an another sound demo.
Pros And Cons Of Yamaha TRBX305
Although Yamaha TRBX305 is a fantastic 5-string bass guitar, it’s not a high-end model from the highest shelf. That being said, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. You don’t have to be worried though – the cons of that bass aren’t that serious anyway.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Great Tone
- Beautiful Finish
- Stays In Tune
- Lightweight & Balanced
- Perfect For Drop Tunings
Cons
- Usually Comes Without A Gig Bag
- Original Strings Aren’t Great
As you can see, the TRBX305 has plenty of great advantages. It looks, sounds and feels absolutely amazing. In addition, it works particularly well in drop tunings and it’s very well balanced, so there’s no neck dive.
On the other hand, it usually comes without a gig bag, so you’ll have to get it separately if you’re planning on traveling or commuting with that guitar. Additionally, the original strings in that model aren’t the best, so replacing them with a new set will significantly improve your tone.
Still, considering the fact that this is a really affordable 5-string bass guitar, these disadvantages don’t seem to matter at all. The advantages of that model outweigh these cons, that’s for sure!
What About Other TRBX Basses?
As you’re probably aware, the TRBX305 bass is not the only model from the TRBX Series. There’s a few other models that also deserve a lot of recognition! Of course, there’s a few things that differentiate them.
If you’d like to find out more about the TRBX basses by Yamaha, here’s a really good video that highlights them. I highly encourage you to check it out below!
Alternative Options
If you don’t like the sound of Yamaha TRBX305 or you simply have a feeling that it’s not the right guitar for you, that’s not a problem! There’s still a lot of other really good bass guitars that are also available at relatively low prices. Of course, it all depends on your personal preferences and most importantly, your budget.
Here’s a few more bass guitars that are definitely worth checking out.
Firstly, you should definitely consider getting the Ibanez SRMS805. This is a high quality 5-string guitar suitable for the most demanding players out there. It’s a multi scale bass, so it’s mainly designed for more intermediate and professional players. But if that’s what you’re looking for, this is one of the best guitars of this type that you can find.
Alternatively, if you’re a fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Flea, you can also check out the Fender Flea Signature Jazz Bass. This is a 4-string guitar, so it’s slightly different than the bass reviewed in today’s article, but it’s definitely worth the money. In my opinion, it’s one of the best looking and best sounding Mexican-made Fender basses that you can find.
If you’re just starting out and you’re searching for an inexpensive bass for home practice, perhaps you should consider getting the Epiphone EB-0 Bass. This is a SG-style short scale bass, so it’s significantly smaller than the TRBX305 from today’s article. Still, it offers a great quality and it’s available at a relatively low price.
But as I mentioned before, Yamaha TRBX305 is still one of the best mid-level 5-string basses available on the market right now. It will be really tough to find a better guitar of this type at this price level, so if that’s what you’re searching for, you probably don’t need to search for anything else.
FAQ
Where is Yamaha TRBX305 made?
Just like all other guitars created by this brand, Yamaha TRBX305 is manufactured either in China or Indonesia.
What strings does the TRBX305 bass have?
Yamaha TRBX305 is equipped with D’Addario EXL, .045-.130 strings.
Are 5-string basses good for beginners?
5-string basses aren’t recommended for beginners, because they’re significantly more difficult to play than 4-string bass guitars.
Where can I find out more about Yamaha guitars?
If you want to learn more about this legendary manufacturer of guitars, visit the official website of Yamaha.
Summary
Undoubtedly, Yamaha TRBX305 is one of the best 5-string basses available at this price level. It won’t be easy to find a better guitar of this type, so I highly encourage you to add it to your collection. There’s a really high chance that you’re going to love it!
What do you think of that bass? Would you get it for yourself or do you think that it’s overrated? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts about it!
Thanks for checking out today’s review at Bass Punch, hopefully you learned something new. If you enjoyed this article and you’re looking for more bass recommendations, you may also like:
- Ibanez SRMS805 – How Good Is It? [REVIEW]
- Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass – Worth It? [REVIEW]
- Dean Custom Zone Bass – Is It Good? [REVIEW]
Bass Punch
Bass Punch is curated by a group of passionate guitarists and bassists, offering a wealth of informational content. This collective of experts shares their insights, techniques, and knowledge with readers, aiming to educate and inspire enthusiasts across all levels of proficiency. The blog serves as a hub for those seeking to deepen their understanding of bass and guitar, providing valuable resources and guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.