TRBboy

No idea Conan, I've never met Sue but I'm sure she's lovely. Perhaps it's worth starting a new topic for "Cheapest, most awesome bass ever!!!". Might be interesting.....

In case anyone's interested, I thought I'd upload a couple of photos of the new improved RBX. [attachment=71319:IMG_0490.JPG] [attachment=71320:IMG_0492.JPG]

Having worked in shops selling both, I'd say that the feel and overall quality of the Yamaha is far superior. They really are unbeatable for the money. If you can stretch to it, the RBX270 is even better (solid Alder body, better pickups and tuners). I picked one up off Gumtree a few months back for £70 in very good condition.

Sounds to me like an earthing problem or possibly the input wired up wrong. The SD wiring diagrams are usually spot on so it should be right, but it would be worth cross-checking against other diagrams for the same configuration on the net.

Yeah, you've gotta hand it to yamaha - even their cheap basses are well built and play fantastically. I've owned quite a lot of basses and worked in guitar stores for 7 - 8 years, and I think they take a lot of beating for the money. I would probably choose an RBX270 over an MIM Fender any day!

Amazing! Wanted a cheap bass to customise a little, and just finished it tonight. I'm absolutely blown away with the results! I've played basses costing 5 times more which haven't hit the spot in the same way! Yamaha RBX270 black off Gumtree £ 70 Wilkinson bridge w/brass saddles £ 15 (I think) Dimarzio model p/j (cream) £100 Cream speed knobs. £ 5 CTS wiring kit. £ 15 TOTAL. £205! It sounds friggin awesome! I've owned a fair few basses, and this is amazing for the money i've spent. Would highly recommend this recipe for anyone looking for an inexpensive bass that plays and sounds great, or as a decent backup.

Its not too scary to do, but any decent repairer should be happy to do it. When I needed the nut on my jazz doing, I went to a local luthier who made me a bone one from scratch and only charged me £15!!! (was a few years ago mind....)

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

Anybody got a wiring diagram for wiring up a pj config with vol/3way/tone?

Another possibility I've experienced before when downgrading from heavy gauge strings is that the slot in the nut has worn slightly bigger than it originally was due to the heavy gauge strings. When you then go back to standard gauge, because the slot is slightly too big, it can cause the string to"rattle" ever so slightly in the slot. I spent a while scratching my head trying to figure out where it was coming from! Try packing the slot out a little with some paper or thin card, and see if the buzz disappears. If it does the trick, you'll either have to get a new nut or live with the piece of card (which I did in my Jazz for about 6 years!). Hope this helps.

Ok. So I wanted a bit of a project, something to customise a bit, and bought a cheap Yamaha RBX270 because I know they play well and are pretty well built for a cheap bass. I've got an Aguilar OBP2SK which I was gonna plumb in but now I've decided to keep it passive, buy new pickups and re-wire from scratch. The trouble is, I can't decide which pickups to go for, or what control configuration! I like a nice full, powerful sound (in rock covers band at the mo) but I don't want to spend a fortune. I was looking at the Chinese(?) Kent Armstrongs from WD Music, but not sure that they'll hit the spot. I'm leaning towards Dimarzio Model P/Js but I've also considered SD Quarter Pounders (although I've already got some in my Jazz, so I fanvy something different). The other consideration is what control config to go for. I definitely want to do away with the blend, so it's either VVT or 3-way toggle (if I can find a decent one with a longer thread!) HELP!!! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the advice, very interesting.......

Hey there! Thanks for the offer of help - I need a sounding board! I was going to put an Aguilar OBP2 I've got in the RBX, but I think I'd rather keep it passive now. Gonna replace the pickups but I can't decide what to go for. Don't want to spend silly money - looked at the Kent Armstrongs from WD Music but not sure that they'll hit the spot. I like a nice, full powerful sound, and I'm leaning towards the Dimarzio Model P/Js at the moment. Considered SD quarter pounders too, but I've got them in my jazz so I'd like something different I think. Any suggestions? I'm gonna strip the wiring out and start again but can't decide whether to go VVT or 3-way toggle. Might depend if I can find a decent toggle with a longer thread!

Hey everybody! I'm new here.......... Been playing for about 16 years, gigging for about 13 - 14 years. Started off playing metal, but have since covered most other areas (except jazz!). Played in covers bands, original bands, band for professional pantomime at local theatre. Influences are: too many to mention! Inspired by all the greats including: James Jamerson, Flea, Nate Watts, Cass Lewis, Mike Dirnt, etc, etc. Current gear: Fender USA Jazz (97) Lake Placid Blue Yamaha TRB1004NT Yamaha TRB1005TRD Yamaha RBX270 BK (Project bass - advice needed!) Markbass CMD102P 2X10" combo Markbass 15" cab Radial Bassbone Boss ODB-3 Hope to chat with you soon!