What pickups are used in the Yamaha TRBX505?

The TRBX505 is equipped with two HHB5 Alnico V humbucking pickups. These are designed to provide a clear, defined voicing with a wide tonal range suitable for various musical genres.

What is the body material of the TRBX505?

The guitar features a solid mahogany body. This wood choice is known for providing a warm, resonant foundation and excellent sustain.

How is the neck constructed on this model?

It features a 5-piece maple and mahogany neck. This multi-laminate construction increases the strength and stability of the neck, which is particularly important for 5-string basses.

Does the TRBX505 have active or passive electronics?

It features both. The bass includes an active/passive toggle switch, allowing the player to choose between a high-output modern sound or a traditional passive tone.

What is the fretboard material?

The TRBX505 uses a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is preferred for its smooth feel under the fingers and its contribution to the instrument's sustain.

Is it easy to reach the higher frets on this bass?

Yes, the body features a deep cutaway design. This allows the player to reach the upper registers of the fretboard without obstruction, which is ideal for soloing.

What is the typical price for the Yamaha TRBX505 in the UK?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £619. This places it in the mid-range category of professional bass guitars.

How does the TRBX505 differ from the TRBX605FM?

While they share similar electronics, the TRBX605FM usually features a flame maple top and different finish options like Matte Amber. The TRBX505 focuses on a solid mahogany aesthetic with translucent finishes.

Is this bass suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, its ergonomic design and clear tone make it a high-quality choice for a beginner who wants an instrument they won't outgrow. However, beginners may find the 5th string requires additional muting technique.

What kind of bridge does the TRBX505 use?

It typically uses a high-mass die-cast bridge. This component is designed to efficiently transfer string vibration to the body for better resonance.

Does the active circuit require a battery?

Yes, the active preamp requires a 9V battery to operate. The bass includes a battery alert LED on the back to notify the player when power is low.

Can the TRBX505 handle heavy music styles?

Yes, the 'muscular' tone of the Alnico V humbuckers and the mahogany body make it well-suited for rock, metal, and other genres requiring beefy basslines.

Gear article

Yamaha TRBX505 5-String Bass Guitar

The Yamaha TRBX505 is a professional-grade 5-string electric bass guitar featuring a mahogany body and Alnico V humbucking pickups. It is designed to offer a balance of versatile active/passive electronics and high-performance playability for modern bassists.

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Overview and Construction

The Yamaha TRBX505 represents the intermediate-to-pro tier of the TRBX series, balancing premium materials with functional design. Its foundation is a solid mahogany body finished in Translucent Brown, paired with a bolt-on 5-piece maple and mahogany neck. This multi-ply neck construction is specifically chosen to provide stability against the increased tension of five strings while maintaining a slim, fast profile.

The instrument features a rosewood fretboard that contributes to the overall sustain and provide a smooth surface for technical playing. A deep double-cutaway body shape is utilised to ensure that players have unhindered access to the upper frets, facilitating melodic playing and bass solos.

Electronics and Sound Character

The sonic core of the TRBX505 consists of two Yamaha-designed HHB5 Alnico V pickups. These humbucking units are voiced to deliver a muscular and 'beefy' tone while maintaining clarity and definition, preventing the low B-string from becoming muddy.

One of the defining technical features of the 500-series is the active/passive switch with an integrated battery alert LED. In active mode, the bass provides a powerful, wide-ranging output suitable for modern genres; in passive mode, it offers a more traditional, organic character. The Alnico V magnets are specifically selected for their responsiveness and tonal width.

Playability and Ergonomics

Yamaha has engineered the TRBX505 with a focus on 'fluid manoeuvrability'. The neck profile is designed to be sleek, catering to players who require speed and comfort during long performances. The mass-optimised body design ensures a comfortable weight distribution, while the rosewood fingerboard offers a traditional feel that aids in note transition and sustain.

Market Comparison

Within the Yamaha hierarchy, the TRBX505 sits above the entry-level 300-series and just below the TRBX605FM, which features a flame maple top. Compared to the Yamaha BB (Broadbass) series, such as the BB 235 or the active BB 735A, the TRBX505 offers a more contemporary, 'boutique' body shape and a narrower neck compared to the vintage-inspired BB range.

Against external competitors like the Schecter Model-T 5 Exotic or the Cort C5 Plus OVMH, the Yamaha is often noted for its neutral, versatile voicing and robust Japanese-engineered hardware. For those on a strict budget, entry-level options like the Chicago Select 5-string series provide a lower-cost entry point into 5-string playing, though they lack the Alnico V electronics and multi-ply neck construction found on the TRBX505.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Yamaha TRBX505?: The TRBX505 is equipped with two HHB5 Alnico V humbucking pickups. These are designed to provide a clear, defined voicing with a wide tonal range suitable for various musical genres.
What is the body material of the TRBX505?: The guitar features a solid mahogany body. This wood choice is known for providing a warm, resonant foundation and excellent sustain.
How is the neck constructed on this model?: It features a 5-piece maple and mahogany neck. This multi-laminate construction increases the strength and stability of the neck, which is particularly important for 5-string basses.
Does the TRBX505 have active or passive electronics?: It features both. The bass includes an active/passive toggle switch, allowing the player to choose between a high-output modern sound or a traditional passive tone.
What is the fretboard material?: The TRBX505 uses a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood is preferred for its smooth feel under the fingers and its contribution to the instrument's sustain.
Is it easy to reach the higher frets on this bass?: Yes, the body features a deep cutaway design. This allows the player to reach the upper registers of the fretboard without obstruction, which is ideal for soloing.
What is the typical price for the Yamaha TRBX505 in the UK?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £619. This places it in the mid-range category of professional bass guitars.
How does the TRBX505 differ from the TRBX605FM?: While they share similar electronics, the TRBX605FM usually features a flame maple top and different finish options like Matte Amber. The TRBX505 focuses on a solid mahogany aesthetic with translucent finishes.
Is this bass suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, its ergonomic design and clear tone make it a high-quality choice for a beginner who wants an instrument they won't outgrow. However, beginners may find the 5th string requires additional muting technique.
What kind of bridge does the TRBX505 use?: It typically uses a high-mass die-cast bridge. This component is designed to efficiently transfer string vibration to the body for better resonance.
Does the active circuit require a battery?: Yes, the active preamp requires a 9V battery to operate. The bass includes a battery alert LED on the back to notify the player when power is low.
Can the TRBX505 handle heavy music styles?: Yes, the 'muscular' tone of the Alnico V humbuckers and the mahogany body make it well-suited for rock, metal, and other genres requiring beefy basslines.