Overview

The Yamaha TRBX174 is an entry-level four-string bass guitar designed for beginners who want a reliable, well-built instrument from a trusted brand at the lowest possible price point. It features a solid alder body, a maple bolt-on neck with a comfortable C profile, and a rosewood fingerboard with 24 frets " more fret access than most basses in this price range offer. The dual passive humbucking pickups with a three-band EQ provide surprisingly versatile tone for a budget bass, allowing players to shape their sound from warm and round to bright and aggressive with simple knob adjustments. The alder body contributes a balanced, focused tone with solid midrange presence, and the 34-inch scale length ensures proper string tension and intonation. Yamaha's factory setup is consistently good, delivering manageable action height and clean intonation that makes the TRBX174 playable right out of the box " a critical factor for beginners who may not know how to adjust their instrument. The die-cast tuners hold pitch reliably, and the vintage-style bridge provides adequate sustain and intonation accuracy. Build quality reflects Yamaha's reputation for consistency, with neat construction and durable hardware. This is an ideal first bass for new players on a strict budget. The passive electronics and budget pickups produce a serviceable but unremarkable tone that reveals its limitations as the player's ear develops.

Bass Guitars

Budget-friendly entry-level bass with dual humbuckers and a three-band EQ, providing versatile passive tone and reliable Yamaha build quality for beginning players.

Instrument Details

$199 Beginner
Brand Yamaha
Type Electric Bass
Made In Indonesia
Year 2014
4.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.6 /5

Yamaha has a legendary reputation for consistency at the entry level, and the TRBX174 is a masterclass in budget engineering. While many competitors cut corners on body materials, the solid construction here provides a resonant foundation that punches far above its price point. The P/J pickup configuration is the standout feature, offering the foundational 'thump' of a split-coil neck pickup paired with the bite and clarity of a bridge single-coil. It's a versatile palette that allows beginners to explore everything from Motown soul to modern rock without needing a second instrument.

Ergonomically, the TRBX174 shines with its deeply contoured body and slim, satin-finished neck. The 24-fret access is a rare luxury in this bracket, making it an excellent choice for players interested in melodic lines or higher-register soloing. However, there are trade-offs: the hardware is strictly utilitarian, and the plastic nut and basic stamped-steel bridge are clear cost-saving measures. You might find the bridge pickup a bit noisy if used alone due to its single-coil nature, but that's typical for this price range. For a first bass or a reliable backup for gigging pros, it's arguably the most dependable choice on the market, offering a level of setup-ready playability that often beats out its more expensive rivals.

Category Ratings

Bass Guitars
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more