Yamaha RBX JM2

[ChristophTBM]

Been looking into one of these for some time, I've had mixed opinions on them.
One guy who is a diehard yamaha fan can't stand it, and another who usually dislikes them loves this one.

I know it's completly different to the rest of the RBX's, having played a 4 string (1** something, 160 i think, not sure, really can't remember), I wasn't too keen on the 4 string, was a bit bulky and the electronics weren't the best.

But that one cost £169

This one is like £700 ish I believe. Bang for buck or rip off?

Thoughts please.

[o b s]

I played a £300ish one today to demo an effects pedal (Zoom B2, it sucks by the way) and I didn't really like it that much. Like you said it feels really chunky to play and its tone didn't really jump out or anything, only played it for about 5 mins though. Imo go for the TRB range, under £500 and great feeling/playing Bass with MANY tone possibilities, even how you physically sound the strings and where you pick has a much more defined effect that most basses I've played.

[ChristophTBM]

I've never played the JM2, but they can be set up to sound really nice. So i've been told!

Might save up and get a MMB 6 string when they're released. The only down side to bongos i've played it they're stupidly hard to play slap with them. I've only played one, a 2 pickup orange moster. Sounds nice but can't get the finger under the string to pop it. However the JM2 can be played slap. Or so i've heard.

Torn I am.

[d-mart]

I've got one, might be willing to sell it as well.

Depends on what you play, its got a good tone for rock/metal but for anything else it doesn't really cut it. Thin neck and feels really fast as well, plus tapping on it is a dream. Slapping dont sound too great and because of the string spacing its kind of difficult but apart from that its pretty good.

I always thought if I changed the pre-amp it would be much more versatile but I never really got round to it.

[Killer Fridge]

I have played one, and seen one being played on a many number of occasions (a guy who owns one is in my class) and one thing that I can say about. It sounds very honky. Very honky

I really dont like the sound of it at all.

But as always, dont buy something on the opinion of others, you have to go and try one for yourself.

[arrell]

I thought all RBX JM2 were 6 stringers.

[TheIdiotBox]

They are...

[ChristophTBM]

Indeed. But not all of the RBX series are JM2's...

[Sammy_L_D]

Absolutely love this bass.

I would agree that slapping on it can be a bit hectic, and it's tone doesn't seem to suit slap-style as much, but give it a shot for sure to determine if it'll work for you. Different players have different preferences of course.

Other than that, this is one bass I plan on eventually owning.

[The Forgotten Bassist]

Slapping dont sound too great and because of the string spacing its kind of difficult but apart from that its pretty good.

That's probably more to do with Myung not being mcuh of a slapper - at least not of any of the stuff I've heard - so I can't imagine the bass being built specifically to slap on, but that's just my thoughts on it.

I find the TRB range ain't too bad for slapping on though after you've played it for a bit. I've got a TRB1006 and I can quite happily slap on it. Plus I imagine the 2 pickups will be able to get more sounds from it than the JM2 since it's a single pup.

[d-mart]

I'd agree that the TRB range is better for an all round bass, more varired sound, more stylistic playing options. The JM2 is more specialized to a metal genre because of its thin, fast neck, sound, string spacing.

So if your in a funk band stay well clear of it, unless you would be will to change the pre-amp. TBH tho I've never really been pleased with the yamaha stock tone but i just love the feel of them.

£700 for one isn't that bad, I paid £800 for mine about 2 years ago. Might be worth looking for a second hand one on ebay or something.

[The Forgotten Bassist]

You should also note that Myung himself did not use his JM2 to record on Dream Theater's new album Systematic Chaos. In fact he didn't even use a Yamaha, he used a 5 string HH Musicman Bongo - I don't think he used anything else for the recording.

Jsut a little bit of info for you to maul over.

[d-mart]

Have you seen the new bongo 6 that they made for him?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4267564

9th post down.

[Roo_bass]

I really like my RBX JM2, like everyone has said, good for fiingerstyle and tapping but I find it difficult to slap on because of the small string spacing.

That Bongo looks insanely cool.

[80sfollowerBass666]

I have the exact bass your talking about (John myung signiture) and i love it. its my favorite bass so far. very good for fingering but definatly not for slapping.

the neck feels very nice. however its quite heavy, unless your used to that sort of thing. apart from that i think its a great bass.

but i agree with everyone else here. dont go on other peoples opinions, find the bass thats right fro you by trying them yourself

[ChristophTBM]

You should also note that Myung himself did not use his JM2 to record on Dream Theater's new album Systematic Chaos. In fact he didn't even use a Yamaha, he used a 5 string HH Musicman Bongo - I don't think he used anything else for the recording.

Jsut a little bit of info for you to maul over.

I know...