Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass vs Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar
Buy the Yamaha TRB1004J if you want a modern active bass with a 3-band EQ and a 35-inch scale that keeps low B strings tight. Buy the Aria Pro II SB-700 if you want a neck-through bass with a single humbucker and a series/parallel switch for vintage rock punch. The Aria's lowest daily price was $1,183.00 on November 1, 2026; no current price was given for the Yamaha.
Ask our shopping agent
Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass
Choose the Yamaha TRB1004J if you want active 3-band EQ, hum-canceling Alnico V pickups and a 35-inch scale for a tight low B.
Pros
- Active 3-band EQ covers a wide tonal range.
- 35-inch scale keeps low notes tight and defined.
- Two hum-canceling Alnico V pickups run quiet.
- Five-piece neck adds stability.
- Brass bridge transfers vibration efficiently.
Cons
- Needs a battery for the active circuit.
- Longer scale is a stretch for players used to 34 inches.
- Bolt-on heel blocks upper-fret access compared with a neck-through.
What separates them
| Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass | Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Scale length | 35 inches (super long) | 34 inches |
| Neck construction | Bolt-on, 5-piece maple/mahogany | Neck-through, 7-ply maple/walnut |
| Electronics | Active 3-band EQ, volume and pickup balancer | Passive, one MB-1E humbucker with series/parallel switch |
| Pickups | Two hum-canceling Alnico V single coils | One MB-1E humbucker |
| Body wood | Alder with figured maple laminate top | Sen (ash) wings |
| Fretboard radius | 10 inches | 12 inches |
| Bridge | Solid brass bridge | High-mass bridge with QHB-1 tailpiece |
| Fret access |
Price history
$1,183.00$1,121.68
- Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass: lowest $1,121.68 on Nov 2 at eBay.
- Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar: lowest $1,183.00 on Nov 1 at gear4music.com; $1,183.00 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Micheo MusicCheck price at Micheo Music
Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- gear4music.comCheck price at gear4music.com
- Terry Carter Music StoreCheck price at Terry Carter Music Store
Specs compared
| Spec | Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass | Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Length | 35" | 864 mm (34′′) |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane | Natural finishes (that highlight the wood grain) |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-on | Maple / Walnut 7plyNeck-Through Construction, H… |
| Fingerboard Radius | 10" (250 mm) | 305 mm R (12″) |
| Number of Frets | 24 | 24 |
| Number Of Strings | 4-string | 4 |
| Body Materials | Maple / Alder / Quilted Maple Laminate | — |
| Neck Materials | Maple / Mahogany 5-Piece | — |
| Neck Finish | Satin Polyurethane | — |
| Fingerboard Materials |
What reviewers say
Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass
Owner feedback on the TRB1004J is generally positive, with players praising its clear, modern tone and stable long-scale neck. Complaints center on weight and the reach of the 35-inch scale.
Pros
- Bright, articulate tone that sits well in a mix
- Solid build and tuning stability
- Useful active EQ range
Cons
- Noticeably heavy over a long set
- Long scale takes adjustment
- Some find the active tone too modern for vintage styles
Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar
The SB series has a strong reputation among players of vintage Japanese basses, and the reissue is generally received as a faithful, well-built instrument. Most comments focus on the neck-through feel and the punch of the MB-1E pickup.
Pros
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a tight low B?
- The Yamaha TRB1004J. Its 35-inch scale gives the low string more tension and definition than the Aria's 34-inch scale.
- Which has more tonal options?
- The Yamaha, thanks to its active 3-band EQ and two pickups. The Aria offers a series/parallel switch but no onboard EQ.
- Does the Aria need a battery?
- No. The SB-700 is passive, so it works without a battery. The Yamaha's active circuit requires one.
- Which is easier to play high up the neck?
- The Aria. Its heel-less cutaway and neck-through design give cleaner access to the upper frets than the Yamaha's bolt-on heel.
- Is the Aria worth the extra money?
- Its lowest daily price was $1,183.00 on November 1, 2026, and no current Yamaha price was given, so compare live prices before deciding. Pay the premium only if you want neck-through sustain and the vintage single-pickup sound.
More comparisons
- Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar vs Schecter Stiletto Studio 4 Solidbody Bass Guitar
- Aria Pro II SB-700 4-String Bass Guitar vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
- Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass vs Jackson X Series Spectra Bass SBXP IV 4-String Electric Guitar
- Yamaha TRB1004J 4 String Electric Bass vs Schecter Stiletto Studio 4 Solidbody Bass Guitar