Yamaha TRBJP2 Translucent Dark Red John Patitucci Signature

This is a Yamaha artist model—the John Patitucci signature bass—now available in red for the first time at our shop!

Following the "Amber" version we previously stocked, this one maintains that same high level of consistency.

Since this model has been in production for over 20 years, one might wonder if it’s "old"—but it’s more accurate to think of it as having "matured" specifications.

However, this red version is...

Well, it’s a bit...

...tricky to fully appreciate at first glance. The luxurious figured maple—a blend of quilt and flame patterns—is somewhat difficult to discern on both the top and back.

I wondered why that was, so I checked the official color name:

"Translucent Dark Red."

That explains it perfectly.

While the appearance of wood grain naturally shifts depending on the viewing angle on any bass, this particular color is especially elusive.

I had initially wondered why the finish looked a bit like a "dull" clear coat with a dark red hue—but it turns out the finish is exactly what the name implies.

Because it’s translucent, the opulent wood grain doesn’t just "pop" or flash brilliantly the moment you change the angle.

But, if you take your time and catch the light just right... it’s like diving into the deep sea... slowly...

As you do, dark, rich wood grain begins to emerge from within the red.

This might be the most difficult color to capture in a photograph.

(Be sure to check out the accompanying video as well!)

Perhaps John Patitucci himself chose this color specifically because it offers something different from the more overt, eye-catching "Amber" finish.

It’s the kind of color that likely takes on a dark, cool, and sophisticated look when illuminated on a dimly lit stage.

So, while your very first impression might not be an immediate "wow," this is the kind of bass that truly shines when you see it in person—you’ll likely find yourself thinking, "It looks best in the flesh!"

As for the specs, they are identical to the Amber version—featuring a luxurious, four-layer body construction that would be almost unthinkable to produce today. The body features a striking maple top with a visible grain, accented by a layer of ash about 1cm thick. Beneath this lies a substantial alder core, followed by another layer of luxurious maple on the back.

In the area where a pickguard would typically be—which often adds thickness and brings the strings closer to the body—there is instead a recessed carve that reveals the second layer of ash, providing ample space for your fingers.

The grain of this ash layer appears black; it’s possible that the wood grain was treated with a black stain—rather than just being finished in a simple "see-through red"—to achieve a darker, more dramatic look.

Complementing this multi-layered body is a straightforward 3-piece maple neck.

It incorporates a traditional dual-truss-rod system—a feature that, once you get used to it, proves incredibly convenient.

This is especially relevant for a 6-string bass, where the tension exerted on the neck varies significantly across the range (from the high C string down to the low B).

While a single truss rod might suffice, having two allows for precise, customized adjustments—for instance, keeping the high-register side of the neck relatively straight while allowing for a slight, controlled forward bow on the low-register side.

(Just remember to make adjustments in small increments, letting the neck settle before checking the results.)

The robust neck is topped with an ebony fretboard.

The custom inlays are quite elaborate—a detail that clearly reflects the significant investment put into the instrument's craftsmanship.

Moving to the headstock, the top features a matching finish, and—remarkably—the back is also capped with maple. It’s a touch that reinforces the instrument’s high-end, signature-model pedigree.

The tuning pegs use lightweight plastic knobs, which feel anything but cheap.

The focus on keeping the headstock lightweight was likely a response to the instrument’s overall weight, which exceeds 5kg.

While that’s on the heavier side for a bass, the instrument’s balance—evident even when played acoustically—makes you realize that, for a 6-string, this kind of heft is actually quite appropriate.

Thanks in part to the lightweight tuning pegs, there’s no "neck dive"; the bass remains perfectly balanced whether you’re playing standing up with a strap or sitting down.

When the balance is this good, the weight itself hardly becomes an issue. This particular instrument weighs just over 5 kilograms—on the lighter side for a TRB model.

It also features Yamaha’s proprietary "I.R.A. (Initial Response Acceleration)" process, where the instrument is subjected to vibrations after the body is fully assembled to help the components "settle in."

Perhaps thanks to this, even though it’s a brand-new instrument, there’s no sense of it being "stiff" or "unsettled"—it feels completely broken-in from the start. It’s a 6-string bass with a remarkably well-balanced character.

When plugged into an amplifier, the sound remains true to its acoustic, unplugged tone.

It’s not quite a "natural" or "Jazz Bass" sound; it’s distinctly a "Yamaha sound."

It has a solid, cohesive quality, and while it comes with a 3-band EQ, it sounds excellent even with the settings left flat.

On its own, it might feel a touch "hard" or rigid, but when playing within a band mix—or considering how well it takes effects—this character is likely an advantage.

The preamp and EQ have a bit of a "classic" feel—though calling them "old-fashioned" might be unfair; they evoke a sense of nostalgia while functioning as an "EQ designed for the instrument itself," distinct from the ultra-modern, high-fidelity approach. It’s a very intuitive and usable system.

As you spend time playing it, you might find yourself growing fond of this dark, translucent red finish—a color that might initially seem a bit somber or understated.

Perhaps this color was chosen specifically to avoid being overly flashy compared to the amber option.

If you’re looking to start playing a 6-string bass, this would be an excellent choice.

This is a Yamaha bass—a product of Japan that the world admires. As a Japanese person, I am honored and proud to introduce it to you. [Main Specifications]

・Color: Translucent Dark Red

・Body: Figured Maple / Ash / Alder / Figured Maple

・Neck: 3-piece Maple, 26 frets, 35" scale

・Fingerboard: Ebony

・Pickups: Yamaha

・Preamp: Yamaha

・Controls: Volume, Balance, Treble, Middle, Bass

・Tuners: Gotoh

・Bridge: Yamaha (19.0mm spacing)

・Weight: 5.03 kg

・Hard case included

・Warranty: 1-year manufacturer's warranty

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