This article was originally published in 2021 and has been updated to reflect my experience with the bass as of 2026.
I bought this Riverhead RJB-62 secondhand more than ten years ago, and I’d like to share my experience with it.
When I bought it, I owned an entry-level Bacchus Jazz Bass. I wanted a better instrument for practicing and recording, so I asked the staff at Oguchi Gakki for advice. He recommended the Riverhead RJB-62.
At the time, I didn’t know much about playing bass or shaping its tone. I simply wanted an affordable instrument that I could use comfortably. If I remember correctly, I paid around ¥50,000 for it.
I didn’t pay much attention to the specifications when I bought it, but looking back, I’m glad I chose this bass.
After purchasing it, I had the pickups replaced and a finger rest installed. In this article, I’ll introduce the instrument and share what I’ve learned from using it over the years.
About Riverhead
As far as I understand, Riverhead was a brand that came before Bacchus. Its lineup included standard designs such as Jazz Bass-style instruments, as well as more unusual models influenced by hard rock and heavy metal.
My RJB-62 belongs to the Riverhead Vintage Series, and its specifications appear to be very similar to those of the Bacchus Vintage Series BJB-62V. I believe the two brands may have been produced during the same period. However, information about the Riverhead RJB-62 is limited, at least from what I have been able to find.
First Impressions
Although I bought it secondhand, the bass was in very good condition. There was some finish damage on part of the top lacquer, apparently caused by a chemical reaction, but it did not affect playability.
At the time, this was my second bass, and I knew very little about the Riverhead RJB-62. Even so, I remember being impressed by how much better it felt and sounded than my first, entry-level bass. Looking back, that makes sense, since the RJB-62 appears to be very similar to the Bacchus Vintage Series BJB-62V.
As I continued playing it, I felt that the original pickups had a rather high output. Around 2022, I replaced both the neck and bridge pickups with SEYMOUR DUNCAN SJB-1 Vintage Jazz Bass pickups.
The headstock has a simple logo, with no serial number or other markings on the back.
Specifications
The RJB-62 is a fairly traditional Jazz Bass-style instrument. Here are the specifications I have been able to identify.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | Alder (2-piece) |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (slab) |
| Color | 3-tone sunburst (3TS) |
| Weight | Around 4kg |
I’m not sure about the original pickup manufacturer. The Sonix website, for a music store in Hamamatsu, lists the pickups as being made by Yuta.
The bass has vintage-style, reverse-wound tuning machines. I still haven’t quite got used to them. This is the only bass I own with reverse-wound tuners, so I often turn the wrong tuning key when tuning it.
Modifications
I have made two changes to the bass:
- SEYMOUR DUNCAN SJB-1n Vintage Jazz Bass Neck pickup and SJB-1b Vintage Jazz Bass Bridge pickup
- A finger rest
Pickup Replacement
I asked the staff at Oguchi Gakki to replace the original high-output pickups with a SEYMOUR DUNCAN SJB-1n Vintage Jazz Bass Neck pickup and an SJB-1b Vintage Jazz Bass Bridge pickup.
The SJB-1 pickups have a balanced sound: neither overly vintage nor particularly modern. Whether I play with a pick or my fingers, they sound good when I play the instrument well.
Some players might find their sound a little plain. I felt that way for a while, too, and even considered trying Fender pickups. However, as I gradually became more comfortable with the bass and learned how to bring out its tone, I came to appreciate these pickups.
I think the Riverhead RJB-62 and the SEYMOUR DUNCAN pickups work very well together. They give me the Jazz Bass sound I had been looking for.
Finger Rest
As of 2026, I’m not sure that I really need a finger rest anymore. Still, I like the tone I get when I play between the neck and bridge pickups, so I’ve kept it installed.
I can’t remember the brand or model, but I like its size—especially its height—and its appearance.
Final Thoughts
Recently, I’ve had more opportunities to play bass, and I’ve been enjoying this instrument all over again. It works well across different genres, and the more I learn about playing bass, the more I appreciate its sound.
The Riverhead RJB-62 has been one of my trusted instruments for many years, and it holds a special place in my collection. I plan to keep playing it and sharing my thoughts on how its sound and feel develop over time.
It might also be fun to write a comparison article featuring the other basses in my collection someday.
日本語版 : Riverhead RJB-62レビュー｜10年以上使った感想と改造点