Harley Benton HB-50

[Chris P.]

Two years ago I saw the HB-50 for the first time at the Mannheim Guitar Summit. It took a while before it was available and when it was available it was sold out immediately. The second batch is in and I got one for a review.

It's a strange mofo. A long scale semi solid with an Arect alnico MM in the MM-position. It's very well made and the looks are great in real life. Better than on the website pictures. It is everything you don't expect from a semisoild. It's a real rocker. Peter Hook would love it. Distortion, chorus, a pick and go!
The neck and binindgs are smooth, it's a looker and you just have to wear this one low and attack it!

https://www.thomann.nl/harley_benton_hb_50_cherry_red.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1544065364&gbraid=0AAAAADuDMCUK66UUNBET_8VHYaRS2x3Zp&gclid=CjwKCAjw1dLDBhBoEiwAQNRiQZgXSxTMErcGh0aMY8C0XXT6hIz6LUUKony1kupmO61ukcQyPF_CMRoCyB8QAvD_BwE

[ilan]

I like the ambered nat. How's the neck dive situation?

[Chris P.]

Neck doive: I thought It would be worse. The strap button is at the 18th (!) fret. It has some, but not that much. As a Thunderbird player I'm used to play my bass 'at the hip' and that works for this bass too.

[Basvarken]

€239 is ridiculously cheap.
Makes you wonder under what kind of labour conditions these basses were built...

[Chris P.]

You are right. But don't forget HB cuts a step in the route from manufacturer to distributor to shop.

[morrow]

I like semi hollow shortscale basses , and that price is hard to believe. I'd like to see Thomann have more of a presence here in Canada. Now I'm unlikely to be buying anything , I've already accumulated too much stuff. I'm not up into collector numbers , but with twenty something scattered around the house I'm fine for now. Funny thing is there's only a couple I'd be in any rush to move. I have the usual classics , and a bunch of short scales.

[Pilgrim]

I loved the look of those basses. I've always liked that style. I have a short scale Univox and medium scale Gretsch and Dean basses in that style.

[morrow]

I used to have a Rivoli , loved the look but it was not the greatest sounding bass. Regret selling it just because it looked so good.