Harley Benton flats, an appreciation thread

[Boneless]

They're very good flats, whatever the cost (and they cost less than many roundwound strings).
They're somewhat coarse flats (not like Rotosound flats, more like Pyramid flats); compared to LaBella flats, they sound a bit more "forward" and not as smooth (in a good, or at least neutral way). The very nice thing about them is that they work very well on short scale basses that need medium or long scale strings (basically all or most short scale basses with a tailpiece). I'm not sure whether they would work loaded string through body, as I have no such basses right now. I can't say this about a lot of strings (which tend to sound unfocused or weird if tuned "one step down"), and they have a very manageable .045-.065-.080-.100 gauge (the E string would be perfect if a bit thicker, but it works).

I had already bought them for my Guild Starfire I a few years ago, and I did quite like them, but after trying out quite a few flats, I must say that I like them a lot more than many pricier alternatives, to the point that I'd actually record with them.

 

[jsixties]

I was very skeptical about these strings since it seems impossible to me to offer flatwounds that are not just decent but even bad for the price of these HBs. After using them for a couple of years on various basses, I've come to a couple of conclusions:
- The quality control isn't always the best (it can't be at this price), and occasionally, some break around the peg during installation while others have a slightly dead or uneven tone, but that's a rare occurrence, not the norm.
- Most of the sets I've bought had no issues, and I have to say I like them, a lot, actually. They can't be compared in feel or tonal sophistication to La Bella, Thomastik, Pyramid, Galli, Optima, and other high-end brands I also use, but tension and balance is perfect, not floppy and not so thumpy as GHS or some La Bella and they sound and feel really nice, with a dark-leaning and mellow tone that works great on almost any vintage oriented bass.
Not sure how they would work thru-body, only tested top mounted.
I've read that they're made by Picato or Olympia. I've tried Olympia strings before, and I found them absolutely terrible, so my recommendation is pretty clear.

Aside from these, the only other option for me—without stepping up to the big brands—would be Fender flats.
Those Harley Benton worth buying in bulk and swapping out whenever you want fresh ones (a heresy, in my opinion, and in James Jamerson's as well).

 

[ILoveCarolKaye]

I like them, kinda middle of the road warmth and tension wise. Very cheap and decent, good option to get the general feel of flats.

 

[Precibass]

I bet my a33 these are the mysterious set in one YT flats comparison video. Red silk and they play somehow between LB and TIs.