Is it just me or do these basses sound even from top to bottom?
And I don't just mean because of the multi scale.
And I don't just mean because of the multi scale.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Harley Benton Multiscale 5s
- Thread starter primussucks9126
- Start date
So my impression of the bass:
Good construction.
Nice fretwork
The hardware seems fine and works.
The bridge I wasn't familiar with and seemed kinda finicky at first but I actually got it intonated the quickest I have ever done.
Pickups are okay. I am not familiar with what is out there as far as soap bars to replace them with if I need to but seem to work fine for now.
The preamp works fine. Seems a little pedestrian but works. If I was to change it out I might go for some sort of filter preamp. Enjoying the total sound as it is now. Has a Modern bass, kinda a Smith sound to my ear and I like whatever is causing that so not in a hurry to change that unless I can get more of it from the change.
The bass seems to have this very overall evenness to it’s sound all over the fretboard or neck. Almost as if played through a very nice compressor, yet not dead or lifeless sounding. I like that.
The neck is chunky but yet not off-putting. Easy for me to play as it is flat. The neck coupling is not a problem from the 12th fret to the 24th. The fan frets up there as well as the lower bout cut out was more of a problem to navigate for me.
Overall, like the look, like the sound, like the playability. It's a keeper for me
Good construction.
Nice fretwork
The hardware seems fine and works.
The bridge I wasn't familiar with and seemed kinda finicky at first but I actually got it intonated the quickest I have ever done.
Pickups are okay. I am not familiar with what is out there as far as soap bars to replace them with if I need to but seem to work fine for now.
The preamp works fine. Seems a little pedestrian but works. If I was to change it out I might go for some sort of filter preamp. Enjoying the total sound as it is now. Has a Modern bass, kinda a Smith sound to my ear and I like whatever is causing that so not in a hurry to change that unless I can get more of it from the change.
The bass seems to have this very overall evenness to it’s sound all over the fretboard or neck. Almost as if played through a very nice compressor, yet not dead or lifeless sounding. I like that.
The neck is chunky but yet not off-putting. Easy for me to play as it is flat. The neck coupling is not a problem from the 12th fret to the 24th. The fan frets up there as well as the lower bout cut out was more of a problem to navigate for me.
Overall, like the look, like the sound, like the playability. It's a keeper for me
Last edited:
You are making me want to buy one. I don't need another bass.
I wouldn't have got it if it wasn't for the wife and her seeming interest in it.
I am also surprised that I like it as much as I do.
I had looked at Dingwalls in passing but the price for me was not in the budget. Not even the Brice offerings at there time was affordable for me. This was right for the price but still thought there would be some issues like the neck-body coupling or the fan frets or the neck would be too thick and unplayable. Something that would make me box it up and send it back.
My first worry was the neck as I had read on YouTube and Reddit that someone sent theirs back because it was unplayable to them, couldn't play in the higher register. I found none of that true for me.
But don't listen to me. I don't always know what I am talking about
I don't blame you as I said somewhere on TB about these. I've been a 19mm user since my first Fender(it was in this thread
). I have a Carvin Bunny Brunel 5 string because, at the time, it was the only 19mm spaced 5 I had found or even heard of. This was a long time ago.I didn't think I could keep this one because of the narrow spacing but it is working for me. I have never been a big slap player and that was the only thing I noticed at first was the tightness for that. After a day it was all right and I had adapted to it
Last edited:
I gigged mine last night. For what I do, this thing is an animal. Stayed nicely in the mix without a problem. It plays and sounds as good as any bass I own. A friend of mine that is a bass player in a top rated band was there. He told me the sound of the bass is top notch. It's a keeper. Mine weighs just under 9lbs.
I was hoping this would turn into a Mega Thread but when only one or two more here getting one, that’s not going to happen
Still liking mine though
Thanks DJ. People that look down their noses at basses costing this amount don't know what they are missing. I've been playing mine on a regular basis. Perfectly fine bass!
I found it has fretwork as good as my $1200 Carvin 5 String. Nice rounded fret ends all the way up the board. The finish was as good as I've seen.
Did you find the preamp a little noisy or hissy? For me I did but not as noticeable in a band setting as at home. In passive mode it was fine.
Last edited:
I just got rid of an LB75 Carvin. It never sounded right to me. I have a very old Carvin 6 that is perfect. One bass I won't part with. Anyway, this bass is stone quiet, not a whisper. Fit n finish are excellent. Setup went as well as any bass I own. Frets are fine and the neck is perfect without dive.
The only issue I have (and isn't much) the side dots aren't real pronounced. A little tuff to see under stage lights. But, I do manage. All around, excellent bass.
The only issue I have (and isn't much) the side dots aren't real pronounced. A little tuff to see under stage lights. But, I do manage. All around, excellent bass.
I have a Bunny Brunel 5-string that is not going anywhere while I am here.
I was just noticing, I have never relied on side dots. In fact just looking at them now, I didn't realize these are
luminescent side dots. Like the roasted maple neck I didn't notice. I guess I didn't pay attention to what I was buying
I need to see why my pre is a little hissy. If there is no fix on my end, I will probably just replace the pre rather than send it back. It's probably just the luck of the draw out of the parts bin
Other than that, I find no fault with this bass...
Last edited:
