Harley Benton RB414CS

[Rich Terry]

I simply stated a fact. Aliexpress and Thomann are both retailers. Thomann will offers a warranty because they are a music retailer and care about
repeat musicians business. Aliexpress is like Ebay, they sell anything from anybody.
The fact is that Thumann contracts some Chinese company to build these for them to look like Ric's, or Gibsons, or Fenders. I don't have a
problem with that. But if I'm going to have a "knock off style" go all the way. You get what you pay for.

 

[Rich Terry]

We have a saying here in the US,

You can put lipstick on a PIG but it's still a PIG

 

[kodiakblair]

So a what point do you become a manufacturer ? The design stage ? If that's the case then all companies that out-source
the build are no longer manufacturers.

Now Lasse Thernøe is in charge of development for Thomann. He decides what models they'll sell, meets with the Factories
Saein I believe ,you know the same company builds Peavey,Ibanez etc and dicusses the build and parts.

That'll be design then. So if they design their products and get them built to their spec does that not make them a manufacturer ?

Ali Express is as you said like ebay lots of different sellers under one roof. Thomann is one seller and supplier so quite different.

And what is your personal experience with Harley Benton products Rich ?

I'd love to know.

 

[Rich Terry]

I don't have experience with "Harley Benton" products but have been playing guitar and bass for over 50 years and
have played a ton of instruments and prefer to buy the US made products.. I'm not saying anything bad about your choice, just saying that the Harley Benton name is
the private label that Thomann has built for them by companies in Asia. To compare that product with a Ric, Fender or Gibson made in the US
is not the same.

It's OK to compare it with a Ric made in China, which they don't do.
Or a Fender made in China that they do and still call it a Fender.

It's just the way companies do business to sell a high profit margin product that looks like something else that is popular.
Just don't compare it to something it's not.
You started your post by saying that Thomann is a Ric dealer, so does that make this a Ric? NO.
It's a private label Chinese brand made to look like a Ric.

Here's a website that shows they are just copying brand names to sell basses. Nothing original about that.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/search.html?filter=true&gk=giebs4&manufacturer[]=Harley Benton

 

[kodiakblair]

Rich they are a Ric dealer.

Invalid Link Removed

If you sell Rickenbackers you are a dealer.

And did you miss the fact that the website you link to is Thomann site own selling their own brand ?

Also if you read my post I never say this is a Ric. I mention Thomann is a Ric dealer to illustrate
that if it was considered to be a knock-off Rickenbacker would definitely know about it as they deal
with Thomann already and take action.

I'm sorry you didn't understand that point, I think everybody else did. If you also notice it doesn't
say Rickenbacker.And show me the Ric it's modelled after.

I really love you posting that link showing that Thomann alone model their basses after known designs.

The rest of the instrument makers will sleep easy knowing only one company does that.

 

[Rich Terry]

I understand all that and acknowledged it.

Enjoy your bass.

 

[kodiakblair]

Thanks Rich

I've another Peavey T 40 to pick up in the morning, now That is a Bass.

 

[JACink]

I'm not saying anything bad about your choice

You can put lipstick on a PIG but it's still a PIG

???????

You started your post by saying that Thomann is a Ric dealer, so does that make this a Ric? NO.
It's a private label Chinese brand made to look like a Ric.

good quality bass with a retro look similar to the Rimini basses

To compare that product with a Ric, Fender or Gibson made in the US
is not the same.

Sorry, but I missed the part when anybody compared this to any US built instrument. Maybe when kodiakblair said it didn't sound like a Ric?

Here's a website that shows they are just copying brand names to sell basses. Nothing original about that.

I agree, and here is another one: Link Removed. Does that mean that you had might as well buy an unknown knock off from some unknown Chinese dealer through Aliexpress, than purchase from Kurt who has worked really hard to have a trustworthy business, providing decent instruments for a low price?

The fact is that Thumann contracts some Chinese company to build these for them to look like Ric's, or Gibsons, or Fenders. I don't have a
problem with that. But if I'm going to have a "knock off style" go all the way. You get what you pay for.

So is Epiphone and Squier also a no no? What about those of us that can't afford to have "Rich" in our username, but would still like to play a variety of instruments? And in regards of getting what you pay for, that is not always true, or is the average new Fender MIA Jazz 5x better than a new Squier VM Jazz?



I could go on, but I am not going to. I usually don't get in to these kinds of arguments, as I think everyone should just play whatever they feel and be happy with it, but I do think it unfair to brand all non US brands as the same.

And just for some info regarding the company that produces Harley Benton (Saein, as mentioned by kodiakblair)

"Saein Musical Instrument Co., Ltd. Is located in Namdong Industrial Complex in Incheon, Korea. Saein was estabulished in 1991, 07. 01. Currently, we have 100 employees, and our monthly capacity is 4,500pcs still growing to expand. Our main business is OEM for famous brand Epiphone. Also, our solely branded Shine is increasing steadily. In February, 2001, we have successfully launched a new independent factory in Gaomi City, China. It is only an hour away from Qingdao Shandong province. Our China factory employees are 300 people, and our monthly capacity is 10,000pcs still growing to expand as well. We are an OEM vendor for famous brand Ibanez, and Peavey. Also, our solely branded Shine is gradually expanding. We have become one of the famous leading guitar manufacturer in China.


1999, Dec 31st Winning 'The Best Quality Award of the Year' presented by Gibson Epiphone USA.

1998, Dec 31st Winning 'The Best Quality Award of the Year' presented by Gibson Epiphone USA.

1995, Nov 1st Received an award for One Million Dollars Exportation.

1993, Apr 1st Begin manufacturing B.C. Rich Guitars by Method of OEM.

1992, Oct 1st Begin manufacturing Gibson's 'Epiphone' Guitars by Method of OEM."

Oh, and before I forget... IMO, IMHO, YMMV etc. etc. etc.

 

[JACink]

I've another Peavey T 40 to pick up in the morning, now That is a Bass.

Now don't you start being all patriotic!

 

[subdude67]

Now don't you start being all patriotic!

wait, has Peavey moved to Scotland?

 

[kodiakblair]

JACink

In the last 3 months about 24 Peaveys were sighted in Central Scotland.

We Scots know a good deal when we see one, I should know.

I own 16 of the 24

 

[bholder]

It looks nice to me. The guy on the wall in that first picture doesn't seem to like it, however. :***:

 

[GKon]

Thanks for the pics and info, OP.
I'm a big fan of Harley Benton basses and other equipment. I bought a HB EUB a few months back and am quite happy with it.
They've got quite a few other basses I want, as well. I'm adding this one to the list

 

[Shhhyytt]

Can I slap on this thing like Rick James?

 

[RED J]

I've been to the Thomann site on several occasions and have to say, if you are a person in the market for a budget bass, the Benton's offer an impressive variety , much more so than Rondo, and we all know the stories about the crap shoot junk you may get from Ali.
Their shipping to the States is surprisingly reasonable too.
You can get exactly the same bass as the Eastwood Classic 4 for about half the
scratch, Ed Friedland thought that was a good bass, argue with him.
Kodiak is a respected TB member and knows a good value,
If you are stuck in the "only USA " anachronism that's your privilege how about respecting other's choices too ?

 

[kodiakblair]

Thanks for that @RED J

In answer to @Shhhyytt

I never tried slap with it but if you're as funky as Rick James then I reckon you could slap.
Would advise removing the pickup cover first though

 

[Charlie28711]

I received my new Harley Benton RB-414CS Classic Series about a month ago. These new models no longer have an F-Hole cutout. Although they still say semi-hollow, there is no hollow sound when you knock on the body. I'd say it's chambered at best.
Now onto my problems and requests for help. The pups seem ridiculously low output and the 3-way switch sometimes does sometimes doesn't work in the middle position. Also the pups seem like they are a long ways short of where they should be. I have no problems opening it up too do what might need be done. I don't want to start an operation without having some baseline specs though. I can't find anything on Thomann. Does anyone have specs and/or a wiring diagram for this bass? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Charlie28711]

So I've been back and forth and back and forth with the "experts" at Thomann about the problems with this particular RB 414 CS. First a disclaimer. I have not at any time asked for or hinted that I want either a replacement or a refund.
Thomann asked for and I provided both video and still photographs of the screwed up 3-way switch and the bridge pickup at it's max height still 33/64 from the bottom of the E string.
FWIW I was able to sus out the neck pickup height problem on my own (bits of plastic wedging and keeping it from moving) and get it to the recommended 5/32.
After viewing the video I sent them they agreed to send me a new 3-way switch. Great said I.
That only leaves one item left. The bridge pickup. After going round and round the expert answer is put a 1/4 in. block of paper under the pickup. No kidding. Just so you think I'm not making this up I'm doing a copy & paste of our last exchange:
"> I'm just following up on my concerns regarding the bridge pickup problem I have with this Harley Benton RB 414 CS. As noted previously and photos sent in, the closest I can get the bridge pickup to the bottom of the thickest (E) string is 33/64 of an inch. Most places, including your own recommendations is that it should be about 5/32 of an inch. The bridge is already within 1/64 from it's lowest possible setting, On the deck is the expression and the output from the pickup at 33/64 is negligible.
> I've not heard from your experts as of yet. Hence the follow up.".
Now the Thomann "Expert" response:

"Thomann
Apr 27, 2020, 9:33 AM (1 day ago)

to me

Hello,

Thank you for your email

Our experts sent us some information on this pickup height adjustment.

There are 2 ways to try and adjust the pickup heights of this bass guitar.

The first one would be to match the output level of both pickups by adjusting their heights.

Sometimes the problem is that the screws are overturning and so you can´t get the bridge pickup high enough.
The experts' recommendation is to set the level of both pickups based on their output level and that means to move the neck pickup downwards a bit.

However. the pickup height is also limited by the cover and its construction. For instance, some users remove the cover and the rubber spacers of this pickup:


We can see that you removed the cover already though.

Another solution would be to cut out and place a paper/carton gasket underneath the metallic pickup frame.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Kind regards .".
So there was no statement of anything like, Gee I'm sorry that never should have been shipped in that condition. So I'm left to think that ALL the RB 414 CS guitars are similarly fouled up in the bridge pickup.
It is for that reason that I cannot recommend the Harley Benton RB 414CS to anyone.
Why should anyone pay attention to me? Fair enough. My answer, I own 5 other Harley Benton bass guitars, along with Fenders (USAx2 & MIM) Ibanez Epiphones , Schecters and a Music Man. I've never had any other issue that a basic set up didn't cure on the Harley Bentons. This model is a GOOCH though. Don't spend your money on it Unless you have too much of it and want a reasonably expensive wall decoration.

 

[nabilhuakbar]

Our main business is OEM for famous brand Epiphone...We are an OEM vendor for famous brand Ibanez, and Peavey. Also, our solely branded Shine is gradually expanding. We have become one of the famous leading guitar manufacturer in China.

This is why I think Brand Name (tm) superiority complexes are utterly idiotic.

 

[nabilhuakbar]

???????






Sorry, but I missed the part when anybody compared this to any US built instrument. Maybe when kodiakblair said it didn't sound like a Ric?



I agree, and here is another one: Link Removed. Does that mean that you had might as well buy an unknown knock off from some unknown Chinese dealer through Aliexpress, than purchase from Kurt who has worked really hard to have a trustworthy business, providing decent instruments for a low price?


So is Epiphone and Squier also a no no? What about those of us that can't afford to have "Rich" in our username, but would still like to play a variety of instruments? And in regards of getting what you pay for, that is not always true, or is the average new Fender MIA Jazz 5x better than a new Squier VM Jazz?



I could go on, but I am not going to. I usually don't get in to these kinds of arguments, as I think everyone should just play whatever they feel and be happy with it, but I do think it unfair to brand all non US brands as the same.

And just for some info regarding the company that produces Harley Benton (Saein, as mentioned by kodiakblair)

"Saein Musical Instrument Co., Ltd. Is located in Namdong Industrial Complex in Incheon, Korea. Saein was estabulished in 1991, 07. 01. Currently, we have 100 employees, and our monthly capacity is 4,500pcs still growing to expand. Our main business is OEM for famous brand Epiphone. Also, our solely branded Shine is increasing steadily. In February, 2001, we have successfully launched a new independent factory in Gaomi City, China. It is only an hour away from Qingdao Shandong province. Our China factory employees are 300 people, and our monthly capacity is 10,000pcs still growing to expand as well. We are an OEM vendor for famous brand Ibanez, and Peavey. Also, our solely branded Shine is gradually expanding. We have become one of the famous leading guitar manufacturer in China.


1999, Dec 31st Winning 'The Best Quality Award of the Year' presented by Gibson Epiphone USA.

1998, Dec 31st Winning 'The Best Quality Award of the Year' presented by Gibson Epiphone USA.

1995, Nov 1st Received an award for One Million Dollars Exportation.

1993, Apr 1st Begin manufacturing B.C. Rich Guitars by Method of OEM.

1992, Oct 1st Begin manufacturing Gibson's 'Epiphone' Guitars by Method of OEM."

Oh, and before I forget... IMO, IMHO, YMMV etc. etc. etc.

That's exactly why I think Brand Name (tm) superiority complexes are ridiculous. Like, we get it, you overpaid for a Made in America (tm) bass and you want to flex on the poors without overtly admitting to it so you have to instead justify the massive amounts of money you've spent by saying something like "well your overseas-manufactured instrument sounds NOWHERE NEAR as good as this American Made one that I paid 10x as much for, even though it was made in the same factory and by the same people that put out a lot of other products that are resold by popular and reputable brands worldwide."

I'm sure a $2000 ric sounds better than a Harley Benton RB414. I'm also sure that it doesn't sound $1800 better. And like, hey, if you've got that kinda cash to blow then more power to you. Just don't pretend like it's getting you something THAT much better