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Harley Benton RB414CS

#101
Good morning @PaleAngel_90

How much experience do you have altering guitars/basses ?

1: The RB-414 was designed to work with the stock bridge, changing to another will involve more than simply screwing the replacement on. The only potential fault is the free saddles, glue negates that fault.

2: I had flat wound strings. TI Jazz flats are my personal taste.
https://www.thomann.de/es/thomastik_jf344.htm

3: Make certain any knobs you buy are intended for 6mm shaft. To remove, lever the knobs up with 2 teaspoon handles then loop a shoelace under the knob and pull up.

4: There is an eBay store based in Glasgow sells Harley Benton pickguards. I provided many of the pickguards for the templates so know they fit perfectly. The RB 414 is a category 2 plate (they are priced according to size).

Here is the seller's link.

Pickguard for various Harley Benton bass models: many pickup and colour options | eBay
 
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#102
kodiakblair said:
Good morning @PaleAngel_90

How much experience do you have altering guitars/basses ?

1: The RB-414 was designed to work with the stock bridge, changing to another will involve more than simply screwing the replacement on. The only potential fault is the free saddles, glue negates that fault.

2: I had flat wound strings. TI Jazz flats are my personal taste.
https://www.thomann.de/es/thomastik_jf344.htm

3: Make certain any knobs you buy are intended for 6mm shaft. To remove, lever the knobs up with 2 teaspoon handles then loop a shoelace under the knob and pull up.

4: There is an eBay store based in Glasgow sells Harley Benton pickguards. I provided many of the pickguards for the templates so know they fit perfectly. The RB 414 is a category 2 plate (they are priced according to size).

Here is the seller's link.

Pickguard for various Harley Benton bass models: many pickup and colour options | eBay
Click to expand...
Not one bit experience modding. I'd like stings that make the bass sound louder, I think I read somewhere that roundwounds are what I might be looking for? I'm not sure...
Is there a way I can screw off a bridge and screw on a new one that fits? Or with leaving the stock one as it is but making sure that the pieces don't fall off?
Are those templates? Do I have to cut out the form of the pickguard and buff it myself or does it come already done?
 
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#103
PaleAngel_90 said:
Not one bit experience modding. I'd like stings that make the bass sound louder, I think I read somewhere that roundwounds are what I might be looking for? I'm not sure...
Is there a way I can screw off a bridge and screw on a new one that fits? Or with leaving the stock one as it is but making sure that the pieces don't fall off?
Are those templates? Do I have to cut out the form of the pickguard and buff it myself or does it come already done?
Click to expand...
I don't know about the pg. With whatever bridge you use, ultimately you need to set intonation correctly, which means you must line up the bridge saddles exactly where the originals were, then drill new screw holes to locate the new bridge.
 
#104
[/QUOTE] 4: There is an eBay store based in Glasgow sells Harley Benton pickguards. I provided many of the pickguards for the templates so know they fit perfectly. The RB 414 is a category 2 plate (they are priced according to size).

Here is the seller's link.

Pickguard for various Harley Benton bass models: many pickup and colour options | eBay[/QUOTE]

I found this in Thomann, though I don't know if it would work. I'd have to do it myself, but I'm not afraid of the work. What do you think?, would this suffice for the measurements of the pickguard?

Link: https://www.thomann.de/es/harley_benton_parts_pickguard_raw_bk.htm
 
#108
PaleAngel_90 said:
Hi, I'm new here and I'd like to ask a few questions to anyone here more experienced than I who could solve the doubts that I have. I'm thinking of buying the gorgeous Harley Benton RB-414CS and I wanted to know a few things:
1.- Would any of the bridges in the following link would work for the bass? I've heard that the stock bridge is problematic to say the least... Link: https://m.thomann.de/es/puentes_de_bajo.html?s=price
2.- What strings would you recommend to swap the stock ones with? (please attach a link to your answer so I can look it up, thanks) and also I was wondering if these would work: https://m.thomann.de/es/warwick_red_label_040.htm
3.- I'd like to change the tone/volume knobs. Could any of these in the link work? I'm interested in the ones that have numbers not the completely blank ones. Link: https://m.thomann.de/es/botones_de_potenciometro.html?s=price
4.- I'd like to change the white pickguard for a black one, does anyone know where could I get one that would fit? Thank you.
Click to expand...
I've had mine a few months now any love it.
The bridge other than the roller thingies that the strings go over isn't too bad.And that can be solved via a few drops of epoxy or Gorilla glue.In more than one review I've heard it said it's better than the stock Rickenbacker bridge which is seen as problematic to many.Hipshot makes a superior though pricey version.
Strings,well it will accept most strings so pick what you like.I have Rotosound 66 rounds,100 e string.
With tone controls you could swap out to just about anything.There's a few suggestions in the thread for this bass.I'm gonna throw in a Tone Monster preamp when I get around to it.I've changed the pups but the stock ones are fine.Just my nature to do so.
I think the H.B.Chickenbacker is a real cool bass and mine came to me just about as good as any I've ever gotten online.I don't think you'll be disappointed so I say go for it.
 
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#109
PaleAngel_90 said:
Not one bit experience modding. I'd like stings that make the bass sound louder, I think I read somewhere that roundwounds are what I might be looking for? I'm not sure...
Is there a way I can screw off a bridge and screw on a new one that fits? Or with leaving the stock one as it is but making sure that the pieces don't fall off?
Are those templates? Do I have to cut out the form of the pickguard and buff it myself or does it come already done?
Click to expand...
I have a Hipshot Ric replacement bridge, it hasn't been installed but it's about the same size as the HB stock bridge.You may need to drill new holes but that's pretty easy or if you definitely feel you can't you probably have a friend capable of the job.The Hipshot hasn't those pesky roller saddles and individual saddle height adjustment is available as is ample intonation adjustment.A much better bridge overall.I will probably install it at some point.Pricey however in the $100-120usd range.I really like the bass and find it worthy for upgrades.
 
#110
kevmac said:
I have a Hipshot Ric replacement bridge, it hasn't been installed but it's about the same size as the HB stock bridge.You may need to drill new holes but that's pretty easy
Click to expand...
No "may" about it, you will be drilling new holes.

RIC bridges have string mutes and the saddles sit behind those mutes. The Hipshot being a direct replacement must follow that requirement for the saddle positions.

Ric bridge.jpg


The RB 414 bridge has no string mutes and the saddles sit towards the front. If replacing the stock bridge for a RIC/Hipshot bridge, it needs to move if it's to work properly. The saddles need to land at the 34" scale length mark.

That's closer to the bridge pickup. RB 414 with RIC bridge looks like this.

RB 414 Ric bridge.jpg


Another thing to keep in mind is string spacing. RIC/Hipshot are 17mm, it's 19mm for the RB. Even with the Hipshot adjustable spacing the poles/strings will be slightly out.

Not a problem for playing, I just don't relish this hypothetical conversation.

Stranger. "cool looking bass, can I try it ?"

Me. "Sure."

Stranger. " Yeah, very cool. Real shame these cheap Chinese basses never get the strings to line up, still you get what you pay for :) "

Me. " Actually they got it right, that's my handiwork :oops:"
 
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#114
kodiakblair said:
No "may" about it, you will be drilling new holes.

RIC bridges have string mutes and the saddles sit behind those mutes. The Hipshot being a direct replacement must follow that requirement for the saddle positions.

View attachment 4238127

The RB 414 bridge has no string mutes and the saddles sit towards the front. If replacing the stock bridge for a RIC/Hipshot bridge, it needs to move if it's to work properly. The saddles need to land at the 34" scale length mark.

That's closer to the bridge pickup. RB 414 with RIC bridge looks like this.

View attachment 4238130

Another thing to keep in mind is string spacing. RIC/Hipshot are 17mm, it's 19mm for the RB. Even with the Hipshot adjustable spacing the poles/strings will be slightly out.

Not a problem for playing, I just don't relish this hypothetical conversation.

Stranger. "cool looking bass, can I try it ?"

Me. "Sure."

Stranger. " Yeah, very cool. Real shame these cheap Chinese basses never get the strings to line up, still you get what you pay for :) "

Me. " Actually they got it right, that's my handiwork :oops:"
Click to expand...
Yup, according to my micrometer and crappy eyesight that's about the size of it.At this point I'm fine with the stock bridge as I had the H.S. before the 414.I bought it for another bass I am building that's been on hold and I'm still unsure if I want to use it for that.But if string height or intonation becomes an issue it is there for me.It's assets may be worth the trade off in string spacing.
 
#116
PaleAngel_90 said:
What is Thomann's B stock?
Click to expand...
B-stock are returned items.

With no set reasons for returns, the bass may have been purchased just for a YT unboxing video or an eyelash in the finish. The buyer may not have liked the bass or it may have a QC concern.

My advice would be buy the B-stock. Play it for a few days to discover if it is indeed the correct style of bass for yourself.

You may well love the 414 right out of the box or you may love it but prefer one without the eyelash :D If that's the case return it and wait for the restock, sans eyelash ;) Could be you loathe the bass or find it uncomfortable, then use Thomann's easy return/refund policy.

Scratch the itch, better to know if the bass is suitable for your needs now than in July.
 
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#117
kodiakblair said:
B-stock are returned items.

With no set reasons for returns, the bass may have been purchased just for a YT unboxing video or an eyelash in the finish. The buyer may not have liked the bass or it may have a QC concern.

My advice would be buy the B-stock. Play it for a few days to discover if it is indeed the correct style of bass for yourself.

You may well love the 414 right out of the box or you may love it but prefer one without the eyelash :D If that's the case return it and wait for the restock, sans eyelash ;) Could be you loathe the bass or find it uncomfortable, then use Thomann's easy return/refund policy.

Scratch the itch, better to know if the bass is suitable for your needs now than in July.
Click to expand...

Price difference between B-Stock and new is 20€ = 23,96$

Well... The B-Stock is gone. Lasted less than 1 hour, wow...
 
#118
Rich Terry said:
He is a website that has a bit of information about this.
I don't own a Ric anymore but it's not hard to see that it's
another Chinese Ric with a custom headstock for whoever wants to distribute it
Not hard to see when it cost the same or less than the Aliexpress model.
Thomann is a retailer not a manufacturer.

I'd just buy a fake Ric from China if I wanted a knock off. Sorry.

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

For all it is worth a well known YouTube bass gear reviewer who reviewed the Harley Benton Rick and who also previously reviewed an Aliexpress Rick ripoff stated that the quality of the Harley Benton was way above the Aliexpress one he owned, the Harley Benton actually being a genuinely great bass, and not just for the money, where the Aliexpress one both played and sounded the cheap price he got it for.

And that adds perfectly up to the general impression I got of Harley Benton instruments vs. Aliexpress instruments.

That you generally get what you pay for from Aliexpress, or less, whereas you generally get way better quality than you pay for with Harley Benton.
 
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#119
PaleAngel_90 said:
What is Thomann's B stock? I saw that they have RB-414's in B stock. Is it worth it? Or is it better to get a new one?
Click to expand...
I have bought B stock items basses included and I haven't been disappointed.Sometimes it can be for a slight blemish as in the case of my Steinberger Spirit and I've yet to find said blemish.Other times as previously stated the item just didn't tickle their fancy.If the store has a good return policy there's little reason to worry.
 

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