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Modified Harley Benton 1975

#2
Hi.

My experiences with Thomann house brand HB has been exellent with two examples HBB600 (BO 6) and (IIRC) HB6000 (NT 6).

What makes You think it won't sound good?

Any (Chinese) on-line bass is going to be hit and miss, but with Thomann's great return policy, there's really not much to lose.

BTW, are You absolutely sure that your local "mom and pops" music store won't be able to match or beat the price?

Regards
Sam
 
#4
Well actually I couldn't find SX anywhere in the country,but I've spoke with a couple of shop managers and they could import some,but shipping taxes ....
Anyway right now I just want a cheap jazz bass with good body.After I've sold some stuff,I'd upgrade it,but now I urgently need something and don't have $.
 
#5
I'm considering that same exact bass, since it's almost a replica of the Squier VM Jazz. I'm just gonna have to go to Music Store in Cologne and try them both side by side and see if it's worth it. Of course, I'm planning on modifying either as well.

I've bought a Harley Benton P-bass on ebay for a friend and it was ok. The hardware was a little cheap, but if you're going to upgrade, it might be worth it.
 
#6
Considered and ordered that very bass myself. I needed a spare JB and having tried the Squire VM I thought it was a bit pricey for what it was.
My dad (who has worked in the guitar business for over 40 years) has told me that most of these Harley Benton instruments are made for brand names such as Epiphone, Squier etc. in China and Thomann buys overstock of discontinued models. indeed he bought a small combo only to find it was a previous model Roland cube inside, just the fascia changed, and it was a fraction of the price.

I know the guitars are made by the Shine factory and I suspect given the spec. that the HBB1975NA is simply an oversupply or b-stock Squier VM Jazz Bass, perhaps with cheaper hardware (I doubt these have Seymour Duncan pickups like the Squier). Also, the time spent on QC is probably not so great so prepare to have to file down sticking out frets, adjust the nut etc.

I intend to upgrade the hardware on mine at some point, but with CAD/CAM the only issue might be the quality of the wood. These basses are Maple neck/maple body so should be better than the standard Basswood affair (I've heard these are really low density and dent easily).

I have an epiphone T-Bird Pro which I believe is made in the same factory and whilst I had to do a bit of finishing myself, the neck is great and now its set up properly its really nice to play (even compared to my MIA Fender Jazz!).

If you're not confident about filing down frets and adjusting the nut yourself I would budget an extra £50 for a proper set up - it will be worth it!
 

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