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Need help choosing...

Which bass should I buy?

  • Harley Benton Marquess 4

    Votes: 3 4.1%
  • Sterling by Musicman Ray 4

    Votes: 67 90.5%
  • Harley Benton MB-4

    Votes: 4 5.4%

  • Total voters
    74
Can't miss with this one.

Tbe price is ridiculously low.
So low you can buy the PB-20, too.
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The Ray4s are are great for the money and a different flavor from the Pbass in all kinds of ways. And for the future, upgrading the electronics at a later stage leaves some good room for improvement too.
Yeah I think my mind is made up. I'm getting the Ray4. They seem to be popular around TB and everyone seems to like them. The Harley Bentons seem like a crapshoot. I'm sure they are great, but I'm not sure about their quality control.
 
Yeah it's on the list. I'm just worried about quality control. Have you played the HB-4? Just wondering how the quality compares to the Sterling Ray4?
I've been wanting to buy the MB-4, PB-20 or the TB-70...Hb's Thunderbird, for quite some time now, but I already have 11 basses and definitely have to stop this madness!
Seriously though, I used to just shake my head every time someone mentioned Harley Benton, but I've been hearing nothing but good reviews for the past six or seven months and I've definitely changed my mind.
No, I haven't had the opportunity to play the MB-4, but at that price I'd be willing to gamble on one just based on the video alone...10 of my 11 basses were bought online without me having the chance to play first.
I have played the Sterling Ray 4, nice bass, a bit better than the older SUB 4s, but the MB-4 simply looks better, much better, and I'd be willing to bet it's perfectly gig worthy.
No contest for me what with HB's great reputation.
 
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I've been wanting to buy the MB-4, PB-20 or the TB-70...Hb's Thunderbird, for quite some time now, but I already have 11 basses and definitely have to stop this madness!
Seriously though, I used to just shake my head every time someone mentioned Harley Benton, but I've been hearing nothing but good reviews for the past six or seven months and I've definitely changed my mind.
No, I haven't had the opportunity to play the MB-4, but at that price I'd be willing to gamble on one just based on the video alone...10 of my 11 basses were bought online without me having the chance to play first.
I have played the Sterling Ray 4, nice bass, a bit better than the older SUB 4s, but the MB-4 simply looks better, much better, and I'd be willing to bet it's perfectly gig worthy.
No contest for me what with HB's great reputation.
I agree with you 100% on the looks. The HB looks great. The Ray4's look nice for example the black and maple one looks great as well as the satin sunburst one. The main reason I'm leaning towards the Ray4 is due to better QC (maybe?). I'll be buying online either through Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, or Chicago Music Exchange and if I need to return the bass it will be super easy. Not sure how Thomann will be on returns for the Harley Benton Bass.
 
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I know it's not in the options, but I have a Yamaha rbx170 and I still love it even when I had and having 1000€ or more basses around to play... And it's only a bit more than 200€! If it's to start I think it's a good choice... Good luck!
 
ZOMBIE POST ALERT! I ended up getting the MB-4. It is a very nice bass and definitely scratched my Ray itch. The quality is surprisingly good for the $150ish I spent (bass plus shipping). I would say these are in the same ballpark as the Ray4 basses. I also just got the HB JB-40FL and it's great as well.
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