Harley Benton B-450FL - Fearless Fretless For The Well Intonated Player - LowEndLobster Review

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Harley Benton B-450 Review: • Harley Benton B-450 Pr...
Harley Benton B-450 FL: harleybenton.com/product/b-45...
Hey everyone! Today we're going to be reviewing the fretless version of the Harley Benton B-450. We reviewed its fretted counterpart to much acclaim for this budget category. The fretless version ditches the frets and the lines, forcing the player to rely on their intonation and confidence as their only guide. Is this the budget fretless to buy for the fearless and well intonated? Let's find out!
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with SIT Foundation Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at sitstrings.com/
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
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[@CoyoteDuran1]

*"Not that confident"? Dude, you KILL on fretless! I just got the Harley Benton fretless jazz bass and, boy howdy, is it fun! Thank you for the fantastic upload, Lobster!*

[@LowEndLobster]

Dude thank you! Enjoy your JB!

[@matteostefanozanon6651]

I absolutely love this bass even if it’s the cheapest instrument I’ve ever bought. It’s well balanced (no neck dive) really good with or without the preamp and the neck it’s fantastic! Thank you lobster for the amazing review!

[@thefool2007]

Sounds pretty good all things considered. HB figured out how to make value offerings for low price points. That’s a win for sure. I’ve never had a fretless that I kept. But for that price, most folks on a tight budget could have one even if as a backup or just to have the tool in their arsenal. I’d buy that bass.

[@Klejpull123]

Got few months ago 5 string version of that fretless from my local music store. It was missing one bridge piece so they priced it around 65$, I had that bridge pieces in my toolbox from my previous bass rebuild, so I bought it in blink of an eye. Deal of the year.

[@petegaslondon]

Ker-CHING, duuude :) :) :)

[@toddstropicals]

For that price I wasn't expecting that great of a sound. That sounds really good actually.

[@clausm2203]

Great review and i am amazed of the Sound and quality of these cheaper basses for us who is on a budget 🙂👍

[@etpslick100]

Wow! Wasn’t expecting that! Not bad! Already love the HB Jazz Bass version; this model sounds great! I can see myself with a 5 string version. Nice bass, Lobster.😌🎶👍🏾

[@tigerscott2966]

Thanks. I am getting one of those for my birthday.

[@ivrz]

Sounds great, great playing. Active/passive pop!

[@EkstremuS]

You just show us a spirit of fretlles... other videos don't shoe this... tnx to you I chouse this bass...

[@gilligan1036]

Lovely intonation Lobster 🤘

[@stephenhookings1985]

I reviewed one of these on my channel a while back - it was £120 at the time and I put some La Bella black nylon tape wounds on it for that double bass sound. Bit neck heavy but lovely bass. I got it to learn fretless and due to humbuckers - single coils, where I played, was also receiving the induction loop :-(. Very nice bass. I put normal strings back on it because my Mrs got me a Daphne Blue Squier Jazz bass ... so I fitted a maple fretless neck with the nylon strings ... and is a thing of beauty.

[@50beowulf]

Hey Lobster. Great review as usual. I would love to see a review on the Ibanez SR375EF fretless 4 steing. Or how about a budget fretless shootout?

[@Peter-Alexander]

Your intonation was very good I think, well done! Incredible good value, how do they manage?

[@ErinBlueBird]

I'm impressed by that sound. Waiting for a 6 string one to pop up on second hand market for me to grab. Will install Warman musicman pickups and coat the fretboard. About the preamp dont know much about but a series parallel switch will be also added

[@222rich]

Got one today from your review. Needs setting up(strings buzz below 3rd "fret") but it sounds out of this world for the money!! £137 GBP

[@WalterDiamond]

150?? Almost worth it for the strings! Good review.

[@paulvanwal4875]

A very good Review, thanks. I should say for that price , and great sound you can be happy to play one ?

[@cyrilgleiman7202]

Harley Benton is keeping the lobster busy.🙂

[@faustinogarciabassplayer3174]

I picked up the 6 string version and even though it needed a lot of work on the setup it is fun to play after all that was done. Sound wise however I did swap out the pickups and electronics for Wilkinsons and a Tone Monster Preamp (not a very good Preamp IMO). I went with Wilkinsons because I wanted to see if that would pepper it up a but It didn't change the sound that much and was still very muddy. I'm convinced that it's the combination of material that is producing that muddy Tone. Overall, It's a good practice bass but not to do a gig with.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank for sharing your experience! I just did a pickup swap on this bass and installed some really nice LeCompte single coils (220 for the set, though got them for free for the video). They sound GREAT in the B450. I think it's the pickups wired in series that makes them a bit muddy. You can also try wiring the stock pickups in parallel to see if there's any more clarity/definition

[@glaciersmash4118]

For 150 that's an insanely good sounding instrument

[@shipsahoy1793]

Hey, thanks for the review lobster man but it turns out I already have a an Indonesian Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Fretless bass with flats on it. It’s about an I think it’s a 2017. Didn’t even pay $200, unless you include the string change and my labor lol👨🏻🥳🎸

[@peterlewis3038]

That sounds great for the price point. I've never really seriously considered a fretless, but at that price......🤔

[@stevenvalenti3722]

How can they sell a bass like that for only $150 is what makes this bass truly amazing!🙂👍

[@rob0nemusic369]

I've got this bass. Realy lacks of the "mwah" sound I was searching for, but still a great bass to begin on fretless

[@artcobb4010]

I am sorry that I missed this review when it initially came out. Good review, EXCEPT on my 550 fretted and fretless versions, BOTH tone controls work in passive mode. Both instruments were this way out of the box. HOWEVER, there is a caveat, in passive mode the treble control is at max effect when it reaches the middle detent and the bass control is at zero until the center detent and increases from there the max when in passive mode. Yeah, totally non-intuitive I know, but it's there if you want to use it.

[@suicidetourist3129]

Hey Lobster, have you considered making a video on the HB JB75 ? Would love to see your take on it

[@rodoherty1]

You have great intonation, Leah. Are you considering rebooting the channel? Or can we find you on a new channel? Hope you're keeping well.

[@mark6302]

I got the premium fretless its amazing. i put flatwound on it.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Premium? What model # is that?

[@mark6302]

@@blueeyedsoulman im sorry its deluxe not premium, im burnt

[@blueeyedsoulman]

@@mark6302 OK. No fret lines I guess.

[@robhunter4424]

I was wondering if you were playing through any pedals? Some of the tones sounded as though they were going through a chorus pedal, but where they? Really nice sounds and reminded me of Mick Karn from Japan. Or was the sound completely unprocessed? Either way, lovely tones! TIA if you do respond to my question.

[@vitormagnas847]

Greetings from Brazil!

[@PerpetuallyTiredMusician]

It still blows me away that you can get instruments that don't have necks like bananas that wants to cut your fingers off at these prices. All in all if you can get passed your inner vanity there is a lot of fun instruments out there. Good times even though it's bad times. Now if HB could actually come up with a logo that looked good on the head stock. Peace, stay safe and take care everyone

[@ClaudioBrogliato]

Mine has low output, to the point I thought my battery was wasted but even changing it or rising the pups made any difference. If you want to gig with it keep an eq or a boost pedal to level its output with other basses you may have with you.

[@peekaboo4390]

My fretless is an Ibanez MC940DS and it sings but give it to Harley Benton for knocking out another totally usable bass for silly money.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm JEALOUS! Those Musicians are AWESOME! I totally want to do a video on one... ;)

[@johnwhyte-venables2167]

As you're reviewing a fretless would be good if you mentioned FL specific aspects of the bass: are the side dots in the usual 'fretted' position, or on the note? what is the nut slot height, and related, is it 'mwah' heavy in the playing?

[@seanflannery777]

I have the 6 string version of this... really like it. Don't play a 6 all the time, (fretless P-bass guy), has a good build and tone, very playable as well.

[@EddieG1888]

I've fancied one of these for quite a while, but the unlined board scares me!😂

[@Phyoomz]

Embrace your inner standing bassist bro!

[@omg_wtf]

Come swim with the dolphins man

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

I have a B550FL, and while it's quite lightweight and overall decent, it also sounds distorted to me with volume on max (in passive mode as well), and that would prevent me from using it on gigs (not to mention recording...). I think I hear same sound character on the bass in this video. I guess the pickups are to blame. Those basses do punch above their price, but not too far IMO.

[@andrejpliaskin9444]

have you tried to set pickups lower to prevent distortion? i had same problem with my G&L bass

[@iamLexxKelsey]

wow 💯🎸

[@atquinn1975]

Wow, one of the very few fretlesses with a p-width neck. I've been looking for fretless to play around with and other than the Fender Tony Franklin literally every other fretless I've seen that currently is in production has a 1.5" nut width. Are the sides in the right place (as in, in line with where the frets would be as opposed to in-between as with side dots on a fretted bass?)

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes, the dots are where the frets would be

[@Simpano55]

Hello, can you please explain the pots and their function in order? I got the HB 550FL today and the sound is very quiet (goes out) when I turn the second potentiometer from right side to left Position. Reduced to zero in passive mode and greatly reduced in active mode. What is this pot for?

[@kelalamusic9258]

I enjoyed your video. How do they do it? I can't get over how they can produce a decent instrument like that at such a low price. My biggest concern is if you receive one of their guitars and have to ship it back for whatever reason. If you have to pay return shipping as well, then it doesn't end up being a bargain after all. I prefer the safer, perhaps more expensive route of play, then pay.

[@LowEndLobster]

They just opened a US warehouse too which should help with shipping and returns for those on this side of the pond!

[@kelalamusic9258]

@@LowEndLobster that's great. In that case, I have no concern about shipping charges as much as the cost back and forth from Germany.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@kelalamusic9258 I agree. they just announced it a few days ago and opened up a NA reverb store too. A very nice move indeed!

[@kelalamusic9258]

@@LowEndLobster it points to the fact that people obviously like their guitars, otherwise they wouldn't invest in such a project. This is very good news. Their sales should go up for sure now.

[@tibi1687]

somewhere in the room i ve seen (for a few vids now) a new member? Maybe a future review?

[@LowEndLobster]

What do you see?

[@tibi1687]

@@LowEndLobster i don't want to spoil it :))! A certain 5 string version of something that you have and have reviewed in the past.

[@LowEndLobster]

Ahhh yes. That video is coming in early mid December :).

[@omg_wtf]

Gonna snap one up. Not much to shell out for one.

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

That is a whole lot nicer than Glamlock! 😂

[@nj1255]

They have to be copy's of the old Yamaha RBX 374/375 right? I had one of those Yamaha's as my second bass and they weren't that good. I guess they sold good though, so maybe that's why HB have copied them. Wouldn't be shocked if these HBs are better than the RBX 300 series. The newer Yamaha TRBX is a bit better, and the TRBX 500 series are seriously good!

[@charlescowan6121]

Is this right from the box? Has it been setup or modified in anyway.

[@shyfawxproductions]

Did you have to set this up before the demo..

[@room34]

Not a bad instrument at all… one thing I am wondering about it though: how many people who have the skill and experience to play an unlined fretless are really going to be in the market for an entry-level instrument? (I suppose if you're a high school student who's coming over from upright maybe.) Personally I struggle even on my *lined* fretless because the tiny fret dots on the top edge of the neck are too hard for my aging eyes to see.

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

That's the thing, I bought the B550FL precisely in order to develop that skill :) I prefer the fretless unlined. Lined is cheating ;)

[@room34]

@@HapyLLIuTeJIb Good point.

[@LowEndLobster]

Both great viewpoints. That's why I think this is for the more daring beginner or someone who wants to explore fretless more without breaking the bank. For a true fretless beginner, I'd say lines are going to be helpful. For an experienced bass player who wants to try fretless, this may be a good option. I enjoy playing unlined as well as it makes you think a bit differently, though my intonation isn't always spot on heheh

[@jamcam9]

@@HapyLLIuTeJIb as a primarily fretless player, it really irks me when people say having fret lines is cheating. It's a tool like any other. As far as I am concerned, the only possible argument against fret lines is aesthetics, and that's up to personal choice.

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

@@jamcam9 I'm not against anything, and you are right, it's a matter of a personal choice. I just prefer unlined. It's funny, but I'm more accurate on the fretless when I don't look at the neck at all, so there's that :)

[@50beowulf]

Hey Thoman please do a 5 string version! A 34" scake would be bonus but I would buy one either way.

[@LowEndLobster]

They do! The B-550FL

[@BassAdvisor]

Even a 6 string fretless! 650fl

[@PhullyNo1]

This thing sounds like it’s running chorus the whole time. That’s quite a phase shift.

[@AJbassist]

do u know where i could find a "budget" fretless pj bass with a "rosewood" board that all I have been wanting for while

[@jamcam9]

There aren't many budget fretless basses worth getting and many will need to have their finger boards sanded flat. Fretless pjs are very uncommon. I've been looking for a decent one for two years that isn't in the Fender Tony Franklin's price range. You'll probably want an ebony or pau ferro board instead of rosewood as many rosewoods may get eaten by the strings.

[@AJbassist]

@@jamcam9 that why i had rosewood in qoutes, but yeah i totally agree with all your points and for the price of the tony i would get custom "carvin"

[@AJbassist]

i think sire makes a maple board fretless p which i could see myself getting but the maple board eee ?

[@klaymeister]

Hmm which pickups? Nordstrand or Aguilar possibly

[@LowEndLobster]

Lecompte :)

[@klaymeister]

@@LowEndLobster whoa. I looked these up. Never heard of them before. This could be a GAS problem lol.

[@willistaylor4077]

Lob, Have you watched Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, at all yet ?

[@LowEndLobster]

Not yet

[@offbeatbassgear]

Am not a Harley Benton fan, but it is hard to beat the price point if you're looking to get into fretless for a low buy-in to figure out if its for you.

[@jesseparrish9198]

Dude look up Richard Lund on KZbin. You look just like him. Of course if you were santa lol.

[@Sannypowa]

Very similar to my Ibanez but it just sounds cheap

[@reneebear3641]

“…for a 4 string bass with 24 frets” 😂😂😂

[@pricc-om]

waz a very pleazant zvrprize to hear yov pvll ovt tommy the cat! really inzpiring, if yov can do it maybe i can too... thiz thing zovndz marvelovz!

[@MrSparks54]

Not bad but sounds a bit muffled to my geezerly ears. Thanks Lobster

[@tigerscott2966]

I have a great idea for bass players. It's original. It won't cost anything and it's cool and will lead to profit. I can email you a pdf. It's 3 pages. I haven't had time to use Discord or Telegram yet.

[@LowEndLobster]

You can email me- channel name at Gmail

[@PhullyNo1]

If you’re not attempting to scam people I’d suggest thinking about how you phrase comments.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@PhullyNo1 Thanks. I'm pretty vigilant in the comments and Tiger is a long time commenter and fan. I usually delete anything I suspect is a scam or malicious, but I doubt Tiger is doing anything sketchy.

[@kirillukin2222]

First

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

😆

[@kirillukin2222]

@@HapyLLIuTeJIb מייצג

[@scottmatthews172]

Chinese slave labor keeps costs down. Threats to their life keeps quality and craftsmanship above standard.

[@LowEndLobster]

That's usually not the case with musical instruments. I don't like making statements like that without some sort of evidence to back it up.

[@scottmatthews172]

@@LowEndLobster How else can they produce such high quality at such a low cost. It just isn't fees able in today's economy.

[@LowEndLobster]

From what I understand, Thomann doesn't really do any real marketing of their instruments, and they're one of Europe's largest music retailers. I also think they utilize existing tooling for many of their models. There's a big piggy bank behind them. Again, I avoid pointing fingers in regards to wrong doing or potential human rights issues unless we have evidence of such.

[@scottmatthews172]

@@LowEndLobster I agree. But I can't help but wonder how they keep quality high and prices low. Someone is doing something right. I do have just one question for you. Why do you dislike Fenders? I bought a 2012 American standard P bass and a 2017 American original 60's J bass and I can't believe how great these basses sound and play.

[@peekaboo4390]

@@scottmatthews172 As if Fender doesn't make heaps of stuff in China.

[@Nico_Aslanidis]

So many Harley Benton's for an American! :D Please tell us you have already a Sire P8 and/or V8 being prepared for review!!

[@serdarozbey]

buy this bass and convert to fanfret . cheap way to having multiscale bas. What do you think Mr Lobster ?

[@LowEndLobster]

I don't think that's a good idea as there's not really room to move the nut or install a multiscale bridge setup