How Is This SO Cheap?! | Harley Benton JJ-550P [Review/Demo]

[@patrickjamesknight8100]

Got a JJ 4 string. Before running off to do expensive improvements I recommend a change to an set of good strings (I put on D’addario nickel wound) and slightly raised both pickups. A world of improvement in minutes and without big bucks. Big improvement in tone and output. You might want to try it. I own a few more Harley Benton basses and the string changes on all had spectacular results.

[@JonnyDibble]

I wouldn't recommend anyone ever keep the original strings on after they die. I love that fresh string clang! 😍 Great shout re pickup height

[@bassgroove8582]

Totally agree I put Eernie Balls on my HB and it sounds like a different bass.

[@Bassdriver]

Which is interesting since Harley Benton puts D'Addarios on their guitars. But yeah, a fresh set of strings can work wonders.

[@patrickjamesknight8100]

@@Bassdriver HB does not put D'addarios on all basses. Only some. Check it out in the photos at Thomann.

[@themigwel6185]

Many times I read people do that. What height from the strings you raised them?

[@AlexDevineMusic]

I've been impressed by Harley Benton in the past with what you get for the money. Glad to hear they're still delivering with that. Great Video! :)

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks Alex 😄 Yeah they're still insane bang for your buck!

[@NotNibbelos]

Broo that beginning jam was just🤤🤤 Been playing guitar for about a year and a half. I just wanna get into basses so bad

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks mate! You won't regret it 😄

[@marymcintyrebass2676]

Gosh my first ever bass, bought from the Flying Pig advert in a guitar magazine back in the early 1990s, was a pink Aria Pro II with the pointed headstock. I wanted it in black but black was out of stock so they sent me the pink one to try even though I hate pink, promising to take it back if I didn't like it. The colour when it was new was actually really nice, but over the years it has oxidized to a horrendous orange/pink colour. When I bought my Jackson bass off eBay 4 or 5 years ago, I realised when I stood them next to each other that shape wise they were identical, so I had essentially bought the exact bass I wanted to buy in the 1990s! It's actually nice to see Aria getting some love from HB. I keep being so tempted by many of their basses. My guitar player recently bought a Les Paul copy from HB and it's stunning!

[@HarleyBentonOfficial]

Thanks for the cool video Jonny! Have a great weekend :)

[@JonnyDibble]

Cheers guys! Keep up the great work😄

[@derPaul76]

The review we all have been waiting for - finally here! Thanks fot that! Wasn't shure about these HBs and there was not much out there...... Now there is one on my list! Love this 80s kitchen style wood finish - brings back some youth feelings 👶..... Maybe we will also see a fretless version soon.

[@JonnyDibble]

No worries! Hahaha brings that nostalgia factor 😝

[@tobinmorse5150]

I just got a blue one yesterday. Wicked impressed for 250 bucks in total! Only thing is, the strings suck bad. Ordered a new set right away. Other than that I love it. Really comfortable to play, and looks great too!

[@JonnyDibble]

Amazing! Glad you're liking it 👍

[@daveandrews5485]

Good honest review Jonny. I was looking forward to this one and you didn’t disappoint. My concern with these basses is how sustainable is this pricing? Great value for money undoubtedly but margins must be really thin so how long can a business continue to make single digit percentages? Clearly there have been compromises on the pickups but at this price point it’s hardly surprising. I’m tempted to say if you need to spend money upgrading pickups and tuners then just buy something else. Just my opinion. Great video Jonny, looking forward to the next one.

[@JonnyDibble]

But then if you upgrade those parts, combined with the features of this bass, you'll potentially have a better bass than the stock alternative! All depends on what you want I think 😊 Cheers!

[@dm4728]

I think they should have kept it passive with the Roswell pups. For €200 having an active circuit stretched the scope a bit too far. But maybe with a decent set of strings and pick up height adjustment it might improve things a fair bit.

[@liamtahaney713]

nothin better than a five string demo where you actually hear the B string. I must say the blue one really melts my heart as far as looks, but I am not super impressed with what I have been seeing in the demos. Would rather spring the 430 euros for the aria, assuming the quality was there

[@poikusa0207]

im real tempted to pick up a harley benton something after all these videos showing how good they sound for the price.

[@whoozl3540]

You're so right! A 5-string bass in general just looks so much better than a 4-string! The neck thickness of a 5-string has the perfect proportions as opposed to the 4-string neck, which looks somewhat too thin and anaemic as compared to the body. Most of my basses are therefore 5-strings 😂!

[@maxproud]

I own a Harley Benton! I love it! I would definitely take a chance and buy this bass!

[@JonnyDibble]

Phenomenal for the money!

[@ainahmaerivera]

This is a steal considering the lower price compare to the others. The pre amp is not that best but still a good one.

[@gaaabeee2094]

I have benton pb-20 that shit is legit. Hello from Latvia.

[@JonnyDibble]

Hi! 👋 Amazing! I really love their gear. The PB-50 is a personal favourite 😍

[@dm4728]

The Matt black one right?

[@gaaabeee2094]

@@dm4728 yes,that one.

[@dm4728]

@@gaaabeee2094 weighs an absolute ton with it, I couldn't ever imagine gigging with it. great for home studio work, proper nice bit of growl

[@michaelmegahmike1893]

Great sounding bass guitar I love it 😻 thanks.

[@BABing-pv5xq]

I have a HB bz7000nt bass and have absolutely no f*cking clue how they made such worthy quality bass for the ludicrously cheap price. Unplugged, the natural tone has a sweetness to it that I haven’t heard in basses 4x it’s price, and plugged in it’s lavish, and the fit and finish quality was a mile beyond my expectations. It was one of their “premium hi-end models” At a whopping 375 USD and the quality is just boggling for that.

[@JonnyDibble]

Madness isn't it! All down to cheap labor (sadly) and the fact Thomann are the retailer so they cut out the middle man and essentially sell direct

[@mr_ozzio5095]

I recon that M/B are aiming these bass's at beginner or intermediate players, with the premise of up grading the pick-ups/strings/tuners! As they improve, they can do with as they need and end up with a very solid £300-350 beast...

[@JonnyDibble]

With those upgrades, it would really hold its own up against much more exp3nsive basses! 🔥

[@mr_ozzio5095]

@@JonnyDibble It's crazy the RRP of £180-200, with upgrades of £100-175..🦁 Squire really need to up their game

[@1thess523]

Mr. Dibble your playing seems to have jumped up a few levels since I saw your first video a while back 👍, also that tone sounds 👌.

[@JonnyDibble]

Ah thanks mate! 😄

[@superduperj1202]

Love the "Alan" Key reference. :-)

[@JonnyDibble]

Let's see if he picks up on it 🤪

[@BullyThaKidd]

@@JonnyDibble lol well played old chap... well played

[@-joserosajr]

The Allen Key…. Cool shout out to Bully. 🤙🏼 I am strongly considering this one.

[@JonnyDibble]

Going to have to shout him out everytime I mention one now! 😝

[@-joserosajr]

I concur. 😆

[@xero_2003]

Now we gotta see the PJ model next Because I’m curious about it

[@JonnyDibble]

Would be interested to compare!

[@craighenshaw4487]

Hey. would love to see you do a review of the new budget version of the markbass jazz range. would love your opinion on how they compare to sire etc?

[@JonnyDibble]

I'd love to check one out! I'll get in touch with them 😇 Cheers!

[@PegeCovers]

I use the B-450 and JB-75~~

[@JonnyDibble]

Nice one! I've not played the B-450 but the JB-75 is great 👍

[@WimRijksen]

I believe this is the same headstock shape as HB uses on their B450 and B550 Progressive series, which also delivers great value for money.

[@JonnyDibble]

"Value for money" is their middle name!

[@MB57]

Don't forget the $75 for shipping if you're in the US. Still a great value.

[@JonnyDibble]

That does hurt. But you're not wrong, still good value!

[@juanmanuelbar4898]

Could be a good bass for heavy metal??

[@dm4728]

Decent set of passive pick ups would see it good. Aguillar with a dark glass pre amp and I reckon this bass would be competing with basses 5 to 10 times it's price.

[@JonnyDibble]

I think you'd be right!

[@johnsausage]

The problem with HB sending him this bass is that they most likely made sure that they got a well built and set up model and not just a random one from the shelf…

[@JonnyDibble]

We'll never know, but this is pretty on par with my experience with lots of other HB basses. That being said, nature of mass production does mean more potential for lemons to slip through the cracks!

[@Strepite]

I bought 2 HBs recently and both came in really good shape, intonation and setup pretty much spot on. Sure, bringing it to a luthier for fine tuning is even better

[@ArturBFPV]

Pretty cool bass for the money. Its definitely easier to have affordable instrument these days. One thing about your demo - sound is very much scooped. There isn’t much bass in it. Maybe when you do review demo just use what’s coming out of instrument without any amp / cab sims ? Just a suggestion of course

[@JonnyDibble]

I need to remember to do always do the DI sound too to be fair! I don't think JUST the DI is too much use to most people though, gotta hear what it would sound like in an amp setup too. Cheers mate! 😊

[@tuneandsmash9346]

Sounded good to me but I suppose at that price it's not too unreasonable to do a pickup swap

[@JonnyDibble]

Depending on the pickups, it would probably still be cheaper than most basses!

[@TheCrusader1099]

looks really good for this small amount of money! would like to hear the difference between this and the PJ ....

[@JonnyDibble]

Really good! Lobster has both so we shall see! 😁

[@Minimalist1266]

What's the string spacing on these? Does anybody know?

[@gordonhodgson8403]

Anyone notice the camera frame rate almost matching the top string open. Can see it waving down the neck

[@JonnyDibble]

Flappin like a bird 🐦

[@bazmole]

based on the sounds I dont feel I could gig this one without changing out the pickups. it looks stunning though. thanks so much for this Jonny. P

[@JonnyDibble]

You're welcome Paul! 😄

[@TrustyGreenAwp1]

Whats the weight on these? I've heard Harleys can be extremely heavy. Not a 5 string player but I'm tempted to get one just to have a cheap 5 string in the collection

[@JonnyDibble]

I forgot to film it but I inserted it into the video, it's about 10lbs 😊

[@EckhardRotte]

Same story as with other HB basses. At this budget it seems to be impossible to integrate a adequate preamp that does not suck. Same with the "Enhanced" series. Super awesome basses and build quality, but the preamp sucks. In this price range it is obviously much better to build passive basses. For example, the MB-4 StingRay clones are passive basses and really awesome.

[@JonnyDibble]

For cheaper basses. I generally prefer passive basses as they can put the money into better components, rather that stretching it out!

[@1thess523]

This bass sound would go good with a modern hardcore band

[@JonnyDibble]

Certainly suits distortion well!

[@klaymeister]

Do you know string spacing at the bridge?

[@JonnyDibble]

Ooooh. I don't. I'll check when I'm home!

[@2minTheology]

Just a suggestion- could you add and leave the bass in the video frame as you do your 8 minute intro review video.

[@JonnyDibble]

Might take away from some of the editing style? (Which is sort of my thing) I try and put clips where I can based on what I'm saying but I guess it doesn't always show off the bass? Thanks for the suggestion, I'll have a think about how to implement!

[@2minTheology]

@@JonnyDibble wow you responded.. more impressed than before

[@sicilianmammalian]

I kinda want one of these but I’m still leaning toward a v5 or v7

[@JonnyDibble]

Sires?

[@dm4728]

Im also looking at these and V5's... And G&L JB-2... quite a price range I know.. What you reckon Jonny?

[@JonnyDibble]

@@dm4728 tough one! Based on my P5 and experience with the D5 too, the V5 will be amazing. I'd choose that personally!

[@dm4728]

@@JonnyDibble thanks for the reply Jonny, will peruse the V5 range a bit longer. HB are knocking it outta the park for quality these days... I have a PB-20, Matt black that I put a fender high mass bridge on and mirror pickguard, bit of a baseball bat neck (it's a P) but it less than £100 bass and sounds well decent.

[@dnate697]

Subbed and Liked!

[@JonnyDibble]

Thank-you!

[@cardynkenneth6572]

not a big fan of the sound of this bass, but that's my humble opinion of course😊

[@JonnyDibble]

I think its OK, but it excells in other areas more!

[@DeanBolz]

I can't find these anywhere

[@JonnyDibble]

Looks like they’re no longer on the HB website not Thomann!?

[@DeanBolz]

I've been checking. I haven't seen them

[@alessiomassacesi5662]

what amp do you use?

[@JonnyDibble]

Aguilar Tone Hammer head with Ampeg cab on the Line 6 HX Stomp 😊

[@TheSimsIT]

Low B seems good or is floppy?

[@JonnyDibble]

Seems really good!

[@TheSimsIT]

@@JonnyDibble thanks for the feedback & the super review!

[@leighcoulson2148]

Normally prefer 4 strings and P's over J's and 5 strings but I like the sound (via my PC speakers anyway), especially at the fat string end for a relatively cheap bass. Not sure about the looks but it' probably be a grower.

[@JonnyDibble]

I'm exactly the same tbh! But this one caught my eye over the rest for sure. The low B is really great for an affordable bass 👌

[@BullyThaKidd]

Hahahahaha well played old chap... well played

[@JonnyDibble]

New merch opportunity for you!? 😝

[@thrash3310]

Alright, let's settle this, harley benton vs sx? Which chinese budget bass is the best?

[@JonnyDibble]

Oooooooooh. I think for options and features, the Harley Bentons are better. But SX are definitely on par with quality. I love their P bass!

[@thrash3310]

@@JonnyDibble on my 200€ HB p bass the A string started buzzing after one year, I think it is beacuse of the uneven nut. But nothing is unfixable ;)

[@daveburchfield9105]

My SX Andromeda Jazz is equally as good as my Fender Highway One, and for only $200. It’s really too bad that they are not being built any longer.

[@TFEnright5]

I’m Tom, so I had to hit like.

[@JonnyDibble]

Thanks for doing your bit Tom 🙌

[@tomrobinson4781]

Aye! lovely

[@JonnyDibble]

Proper good time!

[@grantkoeller8911]

Remember that Sire is 18 volt or using two 9 volt batterys!!!!

[@JonnyDibble]

Which Sire?

[@grantkoeller8911]

@@JonnyDibble Marcus miller

[@JonnyDibble]

@@grantkoeller8911 that's all the basses right?! Great basses 👌

[@grantkoeller8911]

@@JonnyDibble yes i believe so,

[@dm4728]

I think the V5 is passive

[@PushSueAside]

Ouch!!! Ok…. Liking ✅ Commenting ✅ Subcr…. ??? (Hmmm???? hang on…i can do this…… Unsubscribe…..) Subscribe ✅ Ok, John! I have pulled my weight. Thank you for noticing the Tom’s, and reminding them to “do their part” You are the bees knees! Cheers

[@JonnyDibble]

#TomsUnite

[@PushSueAside]

@@JonnyDibble …thank you for not being offended by my attempts at humor. Btw…You are doing it awesomely. Just keep being the best Jonny you can be. Cheers

[@LowEndLobster]

LMAO Allen Key XD

[@JonnyDibble]

The Allen Brown Key 🤪

[@SebastianBleak]

🥳🥳🥳🥰🥰🥰

[@JonnyDibble]

Woohoo! 😄😃

[@vince8081]

I think it's killer for the money, but you have to buy real pickups with it.

[@JonnyDibble]

Depends on the pickups, still a steal! Madness

[@brianlee1012]

They are not cheap. Others are expensive.

[@candrabalimirage]

Like#263rd and Subscribed. Thanks 4 Ur Video !

[@JonnyDibble]

Very nice! Thanks very much 😊

[@TenFalconsMusic]

. Hopefully this will send a message to the "big boys" that making quality, affordable instruments ordinary musicians can afford may not make you a billionaire ...but it will make you a legend.

[@JonnyDibble]

Being a billionaire would be pretty good too though (or maybe not)

[@TenFalconsMusic]

@@JonnyDibble I would build a tax free Museum of Bass. Including all amps, basses & kit throughout history. I may even allow a Rickenbacker to be displayed (in the toilet of course).

[@dm4728]

@@TenFalconsMusic 🤣👍

[@dm4728]

@@TenFalconsMusic Rickenbacker in the toilet 🤣 I used to love their guitars, because that's what Paul well used in the Jam, but I've never been into the basses, never really did anything for me.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

@@dm4728 I suppose Rick basses aren't horrible if you don't mind: Their extortionate price Massive 60 cycle hum A neck that turns into a pretzel Frets made of warm butter Low output Numerous quality control issues Cheap as chips wiring & plastics The worst bridge in bass history and it's bloody uncomfortable... Disclaimer: Like you, I do like their guitars. They must make those on Tuesday mornings.

[@coffeenowmyson]

sponsored

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#152_NoPassiveValue_MeNoWant⚠️

[@wolfram4321]

Harley Benton can produce cheap instruments because they don’t spent money on research and development. The copy and produce in big numbers. If all people would buy HB other companies that do development will die. And then there’s is no more innovation and no more development. Consider this before you buy HB to often.

[@JonnyDibble]

Biggest savings are from cutting out the middle man too though as they're distributed directly through Thomann! But yeah no hiding from the fact all their instruments are affordable versions of existing designs

[@wolfram4321]

Access to neck rod on the botto is a copy from Ibanez ATK or others. Nothing new and nothing spectacular.

[@JonnyDibble]

Definitely nothing new, but great for this price point!

[@AndyBondo]

Good video.i want one