Harley Benton JP-45OP - The Most OP Budget Bass of 2022! - LowEndLobster Review

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Harley Benton JP-45OP: harleybenton.com/product/jp-4...
Hey everyone! Today we're putting the Harley Benton JP-45OP through it's paces in our full review! Featuring a (flamed) roasted maple neck, ash body, Wilkinson bridge, and AlNiCo V PJ pickups, this high end bass is only lacking one thing - the high end price tag. Coming in at under $200 (plus shipping), this feature packed bass should have you doing a double take. Does this budget bass deliver? 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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[@gregorbien1719]

"The King is Back"

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Gregor :)

[@themigwel6185]

We’re not worthy!

[@RobVespa]

Thanks for the nice video! I commented on the "Best of 2022" video and came here for more information... because less than two years later, this 2022 bass-of-the-year is oddly no longer available. This all seems strange! Edit: I reached out to Harley Benton, who responded almost immediately. I'm a bit flabbergasted (in enough of a good way to roll out that ole chestnut) by how helpful and responsive they were! The JP-45OP is only available via their European store and is presently out of stock... but a revamped version (fingers crossed it's even better!) will be returning at the end of the year (that seems so far away). So, good news for those who are patient!

[@patrickhunter]

This is awesome, man! Just got mine the other day and it is SICK! So great to see you back in action, Will!🔥

[@LowEndLobster]

Hell yeah! Excited to see your vid on it. Really impressed with these. Can't wait to start modding! Great to be back, my friend!

[@leighcoulson2148]

Just ordered mine today, early Christmas present ...same white finish.

[@embasset8931]

Mr lobster you hit it out the ballpark with this review. It is now my favorite bass. I put a tonemonster preamp with original pickups, and it kills.

[@michaelkeefer4293]

Welcome back Lobster! It's great to have you back, hope the kitty is doing well! Thanks for the thorough (as always) review of this bass. The one very minor negative I could tell about the bass from your review is that there was hardly, if any , difference between the tone at full and 50%. I know you mentioned it's not as bad as being an "on/off" control but it seems like 90% of it's range is below the half way mark. But that is hardly a gripe when considering its price tag! May end up picking one these up and doing a couple mods myself. 👍

[@duartebriz]

5 claws!? Wow! I was not expecting this rating at all. It has a super nice sound and if it feels as good as it sounds it's deserved. Welcome back Lobster!

[@surlydogstudio]

I already have and absolutely love the JJ-45OP. You've convinced me that I also need a PJ combo in my life. Just got my tracking number this morning and it's scheduled to be on my doorstep four days from now. Thank you, Low End Lobster!

[@In_MT]

Glad to have you back!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad to be back :)

[@edropy3320]

Happy to have you back Lobster! Hope everything is well! Would love to listen to this bass with another set of pickups, especially regarding the p position. Great presentation and video!

[@elijahjones2889]

So this vid (been waiting for it) goes up as my 55 sits at the post office. Great job as always....great to have you back....

[@sunn_bass]

Great to see you back. Interesting bass, sounds like a winner considering the price. I give this bass a 100% chance of being modified in another video. If you upgrade the pickups, instead of putting in some pricier set which we know will make a bass sound better, it would be interesting to use more budget friendly pickups such as ones offered by Guitar Fetish, the eBay seller True Custom Shop or any other budget brand ones. Since many folks buying lower priced basses use lower priced pickups for their upgrades, so do budget pickups actually make budget basses sound better than the stock pickups?

[@PearlHarbor138]

welcome back! and with a bass i've been eyeing!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Glad to be back :)

[@moanissalem]

Welcome back Lobster! Great to have you here again!!

[@cyrilbrocard]

Welcome back, good sir. It's great to see and hear you again. You certainly did get some enjoyable sounds from that HB... As per your usual standards ! Thank you.

[@DanParker9000]

Good to have you back, hope all is well.

[@driverbass1554]

Great to see you back and at it!!! Great One to get you back into it! Definitely planning to get one

[@johncandido2241]

Glad to see you back Lobster!!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

5 🦞!! That does happen often! Missed ya Lobster, KZbin isn’t the same without ya! What a beautiful bass!! That neck is such a beautiful feature! Hope you had a nice weekend my guy!

[@stickplayer2]

This one of the most problem-free instruments I think I've heard you review, including lots of more expensive one. No downsides! That's amazing. In the last few months, I got the Bass VI, and a 4-string fretless. Both are absolutely fine - no problems, great sound, does all the things. I'm truly surprised. The fretless in particular checks every box.

[@irrsinnrainer]

Great to see you back, especially as I really hoped to see you review these basses. Looks very tempting although I'm not a huge fan of the Pickguard on these. Great review as always. Really looking forward for the modding video

[@davidtalkovic9369]

Glad you are back

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks David!

[@MrSparks54]

Welcome back Lobster, not a bad bass a'tall! Looking forward to the mod project.

[@markyurick4137]

Welcome back man! Good to see you.

[@TheMusicianTom]

Great to have you back Lobster

[@ettolla1]

Great to see you back!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@themigwel6185]

Sold my 2 basses last June to buy a guitar and knew I would regret it. Fast forward today browsing Thomann and your video. Ordered that bass in blue (cheaper, who knows why) and grabbed a blackstar unity 60 combo for 220$CAD. For both, still cheaper than a Squier here in Quebec! Glad you are back Lobster.

[@danademski3353]

Glad things are getting better for you. I hope they eventually come out with a lefty version of this!

[@gounaro]

Welcome back my friend!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Spyros! Glad to be back :)

[@alanthomas8706]

Lobster I missed your premier return. This is a grand slam. I will be following the multiple buy advice.

[@sicilianmammalian]

Glad to see you’re back, thinking about getting the 5 string jj version

[@georgekarles3524]

Nice to be back lobster. i would love to see more harley bentons from you like the jb-75 or the pj 74...

[@WildWildWeasel]

This alongside a couple models from FGN would be a great Splatoon machine, a lot of that modern punk/rock has that sweet PJ tone with a SansAmp and maybe a B3K in there for alittle velvetty drive. Also welcome back Lobster!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@mattcoley7132]

This review inspired me to buy one of these, I couldn’t be happier! ❤

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Congrats and enjoy the bass :)

[@zacharydesjardins3701]

Missed you Lobster!! I understand why you had to have a break but missed you man! Sending you all the love.

[@brumbuzuk]

Hi! You convinced me to purchase one, the cheapest bass I own, but not regrets at all! Thanks for the video...

[@MrSirVulka]

Welcome back my bass friend!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you :) good to be back

[@rw9495]

I think this might end up being my next bass! I've always wanted to try a roasted maple neck, and I've been wanting a 24 fret PJ to fill a gap in my collection, this fits the bill for like $250 shipped. Sounds killer for the price!

[@floydlay9189]

Lobby good too have you back😀

[@stushwartz]

Welcome back🦞 my friend. Not too shabby for the price indeed. I guess made in same factory as the Aria, would not surprise me . Definitely a good bass for mods. Interesting to see what you come up with. Great work again 👏

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Stu!

[@bassnyc1]

Great to see you back, Lobster! I've been subscribed to the channel since it started. I know you've reviewed many pickups from a lot of different manufacturers but in my opinion, especially recently, your choice of pickups for mods has been a bit heavy towards EMG. I'm not knocking them. I have a set of Geezers in one of my P basses and I love it but there are lots of other pickups you can try. For this HB in the video, I kept thinking that Aguilar makes a PJ set that would go absolutely perfect with this bass. I really wish you'd give EMG a rest for a while.

[@Mr3DBob]

The way this bass sounds in this video, I'm guessing that you really like it. Your playing here is even better than usual. I'm a Harley Benton fan, so even though I don't need another bass right now, I'm considering...

[@TheEssexCat]

I've had the 5 string version for a few weeks now, my first Harley Benton, and the first time I've purchased an instrument unseen. It's an amazing bass, in both build and playability, I'm really surprised at how good it is!

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad to hear it! My 5'er is solid as well. Review for that will be coming soon :)

[@stickplayer2]

I got the Fretless and their Bass VI, and both just do all the things well. Pretty much the same review as this.

[@Feesh6]

I’m 100% buying one of these the sound is insane and it’s build quality is crazy I love the body shape too

[@daviidj972]

Nice vid, again ! Just bought the Aria a week ago, would love if you could review it as well then compare them back to back. I did not know HB made a copy of Aria's one since but now I am thinking about getting one for mods now, just because of you ! Lol Keep doing the good work ! Big Up from Paris, France.

[@robjones7725]

There is a massive volume drop with the tone all the way down but does sound very nice and the finish is great! Great slap sounds!

[@shmooshoohead]

Thank you Low End Lobster for your attention to detail!

[@PegeCovers]

That's friggin' awesome. Very good looking. Bass looks good too.

[@glenndjubilee]

Five claws!! I agree and I might just buy the two of them as you suggest. Thanks again Lobster and I hope all is well.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Glenn! It's really such a ridiculous offering for $200 (in a good way). Well weighted, great tone and playability, and tons of mod potential. What's there not to love (other than the styling, which is much more opinion oriented. I dig it!)

[@pearsonusa]

Welcome back, Lob. Good to see you again. 😾❤

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Richard!

[@timbopie4504]

I have one of these in my Thomann cart. Can't decide on the 4 or the 5 string. Great review brother, great to see you back.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'd snag both and flip one if you don't keep both. Save on the shipping!

[@timbopie4504]

@@LowEndLobster I have a Jazz guitar kit in my cart also and one of their Les Paul copies. I've ordered from them once before. Got two guitars for the same shipping as one. So I got a Tele clone for $69.

[@willistaylor4077]

I'm discovering the joy of buying lower to medium priced instruments, and Modding them !! 🙂👍😄❤️❤️🎸🎸🎵

[@iamLexxKelsey]

Both pick ups at 50% is sweet 💯🎸 nice demo

[@BullyThaKidd]

Good vid. Great to have u back

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks man!

[@Croll1]

You two are both absolute legends and have brought me untold joy in lockdowns!!! Plus, I love my basses more!!

[@Bass.Player]

The 5 string version (natural) arrived today and it's in really good shape. It has the dark roasted neck and only needs the nut cut and just a little bit of fret end work. The fret ends are good just like they are but they can be a little better. The top dark colored dots on the fretboard are hard for me to see on the dark roasted fretboard.... easy change.

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! Enjoy! My JJ55OP review will be dropping in the next few weeks :)

[@mrpositronia]

Good to see you. Hope things are okay.

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Its amazing how harley benton have de-throned squier as the go to mod suggestion. For years they were the top suggestion for value for modding. Idk if that's the case anymore.

[@ThorRavnsborg]

Thanks Lobster and welcome back. I already had the JJ version and this gave me the itch to order the JP also. They really are fantastic for the money. For some reason the JP is currently cheapest in blue so that's what I ordered this time (my JJ is also white). I will do something about the tortoise pickguard since I think it's a poor match for the blue color though, maybe I'll paint it or put some film on it. Does anyone have tips on how to get a good result?

[@davidtalkovic9369]

Thanks so much ..I'll have to think about it appreciate it . you rock

[@faustinogarciabassplayer3174]

YAY LOBSTER IS BACK!!!

[@andrewlookenbill9308]

Welcome back Lobster!

[@peterpersson9883]

The timing on this was spectacular for me since my old bass broke down not long ago. I'm stopping my local tech tomorrow to see if there's anything that can be done, otherwise I'm assuredly picking up one of these.

[@ilpatongi]

When you buy one of these off of Thomann you also get all the stuff you need to upgrade one, and build a monster bass for under 600/700 dollars with premium woods, amazing electronics and hardware. Nice

[@billcosta659]

And this is a sub $200 bass?!?! You may have mentioned that a time or 2 or 3 or 15-LOL! Glad to see another review from you!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Bob!

[@tigerscott2966]

Nice bass. Cort also has some new basses. I hope to try one on my next trip to the music store. Thanks.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tiger!

[@kenjicarlos8402]

Sick bass my man congrats!!! Anyways, when's the HB Marquess Bass review dropping??? 👀👀👀

[@BobBlackBass]

Nice review, Lobster!

[@matteopessina8570]

Glad you are back, nice review as Always....but how Is the cat going? Getting any Better? Hope so ❤️

[@Aguirrethewrathofgod]

Welcome back! I wonder whether it is possible for you to review the Markbass MB GV4, a budget jazz bass made by Markbass. Not a lot of information could be found online.

[@TirelessG]

Great video, I ordered mine last night after watching this video. Please notify the mods so I can copy all. I ordered a 5 strings.... greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@LowEndLobster]

All will be revealed soon ;)

[@RyoCanCan]

Such a killer platform for great mods.

[@daviddesmond2143]

After owning basses costing up to $3500, I don't think I will ever buy one costing over $700. Great review as always. I hope Thomann sets up stores in the USA. GC is missing out on selling similar gear like this.

[@BlommaBaumbart]

Thomann doesn't have stores. They have a single store attached to their storage/headquarters, but that's in the middle of nowhere in some tiny village on a meadow 40 minutes from the next actual city. They're a shipping business.

[@oleran4569]

@@BlommaBaumbart Hmmm.. If that be the case, hopefully they will put a storage/warehouse/store in the middle of nowhere in the US.

[@kevykev388]

@@oleran4569 They have one in the US. I ordered a Harley Benton MM copy a couple years ago. Took 3 weeks from Germany and through customs. Recently I got a TC electronics bass head from them. Was to my house in NC in 4 days.

[@egroegmcdonald9870]

Thanks for the review. Just what I've been waiting for before pulling the trigger. Have you tried or reviewed the Harley Benton HB-60 semi hollow body bass? I've thought of adding it to the order. I'm looking at that as a replacement for my stolen Jack Casady bass.

[@justinkline1294]

The sound is right. And if that's what counts most, then it's solid. You are also correct that the electronics sound crisp, clear and high-quality. Then, way to place the tone of a high value capacitor. That's quite impressive to me (I have a thing for tone caps). Lastly, Trev Wilkinson wouldn't lend his awesome bridge to a bass that sucked. All in other words, I'm convinced. Thanks for the great review.

[@calvincurry8496]

Good to see you Lobster. Hope all is Better. Have you ever seen or heard the Micheal Kelly Element Basses?( Co out of Fla) Esp the Custom Collection Element 5R. ?looks nice. Seen them at Sam Ash stores. Looks interesting. Again nice to see you😊

[@billyhooks99]

Cool Bass Lobster, love the review. BTW was the kitty that showed up in the video the one that was so sick?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Billy! No, it's my tuxie short hair kitty goon with the cancer. She's doing well though

[@bassclefconnoisseur]

Kinda mind-blown on these basses. With a 5'er you get an active eq....bass and treble stack...I think I want one... Or several to save on shipping!

[@TheCrusader1099]

Hope you are doing well?! really missed those funky videos...and the "lobster pants":) i live about a 4 hour drive away from Thomann...this bass in sunburst looks glorious! and for my personal taste: its passive! damn...i dont need another bass...buuuut....:) ok maybe... thx mr. lobster!;)

[@iggyb63]

Lobster------The only other guy ever to use his claw better than you was Baron Von Raschke. Glad to see you are giving the budget basses a decent run through. When does Yamaha get some love?

[@tondermusic]

The full bundle $310 USD plus tax to Mexico, including an amp! Thanks, LowEndLobster. I'll have my own soon!

[@LowEndLobster]

Very nice! Congrats :)

[@tondermusic]

@@LowEndLobster your channel and your videos are an inspiration to be a better bass player

[@anpcm]

At under $300 shipped to USA, this bass is a Sire V5 killer

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks an_phan! I think this bass is an unbeatable value for a mod platform. I'm really excited to start modding it!

[@VeitLehmann]

This reminds me very much of my 80s Japanese Aria Pro II RSB Standard, a slim P-style bass that I also snagged for less than 200€. I'd get this one if I didn't already have my Aria (would be free shipping for me 😜). But maybe I'll upgrade it with a Wilkinson bridge and an affordable AlNiCo pickup (Wilkinson or ToneRider). I like that kind of vintage Japan style, especially nice for beginners with the streamlined shape, and it looks more stylish than most of the other rather bland beginner basses. The P pickup placement further towards the neck on this one also helps with getting a sharp slap sound.

[@paulvanwal4875]

Wooooooow your right , for this price ? You can be very happy ! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@jugglerj0e]

Your slapping reminds me of Mark King from Level 42! That means you need a Status bass to review. I heard they are amazing.

[@madvox]

I’m considering our purchasing the JJ 5 string version so I’m curious to see your review before purchase. Since the PJ set the bar high I may need to buy that one if the JJ doesn’t hold up to that one

[@johnyork5138]

Sounds great.

[@EddieG1888]

I was eyeing the five string version of this, but I wish they would make a five string with a narrower string spacing at the bridge.

[@etpslick100]

Those basses sounds great! My only gripe is the headstock. Yuck! But for the money you can’t beat it. Well done HB.😌🎶👍🏾

[@bobt5778]

Right about the headstock - it's got that Ibanez Tmb look which I don't like either.

[@clawdeckcd3018]

Hi Lobster and thanks for this review. I bought that bass in April, so I tested it thoroughly and like it. There is one flaw I want to mention, the dots on the neck should be white. Can't see the dots when playing in dim light and that can be very annoying (there are 24 frets over there ;-) Except that, I fully agree with you review, the quality is very good, especially the fretting and the whole roasted neck.

[@LowEndLobster]

Great point!

[@clawdeckcd3018]

@@LowEndLobster Just remembered another point: the low pickups output changed when I changed the strings, I didn't even have to change the pickups height. Seems the strings are not the usual stock HBs (which are not so bad).

[@marlen2801]

Lobster 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌..the best bass review is Back...the first thing send you 🌬️💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼..your and all your family, especially 🐱♥️...I have I question, I see a review that play this bass in seated position aren't very comfortable because se small size of the body... perhaps you make a mention in the review of the JJ 5 string mode....thank you to take your time to make this great review...My best wishes..Fuerza 🤗🤗

[@andysmusikwelt1562]

Great review, thanks. I wanted to get one at Thomann, but nope, not available in white any more. Experienced this also with other Harley Benton models, only very few months after their release, the desired finish is not available any more. Seems they produce only a certain amount of a model and finish, and once these are sold that's it. Thus regarding your remark, if anything happens to it you can always replace it... well not really. If you were lucky and got one of these in white, better take good care of it, as there is no re-order any more, only the natural and sunburst finish are left available, as per today.

[@mathewcumming4637]

Love your work lowend. The HB and aria are exactly the same price in New Zealand. You kinda reviewed two basses at once aye?

[@LowEndLobster]

That is really interesting! I'm curious if that is the case elsewhere too

[@mathewcumming4637]

@@LowEndLobster the $180usd for postage certainly contributed to this. And aria's price isn't inflated. Looking at you fender/squire..

[@florenttenryu5011]

Woo ! 5 claws ?! I want to try this !

[@xMTLKx]

Stunning. Not sure how do they make money at this price but they are gonna sell thousands of those for sure

[@mtkwe]

I think it's just that other producers are squeezing customers

[@kevykev388]

Well for one, not a whole lot going on cosmetically. And cheap (though playable) hardware all the way around. I used to have a harley benton MM copy. Loved that bass. Wish I'd never sold it but the fret board was a little too tight/narrow for my liking (like a low end ibanez)

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

it does sound decent with stock pickups.

[@altabox1]

Hi Lobster! Please test a BMG Brian May Bass also! I don't find any review video about the BMG Bass. Thanks in advance!

[@TirelessG]

Great video. So, Aria detroit is better?

[@BassMusician7]

Hey 🦞! Good to see you back! Best wishes for Goon 🙏🏾. I want to order more Harley Benton basses however, I'm concerned about receiving more basses with fret sprouts. I purchased the jp75 and I really enjoy that bass but, I had to remove the fret sprouts. I like the current bass that you're showing but the only one I would feel safe about ordering would be the fretless basses because I won't have to be concerned about fret sprouts. Any advice on this matter?

[@LowEndLobster]

Fret sprout isn't an issue with these, and I don't it'll happen with the roasted maple here. In regards to the fretless, I've noticed during drier months the markers are tactile on the side of the JB40 FL neck. They're still level on the front of the board though, so playability isn't impacted

[@BassMusician7]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks a bunch

[@Pocket-Calculator]

I've never played bass, but I'm interested in one. So far in all the YT demos and reviews I've seen the "P" pickup sounds much better than the "J" one, at least to me. Is it a humbucker?

[@ransombaggins9301]

Wish I could find one of these easily in the States in December 2022. :)

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

Sounded pretty full spectrum. Open e bottom could be a little fatter but that could be your processing. I have the HB fretless you featured. Impressive. Pups are high out put. But they're was a lot of fret noise in this sample. Was that an out of the box set up? Big fan. Sorry about your kitty. My tuxedo tom is 14 weeks old and very cuddly and playful. Keep up these great vids

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Charles! I did the setup myself, action was very low and could be a smidge higher. You can really slam the action on it

[@Hndsmstrngr1]

I just ordered one. And Marquss-5. I saved a bit doing the 2 fer. Enough to buy a few sets of strings 🙂