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!
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?
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!
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!
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!
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. 👍
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!!
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.
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!)
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
@@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.
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...
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 👏
5 🦞!! That does happen often! Missed ya Lobster, TH-cam 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!
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!
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.
After owning basses costing up to $3500, I don't think I will ever buy one costing over $700. Great review as always. I hope Thomann sets up stores in the USA. GC is missing out on selling similar gear like this.
Thomann doesn't have stores. They have a single store attached to their storage/headquarters, but that's in the middle of nowhere in some tiny village on a meadow 40 minutes from the next actual city. They're a shipping business.
@@oleran4569 They have one in the US. I ordered a Harley Benton MM copy a couple years ago. Took 3 weeks from Germany and through customs. Recently I got a TC electronics bass head from them. Was to my house in NC in 4 days.
Welcome back, good sir. It's great to see and hear you again. You certainly did get some enjoyable sounds from that HB... As per your usual standards ! Thank you.
Thanks Lobster and welcome back. I already had the JJ version and this gave me the itch to order the JP also. They really are fantastic for the money. For some reason the JP is currently cheapest in blue so that's what I ordered this time (my JJ is also white). I will do something about the tortoise pickguard since I think it's a poor match for the blue color though, maybe I'll paint it or put some film on it. Does anyone have tips on how to get a good result?
Nice vid, again ! Just bought the Aria a week ago, would love if you could review it as well then compare them back to back. I did not know HB made a copy of Aria's one since but now I am thinking about getting one for mods now, just because of you ! Lol Keep doing the good work ! Big Up from Paris, France.
Great video, I ordered mine last night after watching this video. Please notify the mods so I can copy all. I ordered a 5 strings.... greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
Sold my 2 basses last June to buy a guitar and knew I would regret it. Fast forward today browsing Thomann and your video. Ordered that bass in blue (cheaper, who knows why) and grabbed a blackstar unity 60 combo for 220$CAD. For both, still cheaper than a Squier here in Quebec! Glad you are back Lobster.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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)
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😊
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
Thank you for this review! I find the natural model to be fantastic looking! Not a fan of the pickguard. Wouldn't it be super cool without, or are the pickups holes not shaped perfectly?
Fantatsic review thank you. I got the blue one as is was a lot cheaper (£149 with free delivery to UK). I just can't believe the quality for the money. Would love to know how you've set your action. The neck arrived with a lot of relief and action was high. I've straightened the neck slightly and lowered the action as much as possible but get a little fret buzz on the E string (should I add more relief?) I'm a guitarist and like very low action but as this is my first bass, so would appreciated any advice, as I understand bass guitar action is a different ball game. I originally ordered the Yamaha TRBX304 but that got returned due to a faulty neck and I was able to purchase both this bass as well as a Thomann Telecaster 62 (made in the Fender factory and also incredible) for less than the price of the Yamaha! I think this bass feels a little to me too, the body shape is superb. Thanks again for the review it really helped me make my decision.
Heyo! I have my action pretty low on this. Mine didn't really need much relief honestly, but your setup needs really depend on your playing style. I'd also check the saddle height and the nut (to see if it's potentially over-filed). Hope that helps! Enjoy the bass :)
@@LowEndLobster Yes saddles are as low as they can go, nut it's perfect. I've only had it a couple days so I'll let it settle in and see how I go. I expect the action is a little too low. Plus I probably need to work on my style. I haven't changed the strings yet either. I hope they decide to do a fretless version. Thanks for the reply
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 I just got the Aria Pro II Detroit MK-2. I had to see what the "genuine article" might have going for it, in addition to all the commonalities which make the HB so great. The color (blue again) of my HB is quite a bit more attractive than the sunburst (which is nice, but not super cool looking). Not certain whether I prefer the HB over this new Aria. Which doesn't seem as enjoyable to play (though the specs, right down to the screw pattern on the control cavity in the back, are indeed identical). Neck feels different somehow on the Aria. Could it be the different resonance of the rosewood board? Not sure, but it's something (and both are set up nicely similar). Jury still out, so I'ma go put the Aria through its paces with some Mike Watt tunes. May be the decider.
@@LowEndLobster The Aria definitely sounds meaner and much more clangy. Kind of opposite what I expected for result of the maple v. rosewood debate. But a definite, noticeable difference. And I love the crisp tone from my JP-45OP. Detroit just got more to it somehow. Playability still goes to the HB though -- by a fair stretch. Best feeling neck that ever I have played upon. Fit and finish also clearly go HB's way. If I got to choose one, then I would buy HB. Still my relatively newfound #1 bass.
@@LowEndLobster And the Aria is heavier in the neck (almost dive, but not quite) because of the heft of larger tuners. The HB just more comfortable to play.
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!
Great to see you back Lobster! What's my excuse for not buying this bass though? Well, the P pickup is too close to the ceck and I don't really like that. Apart from that - wow, a stellar package. Can't wait for the reviev of the JJ-55!
@@longdongbongchong 1. It's uncomfortable. 2. I prefer the classic P-bass tone and that requires a traditional P-bass pickup position. 3. I don't like reggae ;-)
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!;)
Thank you for your videos. I purchased a JP-450p N . With the neck pickup selected the output volume is very low. With the bridge pickup selected the output volume is high. While turning the variable selector knob from neck to bridge the mid point is where the volume increases. I'm wondering if the controls are faulty
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 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).
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?
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.
Does the bass have the original strings on it in this video? Given the price point, they probably use the cheapest strings possible. I know my PB20 came with crap strings on it and still sounded okay. But so much better with some DL Clear Blues. So just curious - original/upgraded?
@@LowEndLobster Cool, thanks for the info. I've got itchy trigger finger for this bass, after watching this and a few other reviews. I already have a PB20 and the Stingray copy from Harley Benton. The Ray copy is killer. I like the PB20 a lot too, though I did put a Fender Custom Shop 63 P pup in it, which made a huge difference. The "modern C" neck profile typically on Harley Benton's P (AND J!) copies is a little thick for my taste, but I guess you get used to it. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting one of these so I can get P, J and Ray sounds. Right now I'm missing the J. Thanks again.
Any idea why they only offer this in a single color now? I love the white but you can only get it in the JJ or a 5 string. EDIT: Just heard back from Harley Benton/Thomann. They discontinued this bass for some reason so whatever they have left is it.
Competition in the affordable bass space is getting serious. Fender should take note. Every MIM Fender & Squier bass I've played the past 5+ years has felt like junk, especially for the price.
Let's play a game: drink a shot everytime Lobster says "sub 200$" in this video 😂 I'm hammered! But jk aside, great vid as always, my friend, hope you and your cat are doing well! ❤
Maybe it's a bit crazy, but, could you compare this bass with an EMG pickups against an spector euro? I think it would be interesting. Greetings from Spain 👋😄
![[TH] 2024 PMGC League | กลุ่มสีเหลืองวันที่ 1 | PUBG MOBILE Global Championship](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I_FdxGT3WV4/mqdefault.jpg)
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!
"The King is Back"
Thanks Gregor :)
We’re not worthy!
This is awesome, man! Just got mine the other day and it is SICK! So great to see you back in action, Will!🔥
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!
Just ordered mine today, early Christmas present ...same white finish.
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?
Glad to have you back!!!
Glad to be back :)
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!
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.
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!
Glad to hear it! My 5'er is solid as well. Review for that will be coming soon :)
I got the Fretless and their Bass VI, and both just do all the things well. Pretty much the same review as this.
welcome back! and with a bass i've been eyeing!
Thanks! Glad to be back :)
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!
Welcome back my friend!
Thanks Spyros! Glad to be back :)
Welcome back my bass friend!!!
Thank you :) good to be back
Hi! You convinced me to purchase one, the cheapest bass I own, but not regrets at all!
Thanks for the video...
Good vid. Great to have u back
Thanks man!
You two are both absolute legends and have brought me untold joy in lockdowns!!! Plus, I love my basses more!!
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. 👍
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!!
Thank you!
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....
Glad you are back
Thanks David!
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.
Nice! Enjoy! My JJ55OP review will be dropping in the next few weeks :)
Good to have you back, hope all is well.
Welcome back Lobster! Great to have you here again!!
Great to see you back!
Thank you!
Welcome back, Lob. Good to see you again. 😾❤
Thanks Richard!
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.
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!)
Thank you Low End Lobster for your attention to detail!
Lobster I missed your premier return. This is a grand slam. I will be following the multiple buy advice.
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
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.
I'd snag both and flip one if you don't keep both. Save on the shipping!
@@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.
The full bundle $310 USD plus tax to Mexico, including an amp! Thanks, LowEndLobster. I'll have my own soon!
Very nice! Congrats :)
@@LowEndLobster your channel and your videos are an inspiration to be a better bass player
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...
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 👏
Thanks Stu!
At under $300 shipped to USA, this bass is a Sire V5 killer
Thanks an_phan! I think this bass is an unbeatable value for a mod platform. I'm really excited to start modding it!
I'm discovering the joy of buying lower to medium priced instruments, and Modding them !!
🙂👍😄❤️❤️🎸🎸🎵
5 🦞!! That does happen often! Missed ya Lobster, TH-cam 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!
This review inspired me to buy one of these, I couldn’t be happier! ❤
Thank you! Congrats and enjoy the bass :)
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!
Great to have you back Lobster
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.
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.
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.
@@BlommaBaumbart Hmmm.. If that be the case, hopefully they will put a storage/warehouse/store in the middle of nowhere in the US.
@@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.
I’m 100% buying one of these the sound is insane and it’s build quality is crazy I love the body shape too
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.
Glad to see you back Lobster!!
Welcome back man! Good to see you.
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?
Missed you Lobster!! I understand why you had to have a break but missed you man! Sending you all the love.
And this is a sub $200 bass?!?! You may have mentioned that a time or 2 or 3 or 15-LOL! Glad to see another review from you!
Thanks Bob!
Nice vid, again !
Just bought the Aria a week ago, would love if you could review it as well then compare them back to back. I did not know HB made a copy of Aria's one since but now I am thinking about getting one for mods now, just because of you ! Lol
Keep doing the good work !
Big Up from Paris, France.
Great video, I ordered mine last night after watching this video. Please notify the mods so I can copy all. I ordered a 5 strings.... greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
All will be revealed soon ;)
Welcome back Lobster, not a bad bass a'tall! Looking forward to the mod project.
Welcome back man!
What's the bass on the intro (white with blade P pickups) right when the word "Mods" appears?
That's the same bass that you hear in the intro song, the Reverend MeShell signature Fellowship bass
@@LowEndLobster so beautiful! Also checked your review on it back in the day, awesome. Sadly way outside my budget... For now
Cool Bass Lobster, love the review. BTW was the kitty that showed up in the video the one that was so sick?
Thanks Billy! No, it's my tuxie short hair kitty goon with the cancer. She's doing well though
Sold my 2 basses last June to buy a guitar and knew I would regret it. Fast forward today browsing Thomann and your video. Ordered that bass in blue (cheaper, who knows why) and grabbed a blackstar unity 60 combo for 220$CAD. For both, still cheaper than a Squier here in Quebec! Glad you are back Lobster.
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.
Great to see you back and at it!!! Great One to get you back into it! Definitely planning to get one
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.
Glad things are getting better for you. I hope they eventually come out with a lefty version of this!
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?
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
@@LowEndLobster Thanks a bunch
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.
Stunning.
Not sure how do they make money at this price but they are gonna sell thousands of those for sure
I think it's just that other producers are squeezing customers
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)
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😊
Lobby good too have you back😀
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
Thank you for this review!
I find the natural model to be fantastic looking!
Not a fan of the pickguard. Wouldn't it be super cool without, or are the pickups holes not shaped perfectly?
Thanks Thomas! I haven't checked yet, but I think I'll be taking off the guard when I do the mods
It's clean under the pickguard assuming it's like the aria detroit.
Nice to be back lobster. i would love to see more harley bentons from you like the jb-75 or the pj 74...
Fantatsic review thank you. I got the blue one as is was a lot cheaper (£149 with free delivery to UK). I just can't believe the quality for the money.
Would love to know how you've set your action. The neck arrived with a lot of relief and action was high. I've straightened the neck slightly and lowered the action as much as possible but get a little fret buzz on the E string (should I add more relief?)
I'm a guitarist and like very low action but as this is my first bass, so would appreciated any advice, as I understand bass guitar action is a different ball game.
I originally ordered the Yamaha TRBX304 but that got returned due to a faulty neck and I was able to purchase both this bass as well as a Thomann Telecaster 62 (made in the Fender factory and also incredible) for less than the price of the Yamaha! I think this bass feels a little to me too, the body shape is superb.
Thanks again for the review it really helped me make my decision.
Heyo! I have my action pretty low on this. Mine didn't really need much relief honestly, but your setup needs really depend on your playing style. I'd also check the saddle height and the nut (to see if it's potentially over-filed). Hope that helps! Enjoy the bass :)
@@LowEndLobster Yes saddles are as low as they can go, nut it's perfect. I've only had it a couple days so I'll let it settle in and see how I go. I expect the action is a little too low. Plus I probably need to work on my style. I haven't changed the strings yet either. I hope they decide to do a fretless version. Thanks for the reply
Glad you are back, nice review as Always....but how Is the cat going? Getting any Better?
Hope so ❤️
Thanks so much ..I'll have to think about it appreciate it . you rock
Wooooooow your right , for this price ? You can be very happy ! 👏👏👏👏👏
Sick bass my man congrats!!! Anyways, when's the HB Marquess Bass review dropping??? 👀👀👀
Glad to see you’re back, thinking about getting the 5 string jj version
Good to see you. Hope things are okay.
Cool bass, but why are they using the serial number as it's name?
Nice bass. Cort also has some new basses. I hope to try one on my next trip to the music store. Thanks.
Thanks Tiger!
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
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
I just ordered one. And Marquss-5. I saved a bit doing the 2 fer. Enough to buy a few sets of strings 🙂
Both pick ups at 50% is sweet 💯🎸 nice demo
Just noticed that mine also has remarkably excellent fret work. Exceptional attention to detail and level of craftsmanship on these Chinese JPs.
Awesome! Enjoy! I'm excited to mod mine
@@LowEndLobster I just got the Aria Pro II Detroit MK-2. I had to see what the "genuine article" might have going for it, in addition to all the commonalities which make the HB so great.
The color (blue again) of my HB is quite a bit more attractive than the sunburst (which is nice, but not super cool looking). Not certain whether I prefer the HB over this new Aria. Which doesn't seem as enjoyable to play (though the specs, right down to the screw pattern on the control cavity in the back, are indeed identical). Neck feels different somehow on the Aria. Could it be the different resonance of the rosewood board? Not sure, but it's something (and both are set up nicely similar). Jury still out, so I'ma go put the Aria through its paces with some Mike Watt tunes. May be the decider.
@@justinkline1294 Thanks for the update! I hope to check out one of the Arias in the future as well. I really like the HBs a lot
@@LowEndLobster The Aria definitely sounds meaner and much more clangy. Kind of opposite what I expected for result of the maple v. rosewood debate. But a definite, noticeable difference. And I love the crisp tone from my JP-45OP. Detroit just got more to it somehow.
Playability still goes to the HB though -- by a fair stretch. Best feeling neck that ever I have played upon. Fit and finish also clearly go HB's way.
If I got to choose one, then I would buy HB. Still my relatively newfound #1 bass.
@@LowEndLobster And the Aria is heavier in the neck (almost dive, but not quite) because of the heft of larger tuners. The HB just more comfortable to play.
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!
Your slapping reminds me of Mark King from Level 42! That means you need a Status bass to review. I heard they are amazing.
Great to see you back Lobster! What's my excuse for not buying this bass though? Well, the P pickup is too close to the ceck and I don't really like that. Apart from that - wow, a stellar package. Can't wait for the reviev of the JJ-55!
Thanks BD! The JJ's neck pickup is much less in the way. Really impressed with both basses.
Why? A bit closer to the neck is amazing for reggae and espicially funk and 70's R&B.
@@longdongbongchong 1. It's uncomfortable. 2. I prefer the classic P-bass tone and that requires a traditional P-bass pickup position. 3. I don't like reggae ;-)
Love your work lowend. The HB and aria are exactly the same price in New Zealand. You kinda reviewed two basses at once aye?
That is really interesting! I'm curious if that is the case elsewhere too
@@LowEndLobster the $180usd for postage certainly contributed to this. And aria's price isn't inflated. Looking at you fender/squire..
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!;)
Those basses sounds great! My only gripe is the headstock. Yuck! But for the money you can’t beat it. Well done HB.😌🎶👍🏾
Right about the headstock - it's got that Ibanez Tmb look which I don't like either.
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!
Hi Lobster! Please test a BMG Brian May Bass also! I don't find any review video about the BMG Bass. Thanks in advance!
Thank you for your videos.
I purchased a JP-450p N .
With the neck pickup selected the output volume is very low. With the bridge pickup selected the output volume is high. While turning the variable selector knob from neck to bridge the mid point is where the volume increases. I'm wondering if the controls are faulty
Hi, check the pickup height, sometimes you have to adjust it (lower a bit the bridge PU and raise the neck PU).
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.
Great point!
@@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).
Toying with the idea of sticking Squier classic vibe jazz v electronics in my JJ-55op and making it passive 🤔🤔
That's a thought. If you have the pickups, why not? Personally I think the preamp isn't the best and a passive tone control would work better.
@@LowEndLobster I gotta do more research on the cover dimensions, but glad to know it’s not an outright terrible idea haha.
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?
Lobster! What was the string spacing for the JJ-55?
Great video.
So, Aria detroit is better?
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.
Does the bass have the original strings on it in this video? Given the price point, they probably use the cheapest strings possible. I know my PB20 came with crap strings on it and still sounded okay. But so much better with some DL Clear Blues. So just curious - original/upgraded?
All my reviews generally use SIT foundation strings that I install. This bass has a set of those strings installed.
@@LowEndLobster Cool, thanks for the info. I've got itchy trigger finger for this bass, after watching this and a few other reviews. I already have a PB20 and the Stingray copy from Harley Benton. The Ray copy is killer. I like the PB20 a lot too, though I did put a Fender Custom Shop 63 P pup in it, which made a huge difference. The "modern C" neck profile typically on Harley Benton's P (AND J!) copies is a little thick for my taste, but I guess you get used to it. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting one of these so I can get P, J and Ray sounds. Right now I'm missing the J. Thanks again.
Any idea why they only offer this in a single color now? I love the white but you can only get it in the JJ or a 5 string.
EDIT: Just heard back from Harley Benton/Thomann. They discontinued this bass for some reason so whatever they have left is it.
That's friggin' awesome. Very good looking.
Bass looks good too.
Competition in the affordable bass space is getting serious. Fender should take note. Every MIM Fender & Squier bass I've played the past 5+ years has felt like junk, especially for the price.
Such a killer platform for great mods.
Let's play a game: drink a shot everytime Lobster says "sub 200$" in this video 😂 I'm hammered! But jk aside, great vid as always, my friend, hope you and your cat are doing well! ❤
Welcome back Lobster!
Maybe it's a bit crazy, but, could you compare this bass with an EMG pickups against an spector euro? I think it would be interesting. Greetings from Spain 👋😄
Great idea! The Harley Benton Marquess bass actually has Spector pickup placement.
Nice review, Lobster!