Harley Benton is a brand owned and distributed by the reputable German Thomann music retailer. They sell guitars, basses, ukuleles, amplifiers effects, and accessories. Their products all have very reasonable prices and other brands might have a tough time competing with their price/quality ratio.
Since Harley Benton imports their products directly from the manufacturer, they are able to offer very competitive prices for gear that is perfectly suited for beginners as well as for more seasoned players. For example, I’ve been using their power supplies and pedalboards for years, and they’ve endured dozens of gigs and sessions in stride.
I have also owned a couple of their electric guitars, a bass ukulele and I still have their lap steel guitar, so I’m already very familiar with the quality and feel of Harley Benton products.
In this Harley Benton J Bass Review, we are going to analyze one of the most affordable, versatile, and stylish basses in its price range. If you need a cheap but capable instrument that can cover a lot of ground, this might just be the one for you!
Bottom Line Up Front
The Harley Benton JB-75MN Vintage Series is a real heavyweight in the low-budget department when it comes to electric basses. For a price under $200, you get a vintage-looking instrument that feels good to play and can produce a very wide variety of tones.
Like some Harley Benton instruments, I’d have to say that the setup could be better out of the box, and it is also on the heavy side, which is why I would probably not recommend it straight away to a child or someone with back problems.
In any case, it is extremely affordable and usable to record bass tracks, rehearse, study, and even in gigs. I have had mine set up by a professional, upgraded the nut, and put higher quality strings on it and it is an excellent tool to have.0
If you can afford something like a Mexican-made Fender Jazz Bass, I’d go for it, but if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to spend that much money, you should seriously consider the Harley Benton JB-75MN Vintage Series.
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass. Photo by the Author
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass Main Features
Let’s start this review by taking a look at the JB-75MN’s main features and see what makes it such a valuable instrument at an affordable price point.
J-Style Body
The original Jazz Bass was designed and manufactured by Fender. The first model came out in 1960, and it quickly caught the attention of many players who embraced it as their main instrument.
The JB-75 pays homage to this classic shape, delivering you a stylish 4-string bass for an extremely affordable price. The body is made of American ash, and while I think the natural finish with a black pickguard look compliments this bass the most, you can also get it in black and in sunburst finishes.
Roswell Single Coil Pickups
The Harley Benton JB-75 Vintage Series comes equipped with a pair of Roswell JBA Alnico-5 JB-Style single coil pickups.
This is a typical configuration seen on basses of this type, and quite frankly, it is one of those things that they got right the first time. Even though you only have two of the same pickup, you can build nearly infinite tones by adjusting the volume knobs (one for each pickup) and the tone knob.
Plucking the strings nearer to the bridge or to the neck can also dramatically change the sound that you get out of the instrument, so make sure to explore the capabilities of these pickups as much as you can!
Neck Binding and Skunk Stripe
Aside from having a comfortable profile, the JB-75’s maple neck is a pleasure to look at with its black binding and black block inlays. If you look at the back, you’ll see its roseacer skunk stripe, which is made of thermally treated maple.
The scale length on the JB-75 comes up at 34″ (864mm) and the nut width is 1.496″ (38mm). This bass also features a double-action truss rod that does a great job of keeping the neck stable and straight.
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass. Photo by the Author.
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass Complete Specifications
You can take a look at the complete specifications of the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass below:
- Body Type: J-Style
- Body Wood: American Ash
- Neck Joint: Bolt-on
- Neck Wood: Maple
- Fretboard: Maple
- Inlays: Black Block Inlays
- Frets: 20
- Nut Width: 38mm (1.496″)
- Scale Length: 864mm (34″)
- Pickups: 2 x Roswell JBA Alnico-5 Vintage JB-Style Single Coils
- Controls: 2 x Volume and 1 x Tone
- Hardware: Deluxe Chrome
- Tuners: Classic PB-Style Machine Heads
- Strings: D’Addario EXL 165 45 – 105
- Finish: Natural High-Gloss
- Others: Black Fretboard Binding, Roseacer Skunk Stripe and Dual-Action Truss Rod
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Headstock
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass Pros and Cons
Pros
Price/Quality Ratio
For me, the main aspect to highlight about this bass is its amazing value. For a very affordable price that falls below the $200 mark, you get a very capable instrument that can be used in a myriad of circumstances. I bought mine because at the time I really needed a bass but I couldn’t justify paying the price of something like a Fender. I ended up getting more than I was expecting, and I would guess it to be more expensive than what it is during a blind test.
Another good thing about having such an affordable price is that you can buy it and invest in a few simple upgrades later on, such as higher quality hardware, a better nut, tuners, input jack, etc. Paying a reliable luthier to set it up properly with a nice set of strings could also be a good way to make the most out of your purchase.
Versatility
The Jazz Bass has been a huge staple in a variety of music genres, not just jazz or similar styles. Although the Precision bass is very popular in rock and punk, there are many bassists who prefer using a J-style bass due to its natural growl, punch, ability to cut through a mix, and its diverse palette of sounds that can be unlocked by adjusting its tone controls and right-hand technique.
Ultimately, you should try out a few different types of basses to understand what are the aspects that you feel drawn to the most. If you already know that you’re into J-type basses, the JB-75 MN NA Vintage Series is a serious candidate for the low-price champion.
Classic Vintage Look
I was always a big fan of natural finishes paired with maple fretboards, which is why I didn’t have any doubts when picking my Harley Benton JB-75. However, there are a few other options available. Aside from natural, it also comes in black and sunburst. Players who aren’t as fond of a maple fretboard’s look or feel will be pleased to know that this bass can also be bought with a laurel fretboard.
Good Factory Strings
Most of the time, when I buy a new instrument, one of the first things that I do is change the strings to a set that I like, both in terms of feel and string gauge. However, the JB-75 comes with a set of D’Addario EXLs that I enjoyed playing for a considerable amount of time before deciding to restring it with something else.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can take into account the fact that this bass already comes with a nice set of strings.
Cons
Weight
This bass’s weight has got to be my least favorite aspect of it. At 12.5 lbs (5.6kg), this is not a bass that I would like to play for long periods of time while standing up. I have bought an extra-wide strap on purpose to compensate a little, but I’ll always sit down to play it if I can.
Because of this disadvantage, I would not recommend buying this bass if you have any kind of back problems, or if you are just trying to steer clear of heavy instruments the same way a guitar player might prefer an SG over a Les Paul due to their obvious weight difference. Kids might also benefit more from a lighter instrument or something like a short-scale bass.
Factory Setup
This bass’s weight has got to be my least favorite aspect of it. At 12.5 lbs (5.6kg), this is not a bass that I would like to play for long periods of time while standing up. I have bought an extra-wide strap on purpose to compensate a little, but I’ll always sit down to play it if I can.
Because of this disadvantage, I would not recommend buying this bass if you have any kind of back problems, or if you are just trying to steer clear of heavy instruments the same way a guitar player might prefer an SG over a Les Paul due to their obvious weight difference. Kids might also benefit more from a lighter instrument or something like a short-scale bass.
No Included Gigbag
Even though this is most likely to help keep the prices down, it would still be good to see a gigbag included with the bass, even if it wasn’t a very high-quality one. For someone who is buying their first instrument or first bass, it can be more than enough.
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass from the back
Other Electric Basses to Check Out as Alternatives to the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass
The Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series is a seriously valuable bass for the money it costs, but fortunately, today’s market is an interesting one for those looking for an affordable instrument that will serve them well in most contexts, whether it is playing in the bedroom, a rehearsal room or a club during a gig.
There are many electric basses made by brands aimed at people with tighter budgets, but the quality of cheaper instruments has been increasing in the last few years, which means that even though you might not get a premium bass, you’re still going to be able to experience a lot of joy when playing it.
Check below for a few of my favorite basses that are affordable, good-sounding and fun to play.
Mitchell MB100 Short-Scale
The first bass in my list of suggestions is the Mitchell MB100 Short-Scale. As the name implies, this bass has a shorter scale length (30″) when compared to the JB75MN (34″).
A shorter scale means the neck won’t be as long, frets will be a bit closer together and it will be an easier instrument to play for someone with small hands. Its body is not the same type as the J-style models, but it features a lot of ergonomic improvements such as its accentuated contours and forearm bevel.
Soundwise, this bass is interesting because it features two types of pickups, meaning you can get tones from P-style and J-style basses if you have a good understanding of how the volume and tone knobs interact with your finger technique to achieve different tones.
I would recommend this bass to players looking for something on the smaller and lighter side, and also to those who aren’t exactly sure whether they prefer a Precision or a Jazz bass. Since this one is in between the two, it might be a good way to investigate which sound you identify with the most.
The Mitchell MB100 Short-Scale can be found for a price of around $180.
GuitarCenter – Mitchell MB100 Short-Scale Solid-Body Electric Bass
Ibanez TMB100
The Ibanez TMB100 has an unmistakable retro vibe with a versatile P/J pickup configuration that allows you to cover a lot of ground. It comes in a couple of funky finishes such as Mint Green and Soda Blue with a tortoise pickguard. There are also Black, White and Ivory finishes for those who are more into neutral colors.
The body is made of poplar, and the bolt-on neck is made of maple, with a jatoba fingerboard. The scale is 34″ long, so we’re not talking about short-scale basses anymore. Take into account that the TMB100 features active electronics, which means they must be powered by a 9V battery.
Some players comment that they’ve noticed some fret buzz when playing for the first few times, so yours might need a slight adjustment to get the string action and intonation just right.
You can find the Ibanez TMB100 for a price of around $200.
GuitarCenter – Ibanez TMB100 Electric Bass
Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro
Going back to short-scale basses, the Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro has an even shorter scale length than the Mitchell MB100 (28.6″). Even though you can clearly tell it is a smaller bass, it still packs a punch and it is built with the same materials and techniques as the full-sized Ibanez models. It also undergoes the same quality control checks.
It features a poplar body and a maple neck with a jatoba fingerboard. For the sake of versatility, it also comes with a P/J pickup configuration. There are two volume knobs and one master tone knob. If you learn how to use these properly, there is a very large range of sounds to be obtained from the Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro.
I would happily recommend this bass to someone who prefers something smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to play. It is a small bass that is still capable of performing adequately in a recording or gigging situation.
The Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro is generally sold for a price of around $200.
GuitarCenter – Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro 4-String Electric Bass
Cort Action Bass Plus
Cort has been making affordable instruments with great value for over 40 years, and the Action Bass Plus is one of the most interesting options in the current market for under $300. It comes in a beautiful transparent red finish or in black.
It features a humbucker and a single coil pickup for increased versatility. The electronics are active, you’ll find the battery compartment in the back of the poplar body. The neck is made of maple and features a jatoba fingerboard with 24 frets. The scale length is 34″, the same as the JB-75MN.
I would recommend this bass to someone who is looking for something more modern-looking and with a wider tonal palette which the pickup configuration on the Action Bass Plus provides.
Cort instruments come with a lifetime warranty, something that is well worth noting!
The Cort Action Bass Plus is usually sold for a price of around $270.
GuitarCenter – Cort Action Bass Plus Electric Bass
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass
The Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass is my definitive recommendation for anyone who is into the Jazz Bass sound but does not want to spend a lot of money on a Fender model.
For under $300, you get an instrument that you can perfectly record and gig with, and it is available in several finishes, as well as with a maple or laurel fretboard. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is also a 5 string version.
As you would expect, the pair of single coils are capable of producing lots of classic sounds we’ve all heard on dozens of records. I find the neck on these basses to be very comfortable with their slim “C” profile.
One of the biggest advantages of this bass for gigging players is its lightweight body. The thin and contoured body allows you to play standing up for longer before feeling tired.
You can buy a Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass for a price of around $280.
GuitarCenter – Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass
Closing Notes on the Alternatives
Bear in mind that these alternatives to the Harley Benton JB-75MN Vintage Series were chosen taking its low price into account. If you have the budget to spend a bit more on an electric bass, you can absolutely get a superior instrument, but it doesn’t mean that the price/quality ratio will be as impressive as with the Harley Benton JB-75MN Vintage Series.
Even with a couple of inconveniences, I would still buy this bass again and I don’t have any second thoughts when recommending it to people who want to get an affordable instrument. After all, it still manages to be cheaper than the rest of the basses that we’ve discussed.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass
Question: Is the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series a Good Bass for Recording and Gigging?
Answer: Even though this bass has a particularly affordable price tag, it is still able to perform well under a variety of circumstances. I would certainly take it to a luthier for a proper setup before using it in a gig or in a recording session, but I’d be more than comfortable playing it afterward. If you want to go even further, an upgrade to the nut, tuners or even the pickups can also go a long way.
Question: Does the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Have Passive or Active Electronics?
Answer: The electronics found on the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series bass are passive, meaning that you don’t need to worry about keeping a 9V battery in your instrument to power its circuit.
Question: Is the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series a Good Choice for a Beginner’s Bass?
Answer: I would have absolutely no issues recommending the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series as a beginner’s bass for a new player. The only thing that could make me gravitate toward something else would be if that player is a child or someone that is trying to avoid a significantly heavy instrument. Mine is significantly heavy even for a bass, and there are lighter options for those taking weight into consideration.
Question: Does the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Come with a Gigbag?
Answer: No, unfortunately the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series does not come with a gigbag. It comes shipped inside a cardboard box with some protection, and you must buy a bag or a case if you want to carry the bass around
Closing Considerations About the Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series Bass
The Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series is undoubtedly a champion in the price/quality ratio department. Aside from its weight and a few inconsistencies with the factory setups, it is an excellent instrument for someone who is starting out, or for those looking for an inexpensive bass to lay down a few tracks or play the occasional gig.
The J bass has been around for decades and it is a staple of many music genres we have grown up listening to, and you can get this sound for an amazing price. This model comes in several different finishes, so there’s going to be one that suits your style.
I have used mine mostly to record bass tracks at home, but I have also played it in small gigs and jam sessions. It has always fulfilled my needs and although I would enjoy having an overall nicer bass, this one is unbeatable for what it costs. Having it setup properly and upgrading a few parts for a moderate price can exponentially increase the power and versatility of the bass. It will sound better, have more tuning stability and it will be more comfortable to play. I recommend using a wide strap with good shoulder padding if you’re playing while standing up.
There are also a few other instruments in this price range that I would have no problem recommending to a new player or someone who plays bass as a secondary instrument and wants something cheap and effective, such as the Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass or the Ibanez TMB30. The fact that Harley Benton is only sold by the German store Thomann can also be a deterring factor for buyers outside Europe.
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