Hey guys! Are you looking for a killer bass that won't break the bank? Let's dive deep into the Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural. This bass has been generating buzz for its impressive features and affordable price tag. We're going to explore everything from its build quality and playability to its sound and overall value. So, if you're in the market for a new bass, stick around – this review is for you!

First Impressions: Unboxing and Initial Thoughts

When you first lay eyes on the Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural, the natural finish immediately grabs your attention. It’s clean, it’s classic, and it gives off a vibe of understated elegance. The bass feels solid in your hands, not like some flimsy, cheap instrument. The body is made of mahogany, which is a great start for tonal richness and sustain. The maple neck feels smooth, and the rosewood fretboard adds a touch of warmth.

Out of the box, the setup was surprisingly decent. The action was reasonable, and the intonation was close enough to get started without immediate adjustments. Of course, every player has their preferences, but it’s always a relief when you don’t have to spend hours tweaking the setup right away. The hardware looks and feels solid; the tuners are smooth and responsive, which is crucial for maintaining stable tuning. All in all, the initial impression is overwhelmingly positive, especially considering the price point. It feels like you're getting a lot of instrument for your money. The natural finish isn't just for looks; it allows the wood to resonate more freely, potentially contributing to a fuller, more vibrant tone. It's a thoughtful design choice that sets it apart from basses with thick, glossy finishes. The neck profile is comfortable and easy to navigate, making it suitable for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced bassist looking for a reliable backup instrument, the HBO-850 feels like a good fit. The weight of the bass is also well-balanced, preventing neck dive and ensuring comfortable playing for extended periods. This is a crucial factor for live performances or long practice sessions. The overall construction is impressive, with tight neck joints and a clean finish. There are no noticeable flaws or imperfections, which speaks to the quality control at Harley Benton. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the bass, from the carefully crafted body to the precisely placed frets.

Build Quality and Features

The Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural boasts a mahogany body, known for its warm and resonant tonal characteristics. The bolt-on maple neck provides stability and clarity, while the rosewood fretboard offers a smooth playing surface. The bass features a pair of Roswell JBA Alnico-5 single-coil pickups, delivering a classic jazz bass tone. Controls are straightforward: two volume knobs and a master tone knob, allowing for easy tonal shaping. The hardware includes a Wilkinson bridge and die-cast tuners, ensuring reliable performance and tuning stability.

The build quality is surprisingly good for a bass in this price range. The finish is clean and consistent, and the neck joint is solid. The frets are well-seated and level, minimizing fret buzz and ensuring comfortable playability. The hardware feels robust and durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of regular use. The Wilkinson bridge is a particularly nice touch, offering precise intonation adjustments and enhanced sustain. The die-cast tuners are smooth and accurate, making tuning a breeze. The electronics are also well-shielded, minimizing unwanted noise and interference. The Roswell pickups are a standout feature, delivering a punchy and articulate tone that's perfect for a wide range of musical styles. The control layout is simple and intuitive, allowing you to dial in your desired sound quickly and easily. The overall construction is impressive, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the bass. It feels like a much more expensive instrument than it actually is, which is a testament to Harley Benton's commitment to quality and value. The choice of materials is also commendable, with mahogany, maple, and rosewood combining to create a balanced and resonant tone. The bolt-on neck construction provides a solid and stable platform for the strings, ensuring optimal sustain and clarity. The bass is also lightweight and comfortable to play, making it ideal for long practice sessions or live performances. The overall impression is one of quality and craftsmanship, making the HBO-850 a standout in its price range.

Sound Quality: How Does It Sound?

Let's get to the most important part: how does the Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural sound? In short, it sounds fantastic for the price. The Roswell JBA Alnico-5 pickups deliver a clear, articulate, and punchy tone. It’s got that classic jazz bass vibe, with a warm low-end, a defined mid-range, and crisp highs. Whether you're playing fingerstyle, with a pick, or slapping, the HBO-850 handles it all with aplomb.

The bass is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. It excels in genres like rock, blues, funk, and jazz, but it can also hold its own in heavier styles like metal and punk. The pickups respond well to changes in playing dynamics, allowing you to create a wide range of expressive sounds. The tone knob is also highly effective, allowing you to shape your sound to suit your specific needs. Rolling it back softens the highs and creates a warmer, more mellow tone, while opening it up provides a brighter, more aggressive sound. The pickups are also relatively quiet, minimizing unwanted noise and hum. This is especially important for recording, where clarity and detail are paramount. The overall sound is balanced and well-rounded, with no frequency range overpowering the others. The low-end is full and supportive, the mid-range is clear and articulate, and the high-end is bright and crisp. The bass also has plenty of sustain, allowing notes to ring out clearly and evenly. The sound quality is truly impressive for a bass in this price range, rivaling instruments that cost significantly more. The Roswell pickups are a major factor in this, providing a tone that is both versatile and characterful. The overall impression is one of quality and value, making the HBO-850 a standout in its class. The bass also sounds great with a variety of different amps and effects, allowing you to further customize your sound. Whether you're playing through a clean amp or a heavily distorted rig, the HBO-850 delivers a tone that is both clear and powerful.

Playability and Comfort

The playability of the Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural is another strong point. The neck has a comfortable profile that fits nicely in your hand. The action is generally set low, allowing for easy fretting and fast playing. The fretboard is smooth and responsive, making it a joy to navigate. The bass is also well-balanced, preventing neck dive and ensuring comfortable playing for extended periods.

The neck profile is particularly noteworthy, providing a comfortable and ergonomic feel that suits a variety of playing styles. Whether you prefer to play with your thumb on the back of the neck or with your thumb wrapped around, the HBO-850 accommodates your technique. The action is also easily adjustable, allowing you to customize the string height to your liking. The frets are well-dressed and polished, minimizing fret buzz and ensuring smooth playability. The fretboard is also treated with a special oil that enhances its smoothness and responsiveness. The bass is also lightweight and well-balanced, making it ideal for long practice sessions or live performances. The body contours are also comfortable, allowing the bass to sit comfortably against your body. The overall playability is excellent, making the HBO-850 a joy to play for both beginners and experienced bassists. The comfortable neck, smooth fretboard, and well-balanced design combine to create an instrument that is easy to play and sounds great. The bass also responds well to different playing techniques, allowing you to express yourself fully and creatively. Whether you're playing fingerstyle, with a pick, or slapping, the HBO-850 delivers a consistent and comfortable playing experience.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! The Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural offers incredible value for money. For a relatively low price, you get a well-built, great-sounding bass that’s perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable instrument. You’d be hard-pressed to find another bass in this price range that offers the same level of quality and performance.

When you consider the features, build quality, and sound quality of the HBO-850, it's clear that you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. The mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and Roswell pickups combine to create a bass that sounds and plays like a much more expensive instrument. The Wilkinson bridge and die-cast tuners ensure reliable performance and tuning stability, while the well-shielded electronics minimize unwanted noise and interference. The overall construction is impressive, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the bass. The HBO-850 is also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Whether you're playing rock, blues, funk, jazz, or metal, this bass can handle it all. The comfortable neck and smooth fretboard make it a joy to play, while the well-balanced design ensures comfortable playing for extended periods. The value for money is simply outstanding, making the HBO-850 a standout in its class. If you're looking for an affordable and reliable bass that sounds great and plays well, the Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural is an excellent choice. It's a great investment for beginners and a reliable backup instrument for experienced players. You won't be disappointed!

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Great sound quality
• Comfortable playability
• Solid build quality
• Versatile tone

Cons:

• Some may prefer different pickups (though the stock ones are great for the price)
• Setup may require some tweaking to personal preferences

Final Verdict

The Harley Benton HBO-850 Bass Natural is a fantastic bass that delivers exceptional value. It’s well-built, sounds great, and plays comfortably. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced bassist looking for a reliable backup, the HBO-850 is definitely worth considering. You get a lot of instrument for your money, and it’s hard to find a better option in this price range. Highly recommended!