Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $185

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton B-550". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the perfect fusion of style and substance with the Harley Benton B-550 Electric Bass. Designed for musicians who demand both visual appeal and sonic versatility, this 5-string bass guitar is a true performer. The Canadian maple bolt-on neck paired with a rosewood fretboard delivers a smooth and responsive playing experience, while the modern D neck profile ensures comfort during long sessions.

The B-550 features a sleek alder body, providing a balanced tonal foundation that is both rich and expressive. Musicians will appreciate the versatility offered by the dual humbucker pickups combined with an active preamp, putting a wide array of tones at your fingertips. With the push/pull function, easily switch between active and passive modes to adapt to any musical scenario. The diecast machine heads ensure stable tuning, while the double action truss rod allows for precise neck adjustments.

Whether you're laying down a thundering groove or exploring melodic heights, the Harley Benton B-550 is equipped to handle it all. The black hardware and Tai-Chi inlays add a touch of elegance, making this bass as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Body: Alder
  • Bolt-on neck made from Canadian maple
  • Modern D neck profile
  • Rosewood fretboard with Tai-Chi inlays
  • 24 Frets, 864 mm long scale
  • Nut width: 45 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 2x Humbucker with active preamp
  • Controls: Balance, bass, treble, and volume with push/pull active/passive function
  • Black hardware with diecast machine heads
  • String gauge: .045-.130

Product specs

Available since December 2013
Colour White
Soundboard Alder
Neck Maple
Fretboard Jatoba
Frets 24
Scale Long Scale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Aktive, Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Harley Benton B-550 White use?

The Harley Benton B-550 White features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a powerful and versatile sound suitable for various music styles.

Is the Harley Benton B-550 White suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harley Benton B-550 White is suitable for beginners due to its affordable price and versatile sound, making it a great entry-level bass guitar.

Does the Harley Benton B-550 White come with a case or gigbag?

No, the Harley Benton B-550 White does not include a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection during transport.

What is the neck material of the Harley Benton B-550 White?

The neck of the Harley Benton B-550 White is made from maple, offering a smooth playing experience and contributing to the instrument's overall tonal brightness.

Can the Harley Benton B-550 White be used in both active and passive modes?

Yes, the Harley Benton B-550 White features both active and passive electronics, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities and increased flexibility in sound shaping.

Damian Gitaromania

Damian Gitaromania

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series by Damian Gitaromania

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series

Damian Gitaromania

Damian Gitaromania

Video thumbnail for New Bass! - Harley Benton Progressive Series B-550 White by BiscuitBakesBangers

New Bass! - Harley Benton Progressive Series B-550 White

BiscuitBakesBangers

BiscuitBakesBangers

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique ability to boost bass and cut treble in passive mode

  • Solid and reliable B string with no floppiness

  • Silent operation with well-shielded and grounded electronics

  • Maintains tuning well, even after transport

  • Versatile sound suitable for multiple music genres

  • Comfortable weight and balance for extended play

  • Push/pull volume pot offers easy active/passive switching

  • Excellent value for money, significantly cheaper than similar brands

  • Arrives fully intonated with quality strings

  • Ideal for beginners or those new to 5-string basses

CONS

  • Neck pocket could be visually tighter

  • Blend knob functions more like a 3-way switch

  • Initial sound issues with loose controls and low-quality strings

  • Battery always live unless modified, risking unnecessary drain

  • Fretboard may arrive dry, needing conditioning

  • Some cosmetic imperfections like jack plate alignment

Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alm
alm

292

In all the ways that this bass isn't terrible it's a really great bass.

That being said, it's still terrible in a couple of ways and i would never trust this thing on a gig. The battery drains even when its not plugged in. The electronics are both confusing and fragile. But for about 100€ you can't really expect more. Its good for practising on and for getting good at the instrument. Personally I've found it very handy because the scale length is much shorter than on say a p-bass. But thats about all it's good for.

From Gear Setup
lieverguitars

Pleasantly Surprised.

I had heard that the Harley Benton copies where pretty decent and I had been wanting to have a shot of a 5 string for a while so ordering one of these from Thomann was a no-brainer. I didn't expect much I just wanted to see if iI would make good use of the extra string. I have to say I was greeted with a well built instrument built with proper materials and that plays well. It came strung out of the box with D'Addario EXL 45-130's and was fully intonated. For a fully contoured bass with tummy cut, Modern d-shape neck and an Active/Passive (push pull) pair of humbuckers. Can it get better than £115?

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Harley Benton B-550, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
alm

alm

Gear IQ 292

leh

leh

Gear IQ 216

yeeshee_intertwine

yeeshee_intertwine

Gear IQ 253

1 alternative for Harley Benton B-550, curated by the Equipboard community.

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4HH

$479.99 - $529.00

cheaper alternative

Sounds roughly similar. The look of the harley benton seems inspired by the music-man and the controlls are similar.

More Harley Benton Electric Basses

Artist usage

Gear Guides