Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $195

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series, a 6-string electric bass that's as versatile as it is powerful. Designed for the modern bassist, this instrument combines dynamic playability with exceptional tonal range. The active preamp, nestled within its Alder body, brings your sound to life, offering a robust palette from deep lows to shimmering highs.

The Canadian maple neck, paired with a black walnut fingerboard, is crafted to perfection, providing a smooth surface that's perfect for intricate bass lines or thunderous riffs. Its 24 frets and long scale length give you plenty of room to explore, while the Tai-Chi fingerboard inlays add a touch of elegance. Whether you're using the bass in active or passive mode, the push/pull volume control ensures that your tone remains crisp and clear.

The Harley Benton B-650 is not just about sound; it's about precision. With a Modern D neck profile and double action truss rods, you're guaranteed stability and comfort, even under the most demanding gigs. The black hardware and die-cast machine heads complete its sleek look, making it a perfect match for any stage presence.

For those who dare to push boundaries, this bass provides the ultimate blend of craftsmanship and innovation, setting the stage for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Body: Alder
  • Bolt-on neck: Canadian maple
  • Fingerboard: Black walnut with Tai-Chi inlays
  • Neck profile: Modern D
  • 24 Frets; long scale: 864 mm
  • Nut width: 53 mm; String spacing: 16 mm
  • 2 Double action truss rods
  • Pickups: 2 humbuckers with active preamp
  • Controls: 1 Balance, 1 bass, 1 treble, 1 volume with push/pull function
  • Black hardware; Die-cast machine heads
  • Factory strings: .032 - .125

Product specs

Available since December 2013
Basic Shape JP-Style
Colour Black
Body Alder
Neck Maple
Fretboard Jatoba
Frets 24
Scale Longscale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Active
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series use?

The Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series features an HH pickup configuration, which includes two humbucker pickups for a powerful and full sound suitable for various music genres.

Is the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series is suitable for beginners due to its affordable price, versatile sound, and player-friendly JP-style design with a longscale neck.

What is the neck made of on the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series?

The neck of the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series is made from maple, offering a smooth playing experience and contributing to the bass guitar's overall tonal brightness.

Does the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series come with a case or gigbag?

No, the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series does not include a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection during transport.

What is the scale length of the Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series?

The Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series features a longscale design, which typically measures 34 inches, providing a balanced tension and clarity across all strings.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Harley Benton B-650 Black Progressive Series Bass

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton B-650 Black Progressive Series Bass by BassTheWorld.com

Harley Benton B-650 Black Progressive Series Bass

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton B-650 Black Progressive Series by Damian Gitaromania

Harley Benton B-650 Black Progressive Series

Damian Gitaromania

Damian Gitaromania

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly affordable with impressive build quality for the price

  • Active/passive switch adds versatile tonal options

  • Comfortable thin neck profile and manageable string spacing

  • Robust and precise tuning keys for reliable performance

  • Modern sound with transparent and noiseless active electronics

  • Well-finished frets and smooth neck enhance playability

  • Offers extended range suitable for diverse musical styles

  • Includes quality strings, with room for personal upgrades

  • Durable finish comparable to more expensive basses

  • Responsive hardware suits various playing styles

CONS

  • Rear control cavity cover is flimsy and prone to gaps

  • Bass knob issues suggest potential quality control lapses

  • Wider fretboard may require adjustment for first-time six-string users

  • Tone knobs have subtle effects until the end of rotation

  • Some components may need upgrading for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton B-650 Progressive Series.

Build quality

  • The preamp is noted for being ultra low noise and can be deactivated, offering flexibility in sound control.

    Source
  • Some users mention the tuners are somewhat imprecise but functional, indicating potential room for improvement in tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Bass arrives with a nearly perfect setup, minimizing the need for immediate adjustments.

    Source
  • One owner experienced battery drain within two weeks despite unplugging the bass when not in use.

    Source
  • Warwick Red Label strings (.25-.135 gauge) are used by some, noting the C string can feel loose.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The string spacing is narrow, which may challenge slapping techniques but is generally manageable.

    Source
  • The push-pull knob reportedly makes an unpleasant electric cracking noise when bypassing the preamp.

    Source
  • The passive circuit is notably quieter than other passive basses, prompting users to prefer the active setting for better sound quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Slight neck dive reported, but it can be corrected with a quality strap for better balance.

    Source
  • Access to the 18th fret and higher is limited, affecting playability for those needing full fret access.

    Source
  • Neck profile described as "weirdly flat," which may affect playability preferences.

    Source
  • Owners report the bass has a smaller body compared to other six-strings, making it more comfortable and less intimidating to play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Successfully used in Drop A tuning, requiring a setup adjustment for lower action.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dariusz_muzyka

Harley spoko

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