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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley benton Diy kit J-bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your inner luthier with the Harley Benton DIY Kit J-Bass, a hands-on project that bridges the gap between musician and craftsman. This kit provides everything you need to construct a classic JB-style electric bass, offering both a satisfying building experience and the pride of playing an instrument you've assembled yourself. The Rengas body and maple neck form the backbone of this customizable bass, ready to be finished to your personal taste.

Whether you're a seasoned builder or a curious beginner, the Harley Benton DIY Kit J-Bass is designed to challenge and reward your creativity. With 21 frets on an amaranth fretboard and a double-action truss rod, you'll achieve a smooth playing experience, perfect for exploring a wide array of musical genres. The pair of single-coil pickups provide a classic, punchy sound that cuts through any mix, while the chrome hardware and diecast machine heads ensure reliable tuning stability and a sleek look.

Let your imagination run wild with this kit, as the body and neck come prepped with pore filler, ready for your artistic touch. Whether you choose to paint, stain, or varnish, the Harley Benton DIY Kit J-Bass is your canvas for musical expression. Dive into the world of custom bass building and emerge with an instrument that's uniquely yours.

Key Features:

  • Complete DIY kit for JB-style electric bass
  • Rengas body and maple neck
  • Amaranth fretboard with dot inlays
  • Double action truss rod
  • 21 frets
  • 864 mm scale length
  • 38 mm nut width
  • Two single-coil pickups with two volume and one tone control
  • Chrome hardware and diecast machine heads
  • Strings: .045 - .105

Owner's manual

Harley benton Diy kit J-bass User Manual

Product specs

Available since August 2012
Colour Natural
Soundboard Solid Wood
Neck Canadian Maple
Fretboard Laurel
Frets 21
Scale Longscale
Pickup System JJ
Elektronic Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What is included in the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass?

The Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass includes all necessary parts to build a J-style bass guitar, such as a solid wood body, Canadian maple neck, laurel fretboard, JJ pickup system, and passive electronics. However, it does not include a case or gigbag.

Is the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass is suitable for beginners interested in learning how to assemble and customize their own bass guitar. It provides a hands-on experience with straightforward instructions, making it accessible for those new to guitar building.

What type of wood is used for the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass?

The Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass features a solid wood body and a neck made from Canadian maple, with a laurel fretboard. This combination offers a balanced tone and a comfortable playing experience.

Does the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass come with instructions?

Yes, the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass comes with assembly instructions to guide you through the building process. These instructions are designed to help both beginners and more experienced builders successfully complete the project.

What kind of pickups are included in the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass?

The kit includes a JJ pickup system, which is a classic configuration for J-style bass guitars, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Can I customize the finish of the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass?

Yes, the Harley Benton DIY kit J-Bass allows for customization of the finish. The natural wood body can be painted, stained, or left as is, giving you the freedom to create a unique look for your instrument.

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-Style Assembling and Sound Demo (no talking)

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-Style Assembling and Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-Style Assembling and Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers excellent value with strong build quality for the price

  • Clear instructions make assembly straightforward, even for beginners

  • Customizable headstock allows for personalization

  • Provides a rich and versatile sound suitable for various music genres

  • Sturdy neck with precise fretwork out of the box

  • Tight neck-body coupling enhances playability

  • Comfortable neck with no dead spots

  • Good balance between neck and body for comfortable playing

  • Pre-cut parts fit seamlessly, minimizing assembly hassle

CONS

  • Body wood may have mismatched colors or grain, requiring painting

  • Stock pickups can be noisy due to lack of EMI shielding

  • Some components may require additional work for perfect fitment

  • Instructions should emphasize need for grain sealer and primer before painting

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley benton Diy kit J-bass.

Build quality

  • Some users report the kit's headstock design may require modification for better aesthetics and balance.

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  • Some kits arrive with minor dings, but owners generally find these to be insignificant.

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  • The screws included in the kit are soft, with a risk of heads cracking off if tightened excessively.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Sanding fret ends with a small triangular file (5mm width) is recommended to improve playability.

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  • Shielding the electronic cavity with copper or aluminum tape is advised to reduce noise interference.

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  • Adjusting neck plate screws can help correct string alignment issues, particularly if the high G string is close to the fretboard edge.

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  • Half-flat strings help the bass hold tuning well after setup by a professional technician.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock pickups with EMG J sets and upgrading to EMG controls for balance, treble, and bass enhances sound quality.

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  • Using a rotary tool with a blade attachment is effective for shaping the headstock from its initial square block form.

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  • Behr spray paint and primer, followed by water-based polyurethane, is a popular finish choice among builders for a sleek aesthetic.

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  • Standard Fender Jazz bass tuners, pickups, and bridges are compatible for upgrades, though the pickguard isn't swappable.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass tends to have neck dive issues; moving the back strap button and using lightweight tuners can help mitigate this.

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User experience

  • Owners note the bass is lightweight compared to heavier models like the Ibanez ISJR, which can reduce shoulder strain during extended play.

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  • Building the kit with a family member adds sentimental value, enhancing the overall enjoyment and connection to the instrument.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite quieter pickups compared to Precision or Mustang basses, the kit offers great learning value for its $120 price.

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