Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $333

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton HBZ-2005". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

The Harley Benton HBZ-2005 is a 5-string electric bass that blends classic craftsmanship with modern innovation, perfect for musicians looking to expand their sonic palette. This instrument features a 7-piece neck-thru-body design combining mahogany, maple, and nato, offering a robust build and seamless playability. The fretboard is crafted from black walnut, adorned with elegant oval mother-of-pearl inlays, adding a touch of sophistication to your performance.

Designed for precision and versatility, the HBZ-2005 comes equipped with two ceramic bar single coil pickups that deliver a clear and dynamic sound, suitable for a variety of music styles. The active sound control lets you shape your tone with ease, making it ideal for both studio recordings and live gigs. With 24 frets and a long-scale of 864 mm, this bass ensures you have the range and flexibility needed for complex arrangements.

The bass is completed with black hardware and die-cast machine heads, ensuring durability and tuning stability. The bridge features a 16 mm string spacing, providing comfortable playability and precise intonation. Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or performing on stage, the Harley Benton HBZ-2005 is a reliable partner in your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 5-string electric bass with a 7-piece neck-thru-body construction
  • Black walnut fretboard with oval mother-of-pearl inlays
  • Two ceramic bar single coil pickups
  • Active sound control for versatile tone shaping
  • 24 frets and 864 mm long scale
  • Black hardware with die-cast machine heads
  • Bridge with 16 mm string spacing
  • Ex-factory stringing: .045" - .125"

Product specs

Available since November 2011
Colour Natural
Body Mahogany
Neck Maple, Nato
Fretboard Jatoba
Frets 24
Scale Longscale
Pickup System JJ
Elektronic Active
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No
Soundboard Mahogany

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Harley Benton HBZ-2005's pickups?

The Harley Benton HBZ-2005 features a JJ pickup system, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for genres like rock, funk, and jazz. These active pickups deliver a punchy, clear sound with enhanced midrange and treble frequencies.

Is the Harley Benton HBZ-2005 suitable for beginners?

While the Harley Benton HBZ-2005 offers features appealing to experienced bassists, such as a longscale neck and active electronics, beginners may find its playability and sound versatility beneficial for learning various styles.

How does the neck profile of the Harley Benton HBZ-2005 affect playability?

The Harley Benton HBZ-2005 has a neck made from maple and nato, providing a smooth playing experience. Its longscale design and 24 frets offer ample room for complex fingerwork, making it a good choice for players who enjoy exploring the fretboard.

What materials are used in the construction of the Harley Benton HBZ-2005?

The Harley Benton HBZ-2005 features a mahogany body and a neck made from maple and nato, with a jatoba fretboard. This combination provides a warm, resonant tone with a balanced frequency response.

Does the Harley Benton HBZ-2005 come with a case or gigbag?

No, the Harley Benton HBZ-2005 does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to consider purchasing one separately to protect your instrument during transport.

Cory Mura

Cory Mura

HARLEY BENTON HBZ-2005

Video thumbnail for HARLEY BENTON HBZ-2005 by Cory Mura

HARLEY BENTON HBZ-2005

Cory Mura

Cory Mura

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - HBZ-2005 - 5 Strings - Neck Through by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - HBZ-2005 - 5 Strings - Neck Through

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - No Talking - HBZ-2005 - Just Playing by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - No Talking - HBZ-2005 - Just Playing

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Review and Demo by Brewdude Music Productions

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Review and Demo

Brewdude Music Productions

Brewdude Music Productions

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton HBZ-2005 disappointment and improvements! by Andrew Deck

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 disappointment and improvements!

Andrew Deck

Andrew Deck

Video thumbnail for This 5-String Bass is KILLER for the price! (Unboxing and First Thoughts) by Brewdude Music Productions

This 5-String Bass is KILLER for the price! (Unboxing and First Thoughts)

Brewdude Music Productions

Brewdude Music Productions

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful and visually appealing design with natural wood and satin finish

  • Active electronics provide a wide tonal range, suitable for various music genres

  • Neck-through body design enhances durability and sustain

  • Comfortable neck with a pleasant satin finish for easy playing

  • Precise and stable tuning pegs exceed expectations

  • Pre-installed D'Addario strings favored by many players

  • Delivered with a good initial setup, minimizing the need for immediate adjustments

  • Reasonably lightweight with good balance, avoiding shoulder strain

  • Sound knobs provide a subtle click for easy adjustments

  • Excellent value for money, especially for a 5-string bass

CONS

  • Bridge pieces are not perfectly aligned, affecting visual appeal

  • Lack of instruction sheet for control functions

  • Difficult intonation setup due to individual saddles without intonation screws

  • Cannot operate in passive mode, limiting sound versatility

  • Some cosmetic quirks, though not affecting performance

  • Requires some DIY fixes like soldering and knob stabilization

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
harumkt

Great bass for a cheap price

Bought this because I really needed a bass of my own rather than borrowing others', bought this without much prior knowledge other than I really liked my Harley Benton guitar already, and was blown away by how great it sounded as well as played right out of the box. Brilliant bass for a cheap enough price.

Genre Usage

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1 alternative for Harley Benton HBZ-2005, curated by the Equipboard community.

Harley Benton HBZ-2004

$289.00

similar sound

Four string version of the same bass. Similar sound and playing feel, but probably better for most non-metal guitarists to get on with.

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