Pricing and availability

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Reverb
4.0 (6)
$499.00 1 available Used
Thomann
4.6 (429)
$165.00 $163.00 $2.00 · All time low

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 JA-60". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

The Harley Benton JA-60 SB is a nostalgic nod to classic guitar design, offering a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability. Crafted with a basswood body, this solid body electric guitar boasts a vintage caramelised Canadian maple neck, delivering a warm tone and comfortable feel. The laurel fingerboard is adorned with block inlays, adding a touch of elegance and ensuring a smooth playing experience.

Equipped with two Roswell JM Alnico-5 Vintage-Style Single Coil pickups, the JA-60 SB captures that iconic jangle and clarity, making it perfect for genres ranging from surf rock to indie pop. The guitar's controls are streamlined with one volume knob, one tone knob, and a 3-way switch, allowing you to effortlessly shape your sound.

For players who value precision, the neck's "C" profile and 12" fingerboard radius offer exceptional comfort and playability, whether you're strumming chords or bending notes on its 21 frets. The fixed bridge and Kluson-style machine heads provide stable tuning and reliable performance, while the chrome deluxe hardware adds a touch of class to its overall aesthetic.

This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement piece for musicians who appreciate the fusion of retro style and modern functionality. Perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike, the Harley Benton JA-60 SB is your ticket to vintage-inspired soundscapes.

Key Features:

  • Body: Basswood
  • Neck: Vintage caramelised Canadian maple, bolt-on
  • Fingerboard: Laurel with block inlays
  • Neck profile: "C"
  • Double action truss rod
  • Fingerboard radius: 12"
  • Scale length: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • 21 frets
  • Pickups: 2 Roswell JM Alnico-5 Vintage-Style Single Coils
  • Controls: 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way switch
  • Bridge: Fixed
  • Machine heads: Kluson-style
  • Hardware: Chrome deluxe
  • Strings: .010 - .046

Product specs

Available since May 2013
Colour Sunburst
Soundboard Basswood
Neck Caramelized Canadian Maple
Fretboard Laurel
Frets 21
Scale 648 mm
Pickup System SS
Tremolo No
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No
Design J-Style
Top None

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Harley Benton JA-60 SB?

The Harley Benton JA-60 SB features a basswood body, which is known for its light weight and balanced tonal characteristics, making it suitable for a variety of music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Harley Benton JA-60 SB?

The Harley Benton JA-60 SB has a caramelized Canadian maple neck with a comfortable and easy-to-play profile, ideal for both beginners and experienced players.

Does the Harley Benton JA-60 SB come with a tremolo system?

No, the Harley Benton JA-60 SB does not include a tremolo system, which contributes to its stable tuning and straightforward maintenance.

How many frets does the Harley Benton JA-60 SB have?

The Harley Benton JA-60 SB is equipped with 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of note access across its scale length.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Harley Benton JA-60 SB?

The Harley Benton JA-60 SB features an SS pickup configuration, providing a classic single-coil sound that is versatile for different genres.

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Harley Benton JA-60SB - IN DEPTH Demo

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA-60SB - IN DEPTH Demo by EytschPi42

Harley Benton JA-60SB - IN DEPTH Demo

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for HARLEY BENTON  JA-60  Master Jazz at an unbelievable price? Budget Guitar Review by TheGuitarGeek

HARLEY BENTON JA-60 Master Jazz at an unbelievable price? Budget Guitar Review

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TheGuitarGeek

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton Jazzmaster (JA-60SB) - The $120 JM by Toby's Guitar Gear Demos 🎵

Harley Benton Jazzmaster (JA-60SB) - The $120 JM

Toby's Guitar Gear Demos 🎵

Toby's Guitar Gear Demos 🎵

Video thumbnail for It CAN'T be that GOOD?? Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW by Ásgeir Þrastarson

It CAN'T be that GOOD?? Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW

Ásgeir Þrastarson

Ásgeir Þrastarson

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA-60 vs Squier 40th Anniversary Jazzmaster (Review, Demo, Sound Comparison) by Best Guitars Now

Harley Benton JA-60 vs Squier 40th Anniversary Jazzmaster (Review, Demo, Sound Comparison)

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Best Guitars Now

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW - 2 months later... by Colin Price

Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW - 2 months later...

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Colin Price

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW Soundtest by Paolo G

Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW Soundtest

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Paolo G

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA-60SB by Guitar Gear Gyan

Harley Benton JA-60SB

Guitar Gear Gyan

Guitar Gear Gyan

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton опять удивляет | JA-60SB Vintage Series ОБЗОР! by Слава Домашний Обзор Гитар

Harley Benton опять удивляет | JA-60SB Vintage Series ОБЗОР!

Слава Домашний Обзор Гитар

Слава Домашний Обзор Гитар

Video thumbnail for How Good Is Harley Benton JA-60 OW? [REVIEW] - Cheap Jazzmaster Copy by Best Guitars Now

How Good Is Harley Benton JA-60 OW? [REVIEW] - Cheap Jazzmaster Copy

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Video thumbnail for Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW 2021 - Sound CLEAN Tones Demo JM Jazzmaster by Fritz's Guitars

Harley Benton HB JA-60 OW 2021 - Sound CLEAN Tones Demo JM Jazzmaster

Fritz's Guitars

Fritz's Guitars

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA-60 SB by Guitare De Prestige

Harley Benton JA-60 SB

Guitare De Prestige

Guitare De Prestige

Reviews

PROS

  • Wilkinson pickups deliver impressive tone for the price

  • Flawless sunburst finish enhances visual appeal

  • Offset body design ensures great balance and comfort

  • Satin neck finish provides smooth, comfortable playability

  • Excellent value, rivals guitars costing significantly more

  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres

  • Well-crafted electronics and responsive controls

  • P90 pickups offer a classic, snarling tone

  • Solid construction with smooth, even fretwork

  • Ready-to-play out of the box with minimal setup

CONS

  • Some units have intonation issues due to bridge positioning

  • Fret dressing occasionally requires additional work

  • Pickguard's graphic wears off with extended use

  • Vintage style split tuners may not suit everyone

  • Neck pocket routing inconsistencies in some guitars

  • Potential minor issues requiring post-purchase adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton JA-60.

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a Duesenberg Les Trem II is a popular modification to add vibrato functionality without routing.

    Source
  • Some users face challenges with Harley Benton tuners and bridges; replacements often require drilling new holes due to non-standard sizing.

    Source
  • Stock pickups have shifted from Gibson soapbar style P90s to ones resembling actual Jazzmaster pickups.

    Source
  • A Duesenberg Les Trem can be added without routing, directly replacing the hard tail.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The absence of a tremolo system on the Harley Benton JA-60 is a significant drawback for shoegaze players looking for vibrato effects.

    Source
  • The smaller body size makes it particularly suitable for younger players or those with smaller hands.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Harley Benton's Roswell pickups are considered comparable to Squier's Classic Vibe series, but users report Harley Benton offers superior materials for the price.

    Source
  • Owners often prefer the JA-60 over more expensive guitars like the 460€ Ibanez Strat due to its feel and sound quality.

    Source
  • The body is smaller compared to Fender/Squier Jazzmasters, with closer pickup spacing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Harley Bentons generally have low resale value, with used models rarely sought after in the market.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite some imperfections like subpar tuning pegs, users still enjoy the guitar, with one choosing it over a Fender Duo Sonic for its sound.

    Source
  • Some users find the neck comparable to the Squier J Mascis model, with a chunky feel that fills the hand, which can be polarizing.

    Source
  • Owners have noted surprisingly good fret work for the price, comparing it favorably to more expensive models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report inconsistent quality control, with issues like blemished finishes and corroded strings upon arrival.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners consistently report the need for a full setup, including string action, neck relief, and intonation adjustments, which is common in this price range.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's 250k pots contribute to a darker, more compressed tone compared to Jazzmasters, which typically use 1 meg pots for a brighter sound.

    Source
  • The neck is described as thicker than typical Fender necks but not as thick as Gibson, offering a unique feel.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
barrau

the best cheap guitar i tried

jazzmaster sound in an easy to play solid construction for 150 bucks? a fucking banger.

so lightweight, skinny fretboard and neck.

the electronic and components in general are vague, but i like the pups, the bridge is a reversed tuneomatic

the only downside is that it doesnt have the tipical jazzmaster tremolo, but in a cheap guitar thats difficult so the hard tail give it a good stabilty.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

neck pickup for huge 90´s sound, bridge for vintage and noisy shit and combination for jazz.

dippypepsi123

Good sounding guitar.

It's a very decent guitar for the money the p90s sound nice but I'm not a fan of vintage style split tuners I plan on modifying it at some point with upgraded tuners and maybe different pickups but as of recently haven't played it much.

gambero420

Nice guitar for the price

As I said in the title, it's an amazing guitar for its price. Sounds quite good, really easy to modify. Only downside is that the pickguard looks like shit.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Amaury Cambuzat uses Harley Benton JA-60

Amaury Cambuzat

Guitarist

Faust

...
Verified via YouTube

At 32:58 you have a clear shot of seeing him using this guitar, or a similar model. Harley Benton can be read on the headstock.

Community setups

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cozvtieg9

cozvtieg9

Gear IQ 174

pervomart

pervomart

Gear IQ 228

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