Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $179

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Step into the world of rich, resonant tones with the Harley Benton JA-Baritone, an electric guitar that commands attention with its extended range capabilities. Perfect for musicians who crave depth in their sound, this baritone guitar is crafted with a Poplar body and a bolt-on Maple neck, offering a harmonious blend of durability and tonal warmth. The Purple Heart fretboard not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides a smooth playing surface for intricate fingerwork.

The guitar's design is complemented by its 21 frets and a scale length of 762 mm, allowing for extended playability across genres. The vintage aesthetic is further enhanced by block fretboard inlays and a matched headstock, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Equipped with two P90 AlNiCo Vintage Style Single Coil pickups, the JA-Baritone delivers a classic sound with modern versatility, easily switching from clean, crisp tones to gritty, distorted riffs through its 3-way switch. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the volume and tone controls give you precise command over your sound.

The black deluxe hardware and solid bridge assure stability and sustain, while the Kluson style machine heads provide reliable tuning. With factory strings gauged from .014 to .068, this instrument is ready to deliver powerful, thick tones right out of the box.

Key Features:

  • Vintage series, Poplar body
  • Bolt-on Maple neck with C profile
  • Purple Heart fretboard with block inlays
  • Scale length: 762 mm; Nut width: 42 mm
  • 21 frets; Matched headstock
  • 2 P90 AlNiCo Vintage Style Single Coil pickups
  • Volume and tone controls with 3-way switch
  • Black deluxe hardware and solid bridge
  • Kluson style machine heads; Factory string gauge: .014 - .068

Product specs

Available since September 2022
Colour Black
Body Poplar
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Purple Heart
Frets 21
Scale 762 mm
Pickup System P90, P90
Tremolo No
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What tuning is the Harley Benton JA-Baritone typically set up for?

The Harley Benton JA-Baritone is typically set up for B standard tuning, which is a fourth below standard E tuning. This allows for deeper tones and is suitable for genres like metal and alternative rock.

What kind of pickups does the Harley Benton JA-Baritone use?

The Harley Benton JA-Baritone is equipped with two P90 pickups. These pickups are known for their bright, punchy sound and are versatile for a range of music styles.

Is the Harley Benton JA-Baritone suitable for beginners?

While the Harley Benton JA-Baritone can be played by beginners, its extended range and unique tuning may be more suitable for players with some experience who are looking to explore lower tonal ranges.

Does the Harley Benton JA-Baritone come with a case or gigbag?

No, the Harley Benton JA-Baritone does not come with a case or gigbag. You may want to purchase one separately to protect the guitar during transport.

What is the neck material of the Harley Benton JA-Baritone?

The neck of the Harley Benton JA-Baritone is made from maple, which provides a bright tone and stability for the instrument.

Andrew Baena

Andrew Baena

BARITONE GUITAR BATTLE - Harley Benton JA Baritone vs Squier VM Baritone Jazzmaster

Video thumbnail for BARITONE GUITAR BATTLE - Harley Benton JA Baritone vs Squier VM Baritone Jazzmaster by Andrew Baena

BARITONE GUITAR BATTLE - Harley Benton JA Baritone vs Squier VM Baritone Jazzmaster

Andrew Baena

Andrew Baena

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - No Talking - JA-Baritone - Just Playing by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - No Talking - JA-Baritone - Just Playing

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA Baritone - Full Overview by Audiomo Music

Harley Benton JA Baritone - Full Overview

Audiomo Music

Audiomo Music

Video thumbnail for The New Cheapest Bass VI?! Harley Benton JA Baritone || Full Review and Demo by Kai Down

The New Cheapest Bass VI?! Harley Benton JA Baritone || Full Review and Demo

Kai Down

Kai Down

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA-Baritone - Sound Demo by Guitar Bonedo

Harley Benton JA-Baritone - Sound Demo

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA Baritone | Review & Demo by Sergio Serra Music

Harley Benton JA Baritone | Review & Demo

Sergio Serra Music

Sergio Serra Music

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton JA-Baritone - First Impressions by Unsigned Showcase

Harley Benton JA-Baritone - First Impressions

Unsigned Showcase

Unsigned Showcase

Reviews

PROS

  • Neck and frets feel smooth, comparable to high-end guitars

  • Stock pickups have surprisingly good sound quality

  • Versatile tone from expressive cleans to low-tuned metal

  • Excellent build quality for its price range

  • Adjustments on bridge are smooth and reliable

  • Tone control is exceptionally useful across its range

  • No issues with microphonic pickups or grounding

  • Stays in tune well despite cheap-looking tuners

  • Lightweight with no neck dive

  • Inspires creative playing with hybrid bass/six-string vibes

CONS

  • Glossy neck may not suit everyone's preference

  • Fretboard doesn't seem to be oiled

  • Truss rod is already cranked to the max

  • Selector switch feels notchy despite working well

  • Machine heads appear cheap and may not inspire confidence

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Fret sprouting can occur in dry, cold conditions, requiring regular maintenance to ensure playability.

    Source
  • Owners report that thicker strings like .084 may require nut filing for proper fit, with recommendations for D'Addario NYXL 080 as an alternative option.

    Source
  • Stock 068 strings produce noticeable noise when tuning the 6th string to F; tuning below G may require adjustments or additional tools like a noise gate.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using Ernie Ball strings, with the orange pack recommended for better sound and heavier gauge for improved tension.

    Source

User experience

  • The P90 pickups are described as slightly noisy but provide a decent sound for the price, with some users addressing noise through EQ adjustments.

    Source
  • Despite the need for a setup, users find it manageable with adjustments to the truss rod and string gauge for low tuning stability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing mini humbuckers with a conversion ring or using specific humbuckers like Dimarzio in P90 form can fit the existing cavities with minor modifications.

    Source
  • Owners frequently replace stock pickups with Lace Aluma 90 Riffians for enhanced clarity and reduced noise, especially for high-gain settings.

    Source
  • Replacing the plastic tuners is advisable, as they are prone to cracking with heavier gauge strings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Baritone guitars, especially those with a 30" scale, differ significantly from standard E tuning, making them less versatile for traditional rock covers without significant retuning.

    Source
  • Compared to the SubZero Rogue VI, the Harley Benton offers similar build quality, with differences in pickup types and neck finishes affecting user preference.

    Source
  • An alternative to consider is the Aria Pro II Jet Baritone, which features humbuckers and is noted for better build quality at a similar price point.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 30" scale makes it challenging for players with smaller hands, especially when barring multiple strings on lower frets.

    Source
  • The neck has a glossy finish similar to late-2010s Fender Player Series, which may feel sticky to some players.

    Source
  • The stock pickups are generally seen as subpar, with suggestions to upgrade to Fishman Fluence P90s for a more versatile sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar excels in Drop A# and Drop G# tunings, aligning well with genres like post-hardcore and djent, offering a solid performance even with stock strings.

    Source
  • Tuned to EAEADF#, the guitar handles post-hardcore and death metal well after pickup upgrades, providing a clear, articulate sound.

    Source
  • The Harley Benton JA-Baritone may require a pitch shifter like the Digitech Drop for achieving Sleep Token's varying tunings effectively.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite stock hardware issues, the Harley Benton JA-Baritone remains a cost-effective modding platform, comparable in quality to Squier models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some units exhibit paint imperfections and fretboard stains around the 2nd and 3rd frets, though structural integrity is generally sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Harley Benton expands sub-$220 guitar range with stealthy JA-Baritone and classic TE-69 Thinline models | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Harley Benton’s JA-Baritone delivers impressive value with its stealthy design and solid construction, featuring a poplar body and Canadian maple neck. At just $196, it’s the most affordable baritone in the brand’s lineup, making it a tempting option for budget-conscious musicians. The P-90 pickups provide a unique tonal palette, perfect for those seeking richer soundscapes. However, the review notes that while it shines in aesthetics and price, some players may find the setup and finish could be improved for optimal playability. Overall, the JA-Baritone is a strong contender for anyone looking to dive into baritone territory without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
theviolentunicorn

The one that started it all

This. Right. Here. The Harley Benton JA-Baritone, this started my love for baritone guitars, the p90s are brutal and snarly as hell, and of course I played Loathe on it when I got it. I 100% recommend

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andrew Baena uses Harley Benton JA-Baritone

Andrew Baena

Guitarist, Music Producer

Carcosa

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video andrew unboxed the harley benton ja baritone. Andrew wanted to check out this guitar because it is very similar to the squire baritone jazzmaster. The squire model has become very rare and sought after thus hiking the pice drastically. Harley benton thus created their own very budget friendly version of this guitar

See how Xander Raymond Charles uses Harley Benton JA-Baritone

Xander Raymond Charles

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "THE 30\" HARLEY BENTON BARITONE," Xander Raymond Charles presents and discusses the Harley Benton JA-Baritone guitar.

See how salvia palth uses Harley Benton JA-Baritone

salvia palth

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram
Color/Finish: High-Gloss Black Year: 2022

In an Instagram image posted in August 2023, the artist salvia palth, also known as Daniel Johann Lines, is shown to own a black Harley Benton JA-Baritone, as evidenced by the post captioned, "i will take the guitars off the floor soon, don't worry about it."

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 JA-Baritone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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kostya

kostya

Gear IQ 312

1 alternative for Harley Benton JA-Baritone, curated by the Equipboard community.

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