Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $109
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton JB-20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.
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Description
Discover the Harley Benton JB-20, a bass guitar that embodies the essence of classic jazz-style basses with its versatile sound and robust build. Whether you're grooving on stage or laying down tracks in the studio, this electric bass offers a dynamic range that caters to both budding musicians and seasoned bassists alike.
Crafted with a poplar body and a maple neck, the JB-20 ensures a balanced tonal foundation with a touch of warmth. The amaranth fretboard, adorned with dot inlays, not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also provides a smooth playing experience. Its modern C-shaped neck and 20 frets make it comfortable and accessible for various playing styles. This bass shines with its dual JB-style single-coil pickups that deliver a rich, growling bass tone and articulate mids, perfect for jazz, rock, or funk. Adjust your sound on the fly with its intuitive control setup: two volume knobs and one tone knob, allowing you to shape your sound with precision.
The bolt-on neck ensures stability and easy maintenance, while the chrome hardware and classic JB-style machine heads add a sleek, professional touch. Whether you're slapping, plucking, or picking, the Harley Benton JB-20 is designed to be your reliable companion on your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple with bolt-on attachment
- Fretboard: Amaranth with dot inlays
- Neck shape: Modern C
- 20 Frets
- Scale: 864 mm
- Nut width: 38 mm
- Double action truss rod
- Pickup system: 2 JB-Style single coils
- Controls: 2 Volume, 1 Tone
- Hardware: Chrome
- Machine heads: Classic JB-style
- Strings: .045 - .105
Product specs
| Available since | December 1999 |
| Colour | Sunburst |
| Soundboard | Poplar |
| Neck | Canadian Maple |
| Fretboard | Laurel |
| Frets | 20 |
| Scale | Longscale |
| Pickup System | JJ |
| Elektronic | Passive |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
FAQs
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What kind of wood is used for the body of the Harley Benton JB-20 SB?
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The body of the Harley Benton JB-20 SB is made from poplar wood, which is known for its lightweight and balanced tonal qualities.
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Is the Harley Benton JB-20 SB suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Harley Benton JB-20 SB is a great choice for beginners due to its affordable price and easy playability, making it accessible for those new to playing bass.
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What type of pickups does the Harley Benton JB-20 SB have?
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The Harley Benton JB-20 SB features a JJ pickup configuration, which provides a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.
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Does the Harley Benton JB-20 SB come with a case or gigbag?
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No, the Harley Benton JB-20 SB does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection during transport.
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What is the neck material of the Harley Benton JB-20 SB?
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The neck of the Harley Benton JB-20 SB is made from Canadian maple, offering durability and a smooth playing experience.
Videos
BassTheWorld.com
HARLEY BENTON JB-20 SB Standard Series
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional value for money, rivals more expensive brands
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Beautiful sunburst finish catches the eye
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Smooth fretwork with no sharp ends
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Nearly silent electronics, minimal hiss
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Lightweight, comfortable for extended play
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Great tone, vibrant and fits well in mixes
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Perfect for beginners and home studios
CONS
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Stock strings are subpar
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Included cable is low quality
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Some knobs are noisy due to cheap electronics
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Protective film is difficult to remove
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton JB-20.
Build quality
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The JB-20 SB is made from lightweight poplar, while the JB-75MN SB features denser ash wood, impacting the instrument's weight and perceived quality.
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Features and functionality
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The JB-75MN SB includes a graphite nut, brass saddle bridge, and Roswell pickups, providing a notable upgrade in hardware over the JB-20 SB.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some owners report sharp fret ends on both models, which may require filing for comfort. Fret filing is a manageable DIY task with online video guides.
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User experience
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A wide strap is recommended for the heavier JB-75MN SB, which can weigh around 10 lbs (4.5 kg), potentially affecting long playing sessions.
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Owners report the JB-20 stays in tune well and offers a reliable playing experience, though it is described as unremarkable in terms of playability and sound quality.
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Comparisons
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The JB-40FL, another Harley Benton model, is noted for its exceptional stock sound and heavier build at 11.4 lbs (5.17 kg), appealing to those interested in a fretless option.
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The JB-20 lacks the graphite nut, better wood, and electronics found in the JB-75, making the latter a more premium option.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
476
Solid starter bass
I bought this just out of necessity for recording and practicing. There were some sharp fret ends I had to get rid of and the setup was bad, but when you set it up, it plays nicely and the sound ain't bad. Into the DI you get that jazzbass sound used on many funk songs and played through the bass amp it rocks. Some of the knobs are quite noisy due to the cheap electronics.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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