Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $393

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Harley Benton PB-20 SBK is a well-crafted entry into the world of electric bass guitars, perfect for both budding bassists and seasoned players seeking an affordable option without sacrificing quality. This bass guitar combines classic design elements with modern performance features, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.

The split-coil pickup configuration delivers a robust and punchy sound, ideal for genres ranging from rock to funk. Its maple neck and roseacer fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, allowing for effortless transitions across frets. The bass's body is made from basswood, a material known for its lightweight properties and balanced tonal characteristics, ensuring comfort during long gigs or practice sessions.

Equipped with a standard 4-string setup, the PB-20 SBK offers a familiar feel for traditional bass players while also serving as a solid foundation for those new to the instrument. The high-quality chrome hardware ensures durability and reliability, maintaining tuning stability and performance integrity. Whether jamming in a garage or performing on stage, this bass guitar is designed to meet the demands of any environment.

Key Features:

  • Classic split-coil pickup configuration
  • Basswood body for balanced sound
  • Maple neck with roseacer fretboard
  • 4-string setup for traditional playing
  • Durable chrome hardware for tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Harley Benton
Model PB-20 Standard Series
Finish Black, Satin Black
Year 2020s
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Amaranth
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration Split-Coil
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK use?

The Harley Benton PB-20 SBK features passive split-coil pickups, known for delivering a classic and punchy P-style bass tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordable price, comfortable playability, and reliable build quality.

What is the neck profile of the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK?

The Harley Benton PB-20 SBK has a comfortable neck profile that provides easy playability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

What material is the fretboard of the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK made from?

The fretboard of the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK is made from amaranth, also known as purpleheart, which offers a smooth playing surface and a unique aesthetic.

How many frets does the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK have?

The Harley Benton PB-20 SBK features 20 frets, providing a standard range for most bass playing styles and techniques.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

HARLEY BENTON PB-20 SBK STANDARD SERIES BASS

Video thumbnail for HARLEY BENTON PB-20 SBK STANDARD SERIES BASS by BassTheWorld.com

HARLEY BENTON PB-20 SBK STANDARD SERIES BASS

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton PB-20 SBK - Matte Black Budget P Bass Madness! - LowEndLobster Review by LowEndLobster

Harley Benton PB-20 SBK - Matte Black Budget P Bass Madness! - LowEndLobster Review

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton PB20 SBK Standard Series - Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

Harley Benton PB20 SBK Standard Series - Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - PB-20 SBK by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - PB-20 SBK

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - No Talking - PB-20 SBK - Just Playing by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - No Talking - PB-20 SBK - Just Playing

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for You Should NOT Buy This Harley Benton Bass! Harley Benton PB-20 SBK Review by Rosborough

You Should NOT Buy This Harley Benton Bass! Harley Benton PB-20 SBK Review

Rosborough

Rosborough

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton PB-20 SBK Standard Series by Bully Thakidd

Harley Benton PB-20 SBK Standard Series

Bully Thakidd

Bully Thakidd

Video thumbnail for Il Precision più venduto! Harley Benton PB-20 SBK - Recensione + Sound Test by Davide Panetta

Il Precision più venduto! Harley Benton PB-20 SBK - Recensione + Sound Test

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Davide Panetta

Video thumbnail for The #1 selling 4 string Precision style bass - Harley Benton PB20-SBK by Bill Plays Bass

The #1 selling 4 string Precision style bass - Harley Benton PB20-SBK

Bill Plays Bass

Bill Plays Bass

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect starter bass with solid build quality

  • Lightweight body reduces overall weight, easy to handle

  • Produces a fat and clear Precision bass sound

  • Roswell Splitcoil pickup performs well without immediate need for upgrade

  • Excellent platform for modding and customization

  • Neck and body are free from blemishes

CONS

  • Heavy tuners cause neck dive without a wide strap

  • Stock strings are mediocre, replacement recommended

  • Neck requires frequent truss rod adjustments in humid conditions

  • Moderately top-heavy, despite the lightweight body

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton PB-20.

Build quality

  • The matte black finish tends to become glossy over time, especially at contact points, and can wear down to the wood after extended use.

    Source
  • The PB-20 SBK has a thick neck, which may not be suitable for players with smaller hands.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The truss rod adjustment can be difficult to turn, and the action may require shimming for better playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite quality issues, the PB-20 SBK is considered a decent first bass for beginners, especially if it's properly set up.

    Source
  • Some users with large hands find the PB-20 SBK's thick neck comfortable and well-suited for their playing style.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A Rumble 40 amp is recommended over the Harley Benton HB-20B for better sound and value retention.

    Source
  • The JB-20 model features an additional pickup and a thinner neck, providing a different option for those seeking versatility and comfort.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users replace stock pickups immediately, indicating potential sound improvements with upgraded models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted that availability can vary by region, with stock inconsistencies between the US and Europe.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Enthusiasts are drawn to the PB-20 SBK for its aesthetics and affordability, making it a tempting addition even for experienced players.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
L

A good basis to start with

This bass is a great bass to start out with.

The body and neck both are really well made and don't show any blemishes.

The only thing that is somewhat disappointing are the tuners. They are very heavy and make the neck dive like crazy without a wide strap. The strings are also only alright at best.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Drive / Distortion, Amp, graphic EQ (mids boosted, bass boosted, treble cut a little)

carsten_stehle

Really really nice aggressive P-Bass tone

Got that Bass used in nearly mint condition. Was surprised about the overall low weight, and due the light body this Bass is moderately top heavy. But no big deal with a rough and wide strap. Sounds definitely like a Precision in my ears with a fat and clear sound with fresh Rotosound's installed. The Roswell Splitcoil does it's Job very well, so there's basically no really need for a swap....... But: guess we all know HB Basses are the perfect Base for moddings of every kind. So someday I will install maybe a Quarterpounder and solid wiring and pots. Still waiting for a release of the Fender Hi Mass bridge in black, since there's only Chrome available. I think a heavy Bridge will give the Bass more Balance. Neck seems very sensible to weather changes, right now it's a typical german humid Summer and I have to adjust the Truss rod every few Days.

glekokojaczek

Great and Dirt Cheap p bass

Great P bass For Broke ppl (like me) and begginers. tho i recomend Changing the pickup

Community setups

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lukus

lukus

Gear IQ 120

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