Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $145

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of dynamic bass playing with the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR, an electric bass guitar that masterfully blends classic design with modern playability. Crafted with an alder body, this 5-string powerhouse delivers both rich tones and robust durability, making it a reliable companion for any gig or jam session. Its versatile PJ-style pickups open up a spectrum of sonic possibilities, allowing you to effortlessly transition from deep, punchy lows to bright, articulate highs.

The maple neck features a modern C profile, offering a comfortable and fast playing experience that will appeal to both seasoned pros and aspiring bassists alike. Topped with a roseacer fretboard, the 20 frets are marked with dot inlays, ensuring you never lose your way during a complex riff. With a scale length of 864 mm and a nut width of 45 mm, this bass provides the familiar feel of a traditional instrument while accommodating the extra string with grace.

Adjust your sound with precision using the two volume knobs and a tone knob, while the chrome hardware and classic PJ-style machine heads ensure stable tuning and a sleek aesthetic. The Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR is not just an instrument; it's a statement of style and substance for the discerning bassist.

Key Features:

  • Body: Alder
  • Bolt-on neck with a modern C profile
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fretboard: Roseacer with dot inlays
  • 20 Frets
  • Scale: 864 mm
  • Nut width: 45 mm
  • PJ-Style pickups
  • 2 Volume knobs, 1 tone knob
  • Chrome hardware
  • Classic PJ-style machine heads

Product specs

Available since September 2009
Colour Red
Body Alder
Neck Maple
Fretboard Rosewood
Frets 20
Scale Longscale
Pickup System JP
Elektronic Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No
Soundboard Alder

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR use?

The Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR features a JP pickup system, combining a P-style split-coil pickup with a J-style single-coil pickup, allowing for a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone options, making it a great choice for those starting out on bass guitar.

What is the neck profile of the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR?

The Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR features a comfortable neck profile, which is designed to provide ease of playability, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced players.

Does the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR does not include a case or gig bag. You may need to purchase one separately to protect your instrument during transport.

What materials are used in the construction of the Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR?

The Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR is constructed with an alder body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, providing a balanced tone with good sustain.

Cory Mura

Cory Mura

HARLEY BENTON PJ-5 HTR 5 string bass ( FULL REVIEW ) ✅

Video thumbnail for HARLEY BENTON PJ-5 HTR 5 string bass ( FULL REVIEW ) ✅ by Cory Mura

HARLEY BENTON PJ-5 HTR 5 string bass ( FULL REVIEW ) ✅

Cory Mura

Cory Mura

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - No Talking -PJ-5HTR - Just Playing by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - No Talking -PJ-5HTR - Just Playing

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for THE CHEAPEST 5 STRING PJ BASS | Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series by Dennis Moonlight

THE CHEAPEST 5 STRING PJ BASS | Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series

Dennis Moonlight

Dennis Moonlight

Video thumbnail for HARLEY BENTON PJ-5 HTR DELUXE 5-STRING BASS REVIEW by Eddie Stephens

HARLEY BENTON PJ-5 HTR DELUXE 5-STRING BASS REVIEW

Eddie Stephens

Eddie Stephens

Video thumbnail for Unboxing a Harley Benton PJ 5 HTR and The HB Attenuator for my home studio! With a playing Demo! by Alloykenneth

Unboxing a Harley Benton PJ 5 HTR and The HB Attenuator for my home studio! With a playing Demo!

Alloykenneth

Alloykenneth

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent build quality with tight neck pocket and flawless finish

  • Versatile sound with two volumes and a master tone control

  • Comfortable satin finish on a chunky, playable neck

  • Solid hardware with reliable tuners and adequate bridge

  • Impressive value for money, comparable to higher-priced models

  • Consistent sound quality across EADG strings

  • Clear and defined sound even on a 34" scale

  • Great for both beginners and seasoned players

  • Easy setup out of the box with minimal adjustments needed

  • Attractive trans red finish and chrome hardware combination

CONS

  • Low B string output is weak and may require modification

  • Pickups do not align with string spacing, affecting sound quality

  • Stock strings are of poor quality and should be replaced

  • Pickguard design is unattractive and may need replacement

  • Slightly neck-heavy, requires adjustment for balance

  • Fret finishing needs improvement, may require filing

  • Potential electrical interference issues needing cavity insulation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR.

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest the progressive series for metal due to its superior features, despite the PJ-5 being one of the most affordable options.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that Harley Benton customer service responds within a day, offering prompt assistance if issues arise.

    Source
  • A user who owned five Harley Benton instruments expressed consistent disappointment, leading them to switch brands for better satisfaction.

    Source
  • Some users find the tonal differences between online demos and personal experience to be significant, influenced by amps and personal playing context.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass is mentioned as a potential fit for metal, specifically in drop G# tuning, though some recommend exploring higher-priced models for better quality.

    Source
  • Bedroom practice can suffice with a 20W amp, but a 40W amp is recommended for better frequency reproduction and tone quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners report inconsistent quality control, often noting issues with the parts used in HB basses.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's suggested that Squier basses might offer a more reliable experience compared to Harley Benton, based on user experiences with both brands.

    Source
  • Amplifier quality can significantly impact perceived sound differences between models; a 10-12 inch speaker and 100W amp are suggested for band settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have noted mildly sharp frets on some models, which may require learning basic setup skills to smooth out for comfortable playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The choice between 4 and 5 strings depends on personal needs, with the low B string being enticing for those who desire extended range.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ado_84

Great bass with a very small price tag.

I got this bass from Thomann as i was stuck for a 5 string. €129 plus shipping (free shipping on orders over €199, Handy :) ). Out of the box it only needed a slight setup. It sounds and plays great. Slightly neck heavy but thats an easy thing to fix. The trans red finish on the body looks great and works well with the chrome hardware. The only thing that brings down the look of the bass is the pickguard. Its more of a bad swirl look than tortoise shell. This bass could easily compete against higher value Squiers. Definitely worth checking out.

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