Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $177

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1501+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton R-458 Progressive Series". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full spectrum of your musical creativity with the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series, an embodiment of innovation and versatility in the world of extended range guitars. Crafted for those who dare to explore new sonic landscapes, this 8-string electric guitar is a powerhouse of potential, offering a rich and resonant sound that’s perfect for both studio and stage.

The Poplar body delivers a balanced tonal foundation, while the Maple bolt-on neck and fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, ideal for rapid riffs and intricate solos. With its 24 Medium Jumbo frets, players can effortlessly navigate the expansive fretboard, guided by the stylish offset dot inlays. The Speed D neck profile ensures comfort, even during the most intense sessions.

Equipped with two Hi-Gain humbuckers, the R-458 churns out an electrifying sound, making it a perfect companion for heavy riffs and soaring solos. Control your tone with precision using the 1 volume and 1 tone control, complemented by a 3-way toggle switch to effortlessly switch between pickup configurations.

From the durable DLX bridge to the robust black hardware, every component is designed to withstand the rigors of performance. Tune into your creative potential with ease thanks to the DLX die-cast machine heads. Whether you’re crafting intricate, melodic phrases or unleashing thunderous low-end riffs, this guitar will keep you inspired.

Key Features:

  • Body: Poplar
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Maple with offset dot inlays
  • Neck profile: Speed D
  • 24 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Fingerboard radius: 355 mm (14")
  • Nut width: 54 mm (2.126")
  • Scale length: 673 mm (26.496")
  • Pickups: 2 Hi-Gain humbuckers
  • 1 Volume and 1 tone control
  • 3-Way toggle switch
  • DLX bridge and black hardware
  • DLX die-cast machine heads
  • Factory tuning: F# / B / E / A / D / G / B / E

Product specs

Available since August 2017
Colour White
Body Poplar
Top -
Neck maple
fret board maple
Frets 24
Scale Length 673 mm
Pickup HH
Tremolo No
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

How many strings does the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series have?

The Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series is an 8-string electric guitar, offering extended range capabilities for complex and diverse playing styles.

What type of pickups are used in the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series?

This guitar features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing powerful and versatile tones suitable for a variety of music genres, particularly metal and progressive styles.

Is the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series suitable for beginners?

While it's primarily designed for intermediate to advanced players due to its extended range and 8-string setup, dedicated beginners interested in exploring extended range guitars might also find it a suitable choice with some practice.

Does the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series does not include a case or gig bag. You may need to purchase one separately to protect the instrument during transport.

What is the scale length of the Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series?

The Harley Benton R-458 WH Progressive Series has a scale length of 673 mm, which helps accommodate the additional strings and provides a balanced tension across the fretboard.

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent playability right out of the box

  • Bright and distinct pickup tones, perfect for clean sounds

  • Neck feels comfortable and well-finished

  • Impressive build quality for the price

  • Great action, even for seasoned players

  • Allows for easy wiring modifications, like pickup series wiring

CONS

  • High frets can be rough and might need polishing

  • Stock tuners are of low quality and affect tuning stability

  • Factory strings may lack clarity for lower tunings

  • Fretboard may require oiling due to dryness

  • Plastic-y feel to pickup casings

  • Neck heel may need adjustment for optimal string height

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton R-458 Progressive Series.

Build quality

  • The white finish tends to yellow over time, even without direct sunlight exposure, changing to a more yellowish shade of white.

    Source
  • The guitar can feel heavier and bulkier compared to standard 6-string models, potentially requiring more space for storage.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some guitars arrive with poorly cut nuts, affecting string seating, and gritty frets that smooth out with playing.

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  • Owners have reported neck issues where a playing card fits between neck and body, affecting playability and requiring adjustments like shimming for proper alignment.

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  • Users recommend tuning down a whole note and playing typical 6-string material an octave lower for a different tonal experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Ibanez, Jackson, and Schecter, the Harley Benton offers unique aesthetics but may lack in factory hardware quality.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully installed Fishman Fluence Abasi pickups and Guyker locking tuners for improved sound and tuning stability.

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  • Switching from active to passive pickups is straightforward, requiring no new output jack or battery accommodation.

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  • Users recommend EMG 808x for budget-friendly metal tones, though they are not ideal for clean sounds; SD Sentient/Pegasus and BKP Bootcamp True Grits are other viable options.

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User experience

  • One owner’s neck warped after two years, which even a luthier couldn't fully restore, affecting long-term playability.

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  • Some owners have noted poor-quality frets causing high action to avoid buzzing, suggesting fret dressing might be necessary for optimal performance.

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  • Owners with larger hands report finding the 8-string model comfortable, while those with smaller hands may struggle with chord shapes and neck reach.

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Features and functionality

  • Multiscale design offers improved string tension, particularly beneficial for lower tunings, enhancing clarity and playability on bass strings.

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  • It's noted that the multiscale design is confirmed by the angled pickups and bridge, despite appearing monoscale in some images.

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Use cases and applications

  • Beginners find starting with an 8-string not as daunting as expected, contrary to popular belief, citing it feels like a standard guitar with added strings.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Kuba Sawicki (2) uses Harley Benton R-458 Progressive Series

Kuba Sawicki (2)

Guitarist, Composer

IAMONE

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram video clip, Kuba Sawicki is in his studio playing solo from "Engulfed by Sun" by the band Assemble The Chariots.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Harley Benton R-458 Progressive Series, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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alm

alm

Gear IQ 292

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