Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $215
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton VS GuitarBass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of extended range guitars with the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass, a hybrid marvel bridging the gap between guitar and bass. This 6-string bass/baritone guitar is crafted for the adventurous musician seeking versatility without compromising on quality. Its tuning of EADGBE, one octave lower than a standard electric guitar, offers a unique tonal palette perfect for both rhythm and lead roles.
The body, made from durable nyatoh, is complemented by a sleek bolt-on neck crafted from Canadian maple, providing both strength and a comfortable playing experience. The C-neck profile, along with the amaranth fingerboard, ensures smooth transitions across the fretboard, which is adorned with block pearloid inlays and wrapped in a classy neck binding. With 21 jumbo frets and a substantial 762 mm scale length, this instrument offers plenty of room for expressive playing.
Equipped with three HBZ Custom Wound AlNiCo5 Vintage Voiced single coils, this guitar delivers a classic vintage sound, further shaped by a 5-way toggle switch and dedicated volume and tone controls. The instrument’s 3-ply tortoise pickguard and DLX hardware enhance its aesthetic appeal, while the Tune-O-Matic bridge and Kluson-style machine heads ensure precise tuning stability.
Whether you're diving into deep basslines or soaring melodic lines, the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass is your go-to tool for sonic exploration.
Key Features:
- 6-string bass/baritone guitar
- Tuning: EADGBE - one octave lower than standard electric guitar
- Body: Nyatoh
- Bolt-on neck: Canadian maple
- C-Neck profile
- Fingerboard: Amaranth with block pearloid inlays
- 21 Jumbo frets
- Scale: 762 mm
- Nut width: 42 mm
- Pickups: 3 HBZ Custom Wound AlNiCo5 Vintage Voiced single coils
- Volume and tone controls with a 5-way toggle switch
- Tune-O-Matic bridge and Kluson-style machine heads
Product specs
| Available since | February 2017 |
| Colour | Sunburst |
| Body | Nyatoh |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Amaranth |
| Frets | 21 |
| Scale | Shortscale |
| Pickup System | SSS |
| Elektronic | Passive |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass best suited for?
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The Harley Benton VS GuitarBass is versatile and can handle a range of styles, but it excels in classic rock, blues, and jazz due to its short scale and SSS pickup configuration, offering a warm and vintage tone.
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Is the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass is a great choice for beginners due to its short scale, which makes it easier to play, and its affordable price point, providing good value for those starting out.
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What is the neck profile like on the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass?
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The Harley Benton VS GuitarBass features a comfortable maple neck that offers smooth playability, making it suitable for both chord work and lead playing.
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Does the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass come with a case or gigbag?
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No, the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your instrument.
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How does the Harley Benton VS GuitarBass handle tuning stability?
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The Harley Benton VS GuitarBass maintains tuning stability well, but upgrading to better tuners could further enhance its performance.
Videos
Patrick Hunter
The $190 Bass VI - Harley Benton GuitarBass VS [Demo]
![Video thumbnail for The $190 Bass VI - Harley Benton GuitarBass VS [Demo] by Patrick Hunter](https://img.youtube.com/vi/wlTBZuYMa4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
The $190 Bass VI - Harley Benton GuitarBass VS [Demo]
Patrick Hunter
Harley Benton - GuitarBass VS
Harley Benton
Harley Benton GuitarBass VS - Sound Demo (no talking)
Guitar Bonedo
Harley Benton GuitarBass VS - CHEAPEST Bass VI?
Gary Hiebner - Heavy Tones
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent value for money with versatile tonal options
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High-quality AlNiCo pickups enhance sound quality
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Strong tuning stability; remains in tune even with high string tension
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Lightweight design for its scale length, making it comfortable to play
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Impressive finish and build quality, with well-done inlays
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Fixed bridge design preferred by many for stability
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Ideal for rhythm and low-end lines, expanding musical possibilities
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Well-packaged for shipping, minimizing damage risk
CONS
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Lacks vibrato/vibrola/tremolo, limiting certain playing styles
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Neck may be too thick for players with smaller hands
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Some sharp fret edges can be uncomfortable
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Stock pickups have low output, not ideal for high-gain scenarios
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Neck dive issue can occur, needing strap adjustment
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Toggle switch and some screws may require replacement over time
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Limited finish options available
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton VS GuitarBass.
Build quality
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Some users reported a strong odor from the wood or adhesive, like rust and cat urine, which dissipated after a week with thorough cleaning.
Source -
It's been noted that the fretwork on some units is problematic, with insufficient material for leveling, leading to advice on potential fret replacement.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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The Harley Benton uses Strat pickups, making it easy to swap in hot rails or noiseless Strat pickups for improved sound.
Source -
Users have success replacing pickups with humbuckers for a warmer, fuller bass sound, like the Fender Wide Range HB and Seymour Duncan Parallel Axis.
Source -
One owner plans to install a P90 in the neck and a humbucker at the bridge for tonal variety.
Source -
Some users recommend using a DiMarzio Super Distortion in P90 format for improved high-distortion tones, noting an easy conversion with minimal soldering.
Source
Features and functionality
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Bass VI instruments like the Harley Benton are designed for guitarists transitioning to bass, with a 30-inch scale and smaller string spacing.
Source
Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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Recent Squier models have improved quality control, making Harley Benton a better option in the used market for some buyers.
Source -
One owner suggests the Squier Classic Vibe as a potentially better option, citing issues with Harley Benton's hardware and fretwork that may require replacement.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
395
great budget 30" guitar
I love it. It is a budget guitar, I use it as baritone. the toggle switch is a piece of shit and I had to replace it twice, some screws corroded over time. The neck is fantastic for such a low price and the alnico 5 vintage single coils are pretty good. One of the not so plentiful bass VI copies with a fixed bridge, that is a 5 stars right there. I love the neck inlays.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
I use it with 14-68 D'Addario.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Community setups
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Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Harley Benton VS GuitarBass, curated by the Equipboard community.
$189.00
The JA is a dedicated cheap baritone, not a bassVI, it has different pickups, but the body is basically the same so it might be an option for modding. I write that since thomann has it listed in such weird categories and some might miss the similarities between the bodies and the JA was sold out in one day since the market provides so little budget baritone offerings.
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