Should I buy this bass as a total beginner?

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I was looking to buy my very first bass and I came across Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4EB. I looked at the reviews and watched some youtube videos and I think it is a good option for me. I wish for some additional feedback from people who have more experience with basses.

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I have two Harley Bentons and another one coming. The build quality is absolutely outstanding - much better than comparable Fenders I have tried!

In case they provide no name strings, you’ll need to change them for proper ones. The pickups seem to be good - which is not always the case with HB.
I have read the Bonedo review (Bonedo is a very good German magazine with neutral reviews) for this bass, and they like this bass very much.

I would get it!

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PS I would prefer the Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB, as this has a P pickup, not a J pickup. But that’s a strictly personal taste matter!

(Also it’s available NOW!)

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Wait what??

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Hahaha, yeah, hmmm, ehm, LOL!? :slight_smile:

So, because everybody and a kite is doing fretless stuff, I have ordered a really really really cheap Harley Benton short scale to make it fretless. My winter project!

Also: don’t know which short scale strings I should use for a fretless!?

This is the bass:

PS I will also put active EMG pickups on that bass, as I have some left over…

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Since it’s fretless, def wanna go flats imo so you don’t tear up the fretboard. I’d give the La Bella 760FM-S (short scale strings but a bit thicker gauge) or the GHS precision flats a look.

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Well that’s an unusual combination with fretless

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For the Mustang, maybe. All but one of my Fretless are active.

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95? 105? 110? Which ones for short scale?

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I’d do 95 for extra strings wiggle and more tonal options. It can be deep and crisps at the same time but you’ll need lighter touch.

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11

I have one Harley Benton Bass (Bass VI) and its quality is way above what I paid for it.
I would have more but postage to Australia is crippling

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12

Put some skin in the game. Buy the bass that puts you were you want to go, NOT where you are now. I play on Chinese knock-off basses and they work great for me at 73 years-old. However, they do need some minor tweaking and strings they come with are junk. I pull off the originals and replace them with Rotosound Swing Bass 66s. Good value and leaves room in your wallet for other stuff.

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I have an HB-60 WB which absolutely exceeds my expectations, especially for the price point.