JP-45OP Sunburst : Far Exceeded Expectations.

I was browsing the Harley Benton basses for a P-style bass and noticed the new models, which instantly caught my eye with its striking shape - particularly the elongated upper horn reaching out to the 12th fret. I'm a fan of roasted maple necks/fretboards, so this was another plus point to me.

The bass arrived and I was excited to open it and I absolutely wasn't expecting the bass to look as nice as it does - the satin 3-colour sunburst with the grainy finish is stunning and the amber middle section of the burst isn't too bright, almost matching the colour of the roasted maple neck, which I really like.

Fit and finish are all spot on - have seen worse on basses twice the price. Hardware all works perfectly well - I do like the brass-coloured saddles on the Wilkonson bridge - nice bit of contrast. It's surprisingly light also - little bit of neck dive when playing sat with the bass resting on the knee due to the short lower horn, but not fatiguing with long play, and on a strap, it's fine. Neck isn't too chunky and the satin finish feels great in the hand.

Onto the important bit - the sound. I usually expect to replace pickups on more affordable basses, but I don't think I need to - the split-coil P-pickup provides a great P-Bass tone - perhaps a little deeper as the pickup is a little closer to the neck. The single coil has its expected 60Hz hum, but it sounds great for the usual staccato finger-funk, especially with the tone rolled off. Like the neck pickup, it has a bit more presence to do being closer to the neck than on a J-Bass. With both pickups on, you get the expected slightly scooped tone that's great for cutting through - especially with a little bit of grit.

All in, I think Harley Benton are onto a winner with this series - an original design, well-constructed, look lovely and sound great. Highly recommended!