Harley Benton JP-45OP Sunburst

Killer bass!

I am absolutely floored by this bass and the amount of value I’ve received! I started playing bass two years ago on a very cheap instrument I received as a gift, which was miserable to play. The JP-45OP is a massive upgrade! The finish is beautiful, the sound is clean and clear, my only desire was for some thicker strings for a lower tuning. I’m 100% satisfied with my purchase.

Another HB Winner

I love my Harley Benton collection. I often gig them in preference to way more expensive instruments.

This one is no exception. Beautiful finish, very light and comfortable, quick easy trussrod adjustment via the wheel at the neck heel, fast smooth neck and sounds good too.

I knocked off a star because the finish on the neck is so delicate I chipped it with the lightest of pressure. Never had this problem with a Harley before, and a white blemish on an otherwise perfect brown neck is disappointing.

However it won't stop me gigging it and buying the JJ model too

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!