Harley Benton JB-62CC - This Budget Jazz Bass has one BIG Problem - LowEndLobster Review
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
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Harley Benton JB-62CC: harleybenton.c...
Hey Everyone! Today we're going to be reviewing one of the latest Jazz Bass offerings from Harley Benton! The JB-62CC features a poplar body with an array of eye catching finishes, a roasted maple neck with laurel fingerboard, and a set of crispy Roswell single coil jazz bass pickups. However, this bass has one big problem... The rest of the Harley Benton lineup... Let's check it out!
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I got this in the seafoam color, I swapped the white pick guard for a tortise shell and added a thumb rest- excellent bass for sub $150. I took it out to band practice last night just to try something different ( usually run a MM stingray) the Harley Benton definitely sounded good in the mix- and I wouldn't have an issue running it 100% of the time or for a back up in its stock version... don't be a brand snob like I was!
I bet the torty pickguard looks amazing on it.
What did you use for the pickguard replacement????
@@reneebear3641 ....good question.
I have one and I really like the versatility. I added the chrome covers because I love the look.
I think you were a tiny bit harsh on this one. Specs wise there is actually not that much difference between this and the highly praised MV-4JB Gotoh models. Primary differences are body wood, tuners and some cosmetic stuff like binding, block inlays and different colors. The pickups, bridge and electronics are the same and both have roasted maple necks. It's likely that the fretwork is generally better on the more expensive model too though. However, a new set of lightweight tuners to cure the neck dive and perhaps a bit of fretwork can make this a very nice playing bass imo. So if you like the colors, the even cheaper price and the fact that it's about a pound lighter than the MV-4JB Gotoh I think this is equally good value (and generally a very decent instrument worth playing for many years which is almost ridiculous considering the price). For the money I would easily rate it 4/5.
I’d rather get this model, swap tuners and have a tiny bit of neck dive than spending $100 more and getting a more balanced but much heavier J bass
I also tend to like this approach more. Gotoh tuners cost around $50-60 which is roughly the difference in price between two models. But you have 2 pairs of tuners(1 is spare now) not 1 and you still have a lighter guitar overall which cant be a drawback by any means. + I don’t think an average person will ever hear a difference in sound between Alder and Poplar. Pickups in this case contribute the most. Then what’s the point having a heavier Alder ?
I’ve been eyeing this bass for months and this video sold me even more!
I wouldn't wait to long to buy one,.....they sell out fast before you can put your order in, and then they don't offer them anymore.
I made that mistake on a few models I was interested in.
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 appreciate the tip 🤙 hopefully they’ll have one still when I get paid on Wednesday. Broke bassist vibes lol
@@discobassgroove ...good luck. You'll really like it.
Thanks for the neckdive test!
I really dig my 62cc in Seafoam Green. I threw on a set of La Bella Tapewounds and swapped the pickups for some EMGs and could not be happier with it. It sounded really good out of the box, but the pickups were too quiet on the G string.
Are your EMG's passive?....or do they use a 9-volt to power it?
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 They're active, so they take a 9 volt battery
Thanks Lobster, I was really looking forward to this! Seems hard to find a jazz bass in seafoam green or shell pink that doesn't weigh a ton, cost crazy dollars or have serious quality problems. Appreciate all you do.
I have the Seafoam green color, and I love it. The only thing I did to it was install a Hipshot Kickass 4 bridge which fit perfectly with no issues. I felt as though your review was a little on the harsh side and could have easily earned a 3-claw rating, instead. I agree with the neck dive issue, however, the fretwork on mine was fine with no pokey frets. I own this model, and the JB-NA 75...(which is a boat anchor, but very solid). I've played Fenders in Guitar Center that were horrible and at four times the cost compared to this Harley Benton CC.
I was thinking that as I was editing this hahaha. I think the terrible balance also was a big factor on the score on top of the fretwork, and I also have to look at the 'neighboring' models and their values in my scoring. I felt like the QC on the Gotoh models (especially regarding the fretwork) was a lot higher and offered a lot more value on a similar instrument. I've already completed the mods (and they were FUN), and I gotta also say that the new bridge somehow allowed me to dial this bass in a bit better than stock too.
was the jb75 that much heavier? how much exactly? I'm trying to figure out whether I'd need 75 or 62
@mynameis0ash The JB-NA75 is notably heavier as the body is made from American Ash, I would estimate that it is well over 11 lbs. ,.....while the 62CC series is made from the lighter poplar wood.
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 Understood! Thanks a lot!
@@mr0ash If you can handle the weight of the JB75 model as it is very heavy as the body is made from American Ash, then you will enjoy this bass (you'll know that it is there, believe me). Plus, you have the benefit of stability and sustain.
What a nice neck! Tone open both pups, with a pick and slapped it sounds really good
Looks like a good mod platform ! I think it’s a great occasion to do a defretting mod video, would totally love to see that !!
That'd be awesome, but if you want a FL bass from the get go check out the jb40fl, it is basically the same but fretless
@@daylightsensor8695 AWESOME bass. I got one of those JB40fl a couple of months ago and i absolutely love it
Nice! I can't wait till to see/hear it all modded up!
I’d totally start a tuner company and call it Neck Dive City, but all of our products would be lightweight.
"Neck Emerge" could also do
I'm in for a Neck Dive City t-shirt!
I got one in Sunburst to stay in my rehearsal room. I really dig it. Plays great, lightweight and good JB tones. Sure, tuners and PUs are on the "okay" side but for the money... I got a good bass. With Harley Benton it always seems to be: 3 out of 10 are bad, 6 our of 10 are ok and 1 out of 10 is just great
Does it neck dive?
@@olorb2618 No, mine doesn't. I use a wide leather strap but even with a standard guitar strap it balances well
@@el_kammeroni thanks for answering
@@olorb2618 Dude, I just re-checked. It does have neck dive... I never notice it cause I mostly play standing up with my leather strap. The body is really light wood and the neck and tuners arent... Still I like it alot for the overall low weight
This would be a great mod project for a Flea Bass! Let's do it Lobster 🦞
Wow, i clicked that liked button and it worked ! Your hand became normal ! Crazy stuff !
Pink passive bass the sound +the pink real good all the rest need more upgrades i love it
It looks and sounds amazing. It has that typical Fender growl
I bought the black jb62 hoping I could poach the neck and body for another Harley Benton bass, but wound up keeping it. It’s a lovely bass, but I wish I had gone for another model instead!
Why you came to that conclusion about other model ? Which one for example?
Thanks for the review Lobster, I was looking at the Tele in the same range as this for a project guitar but it's always nice to get your opinion.
Thanks for sharing Lobster 🦞🇬🇧🎸🎶🎵
I only wish all those much better HB jazzbasses wouldn't look that boring.
A HB JB-75 in the finishes of the JB62 (olympic white or this surfer/seafoam green or this seashell) would be a nobrainer on this budget.
But with the same roswell pickups on the 75 as the 62 has and as "only" downside the balance issue I rather think abiut getting the "62" in olympic white together with less weight machine heads and a heavier bridge to fix this.
From what I cc I would agree getting the next model up.
I’m getting pretty good at predicting when you’re going to slap, so I can skip that
Love your review 🙌🏼🙌🏼..I tried the HB PJ short scale and yes it was great for the price, and this seems like the HB JB 25th which I tried last week, although..Neck Dive City...🤣🤣🤣..Saludos 🤗
Glad to have you back from your LOL working vacation
You are awesome, thanks for the review.😊
hello lobster. thanks for your reviews. I look forward to the HB PJ 74. For many, the best Harley bass. greeting
You should do a review on the Dean Metalman series. There's just not enough info on them online but they seem quite fun.
I bout one of these 2 weeks ago.. love it but having some trouble getting the action right...
The weight is what is keeping me away from the other HB models, as I don't have a place for a 12lb behemoth!
The CC series is respectable,....not like the JB-75 NA,......they are boat anchors,...but VERY soild.
I got one of these & honestly it’s one of the best basses I’ve played, it’s my favorite as of now & the neck & frets feel amazing
Seems like you’re really happy. Why didn’t you go with jb-75 for example? I assume - the weight ? Btw, what’s the weight of your 62?
@@yurii_chynchykI believe jn62cc are around 4kg. However I tried a jb75 recently and it's was a great bass but weighed just over 5.3kg!!
@@jules153 I ended up owning jb62 now so I can confirm. I had a chance to chose from 2 and both were 4.1kg. Lobster probably got a “special” instance of this model. I still have neck dive on my 4kg bass but it’s ok I guess. With strap almost not noticeable, on a lap I don’t care. I suppose all Jazz Bass lookalike guitars will have neck dive on a lap. That’s just how it’s constructed.
Maybe JB75 is the exception because of the heavy ash body which compensates the neck dive but for me it’s not an option. No matter how good it can sound and have no dive I cant accept that 5+kg. 4.1kg is not light I must admit. But acceptable. It’s a standard for JB. But 5+ is too much.
I think I’m glad I got a player series on sale for Black Friday 🤣
It's hard to beat HB for the money. The bones are there and with a few upgrades they are great....
.....agreed
I have a Harley, Benton jazz bass JB75 I’ve got to say it’s good it sounds very good it looks good the very big problem is it heavier than a small car. It’s not really a problem for me as I’m not a performing artist I just use it for recording which it’s really good
Those JB-75's are the best passive jazz basses in the sub $200 market, in my opinion.
You can't beat the quality at that price. I own one myself.
There is no difference between an expensive and a cheap e bass because your hand is golden and everything that comes out of it is beautiful.
Bad puns FOREVER.
Re: cc 😂😂😂
Its a looker.
Well Lobster, I think you got one of the duds. I know of a few other folks who love their 62-CCs. QC clearly dropped the ball letting this one leave the warehouse.
BTW, thinking of getting the 25th anniversary edition? They look killer.
The 25th Jazz Bass is really nice. I picked one up about a month ago. Looking to possibly change out the pickups for something more aggressive, but overall it's amazing. I put flatwounds on mine and I keep reaching for it over my Yamaha TRBX 604 lately.
@@plasticslacks What kind of flats did you slap on that puppy?
@@nerkoids I put LaBella 760FL on it. First time I ever played flats and it's pretty awesome.
Thanks for the review! Unfortunately, as a lefty, I've got no option with Gotoh basses from HB. What would you suggest getting instead for a first lefty bass from HB? They have a pb20, jb75 (which people call too heavy), mb4 or b450. Which would you choose if you had only 1?
I'm a lefty, but my first bass was a righty. Had no idea instruments were made in left handed configurations so I just started playing it.
So glad too.
Years later I joined a band and found out both the guitarist & drummer were leftys (but played right handed).
@@TenFalconsMusic I totally understand you, as I'm currently playing a right-handed Squire which I had to modify and adapt to the left hand :D my current bet is to get the Harley Benton MB5, as it's cheap enough to not be sorry for purchasing a potentially flawed instrument.
hey lobster did you see the 25Th anniversary models? have 25th enhanced that is about to be delivered iseems too have the same electronics as the non 25th Anniversary versions. the model seems based on the sandberg Sandberg California II TM4
Thanks a lot for the review, so the neck wood has been thermally modified? (toasted, caramelized or roasted) or is it just painted? In the description on thomann's website they describe it as vintage caramelized maple neck, thank you.
Hey, you should review this bass the B100M by Hex instruments
Thanks, LowEndLobster for another great review!
I'm curious about their 25th anniversary special edition Jazz bass (JB-25TH)
or their Enhanced 25TH, I would surely like a review on those two basses, Thanks again!!!
The 25th Anniversary special edition is just a fancier version of the CC series in a nice Firemist color. Asthetically, there are some differences, but that is about it. The only major difference is that the CC series body is made from poplar, while the 25th Anniv. model is made from alder.
Thanks for your answer!
I was thinking about maybe getting the JB-75 NA... We'll see!
@@guy5359 The JB-75 is an excellent choice,...however, it is a boat anchor,..... sustain is NOT a problem. Just buy you a wide shoulder strap and you'll be good to go.
Yes, I heard about it, that's probably why I'm hesitant, Thanks!
@@guy5359 They make the JB-75 in all black, too.
Pls keep on with the archeologist section. Thks.
A whole lotta growl in that tone. Maybe a special slab of poplar there.
Im pretty sure its basswood
I have an example of this exact bass and it doesn’t have noticeable neck dive on the strap and a little on the lap.
The frets are fine too.
I once sent back a Sterling Short Scale Stingray for fret sprout and some horrendous sharp fret ends
It does seem to be the luck of the draw sometimes.
🤷♂️
Neck diving is part of the guitar bass experience...Until you try an high end instrument which more gentle with your shoulder and your back...
@@hiphopchild9540 or a headless bass. The ultimate cure!
I’ve had expensive basses with neck dive too.
Worst ever was a Spector I had
Made playing it a nightmare
The Warwick thumb definitely has neck dive! But I’d take that over a headless, I just can’t get use to looking at a bass with no headstock lol
@@bassimprovjams3772 fair enough
But
it’s a tool to do a job. The headless design means perfect balance
🤷♂️
I love the look of headless basses personally, and neck dive makes any bass a no no for me
:)
@@mindhead2005 I'm talking an high end instrument luthier hand made that my old cousin owns, life saving money + a loan out of his pension...
I wonder how these HB basses, especially the cheaper ones, will hold up over time. Like 20 years from now.
They are no different from anything else on the market, as long as you take care it. To be honest, HB's passive jazz bass line is quite solid on their Q.C.
The materials and craftsmanship have occasionally surpassed that of Fender Squiers. Take the Fender Squier Classic Vibe '75 bass model which the body is made of poplar and can be purchased for around $450 new. You can buy the Harley Benton JB-75 NA, which is made from American Ash and has a Wilkinson jazz bridge with brass saddles and alnico pickups, currently for $155 (plus shipping,...around $80 if you live on the east coast, more if you live further west) You can literally buy THREE of the Harley Bentons for ONE Fender Squier Classic Vibe 75. And I'd put my money on the Harley Benton everytime.
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 I've only had experience with a couple Squiers to either be satisfied or disappointed, never blown out of the water. I'd like to try a HB some time, but currently maxed out on gear. I think it's interesting looking at old Ibanez guitars and how they've either held or gone up in value. If the HBs really do hold up and the necks don't get all wiggly from wet wood drying, I could almost see getting a couple as investments.
@wanieldeir2 The HB jazz models are definitely great mod platforms. They are the most stable passive jazz basses I've played. I own two HB's myself and after I witnessed how good the quality is compared to an average Fender. After Fender's joke of a bass with that tinfoil model, my mind was made up. I decided that I would never buy another Fender product ever again. Harley Benton proved to me that you CAN get a very decent bass all while saving HUNDREDS of dollars. I saw a video today of a guy who spent $1,800 USD on a basic passive USA Fender that was not any better than it's Squier models. The HB will put that $1,800 to absolute shame. HB was never meant to be a good investment, they were meant to be played.
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482How much better is that Wilkinson bridge in jb-75 comparing to the one in 62? Cause It seems like it’s the only tech difference between the two not counting the body’s wood type.
I’m not going for 75 still because of it’s weight. But maybe I’m too cautious about those 11.5-12 lbs 🤔
@yuriichynchyk1380 Both models use the same bridge as both have brass saddles. Regarding the body weight, american ash is heaviest, and then Poplar, and Alder,....(Alder being lighter),....the 25th Anniv. Harley Benton Firemist Gold jazz bass is made of alder, while the CC models are poplar.
Quick question.
I just ordered a second HB from Thomann. The first got here in 3 days!
The second ordered yesterday is supposed to be here Wednesday.
How do they consistently deliver from Germany in 3 days?!
I've waited longer for stuff delivered in state.
Mind boggled.
Hopefully Thomann will bring back the Gotoh JB models in the cool colour schemes.
Also - I’d buy a ‘Neck Dive City’ T shirt!!
They probably won't, unless they use a different Gotoh tuner.
@@nerkoids - Why’s that?
@@revlewisrees9880 The Gotoh GB-7s are a discontinued model. It's merely a theory, but these models probably happened because of a deal with Thomann to help Gotoh clean out their remaining inventory.
That said, it would be nice if they could put GB-10s or GB-1 clones from HC tuner (the company that makes pretty much almost bass tuning key that goes on Fender basses)
I'd jump all over an orangemist type color...like Lobster's 'Jazzborghini'.
First five seconds - my ears are happy, just needs a set up tweak or maybe you got a dud one.
Which is the best, This one or Squier Affinity????
What would you have rated it if it had been properly set up from the factory? Also, Neck Dive City FTW!
Put me down for a Neck Dive City t-shirt!!! 🙌
Dude have you seen that les paul spalted maple top Sawtooth bass? it has fishman pickups/preamp, and wilkinson bridge and tuners. its like 500$+ though and made in China.. I was curious what your opinion on it is?
Have the seafoam green left handed version. Riht away, i heard pickups humming noise when both are at full volume. Replaced Roswell's with some SIre jb pickups that i have in reserve and noticed that these Roswell's both bridge and neck pickup are same magnet polarity. Has anyone else had a similar problem or noticed it?
Noooo! Why didn´t U release this before! Or at least tease it on Talkbass! I pulled the trigger on one of those last night! looool
It weighs 8 and a half pounds, right?
The difference (in weight) between this and a squier jazz bass is not so much, right?
I'm looking for a lightweight bass, more than the squier I already have.
I want a Neck Dive City shirt!
HI🦞as always great review , Honest & open. As you eluded to, you get what you pay for, Worth the extra few bucks for the upgrades . Will you be reviewing the 25th anniversary PJ and J bases ? For the price was considering the PJ bass , Keep up the great work my friend. Stu
I guess we're going to see it modded and go head to head against a road worn Flea signature, but I might be wrong...
Lobster, you get a like just for the bad dad joke at the start. Cheers.
unfortunately the MV4 isnt in lefty
Seems like a good bass, for a beginner 😄do you recommend it?
bence mükemmel
@@feritkeser thanks 💪
I was looking at done of their models and noticed that they didn’t have a classic 5 string jazz bass design. Has anyone been able to see any?
Doesn't really sound bad, but, what does one expect @ that price point?
The Roswells sure beat the crappy Squier pickups in their economy models...not to mention that the neck work on the Squiers are complete shit.....
I cut my hand on one the other day at Guitar Center (who was charging three times as much compared to the Harley Benton CC Series model)
Let's hope review of Sire V8 and/or P8 is coming soon! :)
Wait! Sunburst is not a cool finish????? 😃
Compared to the burgundy mist they had ;P
@@LowEndLobster I wanted to kick myself for missing out on the burgundy mist Gotoh jazz,....that was such an awesome paint scheme.
Your groovy Bass skills definitely do it justice Lobster, but I think the problem is that it's a knock off...lol Any USA J Bass, even the entry level Highway One to the newer Performer Series will hold it's value, and way better fret work, neck, and over all quality. But, to each their own.... Take that $144 and put an older used USA Standard on layaway or something...
Poplar? No. It's good for drawer bottoms and cabinet backs, but not a great choice in instrument bodies.
And this "roasted maple" trend I'm 99% sure is an excuse or replacement for time seasoned wood. Probably ok, but a cheaper, faster way. Which usually means quality takes a hit in the long run.
But seeing as the price of these things is super low, it's meant for beginners to go from this to something better if they stick to it.
Personally, I'd just buy a Lakeland Skyline.
Just buy a Fodera instead
My friend,.....pick up and try the JB-75 in Natural Ash or in black and I believe you will rethink your opinion regarding the Harley Bentons.
And if you aren't happy with the stock options,......think of all the money you saved that can go to making upgrades.
Your upgrades will cost more than the bass did.
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 i have one in fiesta red.
@@book3100 Nice,....do you like the Fiesta Red?....jazz bass?
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 it's not bad for the price. Now there's a sentence that can be misinterpreted. It's a good $250 guitar. Does it measure up to something in the $700 range? No.
This one needs a new nut, the nut slot recut straight, neck joint is not tight, frets need finishing, fret markers off center, tends to neck dive, but not extreme.
But I'm not actually complaining. I knew what it was when I bought it. I've fixed the issues that actually matter. Plays decently, the pickups aren't too bad.
But any of the kids out there looking to get a gem for $250, I'd say save the money and get a nicer instrument that will last a long time without having to fix issues that shouldn't leave the shop. I use the Lakland Skyline as a good example of a good instrument at a decent price without problems to fix right away.
Well, that doesn't sound bad. There are worse ones from HB 🤔
Donny Benét
I got the 15th Anniversary Firemist Jazz Bass and I'm so blown away by it. This particular model is bland imo. I wanted the Purplemist Gotoh but sadly, it vanished like... mist.
I want that Firemist, also.....I was kicking myself over not buying the burgundy mist when they still had them.
@@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482 Yeah, so it seems now we're screwed. How hard is it for them to restock those colors?
@arthurbrucecrawford6896 I would have figured that if those colors and style were successful sellers,...why couldn't they make more of them?
25th Anniversary
@@dm4728 I stand corrected. Thank you.
15:05 bonjour
Je ne vous trouve pas vraiment objectif sur votre test Harley Benton jb62 cc.
Pourquoi comparer aux mv-4jb.
Seul le manche diffère, je préfère le manche de la jb62 après avoir polis les Frettes.
En effet je n'aime pas le look des gros blocks et binding peint j'ai l'impression de jouer sur du plastique.
Et les tuners gotoh ne sont pas dans le style jazz basse, très moche.
Pourquoi ne pas juger le son car je trouve que la jb62 est plus claire et sonne plus Jazz basse.
J'ai mis un chevalet high mass, un pickguard 4 pli 17:46 s et changé la plaque de contrôle câblée avec des meilleurs potentiomètres, cela rajoute 100 gramme à ma basse qui pesait 4kg tout juste, ce poids est rajouté sur le corps Léger donc rééquilibre la basse, avec une sangle large et matelassé c'est super confortable à 17:46 jouer.
Je trouve que les micros sont identiques à ceux sur la mv4 JB.
Voilà ce que je voulais dire, vous avez du mal à cacher qu'elle sonne super bien sûr votre vidéo.
La défonce micro manche va jusqu'à la cavité électronique donc ça allège aussi, pas du fait du peuplier uniquement.
Yeeear !
pink
if v-sauce made music
Hello Kitty colour combination.
Could you review the Fender aerodyne special jazz?
i hate jazz bass :D