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Thomann selling Harley Benton basses as 'Decoration only'


Annoying Twit

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[quote name='Moos3h' timestamp='1423240259' post='2682707']
Well, I finally got round to doing something with my Deko. The neck was garbage, so that's gone in the parts bin and I've thrown on one that's off an Aliexpress 'Fender' which is a little better.

It's quite a looker now and the body is REALLY good, nice weight and great grain.

I should point out that I'm very much NOT the luthier, the neck wouldn't quite fit and I didn't have such tools as a file or sandpaper, so I just stood on it until it went in. Job done. I reckon I could get a job at Fender with that level of technical skill?

Anyhoo - it's together, working and I'll take it for a spin tonight at rehearsal to see how it sounds.

[attachment=183087:FullSizeRender.jpg]

Cheers,
James
[/quote]


that looks better than either of my 3 Japanese 75RI Fenders!

edit: well, two of them. I got one refinished in red because the grain was so ugly :lol:

Edited by mcnach
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This is what went up, and then sold out, last night.

First the basses. And given that a basic precision bass for £20 or so might be a good starting point for a bitsa, three basses worth having IMHO.

Harley Benton CLB-10SCE NS Deko (Acoustic bass guitar, the one with the solid top etc. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_clb_10sce_ns.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...lb_10sce_ns.htm[/url])
Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deko (Neck through slightly jazzy bass [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbz2004.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...ton_hbz2004.htm[/url])
Harley Benton PB-20 BK Standard Seri Deko ('Standard' precision bass [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbp120bk_ebass.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...120bk_ebass.htm[/url])

And a number of guitars.

Harley Benton CG-45 NS Deko (Acoustic Guitar [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbcg45.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...nton_hbcg45.htm[/url])
Harley Benton CG200-BK Deko (Classical acoustic guitar [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/Harley_Benton_CG200-BK.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...on_CG200-BK.htm[/url])
Harley Benton HBD120BK LH Deko (Left handed short scale strat [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_st_shorty_lh_bk_std_series.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._std_series.htm[/url])
Harley Benton HBO-600NT Deko (Ovation-ish acoustic guitar [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbo600nt.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...on_hbo600nt.htm[/url])
Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA Standard S Deko ('fat' strat with humbucker [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_st_20hss_ca_standard_series.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...dard_series.htm[/url])

Rich pickings for anyone awake at that time.

Edited by Annoying Twit
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Surely the same would apply to any of the acoustics - if the neck is unusable, the whole bass would be a write-off. If it did have a neck fault, and it was noticed soon enough, it's possible to return it of course.

See here for Maude's first impressions of the solid top acoustic bass: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/227421-thomann-selling-harley-benton-basses-as-decoration-only/page__view__findpost__p__2668132 Maude, you mentioned you might return to give us a more in-depth review at some time...

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Better late than never :)

Differences between the HBB30 and the CLB-10S.

Now one's fretless and the other fretted, and one has Fender tapewounds and the other cheap steel rounds I had kicking about so I can't really do a true tone or volume comparison, the fretted will also have Fender tapewounds when I get some.

I'll let some pictures do the talking, you should be able to tell which bass is which as the HBB30 is gloss and the CLB-10S satin.

I'll post this now as I'm on my phone and fire up the PC to post the pictures. Back in a mo.

Edited by Maude
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One thing I didn't realise when ordering, as they list all measurements in metric, is that the CLB-10S is 32" scale where the the HBB30 is a 'normal' 34" scale, it's not a big deal especially considering the price but I would have preferred 34" for both. Nevermind.


First up, headstock. The HB lettering and the crown logo are pearl inlays whereas the Harley Benton name is just a silver water slide decal.

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00822_zpsnx4iibvh.jpg.html"][/url]


Next the pre amp, the cheaper model has a more 'tweakable' unit with the addition of a presence control a upper and lower mid control over the Fishman unit in the dearer model. I haven't used the Fishman unit yet so can't compare but the cheaper one sounded lovely when I used it with our acoustic band.
The Fishman pre is the top of the range in their isys (unfortunate name choice given recent events) range, the bass came with instructions for the pre amp and the booklet covered three or four different units in the isys range with this one being the top one.
[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0082_zpsoyiodzsj.jpg.html"][/url]
[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0084_zpswtkuxk3m.jpg.html"][/url]


Inlayed pearl soundhole binding compared to black and white decal under the lacquer,

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0087_zpstjppffik.jpg.html"][/url]
[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0088_zps0zljzsel.jpg.html"][/url]


Couple of pictures showing difference in finish,

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0091_zpsign4nzsa.jpg.html"][/url]
[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0094_zpsgi65clha.jpg.html"][/url]


Bridge differences, ignore the wonky roundwound E string :)

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0085_zpsfpkxpqzi.jpg.html"][/url]
[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0086_zps3yi7owat.jpg.html"][/url]


Different shaped cutaway,

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0093_zpswiqo5zny.jpg.html"][/url]
[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00942_zpsobxkv8jx.jpg.html"][/url]


Different output units, the XLR is a nice touch, not tried it yet but I assume it should do away with the need for a DI box when going into a desk. Note that the XLR is on the cheaper model.

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0090_zps6uzlzewh.jpg.html"][/url]

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0089_zpsiwkewzvu.jpg.html"][/url]


Even inside, the wood on the more expensive model does look better, this is the inside of the back,

[url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00962_zps0uhxinp9.jpg.html"][/url][url="http://s157.photobucket.com/user/Maudebass/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_00952_zpsu0uiqid4.jpg.html"][/url]




So there you go, until I get the same strings on I can't really compare the two soundwise, even then it's fretless against fretted, but looks and feel wise the dearer model does seem a much classier (if that's the right word) instrument.

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The CLB was €60, free shipping because I had a voucher which deleted the shipping, and the HBB was €63 including shipping.
So €123 whatever that translates to.

Actually just looked on Thomann and the Jazz they have at €125 is £93.59 so about that plus the couple of quid my bank charge me for conversion to Euros, all in just under £100, can't complain at that.

I wouldn't worry about the HBB being a 'lower' model, in ways it's better, the eq and XLR out, the finish is just personal preference, I'm using the HBB more than the CLB at the mo and it sounds fantastic plugged in. And when plugged in body woods don't matter.
And the HBB is a 34" which to me is preferable.

I think an owner of any Deko has the right to feel a bit smug.
:)

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A number up a minute ago. An interesting looking tele. There is also a standard precision bass. I've bunged that in my shopping cart to see if that reserves it. I'll wait to see when/if it disappears from being available to see if I can buy it.

That is a nice looking tele. It's been over a minute and it's still there. Oh, it disappeared while I was typing the previous sentence. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_te_52_na_vintage_serie_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._serie_deko.htm[/url]

Edit: Precision Bass still up there. Get buying now people. It's only £20. I want to see what happens to the one in my shopping cart when the stock runs out. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_pb_20_bk_standard_seri_deko.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...d_seri_deko.htm[/url]

Precision Bass sold out. My shopping cart now shows a note on availability.

[quote][color=#FFFFFF][font=Verdana, sans-serif][size=4][b]otes on Availability[/b][/size][/font][/color][color=#000000][font=verdana, tahoma, arial, helvetica][size=4]



Unfortunately, we are thomann unable to give you an exact delivery date for the itemHarley Benton PB-20 BK Standard Seri Deko.
[/size][/font][/color]
[/quote]

So, putting it in the shopping cart doesn't reserve it. I wonder if that somehow would reserve one for next time. Or whether I would get an email like ... was it UglyDog? ... saying that they couldn't deliver it.

Edited by Annoying Twit
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[quote name='ColinB' timestamp='1423742840' post='2688440']
Sold out!
[/quote]

There's still a left handed set neck SG copy guitar. But everything else new for today has gone. The big list of all instruments that my program has ever seen (not all decos that have ever gone up) is getting long.

[quote]
Harley Benton B-30 BK Acoustic Bass Deko
Harley Benton B-30 NT Acoustic Bass Deko
Harley Benton B-30 NT LH Deko
Harley Benton B-35FL NT Acoustic Bas Deko
Harley Benton B-35NT Acoustic Bass S Deko
Harley Benton B-550 QTB Progressive Deko
Harley Benton BJ-65Pro 6 String Banj Deko
Harley Benton CG-45 NS Deko
Harley Benton CG200-BK Deko
Harley Benton CLB-10SCE NS Deko
Harley Benton CLD-30SCM-CE SolidWood Deko
Harley Benton CLJ-503CE NT Deko
Harley Benton D-120CE-LH BK Deko
Harley Benton E-35 VS Vintage Series Deko
Harley Benton EAX-10 Pinky Deko
Harley Benton FV-430 BK Classic Seri Deko
Harley Benton HBD120BK LH Deko
Harley Benton HBO-600NT Deko
Harley Benton HBO600 SB Deko
Harley Benton HBO850 BK Deko
Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deko
Harley Benton JB-75 NA Vintage Serie Deko
Harley Benton JB-75LH NA Vintage Ser Deko
Harley Benton L-450Plus Cherry Burst Deko
Harley Benton L-500 BK Vintage Serie Deko
Harley Benton PB-20 BK Standard Seri Deko
Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR Deluxe Series Deko
Harley Benton RG-Mini BK Deko
Harley Benton S-200 BK Deko
Harley Benton S-580 CH LH Vintage Se Deko
Harley Benton ST-20 BK Standard Seri Deko
Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Seri Deko
Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA Standard S Deko
Harley Benton ST-20LH BK Standard Se Deko
Harley Benton ST-62 VW Vintage Serie Deko
Harley Benton ST-Shorty BK Standard Deko
Harley Benton Santos Series C-40SCE Deko
Harley Benton TE-20 BK LH Standard S Deko
Harley Benton TE-20 SB Standard Seri Deko
Harley Benton TE-52 NA Vintage Serie Deko
Harley Benton TE-90QM Trans Red Deko
Warwick Mini Rock Thumb Bass 4
[/quote]

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Got my b30 today. In all honesty, I can't find much wrong with her. All works as it should, neck is straight, intonation spot on out the box and action is fine. The only flaws I noticed are in the lacquer around the bottom of the neck and perhaps the bridge is a little off horizontally (see pictures) it's not affecting playability at all. Overall, I feel that I've got a bargain here. Going to take it to a jam night in the local tomorrow and see how she fares. Considering I've spent more in the chippy, it's unbelievable value.

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Still up. http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_kahuna_clu_bass_ukulel_deko.htm It says that they are 'available immediately' rather than saying that there are a limited number. I put one in my shopping cart and thought about it, but a bass ukulele isn't top of my list. Still thinking though. Except, that as I was typing this they disappeared. I hope your order goes well Momats.

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[quote name='planer' timestamp='1423845549' post='2689682']
@stubass - Happy NBD mate :D

I got a bargain-bin B-30 about Chrimbo and, as you are finding, for the money they are fantastic.
[/quote]

Thanks mate, yep, she's a keeper. Didn't get a run out tonight unfortunately. Didn't get home til late, hopefully in a fortnight she'll get her chance. The band are on about going to a few wedding fares and doing a wee acoustic set to lure them in so it will be useful. Looks beautiful too.

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Cheers AT. I hope it's playable. I've been after a uke bass for a while now having played a really nice Ashbury one and a Kala. I just couldn't justify £200 plus on one. The HB one comes in at £42 including postage which is nice. Kinda wish I'd had a couple of other things in my basket to take advantage of the postage but it's still a bargain.

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[quote name='Mornats' timestamp='1423872928' post='2690074']
Cheers AT. I hope it's playable. I've been after a uke bass for a while now having played a really nice Ashbury one and a Kala. I just couldn't justify £200 plus on one. The HB one comes in at £42 including postage which is nice. Kinda wish I'd had a couple of other things in my basket to take advantage of the postage but it's still a bargain.
[/quote]

With Dekos, time is of the essence. You can still have the instrument sell out on you even when it's in your shopping basket. It might be a good strategy to have the shopping basket pre-loaded with other items ready to go, so that it's possible to check out ASAP when a deko is spotted.

Edited by Annoying Twit
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