Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR Deluxe Series

I've been looking for a "PJ" style bass, and wanted to see how the Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR holds up in the marketplace. The other inexpensive possibility is the Squier affinity series, which cost approximately double (230 Euros Squier vs 111 for the HB model).

Knowing that production for bodies and necks is currently all taking place in the same factories in Asia, I figured the Harley B. would be a contender. It turns out that this make and model has what it takes - but only if your roll of the dice gets you a good neck...

First impression upon opening the box is that the bass is very well manufactured and assembled, although the neck had quite a "U" shape, and the action was rather high. This is no reason for concern - most instruments need adjustment out of the box - if they didn't come in a box, they were probably adjusted in the store, and that setup was most certainly added to the price tag.

I should add that this bass is rather on the heavy side - but for that makes a very solid impression across the board. The neck was also a perfect fit, and all hardware makes a solid impression.

The problems:

Out of the box, the action was too high, neck relief far too bowed, and - although the "P" pickups sound great, the "J" pickup is rather weak. (If you get a good PJ-4 HTR, just swap out that J pickup, and you will have an excellent bass.)

Additionally, the bridge was mounted at an ever-so-slight angle, whereby the low E-string side is closer to the headstock direction than the G-string side. A fairly typical problem in budget guitars.

After adjusting the truss rod (which needed a full rotation to remedy the bow in the neck), I adjusted the bridge saddles for height, and let the bass rest overnight.

On testing the bas sthe next day, the action was now well within acceptable range, but the area from the 7th to 12th frets was plagued with fret buzz. Too much to be useable - in recorded tracks the buzz was clearly audible. I attempted to further tweak the neck and bridge, but to no avail. Perhaps a fret job and further tweaking could remedy the problem, but I expect an instrument at any price to be useable without major neck/fret/fitting work. This bass has to go back.

I have to say that the overall quality of parts (aside from the bum neck) as well as the suave finish and solid feel were impressive. The tone of the P pickup is beyond reproach - certainly all the tone of a Squier/Fender model. As mentioned erlier, the J pickup is not happening.

If these Harley B. models were individually set up and quality controlled (by a guitar tech) they would have to cost at least 50 euros more per unit... no longer the insane deal compared to the Squier guitars, which are more consistent. HOWEVER - Thomann takes them back and you needn't even pay shipping. If the neck on this one had been a good one, I would keep it and be 90% happy (after replacing the J pickup 100%).

I say order one up and cross your fingers!




After working on the bridge

So I decided to get a bass again. I used to own a Fender Affinity PJ bass before selling it as I didn't use it. I wanted to get a bass again but in fear of putting it to the side again I decided to go for this HB as I've heard so many good things about HB recently in all the corners of the internet and the product itself had really good reviews. Sadly I cannot leave one as well.

I bought the first model in December and upon arrival I was really happy with the sound, the look and very impressed with the neck but after a bit of a sit down I noticed the neck was not straight at all, it had a strong back bow. Not an issue I thought, I've dealt with this before so I can easily do it here. I was wrong. The material of the truss rod nut is so soft it is a joke. Strips easier than melted cheese on a stick not to mention the cut out for the truss rod adjustment is far too deep and narrow to even get a good adjustment in.

Not to worry I thought, these things happen. I contacted customer and yes the team were amazing with the help from day one so they are not at fault here. I was offered a pick up free of charge for an assessment but after 3 different dates of no show from the currier to pick up the bass (which was a month in total) I was given the option for them to just send a replacement out with no return for the other bass. I was very glad just annoyed at the poor currier treatment.

The bass arrived and my happiness went away within minutes again. Same story as the original one so now I have two units with barley usable necks. I love the way these look and four £115 they sound killer but I will have to invest at least another £50 for a new neck with a proper truss rod. Replace the nut material and make the whole a little more shallow and you will have a great product. even increase the price by £20 and it will be great. I'm not even going to bother for a refund as I've wasted enough days waiting for curriers that will not show up.

Try your luck but don't be surprised to be disappointed.

First thing first, this is my first bass. I bought it in September because I wanted to learn to play bass on a tight budget. I use it mostly to play by myself and for the occasional jam session.

In short, I agree with most of the positive reviews. This is a great instrument for a beginner. It sounds in most cases really good. The bridge pickup can have too low input. That's only something I've noticed at separate times. the PJ combo is a really easy way to get a wide range of sounds. I love how the neck feels as well!

Sadly, I don't have as much control over the sound as I'd like. The tone knob, for example, is rather dull and could be more sensitive. That goes the same for the tuning mechanism, I can't seem to tune it exactly as in tune as I want it. On the other hand, it stays in-tune rather well. Also, keep in mind: the bass can be quite heavy.

To summarize: this is a great instrument to buy when you're short on cash. Just be ready to accept the eventual one or two quirks that might need fixing.