Alright, so you’ve been thinking about the Harley Benton RB-414 and wondering if it’s really worth the hype.
I’ll just tell you straight up: this bass has got a lot going on, especially when you think about how much it costs.
So, let’s have a look and explore the five awesome things that make this bass worth considering.
5 Awesome Things About Harlyy Benton RB-414
1. Vintage Vibes with a Modern Twist
One thing you’ll notice right away about the RB-414 is its classic, throwback design. The Cherry Sunburst finish really gives off that old-school rock vibe, complete with a body and neck binding that add an extra bit of class.
It’s not just about the looks, though. The Okoume body and glued-in neck give it a sturdy feel, while the Amaranth fingerboard provides a nice, smooth surface with 22 frets ready to rock. This bass looks as good on stage as it does in your living room, believe me.
But don’t be fooled by its retro appearance. This bass is built to deliver. It’s got a double-action truss-rod that keeps the neck straight, even when the weather’s trying to mess with it.
And those DLX machine heads? They’re solid, keeping your tuning stable so you can focus on playing instead of fiddling with the tuners every five minutes.
Have a listen to the sound demo below.
2. Versatile Sound Thanks to Dual Pickups
Tone-wise, the Harley Benton RB-414 is no slouch. This bass comes with a dual pickup setup: an Artec mini humbucker at the neck and a single coil at the bridge.
This combo gives you a range of tonal options, from warm, full lows to sharp, punchy highs.
The 3-way pickup selector switch is your best friend here, letting you easily switch between the pickups or blend them together.
It’s a pretty flexible setup, great for when you want to lay down a smooth jazz groove or tear through a rock track with some gritty tone. It’s all there, just waiting for you to explore.
It’s great for indie too! By the way, if your’e into this genre, have a look on the list of top 5 basses for indie rock.
3. Impressive Build Quality for the Price
Let’s talk about the price, shall we? The Harley Benton RB-414 is ridiculously affordable, and yet it doesn’t skimp on quality.
The Okoume wood used for both the body and neck is light yet durable, making it comfortable to play without sacrificing sound quality.
And that chrome hardware? Not only does it look sleek, but it’s also built to last. The factory strings (.040 – .100 Super Long Scale) are decent enough for most players, though you might want to swap them out if you’ve got a particular preference.
Overall, this bass feels a lot more expensive than it actually is, which is always a nice surprise.
4. Comfortable Playability
Comfort is key when it comes to picking out a bass, and the RB-414 does not let you down. With a scale length of 864 mm (34.02″) and a nut width of 43.6 mm (1.72″), this bass feels comfortable whether you’re new to the game or have been playing for years.
The 350 mm (13.78″) fingerboard radius strikes a good balance, not too flat, not too rounded—just right for navigating the fretboard with ease.
The neck profile is on the slimmer side, which is great if you’ve got smaller hands or just like a faster neck. Plus, the body and neck binding isn’t just there for looks; it actually makes it smoother when you’re sliding your hands up and down the neck, which you’ll definitely appreciate during longer sessions.
5. It Just Looks Cool
Let’s face it: looks do matter, especially when you’re performing. The Harley Benton RB-414 is just plain cool to look at. The Cherry Sunburst finish really pops under the lights, and the overall design nods to the classic basses of yesteryear.
Rock, blues, or metal – this bass fits in perfectly. But it’s not only about the looks—this thing is built to last.
The mix of vintage style and modern reliability makes the RB-414 a solid choice for gigging musicians who need an instrument that can handle the rough and tumble of the road while still looking good doing it.
Specs Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Classic |
| Body | Okoume |
| Neck | Okoume (Glued-in) |
| Fingerboard | Amaranth |
| Fingerboard Radius | 350 mm (13.78″) |
| Scale Length | 864 mm (34.02″) |
| Nut Width | 43.6 mm (1.72″) |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickups | Artec mini humbucker (neck), single coil (bridge) |
| Pickup Selector | 3-Way switch |
| Controls | 2 Volume, 2 Tone |
| Hardware | Chrome |
| Machine Heads | DLX |
| Factory Strings | .040 – .100 (Super Long Scale) |
| Color | Cherry Sunburst |
Potential Disadvantages
No product is perfect, and the Harley Benton RB-414 has a few areas where it might fall short depending on your needs.
1. Limited High-End Clarity:
While the RB-414 provides a solid, warm tone, some players might find that it lacks the sparkling high-end clarity that other basses in higher price ranges offer. This is especially noticeable when playing slap bass or other techniques that rely on crisp, bright tones.
2. Weight:
The Okoume body, while durable, does make this bass a bit on the heavier side. If you plan on playing long gigs or practice sessions, this might lead to some discomfort, especially if you’re not used to heavier instruments.
3. Stock Strings:
The factory-installed strings are decent, but more experienced players might want to swap them out for a set that better matches their playing style. While the stock strings are functional, they may not bring out the full potential of the RB-414’s tonal range.
My Rating
Considering all the factors, here’s my overall rating for the Harley Benton RB-414:
- Design & Aesthetics: 9/10
- Build Quality: 8/10
- Tone & Versatility: 7.5/10
- Playability: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 9.5/10
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
The Harley Benton RB-414 is a fantastic bass for the price, offering a blend of vintage style and solid performance.
While it may not match the tonal versatility or premium feel of higher-end models, it’s an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a reliable, stylish instrument without breaking the bank.
And once you get your bass, make sure to check out our list of cool bassless tracks for practice!
FAQ
1. Is the Harley Benton RB-414 suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! With its comfortable playability, affordable price, and solid tone, the RB-414 is a great choice for beginners and intermediate bassists alike.
2. Can I use the RB-414 for live performances?
Yes, the RB-414 is stage-ready. Its sturdy construction and versatile pickup configuration make it an ideal instrument for live gigs.
3. What music genres is this bass best suited for?
The RB-414 is highly versatile and can be used across various genres, from rock and blues to jazz and funk. The dual pickups allow for a wide range of tones.
4. Should I replace the stock strings?
That depends on your personal preference. The factory strings are of decent quality, but if you have a preferred type that suits your playing style better, replacing them could enhance your overall experience.
5. How does the RB-414 compare to more expensive models?
While it doesn’t have the refined tonal clarity or the premium build quality of higher-end basses, the RB-414 offers exceptional value for its price, making it a strong contender in its category.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Harley Benton RB-414 is an impressive instrument that offers a lot for its price. With its vintage-inspired design, versatile sound, and solid build quality, it’s a bass that can easily find a place in any player’s collection.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first bass or an experienced player searching for an affordable backup, the RB-414 is definitely worth considering.
If you enjoyed this review and want to see more in-depth reviews, demos, and gear discussions, be sure to check out my YouTube channels (Best Guitars Now & Strefa Gitar in Polish).
I regularly post videos on all things music gear, so there’s plenty to explore. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated with my latest content. See you there!
