by Jef | 5,0 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes
Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern

Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern  ·  Source: Harley Benton

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Harley Benton has added new finishes to its EX-84 Modern model, including both EMG- and Roswell-loaded variants of its 80s-inspired metal machine. The new colours are Benton Blue and Shell Pink, adding to the Black and Vintage White finishes already on offer. 

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Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern

Part of its Tribute Series, Harley Benton’s EX-84 Modern harks back to the 1980s and the burgeoning metal scene, whose players who often used Explorer-shaped guitars to rock out on. Originally launched in 2020 with a lower-priced version loaded with Roswell pickups, the EX-84 Modern made another appearance later in the year, this time equipped with EMG actives and a higher price tag. Left-handed versions followed, too.

The new finishes follow the same blueprint and specs. The EX-84 Modern and EX-84 Modern EMG both have a mahogany body, a thin-taper mahogany neck and an ebony fretboard. So far, so perfect for crushing riffs.

Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern Benton Blue

Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern Benton Blue · Source: Harley Benton

Hardware

As these instruments are very much orientated towards rock and metal orientated, the inclusion of extra-jumbo frets was a given. Also onboard is a Graph Tech Tusq XL nut paired with a set of Grover locking tuners. I’d imagine that tuning should be pretty stable on these models, as the bridge is a WSC Tune-o-Matic with a stop tail, so not many moving parts to let you down. And, of course, all the hardware on these guitars is blacked out.

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Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern EMG or Roswell loaded metal machines

Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern EMG or Roswell loaded metal machines · Source: Harley Benton

EMG or Roswell Active Pickups

Each finish is available in two versions. One option uses a set of EMG 81 active (bridge) and EMG 60 active (neck). If you want to save some money, the lower-priced editions have a Roswell LZ51 active in the bridge position and Roswell LZ56 active in the neck position. Both sets are controlled via a three-way toggle switch, paired with a master volume and master tone control for a nice simple setup.

If you are in the market for a stripped-back guitar with active humbucking pickups, especially one with an ’80s metal style, then these should be on your radar – especially if you are on a budget but want something you can actually gig with and won’t let you down. The EX-84 modern should be able to get that classic NWOBHM or early Bay-Side Thrash tone and those memorable riffs and leads.

More on Harley Benton and the EX-84 Modern

 

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Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern

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