Harley Benton MB-4 and MB-5 SBK: Two new basses with attitude!

Harley Benton has just released two new basses, the MB-4 and MB-5. Both are finished in Satin Black and look very much like the super-popular TE-20HH SBK model – which sold out in minutes – and the recent TB-70 SBK. Seems Harley Benton is making Satin Black a thing! Both of these bad boys come with a humbucker in the bridge position and look ready for anything.

Harley Benton MB-4 & MB-5 SBK

The new MB-4 and MB-5 SBK models have a sleek, purposeful and stripped-back aesthetic similar to several recent Harley Benton releases. Loaded with one humbucker, both these bass guitars have lots of attitude, so I think they could be just as popular as the TE-20HH SBK.

A new bass with plenty of attitude: the MB-4 SBK

As the names suggest, this design is available in either 4- or 5-string versions. Both have a lightweight basswood body paired with a maple D-shape bolt-on neck loaded with a roseacer fingerboard and 21 frets. The electronics feature a single passive humbucker pickup with split coils, giving you a lot of tones to choose from. The single humbucker is controlled via two volume controls and single tone control, so you have plenty of ways to dial in your bass tone. That should suit a variety styles and genres.

Harley Benton MB-4 SBK and MB-5 SBK, two new Satin Black models with attitude

Satin Black

The two models come finished in a very ‘none more black’ Satin Black finish, with a matching painted headstock. I like the red tortoiseshell pickguard, as it contrasts nicely to black body and hardware, consising of a die cast bridge and set of  vintage-style tuners.

Harley Benton MB-4 bridge

Attitude with style

These two basses look like great value for money. I think the minimalist look and attitude of these models will appeal to a lot of players. If you enjoy a good simple control layout, want a bass equipped with a passive humbucker and don’t have deep pockets then surely these need to be on your list of models to try out. I’m sorely tempted to pick up a 4-string version myself – at this price I just might have to order one.

More Information

• Order here: MB-4 SBK and MB-5 SBK
• Harley Benton website
• More Harley Benton news

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