carlsim Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 this link here: https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbz_2005fl_nt_deluxe_series.htm anyone got one?? Considering pulling the trigger on one but wanted to know a bit more - weight, feel, quality… any contributions welcome! I have other HB stuff which I think is great for the dosh - I’m not expecting it to stack up against +£1k basses… I have been after an unlined 5 fretless for a while now… I don’t expect to gig it a lot… just wondered what the general impression was. also… I would be looking to make it headless… possibly… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddo Soqable Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 Can't give any useful Intel on the model, but I do like your making it headless idea ( then I would wouldn't I ).... that'd look the business as a headless 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted March 1, 2023 Share Posted March 1, 2023 (edited) Looks real nice, thru neck etc. I like the compact headstock, nice straight string runs and stripes on the back... does it really deserve to loose its head? Might be stuck for replacement pups due to size, plain Quality Jazz 5's? Edited March 1, 2023 by PaulThePlug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paolo85 Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 I had one. Pros: you get a 5 string with a good frettles fingerboard, tons of mwah and an interesting sound for not much money Cons: -Mine weighed a ton and I understand it's not an exception -The edges of the fingerboard were sharp as a blade -They do not put foam under the pickups so they are not adjustable. Obscene choice. Easily fixed except in my case screws were stuck so I had to sweat for it -The sound is peculiar. I would say it lacks definition, especially noticeable when playing in isolation, but at the same time there is something inspiring about it. Not everyone's cup of tea I imagine -Pickups are non-standard size so not a great mod platform -I had to push saddles really to the floor to get the action I wanted. Considering I cound not shim a neck-through, I was a bit unease about it -Tuning/neck stability I would say is ok for the standards of very cheap bass. No positively surprised on that front -The body is made with whatever piece of wood they have at hand, so in my case it was quite visible the difference between pieces. Still, my wife thinks it was the best looking bass I have ever had What I would say is watch these two videos This is what this bass does best. If you like the vibe and can get over the issues it may have then I believe it's a good option Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 (edited) Bridge might be a little too far back to make it a decent headless conversion as the tuners will stick out a fair bit. Might be worth waiting for a used BZ5000 to turn up instead which is the more upmarket version but also looks to have more space behind the bridge Also all the HBZ/BZ 5 strings have tight spacing, think it's 16.5mm which put me off. Edited March 2, 2023 by lemmywinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLowDown Posted March 2, 2023 Share Posted March 2, 2023 I've seen a few reviews on it in the past. The general consensus seems that it's of really good quality but heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 3, 2023 Author Share Posted March 3, 2023 On 02/03/2023 at 07:48, Paolo85 said: I had one. Pros: you get a 5 string with a good frettles fingerboard, tons of mwah and an interesting sound for not much money Cons: -Mine weighed a ton and I understand it's not an exception -The edges of the fingerboard were sharp as a blade -They do not put foam under the pickups so they are not adjustable. Obscene choice. Easily fixed except in my case screws were stuck so I had to sweat for it -The sound is peculiar. I would say it lacks definition, especially noticeable when playing in isolation, but at the same time there is something inspiring about it. Not everyone's cup of tea I imagine -Pickups are non-standard size so not a great mod platform -I had to push saddles really to the floor to get the action I wanted. Considering I cound not shim a neck-through, I was a bit unease about it -Tuning/neck stability I would say is ok for the standards of very cheap bass. No positively surprised on that front -The body is made with whatever piece of wood they have at hand, so in my case it was quite visible the difference between pieces. Still, my wife thinks it was the best looking bass I have ever had What I would say is watch these two videos This is what this bass does best. If you like the vibe and can get over the issues it may have then I believe it's a good option Thanks for that information and the comments guys - I keep coming back to it I must admit. You mention about weight - that is my one fear with HB stuff - I had/have a couple of the 4 string jazz basses and they are incredible for the money but they are serious boat anchors. Not at all usable in my view for a two hour gig. I just don't understand how their stuff is so damn heavy! Is this one on the same par weight wise? I think making it headless would help but then, if the body is heavy, it won't balance well on a strap. I did wonder about chambering but I don't think I have the time / tools or skill for that kind of modification. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paolo85 Posted March 3, 2023 Share Posted March 3, 2023 I had an HB JB75. The HBZ might have been slightly lighter but still in the ballpark. Also, not as good as the J, for which weigh was literally the only issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLowDown Posted March 3, 2023 Share Posted March 3, 2023 3 hours ago, carlsim said: You mention about weight - that is my one fear with HB stuff Some are quite light or reasonably weighted. The progressive range are quite light. I have 4 string and a 6 string that weigh under 8lbs and 9.9lbs, respectively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted March 4, 2023 Share Posted March 4, 2023 11 hours ago, carlsim said: Is this one on the same par weight wise? I think making it headless would help but then, if the body is heavy, it won't balance well on a strap. I did wonder about chambering but I don't think I have the time / tools or skill for that kind of modification. If the body is heavy, making it headless wouldn't affect the balance as most of the weight is between the strap pegs. I've encountered plenty of neck-divy basses but never a body-divy one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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