Furch Bc 61-CM 5 Acoustic Bass vs Harley Benton B-35BK Acoustic Bass Bundle

Detailed comparison to help you choose the right 5-String Acoustic Basses for your music.

Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026

Furch Bc 61-CM 5 Acoustic Bass

Furch Bc 61-CM 5 Acoustic Bass

4.9/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10

The Furch Bc 61-CM 5 is a seriously impressive acoustic bass – the cedar top gives it a beautiful, woody voice, and the LR Baggs pickup system is a real winner for stage use. This is an excellent choice for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a high-quality, all-around acoustic bass with a comfortable feel and great amplified tone.

Harley Benton B-35BK Acoustic Bass Bundle

Harley Benton B-35BK Acoustic Bass Bundle

4.7/5 Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

This Harley Benton B-35BK is a surprisingly capable acoustic bass, perfect for beginners or players wanting a budget-friendly option for campfire jams or casual recording. The jumbo body provides a full, booming sound, and the pickup system lets you plug in when needed. It's a solid starting point with room for upgrades to really unlock its potential.

Detailed Comparison

Feature Furch Bc 61-CM 5 Acoustic Bass Harley Benton B-35BK Acoustic Bass Bundle
Brand Furch Harley Benton
Model Bc 61-CM 5 Acoustic Bass B-35BK Acoustic Bass Bundle
Price $2176 $236
Expert Rating 4.9/5 4.7/5
Top Wood Solid AA Cedar Spruce
Back & Sides Solid African AA Mahogany Sapele
Neck Material Mahogany Sapele
Pickups LR Baggs EAS-VTC Built-in preamp with 4-band EQ and tuner
Scale Length 860 mm 864 mm
Frets 21 22
Strings Likely Furch Premium Bass Strings, .045-.105 gauge .045 - .130 gauge, nickel-wound
Weight Approximately 11.5 lbs Approximately 12 lbs
Pros + Solid AA cedar top delivers a warm, responsive, and articulate tone. + Spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate and resonant acoustic tone.
Pros + Mahogany back and sides provide a focused, balanced acoustic projection. + Sapele back and sides add warmth and sustain, typical of higher-end instruments.
Pros + LR Baggs EAS-VTC pickup system offers a clean, amplified sound with minimal feedback. + Built-in pickup system provides usable amplified sound for small gigs or practice.
Pros + Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience and excellent note definition. + Gig bag and stand offer great value, making it a complete, ready-to-play package.
Cons - The solid cedar top is susceptible to dents and finish damage. - Sapele neck may exhibit some movement with humidity changes; requires attentive care.
Cons - Mahogany construction can be relatively heavy, impacting long-play comfort. - Factory strings are basic; upgrading will significantly improve playability and tone.
Cons - Venetian cutaway limits lower-midrange acoustic projection slightly. - Super jumbo body can be unwieldy for smaller players or those used to shorter scales.
Category 5-String Acoustic Basses 5-String Acoustic Basses
Article Number 270037 537169
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Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar is warmer and more responsive than spruce, producing a more immediate and intimate sound, but it's also a bit less resilient to humidity changes.
Yes, the EAS-VTC offers a versatile sound, suitable for fingerstyle, pick, and even slap techniques, although it's optimized for a more acoustic, natural tone.
The mahogany neck likely has a 'C' shape profile, fairly standard for bass guitars, offering a comfortable balance between thickness and playability – neither too chunky nor too thin.
The pickup system is functional for basic amplification, but lacks the nuance and clarity of a higher-end, dedicated acoustic bass pickup – expect some muddiness at higher volumes.
The neck is fairly standard, but the jumbo body’s width might feel a bit bulky for players with smaller hands or those accustomed to narrower profiles; a visit to a store for a test is advisable.
Expect a warm, resonant tone with decent projection, leaning towards a boomy low-end; it's well-suited for roots, blues, and folk styles, but might lack clarity for complex arrangements.

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