Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric Cello

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Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric Cello

Harley Benton

HBCE 990AM Electric Cello

4.8 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 417531
Model: HBCE 990AM Electric Cello
Price: $493.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The HBCE 990AM is a surprisingly capable electric cello for the budget-conscious player. It's a great entry point for cellists wanting to explore amplification or for composers looking for unique textures. The active pickup system offers a usable sound, though don’t expect boutique-level fidelity – it's a solid foundation to build on.

Product Description

  • Harley Benton HBCE 990AM Electric Cello
  • Electric Cello
  • Includes an active shadow pickup system
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard and tuning pegs: Birch
  • Aluminium tailpiece with fine tuners
  • Electronics: volume control
  • treble control
  • bass control
  • 6.3 mm jack output with selector switch for connecting headphones or an amplifier
  • 3.5 mm aux-in jack input for playbacks or play alongs via mp3
  • smartphone
  • CD player etc.
  • Colour: Amber
  • Includes a bag
  • rosin and supports for the abdominal area and knees
PROS
  • • Solid amber finish provides a visually appealing, resonant aesthetic.
  • • Active Shadow pickup system delivers surprisingly clear and usable amplified tone.
  • • Birch fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface, a welcome upgrade.
  • • Included accessories like bow, rosin, and supports provide immediate playability.
CONS
  • • Maple neck may exhibit some neck dive, requiring careful strap adjustment.
  • • Aluminium tailpiece, while functional, lacks the premium feel of ebony or rosewood.
  • • Aux-in jack’s quality might limit high-fidelity playback for critical listening.

Product Video

Key Features

Strings Steel core, synthetic winding (likely Perlon blend)
Pickups Active Shadow Piezo System
Connections 6.3 mm jack output, 3.5 mm aux-in jack
Body Material Laminated Maple
Bow Included Yes, synthetic bow
Weight Approximately 12 lbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

It’s noticeably brighter and more direct, lacking the complex overtones of a purely acoustic cello. The active pickup system emphasizes the fundamental frequencies.
The maple neck has a relatively standard C-shape profile, but its thickness may feel slightly bulkier than a standard guitar or violin neck.
Yes, the standard jack configuration allows for pickup replacement, though modifications might be needed depending on the chosen pickup’s size and wiring.

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