Harley Benton HBCE 990BK Electric Cello

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Harley Benton HBCE 990BK Electric Cello

Harley Benton

HBCE 990BK Electric Cello

4.8 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 417528
Model: HBCE 990BK Electric Cello
Price: $493.90

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

This Harley Benton is a surprisingly capable electric cello, especially for the price. It's a fantastic entry point for cellists wanting to explore amplification or for musicians looking for a unique, affordable string instrument. Expect a fairly focused, classical-leaning tone – not a shred machine, but a solid platform for folk, classical, and cinematic soundscapes.

Product Description

  • Harley Benton HBCE 990BK Electric Cello
  • Electric Cello
  • With 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 playback or playalong via mp3
  • smartphone
  • CD player
  • etc.
  • Colour: Black
  • Includes a bag
  • rosin and supports for the abdominal area and knees
PROS
  • • Solid maple body delivers a surprisingly warm, resonant tone.
  • • Shadow pickup system provides decent amplified clarity and projection.
  • • Birch fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience for longer sessions.
  • • Included accessories – bag, bow, rosin – offer excellent value.
CONS
  • • The aluminum tailpiece feels a bit flimsy and may require upgrading.
  • • Active electronics mean battery dependency and potential for noise if shielding is poor.
  • • Limited tonal versatility; primarily suited for classical and folk styles.

Product Video

Key Features

Strings Steel (likely a generic brand, not specified)
Pickups Shadow Active Piezo System
Connections 6.3 mm output jack, 3.5 mm aux-in jack
Body Material Maple
Bow Included Yes, standard synthetic bow
Weight Approximately 13 lbs (6 kg) – a bit heavier than an acoustic cello

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Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a budget-friendly option; it captures the fundamental tones well, but lacks the nuanced detail and dynamic range of premium systems.
The neck profile is relatively standard for a cello, but the birch fingerboard can feel a bit harder than rosewood; larger hands might find it slightly less forgiving.
Absolutely, the 6.3 mm output is a standard instrument jack, making connection to most interfaces straightforward. Just be mindful of potential noise with active electronics.

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