Harley Benton HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello

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Harley Benton HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello

Harley Benton

HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello

4.7 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 539450
Model: HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello
Price: $493.90

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

This Harley Benton is a fantastic entry point into electric cello playing, particularly for left-handed players who are on a budget. The Shadow pickups give a usable amplified sound, though it won’t replace a high-end acoustic instrument. It's ideal for beginners, practice, or exploring experimental music.

Product Description

  • Harley Benton HBCE 990LH/BK Electric Cello
  • Electric Cello
  • Lefthand / left-handed model
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fingerboard and pegs: Birch
  • Aluminium fine-tuning tailpiece
  • Active Shadow pickup system
  • Volume
  • treble and bass controls
  • 6.3 mm jack output with selector switch for connecting headphones or an amplifier
  • 3.5 mm aux-in input for playback or playalong via MP3
  • smartphone
  • CD player etc.
  • Colour: Black
  • Incl. bag
  • belly and knee rests as well as colophon
PROS
  • • Left-hand model offers rare accessibility for southpaw cellists.
  • • Active Shadow pickup delivers surprisingly warm and clear amplified tone.
  • • Birch fingerboard provides a playable, slightly softer feel than ebony.
  • • Included accessories like bag, bow, and rests offer immediate playability.
CONS
  • • Maple neck might exhibit some movement with significant humidity changes.
  • • Aluminium tailpiece can feel less premium compared to traditional materials.
  • • Body construction, while functional, lacks the resonance of a solid wood cello.

Product Video

Key Features

Strings Steel strings, likely generic brand to keep costs down
Pickups Active Shadow ceramic pickups, offering a broad frequency response
Connections 6.3 mm output jack, 3.5 mm aux-in, headphone output
Body Material Laminated wood construction, likely a mix of poplar and basswood
Bow Included Yes, standard synthetic bow – serviceable but upgradeable
Weight Approximately 12 lbs, feels a little bulky compared to acoustic cellos

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Frequently Asked Questions

It's decent for the price; expect a slightly processed, less organic sound than higher-end models with more sophisticated pickup systems.
The maple neck has a fairly standard 'C' shape, but the thinner finish might feel a little sticky, especially in warmer environments.
Yes, the standard jack and wiring are accessible, allowing for pickup upgrades, but some modification might be needed.

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