Harley Benton HBCE 990RD Electric Cello

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Harley Benton HBCE 990RD Electric Cello

Harley Benton

HBCE 990RD Electric Cello

4.4 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 417530
Model: HBCE 990RD Electric Cello
Price: $493.90

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

This Harley Benton is a surprisingly capable electric cello for someone wanting to experiment with amplified cello sounds or integrate it into a band setting. It's a budget-friendly entry point that provides a usable, if not exceptional, experience. Perfect for students, hobbyists, or anyone curious about the possibilities of electric cello without a major investment.

Product Description

  • Harley Benton HBCE 990RD 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 playback or playalong via mp3
  • smartphone
  • CD player
  • etc.
  • Colour: Red
  • Includes a bag
  • rosin and supports for the abdominal area and knees
PROS
  • • Solid red finish adds visual flair and durability.
  • • Shadow pickup system delivers a surprisingly clear, amplified tone.
  • • Birch fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience for extended sessions.
  • • Includes essential accessories like a bow, rosin, and supports for comfortable playing.
CONS
  • • The birch fingerboard, while playable, lacks the premium feel of ebony.
  • • Maple neck might exhibit some movement with significant humidity changes.
  • • Overall build quality, while decent for the price, won’t match higher-end instruments.

Product Video

Key Features

Strings Steel (likely a generic set, not a premium brand)
Pickups Active Shadow A/P48 system, piezo-ceramic
Connections 6.3 mm output jack, 3.5 mm aux-in jack, headphone output
Body Material Laminated Maple/Spruce (typical construction for affordability)
Bow Included Yes, synthetic bow – acceptable for beginners, upgrade recommended
Weight Approximately 12 lbs (5.4 kg) – heavier than a traditional acoustic cello

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Frequently Asked Questions

The piezo pickups capture string vibrations, reducing natural acoustic resonance but providing a clean, amplified signal suitable for effects or direct recording.
The maple neck has a fairly standard C-shape profile, but it's slightly thinner than many traditional cellos – a plus for some, a potential adjustment for others.
Absolutely; the included bow is a basic starter bow, and swapping it for a better-quality pernambuco or brazilwood bow will significantly improve the cello’s sound and playability.

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