Harley Benton HBCE 990WH Electric Cello
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Harley Benton
HBCE 990WH Electric Cello
Product Info
Article Number:
417529
Brand:
Harley Benton
Model:
HBCE 990WH Electric Cello
Category:
Electric Cellos
Price:
$493.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Harley Benton HBCE 990WH is a surprisingly capable entry point into the world of electric cellos. It’s a great option for students, hobbyists, or anyone wanting to experiment with amplified cello sounds without a massive investment. The included accessories and decent electronics make it a remarkably complete package.
Product Description
- Harley Benton HBCE 990WH 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: White
- Includes a bag
- rosin and supports for the abdominal area and knees
PROS
- • Shadow pickup system delivers surprisingly warm, usable amplified cello tones.
- • Birch fingerboard offers a smooth, comfortable playing experience for extended practice.
- • Included accessories – bag, bow, rosin, supports – provide a complete starter kit.
- • Maple neck provides stability and a decent response for a budget-friendly instrument.
CONS
- • The Birch tailpiece, while functional, can feel a bit lightweight and plasticky.
- • Body resonance is limited compared to a traditional acoustic cello; lacks depth.
- • The active electronics require a power source and can introduce noise at higher volumes.
Product Video
Key Features
Strings
Steel strings, likely a generic brand included in the kit
Pickups
Shadow A/N Active Piezo Pickup System
Connections
6.3 mm jack output, 3.5 mm aux-in jack
Body Material
Laminated wood – likely a mix of spruce and mahogany
Bow Included
Yes, a basic synthetic bow is included.
Weight
Approximately 12-14 lbs (5.4 - 6.4 kg)
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Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a significant step down in terms of tonal complexity and dynamic range, but the Shadow pickup system provides a usable amplified signal for basic applications.
The maple neck has a fairly standard profile, but the birch fingerboard might feel a bit harder than a traditional ebony or rosewood fingerboard.
Absolutely; the included bow is serviceable, but upgrading to a higher-quality bow will noticeably improve your tone and playing feel.
