Harley Benton HBMA-50 Mandoline VS
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Harley Benton
HBMA-50 Mandoline VS
Product Info
Article Number:
277629
Brand:
Harley Benton
Model:
HBMA-50 Mandoline VS
Category:
Mandolins
Price:
$64.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The HBMA-50 is a genuinely remarkable entry-level mandolin. It’s surprisingly playable and sounds much better than you'd expect for the price – ideal for bluegrass beginners or anyone wanting an affordable practice instrument. Don't expect a professional-grade tone, but it's a solid starting point.
Product Description
- Harley Benton HBMA-50 Mandoline VS
- Mandolin
- Bluegrass series
- Body shape: A style
- Spruce top
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Teak
- Fretboard: Blackwood (Pinus radiata)
- 20 Frets
- Dot inlays
- Scale: 350 mm
- Nut width: 30 mm
- Blackwood bridge
- Cream binding
- Hardware: Chrome
- Colour: High-gloss vintage sunburst
PROS
- • Spruce top offers surprising clarity and projection for the price.
- • Teak neck provides a stable platform and comfortable feel.
- • Blackwood fretboard contributes to a smooth playing experience.
- • Vintage sunburst finish is aesthetically pleasing and well-applied.
CONS
- • Basswood body lacks the tonal complexity of maple or mahogany.
- • Hardware feels budget-oriented, potential for tuning instability.
- • Blackwood (Pinus radiata) isn't a top-tier tonewood; compromises sound.
Product Video
Key Features
Body Style
A Style
Top Wood
Spruce
Back & Sides
Basswood
Strings
Steel (likely .010-.040 gauge)
Scale Length
350 mm
Weight
Approximately 1.8 kg (4 lbs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The neck is relatively flat, similar to a thinner guitar neck, which many guitarists will find familiar and easy to adapt to.
Maple offers a brighter, more resonant tone; the basswood delivers a warmer, more subdued voice, lacking some of that characteristic bluegrass sparkle.
The included tuners are functional but basic – upgrading them would significantly improve tuning stability and overall feel.
