Harley Benton HBMA-50 Mandoline VS w/Bag

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Harley Benton HBMA-50 Mandoline VS w/Bag

Harley Benton

HBMA-50 Mandoline VS w/Bag

4.7 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 539042
Model: HBMA-50 Mandoline VS w/Bag
Category: Mandolins
Price: $75.90

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

Okay, look – for the money, this Harley Benton is a steal. It's a solid entry point for bluegrass beginners or anyone wanting a mandolin for casual playing. Don't expect a vintage Martin, but it's surprisingly playable and delivers a decent, bright tone for the price, especially when you factor in the gig bag.

Product Description

Harley Benton HBMA-50 Mandoline VS w/Bag

*Bundle offer comprising*, 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
  • Thomann Flatmandolin Gigbag Eco
  • *Gigbag*
  • For flat-backed mandolins
  • Tear- and water resistant
  • 10 mm Foam padding
  • With zipper
  • handle and backpack straps
  • Colour: Black

*Dimensions:*

, Total length: Approx. 69 cm, Body height: Approx. 30 cm, Body width: Approx. 30 cm, Depth: 10.5 cm

PROS
  • • Spruce top provides a surprisingly bright and responsive tone for the price.
  • • Teak neck offers a stable platform and decent playability, a step up from cheaper options.
  • • The included gig bag is genuinely useful, offering good protection and portability.
  • • Vintage Sunburst finish looks far better than the basic models, adding aesthetic appeal.
CONS
  • • Basswood body lacks the resonance and tonal complexity of maple or mahogany.
  • • Blackwood (Pinus radiata) fretboard is a cost-saving measure; expect slightly rougher feel.
  • • Chrome hardware feels a little cheap and may corrode if not properly cared for.

Product Video

Key Features

Body Style A Style
Top Wood Spruce
Back & Sides Basswood
Strings Steel (likely .010-.040 gauge, standard mandolin set)
Scale Length 350 mm
Weight Approximately 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg) - estimated based on similar construction

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Frequently Asked Questions

The basswood construction results in a warmer, less resonant tone than maple. It's still usable, but lacks the characteristic 'bite' of a more premium mandolin.
The 30mm nut width is wider than a typical guitar neck, requiring some adjustment. The shorter 350mm scale length does make it feel a bit more manageable though.
Entry-level instruments often have tuning stability issues. Expect to make frequent adjustments, especially initially, and consider upgrading the tuning pegs later if needed.

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