Harley Benton HBMA-50E Mandoline BK
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Harley Benton
HBMA-50E Mandoline BK
Product Info
Article Number:
203838
Brand:
Harley Benton
Model:
HBMA-50E Mandoline BK
Category:
Mandolins
Price:
$93.50
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
Okay, so for ninety-something bucks, you can't expect a Gibson. But honestly, the HBMA-50E is a surprisingly decent entry point into electric mandolin playing, especially for bluegrass. The pickup isn’t going to blow you away, but it’s usable, and the overall package is hard to beat for the price.
Product Description
- Harley Benton HBMA-50E Mandoline BK
- Electric mandolin
- Bluegrass series
- Body shape: A style
- Spruce top
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Teak
- Fretboard: Blackwood
- 20 Frets
- Dot inlays
- Scale: 350 mm
- Nut width: 30 mm
- Blackwood bridge
- Cream binding
- Hardware: Chrome
- Pickup: Magnetic single coil
- Volume and tone control
- Colour: Black
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a surprisingly bright and articulate tone for the price.
- • Magnetic single-coil pickup offers a usable, amplified bluegrass sound.
- • Teak neck provides a decent playing feel; surprisingly stable for its class.
- • Blackwood fretboard and bridge contribute to a more refined aesthetic than expected.
CONS
- • Basswood body lacks resonance; feels somewhat 'dead' acoustically.
- • Chrome hardware feels budget-oriented and may exhibit finish imperfections.
- • 30mm nut width can feel wide for players accustomed to narrower mandolin necks.
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 (3.9 lbs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The magnetic pickup adds a distinct, more electric flavor – less chime, more growl – so it won’t replicate the traditional acoustic sound. It's geared toward a more modern, amplified bluegrass style.
The 30mm nut width is wider than many mandolins, which might feel cramped for smaller hands. It's playable, but may require some adjustment.
A small practice amp with EQ controls will work well; something with a clean channel is ideal to shape the tone and cut through a mix.
