Harley Benton HBMA-50E Mandoline VS
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Harley Benton
HBMA-50E Mandoline VS
Product Info
Article Number:
144773
Brand:
Harley Benton
Model:
HBMA-50E Mandoline VS
Category:
Mandolins
Price:
$93.50
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
Look, for the money, this Harley Benton is a real head-scratcher. It's a solid entry point for folks wanting to experiment with an electric mandolin sound – think rock, blues, or even some country – without committing to a premium instrument. The build is surprisingly decent, and it's a fantastic way to see if amplified mandolin is your thing.
Product Description
- Harley Benton HBMA-50E Mandoline VS
- Electric Mandolin
- Spruce top
- Basswood body
- Nato neck (Palaquium spp.)
- Blackwood fretboard (Pinus Radiata)
- 20 Frets
- Dot fretboard inlays
- Scale: 350 mm
- Nut width: 30 mm
- Blackwood bridge
- Cream-coloured binding
- Chrome hardware
- Magnetic single coil pickup system
- Volume and tone controls
- Colour: Vintage Sunburst High-gloss
- Corresponding case available under Article Nr #356752# (not included)
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a surprisingly bright and articulate tone for the price.
- • Magnetic pickups offer a unique, amplified mandolin voice suitable for electric genres.
- • Nato neck provides a playable feel, exhibiting decent stability and comfortable action.
- • Blackwood fretboard, while not the highest grade, adds a touch of refinement and warmth.
CONS
- • Basswood body lacks the resonance and tonal complexity of more premium woods.
- • Blackwood bridge may be a softer wood, potentially requiring more frequent maintenance.
- • Chrome hardware feels a little cheap and may corrode with humidity over time.
Product Video
Key Features
Body Style
Electric Mandolin, A-Style
Top Wood
Spruce
Back & Sides
Basswood
Strings
Steel (likely .010-.040 gauge)
Scale Length
350 mm
Weight
Approximately 4.5 lbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
The magnetic pickups give a much more electric, compressed sound, lacking the natural resonance and airy quality of an acoustic mandolin.
The Nato neck has a relatively slim profile, similar to many modern guitars, making it generally comfortable for guitarists transitioning to mandolin.
A small practice amp with EQ controls is ideal; you’ll want to dial back the bass and adjust the mids to tame the electric tone.
