The Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive Series is a 5-string fretless electric bass designed for players who want extended low-end range, active tonal flexibility and the expressive response of an unfretted fingerboard at an accessible price point.

Its alder body is paired with a Canadian maple bolt-on neck and black walnut fingerboard, while dual humbuckers and switchable active/passive electronics provide a broad range of tones for modern, clean and more traditional fretless bass applications.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition and is supplied without a case.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Harley Benton
Model	B-550FL BK Progressive Series
Type	5-String Fretless Bass
Finish	Black High Gloss
Pickups	Dual Humbuckers
Electronics	Active / Passive
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Not Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive Series in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects a bass that has been well looked after overall while showing the light signs of previous use expected from a Pre-Owned instrument.

No case is included.

KEY FEATURES

• 5-string fretless electric bass

• Progressive Series

• Black high-gloss finish

• Alder body

• Canadian maple bolt-on neck

• Black walnut fingerboard

• Modern D neck profile

• 34" long-scale design

• 45mm nut width

• Dual humbuckers

• Active/passive operation

• Push/pull Volume control

• Pickup Balance control

• Bass EQ control

• Treble EQ control

• Double-action truss rod

• Black hardware

• Die-cast machine heads

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

• No case included

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The B-550FL BK offers a lot of flexibility in a straightforward package. Its 5-string format extends the usable range with a low B, while the fretless fingerboard opens up smooth slides, expressive vibrato and the more vocal phrasing associated with fretless bass playing.

The active/passive switching is another major advantage. You can use the bass in passive mode for a simpler, more direct signal or engage the onboard active EQ when you want extra control over bass and treble response.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Alder Body

The alder body provides a familiar, balanced foundation with enough clarity and low-end support for a 5-string bass. It works particularly well with active electronics, helping the bass stay defined rather than overly boomy.

Canadian Maple Neck

The bolt-on Canadian maple neck gives the B-550FL BK a stable and familiar feel, while the Modern D profile provides a comfortable playing surface for navigating a wider 5-string neck.

Black Walnut Fretless Fingerboard

The black walnut fingerboard gives the bass its fretless character, allowing smooth slides, subtle vibrato and more fluid transitions between notes. Side dot markers help with visual orientation while playing.

Five-String Range

The low B string adds useful extended range for modern rock, metal, fusion, funk, gospel and studio work, while also reducing the need to move as far up the neck for lower notes.

Dual Humbuckers

Two humbuckers provide a powerful, full-range response with plenty of low-end depth and midrange presence. The Balance control makes it easy to shift between a warmer neck-pickup tone and a tighter bridge-pickup response.

Active / Passive Electronics

The push/pull Volume control switches between active and passive operation. Passive mode offers a straightforward pickup signal, while active mode engages the onboard Bass and Treble controls for additional shaping.

Bass & Treble EQ

Dedicated Bass and Treble controls provide useful onboard tone shaping when the active circuit is engaged, allowing you to add low-end weight or increase upper-frequency definition depending on the amp, room and playing style.

Long-Scale Design

The 34" / 864mm scale length gives the B-550FL BK a familiar long-scale feel while helping maintain useful tension across the 5-string setup.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Harley Benton B-550FL BK is particularly well suited to players exploring fretless bass for the first time, as well as developing and experienced bassists who want an affordable 5-string fretless for rehearsal, recording or backup use.

It also makes sense for players who want both active and passive operation in one instrument without moving to a much more expensive bass.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The B-550FL BK works well for fusion, jazz, funk, progressive rock, ambient music, pop, modern rock and studio work.

The fretless design is especially effective for smooth melodic lines, expressive slides and sustained lead-style bass parts, while the dual humbuckers and active EQ provide enough range for more contemporary low-end tones.

HOW IT COMPARES

Harley Benton B-550FL BK vs Fretted B-550 BK

The fretless B-550FL BK replaces conventional frets with an unfretted fingerboard, giving it a smoother and more expressive playing style. The fretted B-550 BK is easier for precise note placement, while the fretless version offers more expressive pitch control.

5-String Fretless vs 4-String Fretless

The additional low B provides more range and greater flexibility for modern arrangements. The wider neck requires a little more adaptation, but the extra low-end capability can be very useful in both live and studio settings.

Active / Passive vs Passive-Only Bass

A passive bass offers simplicity and directness, while the B-550FL BK adds onboard Bass and Treble shaping when active mode is engaged. The ability to switch between both makes the bass more adaptable.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	5-String Fretless Electric Bass
Brand	Harley Benton
Model	B-550FL BK Progressive Series
Finish	Black High Gloss
Body Material	Alder
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Canadian Maple
Neck Profile	Modern D
Fingerboard	Black Walnut
Fretless	Yes
Scale Length	864mm / 34"
Nut Width	45mm
Truss Rod	Double Action
Pickup Configuration	HH
Pickups	2x Humbuckers
Electronics	Active / Passive
Volume	Push/Pull Active-Passive
Balance Control	Yes
Bass EQ	Yes
Treble EQ	Yes
Hardware	Black
Machine Heads	Die-Cast
Factory String Gauge	.045–.125
Number of Strings	5
Case	Not Included
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Harley Benton B-550FL BK uses active electronics when active mode is engaged and therefore requires battery power for that mode.

It can also be used in passive mode via the push/pull Volume control.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players looking for an affordable 5-string fretless with active/passive flexibility and a straightforward modern specification.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level 4-string basses, passive fretless models and budget 5-string instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Clean bass amplifiers, studio preamps, compressors, chorus and other effects that preserve note definition.

Our tip: Spend time adjusting pickup balance and the active EQ rather than relying on maximum bass boost. A slightly more controlled low end can help the fretless articulation come through much more clearly.

Showroom feedback: The B-550FL BK offers a lot of flexibility for the money, especially for players who want to experiment with both fretless technique and 5-string range without committing to a high-end instrument.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive Series can be a practical way to explore 5-string fretless bass at an attractive price.

This example is in Very Good condition and is supplied without a case.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging basses, guitars, amplifiers, effects and other musical equipment.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice, helping customers choose equipment that genuinely suits their playing style and requirements.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with new and Pre-Owned basses

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your current bass, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Harley Benton B-550FL BK.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges basses, guitars, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a bass or other equipment that you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange against this Harley Benton.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next purchase.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Contact Fair Deal Music for a no-obligation valuation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Harley Benton B-550FL BK used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive Series in Very Good condition.

Is this bass fretless?

Yes. It is a 5-string fretless bass.

What is the body made from?

It uses an alder body.

What is the neck made from?

The neck is Canadian maple.

What fingerboard does it have?

It uses a black walnut fingerboard.

What is the neck profile?

The neck uses a Modern D profile.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 34" / 864mm long scale.

How many strings does it have?

It has five strings.

What pickups are fitted?

It uses two humbuckers.

Does it have active electronics?

Yes. It provides both active and passive operation.

How do you switch between active and passive?

The Volume control has a push/pull function for active/passive switching.

What tone controls does it have?

It includes Pickup Balance, Bass and Treble controls.

Does it require a battery?

Battery power is required when using the active electronics.

Can it still work if the battery is flat?

The bass can be used in passive mode through the push/pull switching system.

What hardware does it use?

It has black hardware and die-cast machine heads.

What condition is this bass in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case is included.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, although a fretless 5-string requires more accurate left-hand positioning than a standard fretted bass.

What styles suit it?

It works well for fusion, jazz, funk, progressive rock, modern rock, pop and studio work.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers basses and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.