This Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive Series is a six-string fretless bass offering an extended range, active/passive electronics and a modern playing specification at an accessible price point.

Its alder body is paired with a bolt-on Canadian maple neck and jatoba fingerboard, with a full 34" scale, wide 53mm nut and 16mm string spacing designed around the six-string format.

Two humbuckers feed an onboard preamp with active/passive switching, pickup balance, bass and treble controls, giving the B-650FL a broad tonal range from warmer fretless sounds through to more defined contemporary bass tones.

This pre-owned example is presented in Good Condition and has a chip in the lacquer on the top of the headstock, which is clearly reflected in the condition grade.

It weighs 10.26 lbs and is sold without a case or gigbag.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Harley Benton
Model	B-650FL BK
Series	Progressive Series
Type	6-String Fretless Electric Bass
Finish	Black High Gloss
Body	Alder
Neck	Canadian Maple
Neck Profile	Modern D
Fingerboard	Jatoba
Scale Length	34" / 864mm
Nut Width	53mm
Positions	24
String Spacing	16mm
Pickups	2 x Humbuckers
Electronics	Active / Passive
Controls	Volume Push/Pull, Balance, Bass, Treble
Hardware	Black
Weight	10.26 lbs
Condition	Good
Included	Bass Only – No Case

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive Series is presented in Good Condition.

It shows noticeable cosmetic evidence of previous use while remaining a functional pre-owned instrument.

Notable Cosmetic Mark

There is a chip in the lacquer on the top of the headstock.

This is an important cosmetic point and has been taken into account when assigning the Good condition grade.

Further normal signs of previous use may be visible in the product photographs.

What's Included?

✔ Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive Series

✘ No Case Included
✘ No Gigbag Included

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned bass has been checked for general operation and playability.

Assessment includes:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• Pickup balance control
• Active electronics
• Passive mode
• Push/pull volume control
• Bass EQ
• Treble EQ
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Jatoba fingerboard
• Nut
• Tuning machines
• Bridge
• Saddles
• Battery-powered electronics
• General hardware
• Overall setup
• General playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned bass guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fretless intonation
• String height
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Active/passive electronics
• Bridge adjustment
• General playing feel

Fretless basses reward particularly careful setup because string height, neck relief and playing technique all influence intonation and response.

What Makes The Harley Benton B-650FL BK Special?

The B-650FL BK combines three features that are rarely found together at this end of the market:

• Six strings
• Fretless construction
• Active/passive electronics

The extended range provides both a low B and high C alongside the conventional four-string register, making it particularly appealing for chordal playing, solo bass, fusion, progressive music and musicians who want to explore a wider melodic range.

Its fretless fingerboard adds the expressive slides, vibrato and continuously variable pitch that define the fretless bass sound.

Six-String Extended Range

The six-string format expands beyond a conventional four-string bass.

The typical tuning is:

B – E – A – D – G – C

This provides:

• Extended low range
• Additional upper register
• Wider chord voicings
• Greater melodic range
• More fingering options without large position shifts

Fretless Fingerboard

Instead of conventional metal frets, the B-650FL uses a smooth fingerboard.

This gives the player direct control over intonation and makes techniques possible that are difficult or impossible on a fretted instrument.

Fretless techniques include:

• Continuous slides
• Expressive vibrato
• Microtonal pitch adjustment
• Singing sustained notes
• Upright-inspired phrasing

Accurate left-hand placement becomes particularly important because there are no frets automatically determining pitch.

24 Playing Positions

The fingerboard provides 24 positions, giving access to a full two-octave range per string.

Combined with six strings, this creates an exceptionally broad usable register.

Alder Body

The B-650FL uses an alder body.

Alder provides a balanced foundation with:

• Controlled low frequencies
• Clear mids
• Defined attack
• Even overall response

This works particularly well with the bass's active electronics and extended low-B range.

Canadian Maple Neck

The bolt-on neck is made from Canadian maple.

Maple provides a firm structural platform for the tension generated by six long-scale bass strings.

Modern D Neck Profile

The neck uses Harley Benton's Modern D profile.

A six-string neck is necessarily wider than a standard four-string bass, and the D-shaped profile is designed to provide a supportive playing surface without feeling unnecessarily bulky.

Dual Truss Rods

The neck incorporates two double-action truss rods.

This provides additional adjustment across the unusually wide six-string neck.

A dual-truss-rod system is especially useful on extended-range instruments where maintaining consistent relief across the neck is important.

Jatoba Fingerboard

The bass uses a jatoba fingerboard.

Jatoba provides a dense, smooth playing surface well suited to the sliding and vibrato techniques associated with fretless playing.

34" Long Scale

The B-650FL uses a:

34" / 864mm scale length

This is the standard long-scale length used by many professional bass designs.

On a six-string bass, it provides a familiar compromise between:

• Low-B tension
• Comfortable upper-string feel
• Clear articulation
• Manageable fret spacing

53mm Nut Width

The six-string format requires a substantially wider nut than a conventional four-string instrument.

Nut width is:

53mm

This provides enough room to accommodate all six strings while maintaining practical spacing for fingerstyle technique.

16mm String Spacing

The bridge uses approximately:

16mm string spacing

This is relatively compact for a six-string bass, helping keep the overall neck width manageable.

Players accustomed to wide-spaced four-string basses may notice the closer relationship between adjacent strings.

Dual Humbuckers

The B-650FL uses two humbucking pickups.

These provide:

• Strong output
• Low-noise operation
• Full low-frequency response
• Defined mids
• Plenty of signal for the onboard preamp

The dual-pickup layout allows the tonal balance to be altered significantly using the blend control.

Neck Pickup

Moving the balance towards the neck pickup produces:

• Fuller low end
• Softer attack
• Rounder fretless tones
• Warm fingerstyle response

Bridge Pickup

Moving towards the bridge pickup provides:

• Greater definition
• More upper-mid presence
• Tighter low frequencies
• More pronounced fretless growl
• Clearer melodic articulation

Pickup Balance Control

Rather than using a conventional selector switch, the bass features a balance control.

This allows continuously variable blending between the two humbuckers.

Active / Passive Operation

One of the most useful features of the B-650FL is its ability to operate in both:

Active and Passive modes

A push/pull function on the volume control selects between them.

Active Mode

Active operation engages the onboard preamp and provides access to additional tone shaping.

Passive Mode

Passive operation offers a more direct signal path and also provides a useful alternative when the active preamp is not required.

Active Bass & Treble EQ

In active mode, separate Bass and Treble controls allow the instrument's tonal balance to be adjusted directly from the bass.

These can be used to:

• Increase low-end weight
• Tighten an overly bass-heavy sound
• Add attack
• Smooth the upper frequencies
• Adapt to different amplifiers and rooms

Black High-Gloss Finish

The body is finished in Black high gloss.

Combined with:

• Black hardware
• Dark fingerboard
• Modern extended-range body shape

the result is a particularly understated contemporary appearance.

Black Hardware

The hardware is finished in black, including the bridge and tuning machines.

This complements the black body finish and maintains the bass's monochrome aesthetic.

Die-Cast Machine Heads

The B-650FL uses die-cast tuning machines.

The six-in-line arrangement provides individual tuning adjustment across the extended-range string set.

Factory String Gauges

The standard specification uses a six-string set in approximately the:

.032–.125 range

String choice can make a significant difference to fretless response.

Players may choose:

• Roundwounds for attack and growl
• Flatwounds for smoother feel and warmer tone
• Coated strings for reduced finger noise
• Alternative gauges for different tension preferences

Weight

10.26 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual bass.

As a six-string instrument with a wide neck and extended hardware, it has a substantial playing feel.

A supportive, wider bass strap can be particularly useful during longer standing sessions.

Who Is It For?

Fretless players – Six-string range provides significantly more harmonic and melodic scope.

Players exploring fretless for the first time – A relatively accessible route into the format.

Progressive musicians – Extended range suits more complex arrangements.

Fusion bassists – High C string is excellent for melodic and solo work.

Recording musicians – Active/passive operation offers several useful tonal options.

Experimental players – Fretless pitch control opens up microtonal and ambient possibilities.

Chordal bass players – Six strings provide considerably more useful upper-register harmony.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Progressive rock
• Progressive metal
• Fusion
• Jazz
• Ambient
• Experimental music
• Soul
• R&B
• Funk
• Instrumental music
• Solo bass
• Studio recording
• Melodic fretless playing

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	6-String Fretless Electric Bass
Brand	Harley Benton
Model	B-650FL BK
Series	Progressive Series
Finish	Black High Gloss
Body Material	Alder
Neck Material	Canadian Maple
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Profile	Modern D
Truss Rods	2 x Double Action
Fingerboard	Jatoba
Scale Length	864mm / 34"
Playing Positions	24
Nut Width	53mm
String Spacing	16mm
Number of Strings	6
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Humbucker
Electronics	Active / Passive
Controls	Volume Push/Pull, Balance, Bass, Treble
Active/Passive Switching	Push/Pull Volume
Bridge	6-Saddle
Tuners	Die-Cast
Hardware Finish	Black
Factory String Range	Approx. .032–.125
Weight	10.26 lbs
Included	No Case or Gigbag
Condition	Pre-Owned, Good

Headstock Lacquer Chip

There is a chip in the lacquer on the top of the headstock.

This cosmetic wear is clearly disclosed and contributes to the Good Condition grading.

Please inspect the product photographs for a closer view of the affected area and the overall cosmetic condition.

Fretless Setup Note

Unlike a fretted bass, fretless intonation depends heavily on:

• Finger placement
• Neck relief
• String height
• String type
• Playing pressure

Players moving from a fretted bass should allow some time to become accustomed to accurate pitch placement.

Active Electronics Note

The onboard preamp is battery powered.

The push/pull volume control allows the bass to switch between active and passive operation.

Keeping a spare battery available is recommended for live use.

Case Note

No case or gigbag is included.

Given the bass's wide six-string headstock and extended-range dimensions, checking compatibility carefully when purchasing a replacement case or gigbag is recommended.

Power Requirements

The active preamp requires an onboard battery.

No external power supply is required.

The bass can also be switched to passive operation using the push/pull volume control.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive Series offers an unusual amount of functionality in one instrument.

A six-string fretless configuration, dual humbuckers, active/passive switching and onboard two-band EQ provide a very broad platform for players looking to explore extended-range bass without moving immediately into far more expensive instruments.

The alder body, Canadian maple neck and dual-truss-rod construction provide a solid foundation, while the fretless jatoba fingerboard opens up everything from subtle slides and vibrato to melodic solo-bass techniques.

This example weighs 10.26 lbs and is presented in Good Condition.

The lacquer chip on the top of the headstock is clearly reflected in the grading, and the bass is sold without a case or gigbag.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned bass at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so significant cosmetic points, condition, weight and included accessories are clearly represented.

This Harley Benton is offered with:

• Good condition
• Lacquer chip on the top of the headstock
• Six-string fretless configuration
• Active/passive electronics
• 10.26 lbs actual measured weight
• No case or gigbag included

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.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Cosmetic issues clearly disclosed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing bass or other equipment could help towards your next purchase.

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

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing equipment could be worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Harley Benton B-650FL in?

It is presented in Good Condition, with noticeable cosmetic signs of previous use.

What cosmetic damage does it have?

There is a chip in the lacquer on the top of the headstock.

Is this bass fretless?

Yes. It is a six-string fretless bass.

How many playing positions does it have?

The fingerboard provides 24 positions.

What is the body made from?

It has an alder body.

What is the neck made from?

It has a Canadian maple neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a jatoba fingerboard.

What neck profile does it use?

It uses a Modern D profile.

What is the scale length?

It uses a standard long 34" / 864mm scale.

How wide is the nut?

The nut is approximately 53mm wide.

What is the string spacing?

Approximately 16mm.

How many truss rods does it have?

It has two double-action truss rods.

What pickups does it have?

It uses two humbuckers.

Is the bass active?

It offers both active and passive operation.

How do you switch between active and passive modes?

Using the push/pull function on the volume control.

What controls does it have?

It has volume with active/passive push/pull, pickup balance, bass and treble controls.

Does the active circuit require a battery?

Yes.

Can it still be used in passive mode?

Yes. The volume push/pull allows active/passive switching.

What tuning does a six-string bass normally use?

A common tuning is B-E-A-D-G-C.

How much does it weigh?

This individual bass weighs 10.26 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case or gigbag is included.

Is it suitable for someone new to fretless bass?

Yes, although fretless playing requires greater attention to accurate finger placement and intonation than a fretted instrument.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the lacquer chip and overall condition or hear the active/passive electronics before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of instruments and equipment.