HBV 870BEM - Musical instrument Harley Benton - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Electric Bass Guitar
Model	HBV 870BEM
Brand	Harley Benton
Body Material	Basswood
Neck Material	Maple
Fretboard Material	Rosewood or Laurel
Scale Length	34 inches (864 mm)
Number of Frets	20
Pickups	2 x Passive Single Coil
Controls	Volume, Tone, 3-way Pickup Selector
Weight	Approx. 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)
Dimensions (Overall)	Approx. 1200 x 380 x 80 mm
Color	Black (or available options)
Hardware	Chrome
Power Supply	None (passive electronics)
Recommended Strings	4-string set, .045-.105 gauge
Accessories Included	None (instrument only)
Cleaning	Wipe with dry cloth; avoid moisture
Safety Notes	Keep away from extreme temperatures and humidity
Repairability	Spare parts available through authorized dealers

Frequently Asked Questions - HBV 870BEM Harley Benton

How do I tune the Harley Benton HBV 870BEM bass?

Use a standard electronic tuner. Tune the strings to E-A-D-G (low to high). Turn the tuning pegs clockwise to tighten and raise pitch, counterclockwise to loosen and lower pitch.

How do I change the strings on my bass?

Loosen the old strings by turning the tuning pegs. Remove the strings from the bridge. Insert new strings through the bridge and wrap the ends around the tuning pegs, then tighten to pitch. Cut off excess string with wire cutters.

How often should I clean my bass?

Wipe down the body and neck after each playing session with a dry, soft cloth to remove sweat and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar polish specifically for the finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

How do I adjust the truss rod?

The truss rod is accessible at the headstock. Use the appropriate Allen key. Turn clockwise to straighten the neck (increase relief), counterclockwise to add relief. Make small adjustments (quarter turn) and check neck relief.

What is the scale length of this bass?

The Harley Benton HBV 870BEM has a standard 34-inch (864 mm) scale length, which is common for most electric bass guitars.

Are the pickups active or passive?

The bass features passive pickups, meaning they do not require a battery. The control layout includes volume, tone, and a 3-way pickup selector.

What type of wood is the body made of?

The body is typically made of basswood, a lightweight and resonant tonewood commonly used for electric bass guitars.

How do I fix buzzing frets?

Buzzing can be due to low action or uneven frets. First, check neck relief and adjust truss rod if needed. If the problem persists, raise the bridge saddles slightly. For severe buzzing, consult a professional luthier.

What gauge strings are recommended?

For standard tuning, we recommend a set of 4-string bass strings with gauges .045, .065, .080, .105. Heavier or lighter gauges can be used but may require setup adjustments.

Where can I find spare parts for this model?

Spare parts such as tuning pegs, pickups, and bridges are available through Harley Benton authorized dealers or online retailers. Contact Harley Benton support for specific part numbers.

USER MANUAL HBV 870BEM Harley Benton

Musikhaus Thomann

Thomann GmbH

1.1 Further information.... 4
1.2 Notational conventions.... 4
1.3 Symbols and signal words.... 5

2 Safety instructions.... 6

3 Scope of delivery.... 7

4 Assembly instructions.... 8

4.1 Tuning the strings.... 9

5 Connections and controls.... 10

5.1 Connecting and inserting the battery.... 11
5.2 Connecting audio devices.... 11
5.3 Connecting headphones.... 11
5.4 Adjusting Volume and Tone.... 12

6 Maintenance.... 13

6.1 Changing strings.... 13
6.2 Battery change.... 13

7 Technical specifications.... 14

8 Plug and connection assignment.... 15

9 Cleaning.... 16

10 Protecting the environment.... 17

1 General information

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.

Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search	Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides	Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms.
Personal consultation	For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service	If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:

Letterings

The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.

Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

Instructions

The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.

Example:

1. Switch on the device.

2. Press [Auto].

⇒ Automatic operation is started.

1. Switch off the device.

1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
	Warning – danger zone.

2 Safety instructions

DANGER!

Danger for children

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of and are not in the reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the product. They could swallow the pieces and choke! Never let children play unattended with the product.

CAUTION!

Possible hearing damage

Using headphones for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.

NOTICE!

Operating conditions

This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter 'Technical specifications' of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.

NOTICE!

Possible damage by leaking batteries

Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device. Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.

NOTICE!

Possible property damage by magnetic fields

Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external magnetic field.

3 Scope of delivery

Thank you for purchasing the electric violin HBV 840AM / BK / RD / WH. The package includes the following components:

1 × electric violin
■ 1 × bridge (pre-assembled)
■ 1 × strings set (pre-assembled)
1 × composite bow
1 × bow rosin
■ 1 × compatible carrying case

Assembling and tuning your instrument are described in detail in the following sections.

4 Assembly instructions

Overview

A (front side) 1 Bridge
	2 Chin rest
B (rear side) 3 Machine heads
		C Operating elements
C (operating ele-ments)	4 [Volume]With this control you can adjust the volume.
	5 [TONE]With this control you can adjust the high and low frequencies.
	6 [LINE OUT]3.5 mm jack socket to connect an audio device.
	7 [MIC]3.5 mm jack socket to connect an instrument microphone.
	8 [PHONE]3.5 mm jack socket to connect head phones.
	9 [ON]/[OFF]Main switch. Turns the device on and off.
	10 Battery compartment

4.1 Tuning the strings

Tune all strings with the machine heads using a tuner device to the correct pitch (usually g-d'-a'-e").

5 Connections and controls

CAUTION!

Possible hearing damage

Using headphones for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause hearing damage.

Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.

NOTICE!

Risk of breakage, possible deformation

When placing the instrument with the fretboard down, there is a risk of damaging the fingerboard and the tailpiece.

Avoid any compressive load on the rear of the instrument, if it is placed for the assembly or for service work with the fretboard down on a solid surface.

Before you connect amplifiers or microphones, the volume controls of the violin and the devices to be connected must be set to "Minimum". This avoids loud crack noises when switching on.

5.1 Connecting and inserting the battery

On delivery of the instrument, a suitable 9-V block battery is enclosed.

Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument. Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover. It must audibly click into position.

NOTICE!

Risk of fire due to incorrect polarity

Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries. Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.

NOTICE!

Possible damage by leaking batteries

Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.

Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.

5.2 Connecting audio devices

The connector for audio devices (3.5 mm jack socket) is located on the rear side of the instrument.

5.3 Connecting headphones

The connector for head phones (3.5 mm jack socket) is located on the rear side of the instrument.

When using headphones with 1/4" jack, you need an appropriate adapter.

5.4 Adjusting Volume and Tone

The controls to adjust the volume [Volume] and the tone (treble, bass) [TONE] are located on the back of the instrument.

6 Maintenance

6.1 Changing strings

Proceed as follows to change the strings:

Strings are subject to a natural aging process, which is also affected by the frequency of use of the instrument. Changing the strings is recommended if the sound quality of the instrument decreases audibly. Always replace the complete set of strings (strings of 4/4 length) and always go string by string. In this way you avoid a strong temporary bending of the neck due to reduced string tension. The bridge also remains in the correct position and does not have to be readjusted.

1. For example, loosen the run-down E string from the capstan of the machine head and from the tailpiece.
2. Thread the new E string into the tailpiece, pull it over the bridge into the capstan bore of the machine head.
3. Hook the string end to the capstan and tighten the string tension slowly. At the first windings, pay particular attention that the string is taut to the mechanics.
4. Make sure that the string is running correctly through the grooves of bridge and nut at the upper end of the neck.
5. Slowly increase the string tension until the correct pitch is reached. Use a tuner or a pitch pipe for reference.
6. Proceed in the same way with the A, D and G strings and then tune all strings again successively to the correct pitch. Note that the string tension will drop a little and the instrument needs to be retuned several times until the strings stay in tune.

6.2 Battery change

Replace the inserted battery if necessary (weak output signal) or at regular intervals.

Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument.

Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover. It must audibly click into position.

NOTICE!

Risk of fire due to incorrect polarity

Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.

Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.

7 Technical specifications

HBV 870AM HBV 870RD HBV 870BK HBV 870WH HBV 870BEM
Item no. 225647 225648 225650 456461 511891
Colour Amber Red black White Birds Eye Maple
Scale approx. 32.6 cm
Body material Paulownia
Material fingerboard, pegs, chin rest Birch (Betula albosinensis)
Neck material Maple
Pick-up	Shadow NFX Nanoflex, active
Machine heads	Machine heads
Dimensions (W × H × D)	20.8 cm × 9 cm × 59.5 cm
Weight	700 g
Ambient conditions	Temperature range	0 °C...40 °C
	Relative humidity	20%...80% (non-condensing)

Further information

Number of strings	4
Size	4/4
Electronic	On
Incl. bag	No
Incl. case	Yes
Incl. bow	Yes
Incl. shoulder support	No
Incl. 4 fine tuners	Yes

8 Plug and connection assignment

Introduction

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.

Please note these advices, because especially in 'Sound & Light' caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit or 'just' in poor transmission quality!

Balanced and unbalanced transmission

Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.

Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.

In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors 'Ground' and 'Signal', in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.

Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

Three-pole 1/8" mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

1 Signal (left)
2 Signal (right)
3 Ground, shielding

9 Cleaning

Clean the instrument and especially the strings after playing with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.

Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.

10 Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging material

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.

Do not just dispose these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are fed to a recovery. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Disposal of batteries

Batteries must not be disposed of as domestic waste or thrown into fire. Dispose of the batteries according to national or local regulations regarding hazardous waste. To protect the environment, dispose of empty batteries at your retail store or at appropriate collection sites.

Disposal of your old device

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.