Rock and Classical are no longer in opposition thanks to the Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Blue. Its genes certainly come from traditional steel-string stage acoustics – however, its nylon strings have their roots in the Classical scene and its round-backed design dates back to the time of medieval lutes. A more flexible sound is hard to imagine, as its built-in pickup system ensures the desired level of sonic brilliance. Its shallow, rounded body not only provides unrivalled comfort when playing, it also greatly helps prevent feedback issues with amplifiers.
The Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Blue is first and foremost an electro-acoustic guitar for the stage. Its spruce top is specially designed to help suppress unwanted feedback. Modern X-bracing helps confer its clear, open sound. The body’s shallow bowl is made of ABS and produces different sound reflections from those created inside a traditional guitar. This has a decisive influence on the guitar’s tone – which can then be optimally amplified via the active pickup system. Its off-centre sound holes and elegant blue gloss finish give the HBO-850 Classic Blue an unmistakable appearance which immediately identifies it as a modern guitar for the stage.
The Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Blue is clearly designed with nylon-string enthusiasts in mind, especially those working in modern musical environments. Its shallow body is not only extremely ergonomic, it also allows problem-free amplification even at extremely high volume in conjunction with the layered top. At 48 millimetres wide, the neck is considerably slimmer than on most classical guitars. Finally, its appearance is anything but traditional. This instrument will equally suit Bossa Nova guitarists, Jazz virtuosos, Folk poets, Rock balladeers, and of course bold Classical players.
Since 1998, the Harley Benton brand has been catering for the needs of numerous guitarists and bassists. In addition to an extensive range of stringed instruments, Thomann's house brand also offers a wide choice of amplifiers, speakers, effect pedals, and other accessories. In total, the range includes over 1,500 products. Built by established names in the industry, all Harley Benton products combine quality and reliability at attractive and affordable prices. The continuous expansion of the range ensures that Harley Benton always provides new, exciting, and innovative products that keep players perfectly in tune with the musical world, day after day.
Steel strings by no means have a monopoly in the repertoire of Folk and Rock acoustic guitar. Willie Nelson, Paco de Lucia, and Sting are all names associated with the regular or even exclusive use of nylon strings in a non-Classical environment. This is the ideal context for the HBO-850 Classic Blue: When the music is not Classical but the nylon-string sound is a must. Its shallow body means it should be amplified as a general rule. A strap should also be used, and not just for great comfort – it also looks the best.
Rosewood is a particularly hard wood that has long been popular as a material for making guitar and bass fretboards. This wood is now considered endangered, however, and resources are scarce and expensive – which is why guitar makers have already spent several years searching for alternatives. The wood that Harley Benton has chosen as a fretboard material for its HBO series and many other guitars is a type of thermally treated maple known as “roseacer” (a word coined from “acer”, the name of the genus to which maple belongs). The heat treatment to which the wood is subjected reduces its water content to around three percent, which prevents subsequent shifting or warping and increases the wood’s stability while also giving it a visual appearance similar to that of rosewood.