Harley Benton R-457 BK B-Stock
7-String Electric Guitar
- Progressive Series
- Body: Poplar
- Bolt-on maple neck
- Fingerboard: Blackwood
- Fingerboard inlays: Offset dots
- Speed-D neck profile
- Fingerboard radius: 350 mm
- Scale: 648 mm
- Nut width: 48 mm
- ABS nut
- Dual action truss rod
- 24 Medium jumbo frets
- Pickups: 2 Hi-Gain humbuckers
- 1 Volume control and 1 tone control
- 3-Way pickup selector switch
- Black hardware
- Deluxe die-cast machine heads
- Factory strings: .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042, .054
- Colour: Black, high-gloss
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Available since June 2012
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Item number 294289
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Colour Black
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Body Poplar
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Top None
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Neck Maple
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Fretboard Blackwood
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Frets 24
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Scale 648 mm
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Pickup System HH
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Tremolo No
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Including Case No
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Incl. Gigbag No
When six strings just aren't enough
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Harley Benton instruments have long offered solid quality at very affordable prices, with the range including both entry-level guitars and a few more unusual, extended-range options. One of the most popular models in this category is the seven-string R‑457BK from the Progressive Series, which provides an accessible way to step into extended-range playing – and explore deeper tunings without making a major investment. Compared to eight-string models, the seven-string format keeps things a little more familiar while still extending the range into lower registers. It all starts with a poplar body, combined with a bolt-on maple neck featuring a slim Speed-D profile: The blackwood fingerboard has a smooth, dense feel and well-balanced response, while two high-gain humbucking pickups deliver a punchy, assertive tone. Together, this combination produces a sound with plenty of definition and presence, especially in the low end.
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Extended range, familiar feel
The sound of the Harley Benton R‑457BK draws much of its strength from its 648mm (25.5") scale length, which provides a reliable balance between string tension and playing comfort. This makes it easy to handle lower tunings while keeping the overall feel consistent across all strings, particularly for players coming from standard six-string guitars. The electronics are kept simple and effective, with two high-gain humbuckers controlled by a three-way switch and shaped via volume and tone controls. A DLX bridge with individual saddles, together with a set of solid die-cast machine heads, completes the setup and ensures dependable tuning stability.
A budget-friendly way in
With its very accessible price, the Harley Benton R‑457BK is aimed at both beginners and more experienced players who are new to seven-string guitars and want to explore extended range playing without spending a fortune. That being said, the overall value on offer here is undeniable: Few instruments in this price category offer such a convincing combination of design, playability, and sound. The proven blend of tonewoods and high-gain pickups delivers a powerful and focused response, particularly suited to low-end riffing, while still remaining versatile enough for a range of playing styles. The relatively flat 14" fingerboard radius (355mm) is ideal for the fast, modern playing styles that a seven-string is designed for.
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About Harley Benton
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.
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Low-end riffing and beyond
Paired with a suitably powerful amplifier and speaker setup, the Harley Benton R‑457BK is well suited to tight, percussive low-end riffs with plenty of weight behind them. At the same time, the two humbucking pickups can be dialled in for clear clean sounds and dynamic crunch tones, which only adds to this versatile instrument’s appeal. And of course, Heavy Metal and Rock'n'Roll are as much about appearance as they are about sound. With its modern shape and deep black high-gloss finish, this model makes a confident visual statement on stage, leaving no doubt about where it belongs.
