Harley Benton EX-84 Modern: New retro finishes for these ’80s metal machines
Loaded with either EMG or Roswell active pickups
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Harley Benton has added new finishes to its EX-84 Modern model, including both EMG- and Roswell-loaded variants of its 80s-inspired metal machine. The new colours are Benton Blue and Shell Pink, adding to the Black and Vintage White finishes already on offer.
Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern
Part of its Tribute Series, Harley Benton’s EX-84 Modern harks back to the 1980s and the burgeoning metal scene, whose players who often used Explorer-shaped guitars to rock out on. Originally launched in 2020 with a lower-priced version loaded with Roswell pickups, the EX-84 Modern made another appearance later in the year, this time equipped with EMG actives and a higher price tag. Left-handed versions followed, too.
The new finishes follow the same blueprint and specs. The EX-84 Modern and EX-84 Modern EMG both have a mahogany body, a thin-taper mahogany neck and an ebony fretboard. So far, so perfect for crushing riffs.
Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern Benton Blue · Source: Harley Benton
Hardware
As these instruments are very much orientated towards rock and metal orientated, the inclusion of extra-jumbo frets was a given. Also onboard is a Graph Tech Tusq XL nut paired with a set of Grover locking tuners. I’d imagine that tuning should be pretty stable on these models, as the bridge is a WSC Tune-o-Matic with a stop tail, so not many moving parts to let you down. And, of course, all the hardware on these guitars is blacked out.
Harley Benton Tribute Series EX-84 Modern EMG or Roswell loaded metal machines · Source: Harley Benton
EMG or Roswell Active Pickups
Each finish is available in two versions. One option uses a set of EMG 81 active (bridge) and EMG 60 active (neck). If you want to save some money, the lower-priced editions have a Roswell LZ51 active in the bridge position and Roswell LZ56 active in the neck position. Both sets are controlled via a three-way toggle switch, paired with a master volume and master tone control for a nice simple setup.
If you are in the market for a stripped-back guitar with active humbucking pickups, especially one with an ’80s metal style, then these should be on your radar – especially if you are on a budget but want something you can actually gig with and won’t let you down. The EX-84 modern should be able to get that classic NWOBHM or early Bay-Side Thrash tone and those memorable riffs and leads.
More on Harley Benton and the EX-84 Modern
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