Harley Benton Fusion-IV HSH MN PM

Harley Benton Fusion-IV HSH MN PM review

At $475, the Harley Benton Fusion-IV HSH MN PM offers a substantial set of specifications for its price. Its feature list includes a roasted flamed maple neck and fingerboard, 24 stainless steel frets, three Alnico 5 pickups, and a Babicz two-point tremolo. The finish is high-gloss Purple Metallic, with black hardware and natural wood body binding.

Those details make the guitar look compelling on paper, and field feedback describes its construction and equipment as strong for the price. The same feedback also flags a less favorable impression of the playing feel and the size of the cutouts around the pickups. Those are subjective observations, but they matter: a specification sheet cannot tell you whether a neck feels comfortable in your hand or whether the finish details appeal to you.

Neck feel and playing ergonomics

The bolt-on neck is made from roasted Canadian flamed maple, with a Canadian maple fingerboard. Harley Benton specifies a Modern C profile measuring 21 mm at the first fret and 23 mm at the 12th. That is a defined, moderately substantial shape rather than an especially thin neck. The field impression compares the playing ergonomics to an Ibanez AZ and describes the neck as fairly thick. Players who prefer a fuller grip may find that appealing, while those who favor a slimmer neck should try it in person if possible.

The compound fingerboard radius transitions from 12 inches to 16 inches, or 305 mm to 406 mm. The flatter feel is also noted in the field feedback. A flatter radius can suit players who want a consistent surface for bends and fast runs, but preference varies. The 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale is a familiar full-length design, and the 42 mm nut is fitted with a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut.

There are 24 medium-jumbo stainless steel frets, each listed at 2.7 mm, along with circular fingerboard inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers. The double-action truss rod has a wheel adjuster. These are practical appointments, though the provided feedback does not comment on fret finishing, setup quality, or how the guitar performs after extended use.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

The HSH pickup layout uses two Tesla Opus-1 Alnico 5 humbuckers with gold covers in the neck and bridge positions, plus a Tesla VR-1WH M Alnico 5 single-coil pickup in the middle. A five-way switch selects pickup combinations. One volume and one tone control keep the main control layout simple, while a mini switch provides coil splitting.

That gives the player access to humbucker and split-coil options without adding a more complicated control array. The supplied information does not include listening impressions or measurements, so claims about output, tonal balance, noise, or how convincing the split sounds would go beyond the available evidence. The pickup cutouts, however, drew a specific criticism in the field notes: they were considered too large around the pickups. That is a visual detail, but it may stand out to players who care about close-fitting pickup surrounds and a tidy body appearance.

The bridge is a Babicz FCH two-point Special Z-Series C full-contact tremolo. Harley Benton also lists staggered Jinho JN-07 locking machine heads. Together, these are notable hardware choices at this price, although no stability or tuning test results were provided. The guitar ships with Harley Benton HQS EL.010,.046 coated strings.

Build, finish, and value

The body is nyatoh, with no separate top, and has natural wood binding. Its Purple Metallic high-gloss finish gives the guitar a bold appearance, while the black hardware provides contrast. The field assessment calls the looks acceptable overall but objects to the oversized pickup openings. That reaction is personal, and buyers should weigh it against their own preference for the design.

For $475, the Fusion-IV HSH MN PM presents an unusually detailed package: roasted flamed maple construction, a compound-radius fingerboard, stainless steel frets, coil splitting, locking tuners, and a full-contact tremolo. The field feedback supports the view that the build and equipment are persuasive for the money, while also pointing to a neck feel that may not suit everyone and a cosmetic detail that could be distracting.

Verdict

The Harley Benton Fusion-IV HSH MN PM is a feature-rich option for players seeking an HSH guitar with a roasted maple neck and modern hardware at a moderate price. Its main question marks are personal fit and appearance, not a lack of listed equipment. The fairly thick Modern C neck and flat compound radius deserve consideration before buying, and the pickup cutouts are worth inspecting closely in product photos or in person. No gig bag or case is included.

• Price: $475
• Available since: April 2026
• Item number: 618055
• Case or bag: Not included