Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series
Harley Benton electric guitar specifications
- Body: Poplar
- Bolt-on neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Laurel
- Dot fingerboard inlays
- Neck profile: Modern C
- Scale length: 648 mm
- Fingerboard radius: 305 mm
- Nut width: 42 mm
- 22 frets
- Pickups: 1 humbucker (bridge) and 2 single coils (middle and neck)
- 1 volume and 2 tone controls
- 5-way pickup selector switch
- Double action truss rod
- Synchronised tremolo
- Die-cast machine heads
- Black hardware
- Strings: .009 – .042
- Colour: Matte black
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Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series is an impressive electric guitar that combines style, playability, and versatility at an astonishingly low price. Its sleek matte black finish, paired with a striking red tortoise pickguard, offers an aesthetic that stands out, making it visually appealing to players of all levels.
Pros:
- The guitar’s neck is comfortable, providing a smooth playing experience that encourages extended practice sessions.
- With its HSS pickup configuration, it delivers a wide range of tones, from bright, clean sounds to robust, distorted tones, making it suitable for various musical genres.
- Initial setup is generally good, with polished frets and no sharp edges, adding to the overall playability.
- It stays in tune reasonably well, although some users opted to upgrade the tuners for enhanced stability.
- At a price point around £89, it’s a fantastic entry-level instrument that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Cons:
- Some users noted that the factory strings could be subpar and recommended replacing them for better performance.
- The pickups, while decent, may not satisfy those seeking higher-end sound quality, particularly the humbucker, which some found lacking in depth.
- The finish, while attractive, is prone to fingerprints and scratches, which may affect its long-term appearance.
- A few models experienced minor manufacturing imperfections, such as rough edges or setup issues, but these can often be remedied with some adjustments.
In conclusion, the Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK is a highly recommended choice for beginners and intermediate players alike. It serves as a solid platform for those looking to explore electric guitar playing without a significant financial investment. Whether you’re using it as a practice guitar or a versatile stage instrument, it offers great value and potential for upgrades as you progress in your musical journey.
I recently acquired the Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series, and I must say, it’s a fantastic instrument for anyone starting their guitar journey. The design is absolutely stunning, and it definitely catches the eye.
While the initial setup wasn’t perfect, with the strings being poorly wound on arrival, I found that the guitar holds its tuning fairly well after a bit of play. The pickups perform adequately, delivering a pleasant sound overall, though it’s important to note that it doesn’t quite match the tonal quality of a genuine US Strat.
Some frets do feel slightly rough, and I encountered a few dead notes past the 15th fret on the first three strings. Additionally, the five-position switch only functions in three positions, which is a bit disappointing. Nevertheless, given the price, the quality is surprisingly good, making it a worthwhile investment.
Despite its minor issues, I really enjoy playing this guitar. It feels great in my hands, and I appreciate the three-year warranty that comes with it. Overall, the Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and stylish electric guitar.
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