Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF
Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF build and specifications
- Deluxe Series
- Chambered body: Meranti
- Archtop: AAA flamed maple
- Set-in Meranti neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Pearloid trapezoid fingerboard inlays
- 60s neck profile: Thickness at 1st fret: 20 mm, at 12th fret: 22 mm
- Scale: 628 mm (24.72″)
- Fingerboard radius: 305 mm (12″)
- Nut width: 42 mm (1.65″)
- Graphite nut
- 22 Blacksmith stainless steel frets
- Pickups: Two Tesla Opus-1 Alnico-5 humbuckers
- Two volume and two tone controls
- 3-way pickup selector switch
- DLX Tune-O-Matic bridge
- DLX Kluson-style machine heads
- Gold-plated DLX hardware
- Factory strings: D’Addarío EXL-110 .010 – .046
- Colour: Black Cherry Flame Gloss
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Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF is an impressive guitar that blends classic design with modern functionality. Its Black Cherry Flame finish is visually stunning, featuring a beautifully grained maple top that adds depth and elegance. The overall craftsmanship is commendable, with well-finished edges and a comfortable neck profile that enhances playability.
The sound, powered by Tesla Opus-1 Humbuckers, is robust and versatile, delivering a range from warm, bluesy tones to crisp rock sounds. Many users appreciate the clarity and sustain of the pickups, which seem to hold their own against more expensive brands. While some have noted the need for minor adjustments upon arrival, such as the action and truss rod settings, the guitar is generally well set up out of the box.
The frets are smooth and well-finished, allowing for effortless bending and playability. However, there are occasional reports of sharp fret edges and slight issues with tuning stability due to the stock tuners, prompting some players to upgrade to more reliable alternatives. Despite these minor drawbacks, the guitar’s overall performance and aesthetic appeal make it a fantastic value for its price.
In conclusion, the Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF stands out as a remarkable instrument that offers excellent sound quality and playability, rivaling more established brands without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking for an affordable yet high-quality Les Paul-style guitar.
The Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF is a stunning guitar that offers an impressive blend of aesthetics and sound quality for its price. Many users have praised its beautiful design and solid build, noting that it feels good in the hands and has been well-constructed with no sharp edges. The stainless steel frets are well-finished, although some have mentioned that they are not polished, which can cause the strings to drag during bends.
Sound-wise, this guitar delivers a warm and resonant tone when played unplugged, and the pickups provide a vintage P.A.F. sound that many find pleasing, though some users suggest that those seeking a more modern sound may consider replacing the pickups in the future. The guitar’s tonal flexibility is enhanced by its two volume and two tone pots, allowing for a rich range of sounds. The guitar holds its tuning well after adjustments, particularly when appropriate lubricants are used on the nut and bridge.
However, a few issues have been reported, such as the guitar being slightly neck-heavy due to its chambered body design, which some find uncomfortable over long playing sessions. Additionally, the setup may not be perfect upon arrival, leading some players to take it to a luthier for adjustments, which can add to the overall cost of ownership.
Overall, the Harley Benton SC-550 II BCF stands out as an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly guitar that does not compromise on style or sound, making it a remarkable value for the investment.
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