Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Black Flame Review: Is it right for you?

Customer Review Summary

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Black Flame, and I must say, it has been quite a journey.

Right out of the box, the guitar was surprisingly well set up, with decent intonation and action. The finish is stunning, truly capturing the essence of a higher-end instrument, and the flame top looks beautiful in person, although it may not be as vivid as the product images suggest.

The P90 pickups offer a rich and punchy sound, perfect for a variety of genres from jazz to rock. They exhibit a good balance, providing a warm tone with clarity, although some players might find them lacking in depth at higher gain settings. The sound is best described as vibrant and dynamic, making it enjoyable for both clean and distorted tones.

However, there were a few hiccups. The nut was not cut perfectly, leading to some tuning stability issues, especially when using the tremolo. The tuning machines, while functional, feel a bit stiff and could benefit from an upgrade for smoother operation. There were also minor cosmetic imperfections, which might be noticeable upon close inspection.

The neck is quite comfortable, though some might prefer a slightly thicker profile. It plays smoothly, and while the frets could use a bit of polishing, they are generally well done. After some adjustments and a setup from a qualified technician, the playability improved significantly, making it a joy to play.

In conclusion, the Harley Benton CST-24T P90 is an excellent entry-level guitar that offers fantastic value for its price. While it may require a few tweaks to reach its full potential, it is undoubtedly a solid choice for anyone looking to explore the P90 sound without breaking the bank. If you’re willing to invest a little time into setup and possible upgrades, this guitar can be a delightful addition to your collection.

Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Black Flame is a surprisingly impressive guitar that offers excellent value for money. Out of the box, the build quality and finish are commendable, with a stunning appearance and a flawless paint job. The neck is comfortable, and the frets are well-finished, providing a smooth playing experience.

The P90 pickups deliver a great sound, with a gnarly tone when cranked, making it a joy to play. Most users find the electronics reliable, although some have noted minor grounding issues typical with P90s, which can be mitigated with a noise gate.

While there are minor imperfections, such as the need for a truss rod adjustment and a slightly dry neck that can be easily remedied with lemon oil, the overall setup is decent. Some players may prefer to replace the nut and tuners for personal preferences, but many find them satisfactory as is.

However, a few concerns have been raised regarding the bridge setup and the positioning of the strings over the pickup pole pieces, which might affect sound slightly but are not major drawbacks. Additionally, there have been reports of fret buzz and uneven frets that may require some attention.

In summary, the Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Black Flame is a beautiful instrument that plays and sounds much better than its price suggests. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for an affordable yet quality guitar, with the understanding that a few personal tweaks may enhance its performance.