Harley Benton SC-550 II Silver Burst
Technical specifications of the Harley Benton electric guitar
- Deluxe Series
- Chambered body: Meranti
- Arched, flamed maple top
- Set-in Meranti neck
- Fretboard: Pau Ferro
- Pearloid trapezoid fingerboard inlays
- Neck profile: ’60s – thickness 1st fret: 20 mm – 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: 2 Tesla Opus-1 AlNiCo-5 humbuckers
- 2 x Volume and 2 x tone controls
- 3-Way pickup selector switch
- DLX Tune-O-Matic bridge
- DLX Kluson-style machine heads
- Hardware: DLX chrome
- Factory strings: D’Addarío EXL-110 .010 – .046
- Colour: Silver Burst, Gloss
Images
Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The Harley Benton SC-550 II Silver Burst is an impressive guitar that delivers exceptional quality for its price point. Right out of the box, many have found it to be nearly ready to play, requiring only minor adjustments such as lowering the action or tweaking the truss rod, which is quite acceptable for an instrument in this range.
The guitar features a stunning silver burst finish that captures light beautifully, adding to its visual appeal. The weight, although somewhat substantial, does not detract from playability, and the overall balance while playing is commendable.
Equipped with Tesla pickups, the SC-550 II produces a rich and versatile sound. Players have noted that while the pickups are not the most articulate, they perform admirably across various genres, especially when distortion is applied. The tonal quality is particularly praised in clean settings, offering a vintage character that stands out. Some have considered upgrading the pickups for enhanced articulation, but many find them satisfactory as is.
The neck is designed for comfort, being slim and fast, making it easy to navigate for both chords and solos. The stainless steel frets contribute to a smooth playing experience, and the fretboard, while occasionally noted as needing conditioning, is generally well-received.
However, there are a few quirks to be aware of. Some users have mentioned that the tuning machines feel a bit cheap and may not be aesthetically pleasing, although they function adequately. There have also been minor complaints about the tone pots, which can sometimes produce unwanted noise. Nevertheless, these issues are often considered minor when weighed against the guitar’s overall performance.
In conclusion, the Harley Benton SC-550 II Silver Burst offers remarkable value, especially for those looking for a high-quality instrument without the hefty price tag. It’s suitable for both beginners willing to put in a bit of setup work and seasoned players seeking a reliable backup or a budget-friendly option. Overall, this guitar punches well above its weight, making it a worthy addition to any guitarist’s collection.
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