Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

June 4, 2026

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Details of the Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF

  • Left-handed model
  • Deluxe Series
  • Chambered body: Meranti
  • Arched top: AAA flamed maple
  • Glued-in neck: Meranti
  • Fingerboard: 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 (12.00″)
  • 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: Paradise Amber Flame, gloss

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Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF Review: Why buy this?

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

The Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF

In terms of sound, the pickups deliver a great tone, surprising many with their quality. While some users initially considered swapping them out, they found that the stock pickups were more than satisfactory.

However, there are several areas that require attention. Some have reported issues with the wiring of the tone pots, which can result in an ineffective on/off effect rather than a smooth tonal transition. Additionally, the bridge radius not aligning with the fretboard radius can lead to action discrepancies on certain strings.

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The quality of the fretwork has been another common concern, with many noting that the frets can feel quite rough and may need polishing to enhance playability. The fretboard itself has been described as needing proper conditioning, often appearing dry and requiring oil treatment to restore its look and feel.

While the guitar generally holds tuning well, some have found the knobs to be of less-than-ideal quality, as they do not fit perfectly, leaving a small gap. Despite these issues, many players feel that with some personal adjustments and setups, the guitar can be transformed into a fantastic instrument.

Overall, the Harley Benton SC-550LH II PAF stands out as a strong contender for anyone seeking an affordable, stylish single cut guitar. With a little effort, it can provide a rewarding playing experience that belies its budget-friendly price.



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Jamie Thorne Guitar

With over 15 years in the UK music scene, I've worked as a session guitarist and touring tech from London to Manchester. Whether it's setting up a vintage Strat or stress-testing the latest DSP modeling amps, I break down the gear so you know exactly what you're plugging into. No fluff, just the facts from the fretboard.

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