Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

April 28, 2026

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB technical characteristics

  • Body: American alder
  • Bolt-on neck: Roasted flamed Canadian maple
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood
  • Dot fingerboard inlays and fluorescent side markings
  • Right-angled rounded fingerboard edges
  • Neck profile: D – thickness at 1st fret: 20.5 mm, at 22th fret: 22.5 mm
  • Double action truss rod with adjustment wheel
  • Ergonomically designed neck-body transition
  • Compound fingerboard radius: 305 mm – 406 mm (12″ – 16″)
  • Scale length: 648 mm (25.50″)
  • Nut width: 42 mm (1.65″)
  • Graphite nut
  • 22 medium jumbo stainless steel frets with rounded ends
  • Pickups: 1 Tesla VR-Nitro Alnico 5 Zebra humbucker (bridge) and 2 Tesla TV-S1M Alnico 5 single coil (middle and neck)
  • 1 volume control
  • 1 tone control with push/pull function for coil split
  • 5-way switch
  • 3-ply pearloid pickguard
  • Babicz FCH 2-Point Z-Series C full contact tremolo
  • Chrome hardware
  • Staggered machine heads
  • Factory strings: Elixir Coated .010-.046 (tuned to E A D G B E standard)
  • Colour: Flame Blue Burst, high-gloss

Images

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB Review: Sound test notes

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

The Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB is a stunning instrument that delivers exceptional quality at an accessible price. The flamed maple veneer top is visually impressive, and the overall craftsmanship is commendable, making it a solid choice for players of all levels.

See also  Harley Benton TE-62CC LH SFG Review: Build quality & Tone

While the tuners may not be as smooth as some higher-end models, they still function effectively and do not detract from the quality of the guitar. There have been some discussions regarding palm muting with the Babicz bridge; however, personal experience suggests that any challenges are simply a matter of technique rather than a fault of the instrument.

The guitar features stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and an innovative Babicz tremolo system, all contributing to its playability and versatility. Although some may find the frets need additional polishing for optimal performance, this is a minor issue that can be easily addressed. It’s worth noting that some players have expressed a desire for staggered locking tuners to eliminate the need for string trees.

Overall, this guitar is highly recommended for its incredible value. It not only plays well and sounds great but also competes favourably with much more expensive models. Many players have found themselves choosing it over their higher-end guitars, and it certainly deserves a spot in any guitarist’s collection.



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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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