Harley Benton CST-24T LH Paradise Flame
Key characteristics of the Harley Benton CST-24T LH Paradise Flame
- Left-handed model
- Deluxe Series
- Body: Meranti
- Top: flamed maple archtop
- Set-in neck: Meranti
- Fingerboard: roasted jatoba
- White dot fingerboard inlays
- Neck profile: C
- Fingerboard radius: 350 mm
- 24 Blacksmith stainless steel frets
- Neck and body binding
- Scale: 635 mm
- Nut width: 42 mm
- Graphite nut
- Pickups: 2 Roswell HAF AlNiCo-5 open coil humbuckers
- 3-Way switch
- 1 Volume- and 1 tone control with push/pull function for coil split
- DLX chrome hardware
- Wilkinson WVPC tremolo
- DLX machine heads
- Colour: Paradise Amber Flame
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Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
Harley Benton CST-24T LH Paradise Flame Review
I’ve been playing the Harley Benton CST-24T LH for a while now, and I must say it has exceeded my expectations in many areas. The overall craftsmanship is impressive for an instrument in this price range; there are no noticeable flaws such as paint runs or sharp fret edges, which is often a concern with budget guitars. The guitar feels solid, with a substantial weight that gives it a premium feel.
The aesthetic appeal is noteworthy, with a striking flamed maple top that looks stunning, even if it’s just a veneer over a well-constructed mahogany body. The colour is rich and vibrant, adding to the visual allure of the instrument.
In terms of playability, the neck is comfortable and allows for smooth navigation across the 24 frets. It has a modern profile that suits various playing styles, making it versatile enough for both lead and rhythm work. Many players have pointed out that the action can be improved with minor adjustments, but overall, it is quite playable right out of the box. I found the fretboard required a bit of lemon oil, but that’s a small price to pay for such a beautiful instrument.
The sound quality is where this guitar truly shines. Equipped with Wilkinson humbuckers, the CST-24T delivers a variety of tones that are surprisingly rich and full. The push/pull coil split feature, which isn’t always highlighted, significantly enhances its versatility, allowing for single-coil sounds that are bright and clear. The bridge pickup produces a punchy, aggressive tone perfect for rock and metal, while the neck pickup offers a warm, rounded sound that works well for jazz and blues. The guitar handles distortion and clean tones equally well, making it an excellent choice for cover bands.
However, there are a few minor drawbacks. The tremolo system, while functional, can lead to tuning instability if overused, and some players have noted that the pots are a bit abrupt in their response. Nevertheless, these issues are relatively minor considering the overall quality of the instrument.
In conclusion, the Harley Benton CST-24T LH Paradise Flame is an outstanding guitar for its price. It combines solid construction, beautiful aesthetics, and a versatile sound palette, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players alike. If you’re in the market for a reliable and well-crafted instrument that won’t break the bank, I highly recommend giving this guitar a try.
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