Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF
Harley Benton specs and details
- Guitar MAX Signature model
- Body: Nyatoh
- Top: Ultra flame maple veneer
- Bolt-on neck: Roasted Canadian flamed maple
- Fingerboard: Roasted flamed maple
- Neck profile: Modern C – Neck thickness: 21 mm at 1st fret / 23 mm at 12th fret
- Single-ply wood body binding
- Fingerboard radius: 305 mm (12″)
- Scale length: 648 mm
- Nut width: 42 mm
- Floyd Rose saddle with string retainer
- 24 jumbo blacksmith stainless steel frets
- Pickup: Tesla Plasma-X1 (bridge) / Tesla Plasma-RS2 (neck) humbucker
- Master volume and master tone control
- 3-way pickup switch
- Mini-switch for coil-split (single coil / humbucker)
- Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo
- Gold-plated Jinho J03 Mini Rotomatic style machine heads
- Gold-plated hardware
- Strings: DR Strings Dragon Skin Coated DSE-10 Heavey .010 – .046 (Art.593115)
- Colour: Purple Flame
Images
Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
Review of the Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF
The Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF is a remarkably well-assembled instrument, showcasing a finish that is both aesthetically pleasing and free from evident defects. The violet burst finish elevates its overall appearance, giving it a more premium look compared to other colour options. The flamed top is particularly striking, although the neck, while beautifully roasted, shows less pronounced flame.
In terms of playability, this super strat offers a reasonable access to the upper frets, allowing players to reach the 24th fret, albeit with some wood contact. The C-shaped neck profile is notably thick, which may not suit those who prefer slimmer necks. The stainless steel frets are perfectly levelled, but they do require polishing as they arrive quite rough from the factory. A bit of care will smooth them out over time.
Construction-wise, improvements have been made compared to earlier models, including a mounting bar for the Floyd Rose studs, which enhances stability. However, due to the lack of wood adjustment for the mounting plate, lowering the action below 1.25mm at the 12th fret proves challenging, as the Floyd’s baseplate interferes at that height. This may necessitate a neck shim to achieve a lower action without fret buzz, especially given the otherwise impeccable fretwork.
The Tesla pickups provide decent output but may lack clarity in heavier tones, producing some unwanted artefacts during distortion. While they are a step up from standard pickups at this price point, many players might eventually consider an upgrade. Nevertheless, the Floyd Rose 1000 bridge is a commendable inclusion for a guitar under £500, offering good performance and stability.
Overall, despite a few minor issues such as rough frets and slight tuning stability concerns, the Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature PF delivers exceptional value for money. Its combination of premium features, solid construction, and attractive aesthetics make it a worthy option for players seeking a versatile instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros:
– Beautiful finish and flamed maple top
– Comfortable, roasted maple neck
– Good value for a Floyd Rose 1000 bridge
– Versatile sound with coil-splitting options
Cons:
– Rough frets require polishing
– Action adjustment limitations due to mounting design
– Pickups may not satisfy all tonal preferences
In conclusion, this guitar is a fantastic choice for those looking for quality and aesthetics at an affordable price, making it a strong contender in its category.
Read more…
