Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBK
Distinctive features of the Harley Benton electric guitar
- Body: Meranti
- Set-in neck: Meranti
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- White pearloid crown fingerboard inlays
- Neck profile: Modern C – thickness at 1st fret: 20 mm / 12th fret: 22 mm
- Ivory Binding
- Fingerboard radius: 350 mm
- Scale: 628 mm
- Nut width: 42 mm
- Graphite nut
- 24 medium jumbo Blacksmith stainless steel frets
- Pickups: Two Tesla TM AH-5 active humbuckers
- Two volume controls and one tone control
- 3-way switch
- WSC Tune-O-Matic bridge
- HB machine heads
- Gold hardware
- Colour: Vintage Matte Black
- Includes security locks
Images
Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBK is an impressive guitar that offers great value for money. Upon receiving it, I found the neck to be quite similar to that of LTD EC-1000s, providing a comfortable grip. The Grover tuners work smoothly, ensuring decent tuning stability, although I experienced slight tuning issues that might warrant a future upgrade.
The aesthetics of the guitar are striking, especially the satin finish, which enhances both the look and feel while playing. The darker fretboard is a pleasant surprise compared to the images online, and the overall build quality is commendable for this price range. The frets are shiny and smooth, contributing to a satisfying playing experience.
Sound-wise, the Tesla pickups perform admirably, reminiscent of EMGs, delivering a powerful tone suitable for rock and metal. While I considered swapping them out for my preferred EMGs, I found the stock pickups to be quite acceptable as they stand. Additionally, the electronics feel solid and are well grounded, adding to the overall reliability of the instrument.
However, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. The jack socket required a bit of adjustment to fit correctly, and I noticed some minor imperfections, such as tiny paint spots on the binding and a slightly high nut that affected playability. A visit to a luthier may be necessary for the best setup experience, particularly to address the fret buzz on the lower frets.
In conclusion, the Harley Benton SC-Custom III Active VBK is a solid guitar that, with some initial setup and personal tweaks, can provide an exceptional playing experience. Its combination of quality craftsmanship, aesthetic appeal, and impressive sound makes it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned players looking for an affordable instrument.
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