Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS LPB
Specs and hardware of the Harley Benton
- Body: American alder
- Bolt-on neck: Roasted flamed Canadian maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Dot fingerboard inlays and fluorescent side markings
- Right-angled rounded fingerboard edges
- Ergonomically designed neck-body transition
- Compound fingerboard radius: 305 – 406 mm (12″ – 16″)
- Scale length: 648 mm (25.50″)
- Nut width: 42 mm (1.65″)
- Graphite nut
- Double action truss rod with adjustment wheel
- Neck profile: D – thickness at 1st fret: 20.5 mm / at 22nd fret: 22.5 mm
- 22 medium jumbo stainless steel frets with rounded ends
- Pickups: 1 Tesla VR-Nitro Alnico 5 covered humbucker (bridge) and 2 Tesla TV-S1M Alnico 5 single coils (middle and neck)
- 1 volume control
- 1 tone control with push/pull function for coil split
- 5-way switch
- 3-ply mint green pickguard
- Babicz FCH 2-point Z-Series C full contact tremolo
- Sung-Il ML-55 locking machine heads with HB logo
- Chrome hardware
- Factory strings: Elixir Coated .010–.046
- Colour: Lake Placid Blue, high-gloss
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Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
The Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS is an exceptional guitar that truly delivers on quality and playability at an incredible price point. The stunning burnt maple neck adds a unique aesthetic, and the overall finish is impressively clean and polished. The guitar feels great in hand, with a comfortable neck profile that suits a variety of playing styles, though some might find it slightly thicker than standard Fender shapes.
Equipped with locking tuners and a Babicz tremolo bridge, the guitar maintains excellent tuning stability, even with aggressive use of the tremolo. Players have noted that the bridge offers smooth operation and is reminiscent of more expensive models, providing a high-end feel with solid performance.
When it comes to sound, the Tesla pickups perform admirably, offering a clear and dynamic range that competes well with higher-end models. The split-coil function is particularly useful, allowing for versatile tonal options that are surprisingly effective. While some players may consider upgrading the pickups, many find them satisfactory for a variety of genres, especially rock.
Setup out of the box may require some adjustments, as the action is often noted to be higher than optimal for some players. However, those willing to invest time in setup can achieve a much lower action without buzz, and the stainless steel frets provide a smooth playing experience. Some users reported minor issues like fret buzz and sympathetic resonance, which could necessitate further adjustments or professional setups.
Overall, the Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS delivers outstanding value, combining premium features typically found on much more expensive instruments. The combination of quality materials, thoughtful design, and impressive sound makes it a compelling choice for both beginners and experienced players looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing guitar. It’s no wonder that this model has quickly gained a positive reputation in the guitar community.
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