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Are Harley Benton Guitars Good? Here’s The Truth

    Harley Benton is one of those guitar brands that always gets people talking. Some love all about them, while others are a bit skeptical, mostly because of the super low price tags.

    So, naturally, the big question is: Are Harley Benton guitars any good?

    If you have time, listen to our 15-minute podcast conversation about Harley Benton guitars.

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    Over the years, I’ve tested quite a few models from Harley Benton, including the SC-550, CG-45, JA-60, and a whole bunch more.

    And before you write them off as “just budget guitars,” let’s take a closer look at what makes these guitars a surprisingly solid option for many players.

    What is Harley Benton?

    drawing of man and harley benton guitars

    In case you’ve somehow missed it, Harley Benton is the house brand of Thomann, the massive German music retailer.

    These guitars are often priced way below what you’d expect to pay for similar models from bigger names like Fender or Gibson.

    So, naturally, some people assume that „cheap” means „bad” – but that’s not always the case.

    Build Quality: More Than Just a Budget Guitar

    Let’s be real here: when you’re paying a fraction of the cost of a name-brand guitar, you’re probably not expecting top-of-the-line craftsmanship.

    harley benton cg-45

    But Harley Benton does a pretty good job at delivering solid build quality for the price.

    For instance, the SC-550 I tested had a mahogany body with a maple top, and it didn’t feel cheap at all.

    The finish was impressive, and the fretwork was smooth – way better than I expected for what I paid.

    Of course, it’s not going to blow your mind if you’re used to high-end instruments, but for beginners or players on a budget, it’s a solid deal.

    Sure, the hardware might not last forever (tuners, I’m looking at you), but you can always upgrade those later.

    Pro tip: If you love tinkering with your gear, Harley Benton guitars are perfect for mods.

    Sound

    Now, let’s talk sound. Does it hold up on stage or in a recording?

    Here’s where Harley Benton actually surprised me. The pickups, especially on the JA-60 (a Jaguar-style model), deliver a surprisingly decent tone.

    You won’t get boutique-level sound out of the box, but if you’re not a hardcore tone snob, they’ll get the job done.

    For instance, the CG-45 acoustic I tested had a nice, warm resonance – nothing too flashy, but perfect for practice sessions or even small gigs.

    Here’s my own demo.

    You could tell the wood quality wasn’t top-shelf, but hey, when was the last time you played a $200 guitar that sounded like it cost $1,000?

    Pros & Cons of Harley Benton Guitars

    Pros:

    • Affordable: Let’s not pretend price isn’t a huge factor here. You can grab one of these guitars for the cost of a few dinners out.
    • Good build for the price: You’re getting solid materials, decent fretwork, and guitars that look way better than their price tags suggest.
    • Modding potential: If you like to tweak your gear, Harley Benton guitars are an awesome platform for upgrades.
    • Sound: Not premium, but definitely serviceable. With a pickup swap, you can make these guitars punch even higher.

    Cons:

    • Inconsistent quality control: You might get a guitar that needs a bit of setup work, but that’s kind of expected at this price point.
    • Hardware: The tuners and bridges may not last forever, especially with heavy use.
    • Pickups: Fine for beginners, but if you’re chasing that perfect tone, you might want to upgrade.

    My Experience With Harley Benton Guitars

    I’ve had my hands on several Harley Benton models over the years – the SC-550, CG-45, and JA-60 are just a few that have been put through their paces.

    Honestly? I’ve been impressed more often than not.

    The SC-550 is a perfect example: a Les Paul-style guitar that’s way more affordable than anything Gibson offers, and while it’s not exactly a “Gibson killer,” it’s surprisingly good for the money.

    The CG-45 acoustic, on the other hand, is a fantastic beginner guitar. It’s super playable, and while the tone isn’t going to blow you away, it’s perfect for someone just starting out or needing an affordable campfire guitar.

    And don’t get me started on the JA-60 – the vintage vibe of that thing is off the charts. Throw in some upgraded pickups, and you’ve got yourself a killer guitar for way less than you’d expect.

    I also love the Tube 15 Celestion amp and the G112 Cab!

    I’ve talked about these guitars, and more, in detail on my Best Guitars Now & Strefa Gitar YouTube channels, so check out the reviews and see the sound demos for yourself. 🙂

    Why Harley Benton Is Popular

    There’s a reason why Harley Benton guitars have such a strong following, especially among beginners and hobbyists. It all comes down to value.

    are harley benton guitars good - drawing

    You’re getting a lot of guitar for a very reasonable price. And in today’s market, where even entry-level guitars from major brands can run you several hundred bucks, that’s a big deal.

    Also, let’s not forget the modding crowd. Harley Benton guitars are like blank canvases for people who love to upgrade their gear.

    Pickups, tuners, bridges – all can be swapped out for better parts, and you’re still coming in way under the cost of a high-end guitar.

    My Top Pick

    Out of the Harley Benton models I’ve tested, I’d say the SC-550 is probably my favorite.

    It’s got that classic LP-style vibe, solid build quality, and for the price, it’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a guitar that you can gig with after a few minor tweaks, this one’s a solid choice!

    FAQ

    1. Are Harley Benton guitars good for beginners?
    Absolutely. They’re affordable, well-built, and perfect for someone just starting out. Plus, if you ever outgrow it, they’re easy to upgrade.

    2. Can you gig with a Harley Benton guitar?
    You definitely can, but you might want to make a few upgrades (like tuners or pickups) to ensure it holds up under gigging conditions.

    3. How do Harley Benton guitars compare to Squier or Epiphone?
    They’re in a similar price range, but Harley Benton often gives you better specs for the money. However, quality control can be a bit more hit-or-miss.

    4. What are Harley Benton pickups like?
    They’re fine for practice and beginner-level playing. But if you’re chasing a specific tone, upgrading to higher-quality pickups is a good idea.

    5. Why are Harley Benton guitars so cheap?
    Harley Benton cuts out the middleman by selling directly through Thomann, which helps keep costs low. Plus, they use budget materials that still get the job done.

    6. Do Harley Benton guitars need a setup out of the box?
    Most likely, yes. Like many budget guitars, they can benefit from a quick setup to get the action and intonation just right.

    7. Are Harley Benton acoustics any good?
    For the price, yes. Models like the CG-45 offer decent tone and playability for beginners or as a backup guitar.

    So, are Harley Benton guitars good?

    In short, yes – especially if you’re on a budget or looking for a modding platform.

    They might not have the same cachet as a Fender or Gibson, but for what you pay, you’re getting a solid instrument.

    Whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or even a seasoned player looking for a backup guitar, Harley Benton has something that’ll fit the bill!

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