Alright, let’s talk about the Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame. I gotta admit, when I first saw this guitar, my jaw kinda dropped.
It’s not every day you see a budget guitar that looks like it should cost a fortune. It’s flashy, it’s got some serious features, and let’s just say it definitely caught my eye.
But can a cheap PRS copy actually be good? Well, here’s what you need to know.
First Look on Harley Benton CST-24T
When I unboxed the Harley Benton CST-24T, the first thing that hit me was the Paradise Amber Flame finish.
I mean, this guitar looks like it should be way more expensive than it actually is. The flamed maple top is super eye-catching, especially with the arched design that gives it a bit of class. It’s the kind of guitar that makes you wanna just show it off.
Body and Neck
The body is made from meranti, which is basically a cheaper version of mahogany. It’s not bad, but it’s not exactly premium wood either. Still, for the price, it’s solid.
The neck is also meranti, and it’s got this toasted jatoba fingerboard that feels… well, honestly, better than I expected. It’s smooth, it’s quick, and I didn’t feel like it was holding me back while playing.
Plus, the C-shaped neck profile is pretty comfortable. Nothing too chunky, but not super slim either. Just right for my hands.
One cool little detail is the pearloid dot inlays on the fingerboard. Adds a nice vintage vibe, you know? And the neck and body binding just ties it all together. Makes it look way fancier than what you’d expect at this price.
Hardware and Electronics
This thing is packed with some decent hardware for what you’re paying. The Wilkinson WVPC tremolo is actually pretty impressive.
I’ve had guitars at this price point where the tremolo would instantly send the guitar out of tune, but this one? It holds up. You can throw in some vibrato, maybe even a little dive, and it still stays in tune (most of the time, anyway).
Now for the pickups. The CST-24T comes with two Roswell HAF AlNiCo-5 humbuckers, and these bad boys are versatile. They’re open coil, so they give you a punchy, full sound, but here’s the kicker: there’s a push/pull coil-split function on the tone knob.
That means you can get those bright single-coil tones when you want, or stick to the beefier humbucker sound. It’s like having two guitars in one.
The 3-way switch lets you toggle between neck, bridge, and both pickups, giving you plenty of tonal options. You can pretty much play any genre with this thing and get a decent sound out of it.
How It Plays: Fun or Frustrating?
So, how does it feel in the hands? I gotta say, Harley Benton did a pretty good job here. The neck’s C-profile feels comfortable for both rhythm and lead work.
First, have a listen to the demo below.
Whether you’re doing some heavy power chords or flying up the neck with a solo, it’s nice and easy to move around.
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Action and Frets
Right out of the box, the action was decent. Not too high, not too low. I’d probably suggest getting a proper setup if you want it to be perfect, but for the price, it’s totally playable as is.
The 24 frets are Blacksmith stainless steel, which is actually kinda awesome. Stainless steel frets aren’t something you usually see on budget guitars. They feel super smooth and will last way longer than your typical nickel frets.
Versatility in Tone
One thing that stands out with the CST-24T is just how versatile it is. Thanks to those Roswell humbuckers, you can dial in thick, creamy tones for rock or blues, and then split the coils for some sparkly single-coil sounds when you’re playing funk or clean riffs.
The coil-split adds a ton of flexibility to the guitar, which is a huge plus for anyone who plays multiple genres.
Whether I was riffing on something heavy or doing some lighter, more delicate stuff, this guitar didn’t hold me back. Plus, the volume and tone controls are super responsive, so you can really dial in your sound.
For my Polish readers – read more about PRS guitars in Polish!
Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know
Let’s break it down a bit. No guitar’s perfect, right? So here’s what’s great and what’s not-so-great about the Harley Benton CST-24T.
Pros
- Looks amazing – seriously, that Paradise Amber Flame top is stunning.
- Versatile pickups – humbuckers with a coil-split function give you lots of tone options.
- Wilkinson tremolo – holds tuning better than you’d expect.
- Stainless steel frets – smooth, durable, and typically found on pricier guitars.
- Comfortable neck – C-profile is good for most playing styles.
Cons
- Meranti wood – it’s not bad, but it’s not the rich, resonant mahogany you’d hope for.
- Stock setup – it’s playable out of the box, but a professional setup wouldn’t hurt.
- Brand perception – Harley Benton’s still kinda seen as the “budget brand,” even though the quality is impressive.
Specs
- Body: Mahogany
- Archtop: Maple with flamed maple veneer
- Neck: Maple
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Fretboard inlays: PRS birds
- Neck profile: Wide thin
- Body binding
- Scale: 635 mm (25″)
- 24 Frets
- PRS Tremolo
- Pickups: 2x 85/15 S treble and bass humbuckers
- Volume control
- Tone control with push/pull function
- 3-Way blade switch
- PRS designed machine heads
- Nickel hardware
- Colour: Black gold burst
- Includes PRS SE gig bag
FAQ
Q: Is the Harley Benton CST-24T good for beginners?
A: Yeah, I’d say so. It’s easy to play, the neck feels comfortable, and the coil-split gives you lots of different sounds to experiment with. It’s a solid choice for anyone starting out.
Q: How does the CST-24T compare to other guitars in its price range?
A: It holds up really well. Honestly, the Roswell pickups and stainless steel frets make it stand out. If you’re looking for a slightly different vibe, you could check out the Harley Benton SC-550. It’s got a Les Paul-style design with a bit more vintage feel.
Q: Can this guitar handle different genres?
A: Absolutely. Thanks to the coil-splitting option, you can go from chunky rock tones to bright, crisp single-coil sounds. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or even a bit of jazz, this guitar can handle it.
Q: How’s the Wilkinson tremolo? Does it stay in tune?
A: For the price, it’s really good. You can use the tremolo without worrying too much about tuning issues. Just don’t go too wild with dive bombs, and you’ll be fine.
Alternatives: What Else Can You Get?
While the CST-24T is a fantastic deal, you might want to check out some alternatives:
1. Harley Benton SC-550
If you’re into the Les Paul vibe, the Harley Benton SC-550 could be a good fit. It’s got a mahogany body and Roswell LAF humbuckers, so you’ll get a more vintage tone. Plus, it looks pretty slick.
2. PRS SE Custom 24
This one’s a bit more expensive, but the PRS SE Custom 24 has a similar design with higher-end components. It’s got a mahogany body and PRS-designed pickups. If you’ve got a bigger budget, it’s worth considering.
Final Thoughts: Is the Harley Benton CST-24T Worth It?
So, what’s the verdict?
I’d give this model a 10/10. Well, maybe 9/10. But come on, it’s soooo cheap.
The Harley Benton CST-24T Paradise Flame is an absolute steal for the price. It’s got the looks, the sound, and the playability that you’d expect from something much more expensive. Sure, it’s not perfect, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons here.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or a seasoned player who wants something reliable without breaking the bank, this guitar is a solid choice. It’s fun to play, sounds great, and looks like a million bucks—even though it doesn’t cost anywhere near that. 😎
