So, you’ve got your eye on the Harley Benton JA-60 and wondering if it’s worth your cash. Maybe you’re thinking, “Can a guitar this cheap really be any good?”
Well, I got my hands on one, and I’ve been putting it through its paces. I’ll tell you right up front: it’s a solid guitar with a lot going for it, but there are a few things you should know before you buy.
Scroll down to watch my video review & demo.
Quick Overview Of Harley Benton JA-60
Okay, before we get into the details, here’s a quick look at what the Harley Benton JA-60 brings to the table.
This guitar’s part of the Vintage Series from Harley Benton, and it’s got that old-school vibe mixed with some modern touches.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Body: Made from basswood, so it’s light and easy to handle, with a balanced tone.
- Neck: It’s bolt-on and made from vintage caramelized Canadian maple, which adds a nice warmth to the sound.
- Fretboard: Laurel wood, with block inlays and 21 frets.
- Pickups: Two Roswell vintage-style Alnico-5 JM single coils for that classic single-coil sound.
- Controls: Simple—just one volume knob, one tone knob, and a 3-way pickup selector switch.
- Hardware: Deluxe chrome, fixed bridge, and Kluson-style machine heads.
- Color: Olympic White, because who doesn’t love a slick, vintage white look?
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s get into what it’s like to actually play this guitar. More sound samples can be found on Thomann.
You can watch my full sound demo below.
First Impressions: Vintage on a Budget
When I first picked up the Harley Benton JA-60, the vintage style was immediately obvious. The Olympic White finish is classic and clean, and the matched headstock ties the look together nicely.
The basswood body is super light, making this guitar easy to hold, whether you’re playing for hours or just messing around.
The bolt-on neck is made of vintage caramelized Canadian maple, and it feels sturdy in your hands. I gotta say, the neck looks great too.
The laurel fretboard with block inlays isn’t as fancy as rosewood or ebony, but it does the job just fine. It’s not the most luxurious, but it’s more than okay for the price.
Build Quality: Good, But Not Perfect
For the price, the build quality of the JA-60 is honestly pretty impressive. The fixed bridge and Kluson-style machine heads seem well-made, and the guitar stays in tune reasonably well, even when you’re playing hard.
The 21 frets are smooth, with no sharp edges to worry about, which is nice to see on a budget guitar.
But, there’s always a “but.” The basswood body makes the guitar light, but it doesn’t have that deep resonance you’d get from something like mahogany or ash. The laurel fretboard is a little on the dry side too.
Playable, sure, but it doesn’t have that buttery smooth feel you might get from higher-end materials.
Another thing to consider is the bolt-on neck. It’s sturdy and gives the guitar a nice, snappy response, but you’re not going to get the same sustain as you would with a set-neck or neck-through design.
Still, if you like a guitar that’s easy to work on and adjust, the bolt-on neck makes a lot of sense.
Sound: Classic Single-Coil Goodness
Alright, let’s talk tone. The Harley Benton JA-60 comes with two Roswell vintage-style Alnico-5 JM single coils, and these pickups are where the magic happens. If you like that bright, clear single-coil sound, you’ll be happy.
Clean Tones: Bright and Clear
When you plug this guitar into a clean amp, you get a bright, articulate sound that’s classic single-coil all the way.
The neck pickup gives you a warm, rounded tone that’s perfect for blues or jazz. It’s not as thick as a humbucker, but that’s the point—this guitar is all about clarity. The bridge pickup has that twangy, biting sound that’s great for surf rock or indie.
One thing I did notice, though, the pickups can be a little noisy, especially the bridge. If you’re playing at high volumes or with a lot of gain, you might want to think about adding a noise gate to your setup.
Overdriven Tones: Crunchy but Thin
When you push the JA-60 into overdrive, you get a gritty, crunchy tone that works well for garage rock or punk. The single-coils give you a nice, defined breakup, but don’t expect the same thickness you’d get from a humbucker.
This guitar is great for jangly, mid-gain stuff, but if you crank the gain too much, it can start to sound a little thin.
So, if you’re into alternative rock or punk, this guitar will fit in nicely. But if you’re looking for something that can handle modern metal or heavy rock, you might feel like the JA-60 doesn’t have enough low-end punch.
Playability: Feels Good in Your Hands
One of the things I really liked about the JA-60 is how it plays. The C-shaped neck profile is comfortable and easy to get around on, even if your hands aren’t the biggest.
The 21 frets are easy to reach, thanks to the body shape, which is comfortable whether you’re sitting or standing.
Out of the box, the action was a little higher than I like, but a quick tweak fixed that.
The double action truss rod makes it simple to get the neck exactly where you want it, so you can set the action to your preference, whether you like it low for fast playing or higher for slide work.
Aesthetics: Classic with a Twist
The Harley Benton JA-60 looks great. The Olympic White finish, combined with the vintage hardware and block inlays, gives it that classic vibe that’s hard to beat. The matched headstock is a nice detail that helps tie the whole look together.
But, if I’m being honest, the finish isn’t the most durable. After a few weeks of playing, I noticed some small scratches and dings starting to show up.
It’s not a huge deal, but if you’re the kind of person who wants to keep their guitar looking brand new, it might bug you.
The Verdict: A Lot for the Money
So, is the Harley Benton JA-60 good? Yes, but with a few things to keep in mind. For the price, you’re getting a lot of guitar—great looks, solid playability, and a versatile sound that works for a lot of different styles.
But, there are some downsides. The pickups are a bit noisy, the body doesn’t have as much resonance as higher-end guitars, and the finish isn’t the most durable.
That said, if you’re looking for a budget guitar that delivers on vintage style and sound, the JA-60 is worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid option if you know what you’re getting into.
BTW, I also invite you to watch my comparison of Squier 40th Anniversary Jazzmaster and the JA-60 below.
FAQ: What People Usually Ask About the Harley Benton JA-60
Q: Is the Harley Benton JA-60 good for beginners?
A: Yep, it’s a good choice for beginners. The C-shaped neck is easy to play, and the single-coil pickups give you a lot of tonal options. Plus, the price makes it accessible if you’re just starting out.
Q: Can the JA-60 handle heavier music?
A: Sort of. The JA-60 is great for clean and mid-gain tones, but it’s not ideal for heavier stuff like metal. The single-coils can sound a bit thin and noisy when you push the gain, so if you’re into heavier music, you might want to look for something with humbuckers.
Q: How does the JA-60 compare to other guitars at this price?
A: The JA-60 holds up well against other budget guitars. It’s got solid build quality, a comfortable neck, and a cool vintage look. But, like any guitar at this price, there are some trade-offs, like pickup noise and a less durable finish.
Q: Is the JA-60 good for gigging?
A: It can be. The JA-60 is a decent option for gigging, especially if you’re playing styles like indie, blues, or classic rock. Just keep in mind the pickup noise and the potential for finish wear. It’s always good to have a backup guitar if you’re gigging regularly.
Q: Can I upgrade the JA-60?
A: Absolutely. The JA-60 is a great platform for upgrades. You can swap out the pickups, add better shielding, or upgrade the hardware to take it to the next level. If you’re into modding guitars, this could be a fun project.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get the Harley Benton JA-60?
If you’re after a vintage-inspired guitar that won’t break the bank, the Harley Benton JA-60 is definitely worth considering.
It’s not a perfect guitar, but it’s got a lot going for it.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first guitar or a more experienced player looking for a budget-friendly addition to your collection, the JA-60 has something to offer.
In the end, it all comes down to what you’re after in a guitar. If you want something that looks cool, plays well, and has that classic single-coil sound, the JA-60 is a solid choice. Just keep in mind its quirks and maybe think about some upgrades down the line.
So, is the Harley Benton JA-60 good? Yeah, it is. But like with any guitar, it’s important to know what you’re getting. If you’re okay with a few compromises, this guitar can be a fantastic addition to your lineup.
