When it comes to affordable quality, Harley Benton consistently delivers.
In this review, we’re diving into the Harley Benton SC-5500 II Paradise Amber Flame from their Deluxe Series. This guitar isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got the sound and feel to match.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this might just be your next go-to guitar.
First Impressions: Looks That Kill
Let’s be honest—this guitar is a stunner.
The Paradise Amber Flame finish on the curved AAA maple top is eye-catching. It’s got that “pick me up and play me” vibe. The body is made from chambered Meranti wood, so it’s lightweight yet resonant.
Thanks to the modern weight-reduced milling, you can jam for hours without feeling weighed down.
Comfortable Neck, Classic Feel
The neck is where this guitar really shines. With a set-in Meranti neck and a Pau Ferro fingerboard, it’s built for smooth playability.
The ’60s neck profile—20 mm thick at the 1st fret and 22 mm at the 12th—offers a comfortable grip that’s just right for fast runs and comfortable chording. Add to that the 22 Blacksmith stainless steel frets, and you’ve got a neck that’s both durable and a pleasure to play. The Graphite nut ensures smooth tuning stability.
Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF299 €Buy now
Harley Benton SC-550 II PAFSound That Stands Out
Looks are great, but how does it sound? The Paradise Amber Flame comes equipped with two Tesla Opus-1 AlNiCo-5 humbuckers. These pickups offer a rich, versatile tone that can handle anything from blues to metal. Whether you’re after warm, clean tones or something with a bit more bite, these pickups deliver.
The 3-way pickup selector switch lets you choose between bridge, neck, or both pickups, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Easy Controls, Versatile Tone
The controls are straightforward with two volume and two tone knobs. You can easily tweak your sound to match your style. Whether you’re going from a crunchy rhythm to a searing lead, the controls are responsive and intuitive.
Built for the Long Haul
Durability is another area where the Harley Benton Paradise Amber Flame scores high. The DLX Tune-O-Matic bridge and DLX Kluson-style machine heads keep your guitar in tune and stable. The DLX chrome hardware not only looks sleek but is also built to last.
Plus, it comes strung with D’Addario EXL-110 .010 – .046 strings, so you’re ready to play right out of the box.
Playability: Light as a Feather, Tough as Nails
One of the standout features is how lightweight this guitar is, thanks to its chambered Meranti body. It’s perfect for long gigs or practice sessions. Despite its light weight, the guitar feels solid and durable. The resonance and sustain are impressive, rivaling guitars at a much higher price point.
Sound Demo
Regular SC-550 vs. Paradise Amber Flame
You might be wondering how the Paradise Amber Flame stacks up against another popular model, the Harley Benton SC-550.
While both guitars offer excellent value, the SC-550 tends to have a more traditional Les Paul feel, with a slightly chunkier neck and a bit more weight.
The Paradise Amber Flame is lighter and has a more modern neck profile, making it ideal for players who prefer a more contemporary feel.
Sound-wise, both guitars deliver, but the Tesla Opus-1 humbuckers in the Paradise Amber Flame offer a slightly hotter, more aggressive tone compared to the more vintage-sounding pickups in the SC-550.
You may also like: Harley Benton CST-24T – Cheap PRS Copy.
Who Is This Guitar For?
The Harley Benton Paradise Amber Flame is perfect for players who want a versatile guitar without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guitar offers great value for money. It’s especially suited for those who love modern playability and lighter guitars.
Final Thoughts: A Lot of Guitar for the Money
To sum it up, the Harley Benton Paradise Amber Flame offers incredible value. You get top-notch looks, versatile sound, and solid build quality—all at a price that’s hard to beat. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that’s fun to play and easy on the eyes. If you’re in the market for a new guitar and don’t want to spend a fortune, give this one a serious look.
Happy playing!
Looking for more great (and affordable guitars)? Check out this list!
FAQ: Harley Benton Paradise Amber Flame
1. How does the Paradise Amber Flame compare to the Harley Benton SC-550?
Both guitars are excellent, but the Paradise Amber Flame is lighter with a more modern neck profile. The SC-550 offers a more traditional Les Paul feel and sound.
2. Is this guitar suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The Paradise Amber Flame is easy to play, comfortable, and offers a wide range of tones, making it a great choice for beginners.
3. Can this guitar handle heavier music genres like metal?
Yes, the Tesla Opus-1 humbuckers provide plenty of output and clarity for heavier styles, including metal.
4. How does the weight-reduced milling affect the guitar?
It makes the guitar lighter and more comfortable to play without sacrificing tone or sustain.
5. What kind of strings come with the guitar?
The guitar comes strung with D’Addario EXL-110 .010 – .046 strings from the factory.
6. Is the hardware durable?
Yes, the guitar features DLX chrome hardware, which is both durable and reliable.
7. Does it stay in tune well?
The DLX Kluson-style machine heads and Graphite nut ensure that the guitar stays in tune during extended playing sessions.
Specifications
- Body: Chambered Meranti body with modern weight-reduced milling
- Top: Curved AAA maple top
- Neck: Set-in Meranti neck
- Fingerboard: Pau Ferro with pearloid trapezoid inlays
- Neck Profile: ’60s – Thickness 1st fret: 20 mm, 12th fret: 22 mm
- Scale: 628 mm (24.72″)
- Fretboard Radius: 305 mm (12.00″)
- Nut Width: 42 mm (1.65″)
- Nut: Graphite
- Frets: 22 Blacksmith stainless steel frets
- Pickups: 2 Tesla Opus-1 AlNiCo-5 humbuckers
- Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way pickup selector switch
- Bridge: DLX Tune-O-Matic
- Machine Heads: DLX Kluson-style
- Hardware: DLX chrome
- Factory Strings: D’Addario EXL-110 .010 – .046
- Color: Paradise Amber Flame
This guitar offers a ton of value for its price and is perfect for players looking for a versatile and reliable instrument.
