As you’re probably aware, Harley Benton is one of the best manufacturers of cheap electric and acoustic guitars. As you can see on the photo above, I’m a huge fan of their gear, so I decided to create a list of 10 best axes made by this brand.
Choosing a brand new Harley Benton isn’t as easy as you may think. The main problem is that they have a lot of interesting guitars in their offering, so it can all get really confusing. Especially if you’re an amateur guitar player!
Feel free to check them all out below. Hopefully, this guide will help you find your next axe. Of course, the sound demos are included as well.
1. Harley Benton JA-60
Harley Benton JA-60 is one of the best and most affordable offset electric guitars manufactured by this popular brand. It’s cheap, but it doesn’t sound or feel cheap at all – and that’s why I love it!
The guitar features a basswood body and a vintage caramelized Canadian maple neck with an easy-playing laurel fingerboard. The C-shaped neck is a huge advantage of that model, because it allows you to practice for several hours without getting tired. Additionally, the satin finish on the back enhances the overall comfortability too.
It is also worth mentioning that the manufacturer decided to equip that model with a pair of Roswell vintage-style Alnico-5 JM single coils. Both of these pickups sound really good, they have that legendary Jazzmaster tone. It’s bright, but it’s not too bright, so it can be used for a lot of different styles of music.
Who is it for? Well, I’m sure that both amateur and more intermediate players will be really satisfied with the overall quality of the JA-60 model. In my opinion, it can easily compete with some of the most expensive offset Squiers.
Here’s my video review – feel free to check it out below. Also, consider subscribing to my channel – it will help me A LOT!
2. Harley Benton ST-20 HSS
The ST-20 HSS is one of the cheapest and the most popular guitars sold by this brand. It offers a surprisingly good value for the money, so it’s not surprising that so many guitarists decide to choose it for themselves.
The guitar features a lightweight basswood body and a comfortable maple neck with a smooth Amaranth fingerboard. The Modern C Shape of that neck guarantees a fantastic playing experience and it’s perfect for lovers of fast solos.
What’s important, Harley Benton equipped that model with a really unique pickup setting: HSS. Having one humbucker on the bridge position and two single-coils in the middle and neck positions gives you access to a lot of fantastic tones. It’s a perfect choice for rock and metal!
It is also worth mentioning that the ST-20 HSS model looks absolutely beautiful from the outside too. There’s something really unique about that black solid body with black hardware and a black matching headstock. It certainly looks like a much more expensive guitar.
Undoubtedly, it will be really difficult to find a better budget electric guitar than Harley Benton ST-20 HSS. This model exceeds all the expectations, so that’s why I highly recommend checking it out.
Here’s the demo.
3. Harley Benton TE-52
The famous TE-52 is one of the best and most popular Fender Telecaster copies that you can currently find on the market. It’s available at a really low price and it can definitely compete with some of the most expensive Teles made by Squier.
What makes it so cool? Well, the TE-52 features a solid ash body and a caramelized maple neck with an easy-playing caramelized maple fingerboard. The quality of these woods is really high, so this axe certainly looks and feels like a real Tele. Additionally, the guitar also has the Kluson-style machine heads which significantly increase the tuning stability.
Additionally, the manufacturer decided to equip that model with a pair of Roswell TEA Alnico-5 TE-style single coils which give you access to the classic Telecaster tone. This guitar definitely has that iconic twang, so it’s a huge advantage!
I have no hesitation in recommending the Harley Benton TE-52 to all guitarists who are searching for a great sounding and reliable Telecaster. There’s a really high chance that you’ll love that model!
Here’s the sound demo.
4. Harley Benton BM-75
The BM-75 is one of the most interesting electric guitars on today’s list. This is a budget copy of the legendary Red Special, the signature model of Brian May (Queen). In comparison with the way more expensive original model, it offers a surprisingly good quality!
The guitar features a solid mahogany body, a set-in mahogany neck and an easy-playing Amaranth fretboard. There’s also a floating tremolo bridge which makes this model way more versatile.
What’s important, Harley Benton decided to equip that model with three vintage-style single-coil pickups which give you access to a lot of fantastic tones. Whether you’re a rhythm or a lead guitarist, you will definitely appreciate the uniqueness of that model.
Overall, it’s a great sounding and a great looking electric guitar available at a relatively low price. If you’re a fan of Queen and Brian May, you should definitely consider adding the Harley Benton BM-75 to your own collection.
Here’s the sound demo.
5. Harley Benton HB-35 Plus
Harley Benton HB-35 Plus is one of the best and the most affordable semi-hollow body guitars manufactured by this famous brand. It’s not surprising that so many guitarists decide to choose it, because it offers an absolutely amazing value for the money.
The guitar features a maple body with a flamed maple top and a mahogany center block. Additionally, there’s also a comfortable maple neck with an easy-playing Pau Ferro fingerboard. The quality of these woods is really good, so they guarantee a really enjoyable playing experience.
What’s important, Harley Benton equipped this model with a pair of Roswell LAF Alnico-5 vintage-style humbucker pickups. Both of these humbuckers sound really good and they’re suitable for a lot of different styles of music. Whether you’re into jazz, blues, alternative rock or grunge – they will work perfectly fine.
Undoubtedly, Harley Benton HB-35 Plus is one of the best cheap ES-335 copies that you can currently find on the market. That’s why I highly encourage you to check it out!
Here’s the demo.
6. Harley Benton Fusion III HSH
Harley Benton Fusion III HSH is an another amazing electric guitar suitable for the most demanding guitarists out there. In comparison with the previous Harley Benton models, it’s slightly more expensive, but it definitely deserves a lot of attention.
The guitar features a Nyatoh body with a flamed maple veneer top and a comfortable roasted maple neck with an easy-playing flamed maple fingerboard. The Modern C-shaped neck is a huge advantage of that model, because it allows you to play really fast.
It is also worth mentioning that the Fusion III HSH model features a really interesting pickup setting: HSH. Harley Benton equipped that model with two Roswell HAF AlNiCo-5 humbuckers and one Roswell S74-C BK AlNiCo-5 single coil. As you can imagine, it’s an extremely versatile instrument!
Who is it for? Well, I think that any fan of rock and metal will be really satisfied after choosing that model. It’s perfect for shredding and it offers a lot of punch, so if that’s what you’re searching for – go for it!
Here’s the sound demo.
7. Harley Benton EX-84
Harley Benton EX-84 is an another fantastic electric guitar designed for all lovers of rock and metal. It may not be the cheapest axe on today’s list, but it’s definitely one of the best Harley Benton guitars that you can choose for heavier genres of music.
The guitar features a solid mahogany body and a comfortable mahogany neck with an easy-playing ebony fingerboard. There’s also a WSC Tune-O-Matic bridge and Jinho JN-03 machine heads which significantly enhance the tuning stability.
What’s important, the manufacturer decided to equip that axe with a pair of active humbuckers (EMG 60 and EMG 81). Both of them are really powerful, so they’re great for rock and metal riffs and solos. If that’s your kind of vibe, you’ll definitely enjoy and appreciate the tone of that guitar.
Undoubtedly, Harley Benton EX-84 offers an absolutely amazing value for the money. That’s why I highly recommend checking it out!
Here’s the demo.
8. Harley Benton SC-500
The SC-500 is an another great sounding and inexpensive electric guitar that exceeds all the expectations. This axe will be perfect for anyone who can’t afford getting a way more expensive Epiphone or Gibson Les Paul.
This cool model features a solid basswood body and a comfortable C-shaped maple neck with an easy-playing blackwood fingerboard. Just like the original Les Paul guitars, it has a 24.75″ scale length, so it’s slightly smaller and shorter than all the Stratocasters and Telecasters.
What’s important, Harley Benton equipped that model with a pair of vintage-style humbuckers which sound pretty good too. I’m sure that even more advanced players will be pleasantly surprised by their overall quality. Surely, finding a better sounding axe at this price level won’t be that easy.
Undoubtedly, the SC-500 model is one of the finest Les Paul copies that you can choose for rock and metal. It’s cheap, it sounds good and it looks absolutely amazing – isn’t it all that really matters?
Here’s the sound demo.
9. Harley Benton CST-24T
Harley Benton CST-24T is a perfect electric guitar for anyone who’s looking for a budget PRS copy. This model offers a fantastic value for the money and it’s suitable for both amateur and more advanced guitarists.
The guitar features a solid mahogany body with arched maple top and a comfortable mahogany neck with an easy-playing Pau Ferro fingerboard. There’s also a Wilkinson WVPC tremolo bridge which makes this axe even more interesting.
Additionally, the manufacturer decided to equip this model with a pair of Roswell HAF AlNiCo-5 open coil humbuckers which offer a really good sound quality. Whether you’re searching for glassy cleans or punchy and powerful distorted tones, this guitar won’t let you down.
Undoubtedly, the CST-24T is one of the coolest cheap PRS copies that you can currently find on the market. It’s cheap and it sounds awesome, so I’m sure that a lot of you will immediately fall in love with it.
Here’s the sound demo.
10. Harley Benton Custom Line King
The Custom Line King-CE is one of the best acoustic guitars manufactured by this brand. It’s a jumbo-style guitar, so it’s perfect for a lot of different styles of music.
The guitar features a solid spruce top with maple back and sides. There’s also a comfortable maple neck with the ovangkol fingerboard which guarantees a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.
What’s important, this is an acoustic-electric guitar, so it can be efficiently used for live performances. The manufacturer equipped that model with the Fishman Presys II electronics which allows you to plug that guitar into an amp. Additionally, there’s also a built-in tuner!
If you’re searching for a great sounding and reliable acoustic-electric guitar, this one of the best Bentons that you can possibly get for the money. It’s definitely worth every cent!
Here’s the demo.
My Thoughts on Harley Bentons
Harley Benton guitars have a special place in my heart. Their affordability is a big win, and while they might not be flawless, they definitely hold their own.
When you’re looking for an option that’s friendly on the wallet and still gets the job done, these guitars step up. They might not be the fanciest… but they’re enough to keep the music flowing.
So for sure, you can count on them.
FAQ
Where are Harley Benton guitars made?
Harley Benton guitars are manufactured in China.
Where can I find out more about Harley Benton guitars?
If you want to learn more about the guitars made by this brand, check out the official website of Harley Benton.
Summary
As you can see, there are a lot of fantastic Harley Benton guitars out there! I’m sure that if you decide to choose at least one of the models mentioned on today’s list, you will be extremely satisfied with your choice. It’s amazing that such affordable guitars can offer such a high level of quality.
Which axe would you choose for yourself? Leave a comment down below and let me know what you think, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, hopefully it was helpful and you found what you were hoping to find. If you enjoyed this article and you’re searching for more gear recommendations, you may also like:
