If you’re wondering whether Harley Benton ST-62 Vintage Series is a good electric guitar or not, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place! In today’s in-depth review, I’m going to take a very close look on that popular Strat copy. Surely, it’s not an expensive guitar, but is it actually good?
The truth is that Harley Benton ST-62 offers a fantastic value for the money. This guitar exceeds all the expectations and it certainly sounds and feels like a much more expensive axe. That being said, it’s definitely worth the money!
Let’s dive deeper with research to find out what exactly makes the ST-62 model so good and so popular among the guitarists all around the world. Firstly, we’ll start with a quick overview of the specifications of that guitar. Additionally, we’ll have a look at the biggest pros and cons of that model. Of course, there will be a few sound demos too!
Overview – Specs & Pricing
Harley Benton ST-62 is an affordable Stratocaster copy designed for the most demanding guitarists out there. Overall, it offers a fantastic value for the money, so it’s not surprising that so many guitarists decide to choose that model rather than other Squier, Yamaha or Vintage guitars.
What makes it so special? Well, the guitar features a solid basswood body, a comfortable vintage caramelized maple neck and an easy-playing maple fretboard. The quality of these woods is really high and it certainly doesn’t feel cheap at all. It’s all made with a thorough precision and an attention to detail.
The manufacturer decided to equip this model with three really good pickups – Roswell STA AlNiCo-5 vintage ST-style single-coils. All of them give you access to the classic Stratocaster tone, which is really bright and versatile. Surely, all lovers of Fender Stratocasters will be really impressed by the quality of these single-coils!
It is also worth mentioning that the ST-62 is also available in a few different color versions, so anyone should be able to find their own favorite model. That includes: Vintage White, Olympic White, 3-Color Sunburst and Black.
When it comes to pricing, Harley Benton ST-62 isn’t the cheapest guitar in the world, but it’s still one of the most affordable Strat copies that you can find on the market. That being said, it’s definitely worth every cent.
Here’s the sound demo.
Who Is It For?
Harley Benton ST-62 is suitable for guitar players of all levels. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re an absolute beginner or a bit more advanced guitarist – you will definitely be pleasantly surprised by the quality of that axe.
The ST-62 model is a particularly good choice for those who are looking for their first electric guitar. This guitar has everything you need in order to start your own musical journey.
Just like any regular Stratocaster, the ST-62 is also a really versatile instrument, so it can be used for a lot of different styles of music. Whether you’re into blues, rock, country, jazz, indie or grunge – this guitar will be a perfect fit for you.
It is also worth mentioning that this is one of the most affordable Stratocaster copies that you can currently find on the market, so it’s a great option for those who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on new Fenders.
Overall, I’m positive that the vast majority of guitarists will really enjoy playing on the Harley Benton ST-62. Considering the fact that it’s a budget Strat, it’s just simply amazing!
Pros & Cons
Just like any other budget Strat copy available on the market, the ST-62 model has its own advantages and disadvantages. That’s totally normal! In the end, it’s not a high-end guitar. However, it seems pretty clear that this axe has far more pros rather than cons.
Pros
- Great Tone
- Highly Versatile
- Comfortable Neck
- Looks Fantastic
- Cheap!
Cons
- No Gig Bag Included
As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be classified as major advantages of that model. It looks and sounds like a classic Stratocaster and it’s not overly expensive. Isn’t it all that really matters in the end?
On the other hand, Harley Benton ST-62 usually comes without the gig bag. This is not necessarily a huge issue though, but you’ll have to spend some time to find the case that suits your needs. An included case would save you a lot trouble!
Nevertheless, I’m positive that the advantages of ST-62 model outweigh its disadvantages. There’s just not too much to complain about, especially when you consider how inexpensive this guitar is. It offers a fantastic value for the money, so that’s why I highly encourage you to check it out!
Harley Benton ST-62 vs ST-20
For those who aren’t aware, Harley Benton manufactures an another cheap Stratocaster copy – the ST-20 model. Many guitarists often can’t decide whether they should choose the ST-62 or ST-20. Which one of them is actually better?
The truth is that it’s really difficult to clearly determine whether you should choose the ST-20 or ST-62 model. It all comes down to your own personal preferences!
In my opinion, Harley Benton ST-62 is a bit better guitar. It’s on a higher level than the ST-20, but at the same time, it’s still relatively cheap. I think that choosing the ST-62 will be a better idea, but if you don’t have the budget for it, the ST-20 will be just fine anyway.
Any Alternatives?
If you’re not satisfied with the overall quality of Harley Benton ST-62 or you simply have a feeling that it won’t be a good fit for you, that’s not a big problem! There’s still quite a lot of other fantastic electric guitars that also deserve a lot of attention.
Of course, choosing a brand new axe will depend on your own personal preferences and most importantly, on the size of your budget. Here’s a few other guitars that you may also like.
Alternative Option #1 – Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster
Firstly, I highly encourage you to check out the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster. This is one of the coolest and most versatile Stratocasters that you can currently find at this price level. It’s a bit more expensive than Harley Benton ST-62, but it’s definitely worth the money.
What makes it so cool? Well, the CV Strat offers a really unique vintage vibe. If you’re a lover of vintage gear, there’s a high chance that you’ll immediately fall in love with that guitar. On top of that, it’s available in a lot of different versions, so whether you prefer the SSS or HSS pickup setting, these Squiers won’t disappoint you.
Alternative Option #2 – Squier Bullet Mustang HH
If your budget is a bit more limited, you should definitely have a look at the Squier Bullet Mustang HH. This is actually one of the most affordable guitars manufactured by this brand!
In comparison with the ST-62 by Harley Benton, the Bullet Mustang has a shorter scale, which means that it’s more comfortable for guitarists with smaller hands or shorter fingers. Additionally, instead of three single-coil pickups, it has a pair of really good humbuckers.
Although it’s not the best guitar in the world, it is definitely one of the coolest cheap guitars recommended for beginners. If you’re just starting out and you’re searching for a great sounding and reliable short-scale guitar, choosing this Mustang is a safe bet.
FAQ
Where is Harley Benton ST-62 made?
Harley Benton ST-62 is manufactured in China.
Is the ST-62 good for beginners?
Yes, the ST-62 is a perfect choice for beginners!
What is the scale length of the ST-62?
The scale length of that model has 25.5″.
Where can I find out more about Harley Benton guitars?
If you want to learn more about this manufacturer of guitars, make sure to visit the official website of Harley Benton.
Summary
As you can see, Harley Benton ST-62 is an absolutely fantastic and inexpensive Stratocaster copy. Perhaps it’s not the best guitar in the world, but it’s definitely one of the best budget Strats that you can possibly find on the market right now. That’s why I have no hesitation in recommending it to all guitarists who are looking for a reliable axe of this type!
What do you think of that model? Would you add it to your own collection or do you think that it’s overrated? 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 looking for. If you enjoyed this article, you may also like: