I’ve played guitar for 25+ years and if I was starting all over again tomorrow, these the Harley Benton guitars I’d be looking at…
If you’re diving into the world of guitar, Harley Benton offers some fantastic, beginner-friendly models that deliver quality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after classic vibes or something with a bit more punch, Harley Benton’s Standard Series, Tribute Series, and CST Series offer excellent choices.
For beginners looking to get into metal, the Custom Series and the Amarok series deliver the heavy tones and solid construction you’d expect from pricier brands.
Let’s dive into what makes these models great for beginners and answer some common questions you might have about Harley Benton guitars.
Which Harley Benton Guitar is Best For Beginners?
1. Standard Series: Affordable Classic
The Standard Series is perfect for beginners who want classic guitar styles like the Telecaster (TE), Stratocaster (ST), or Les Paul (LP) without the premium price. These guitars are crafted from cost-effective materials, providing solid build quality at a beginner-friendly price.
- Best for: Beginners looking for reliable, budget-friendly guitars.
- Tone: Warm and versatile, suitable for rock, blues, and basic metal.
- Our Pick: The TE-20, a Telecaster-style model, is a great choice for those who love that iconic Tele twang and playability.
2. Tribute Series: Vintage Vibes
For a beginner who wants a retro feel with a bit of modern touch, the Tribute Series is an ideal choice. These guitars blend vintage design with dependable hardware and pickups, giving you a reliable instrument that captures classic tones.
- Best for: Players who want a nostalgic vibe with modern reliability.
- Tone: Warm and full, perfect for blues, rock, and more.
- Our Pick: The HB-35 Plus, inspired by vintage semi-hollow models, delivers rich tones suitable for jazz and blues.
3. CST Series: Modern Touches with a Classic Look
The CST Series offers vintage-inspired looks with modern playability, ideal for beginners who want a guitar that combines style with functionality. Equipped with features like Roswell pickups and Wilkinson bridges, the CST guitars deliver a smooth playing experience that works across genres.
- Best for: Versatile beginners who want a balance of classic and contemporary.
- Tone: Balanced and smooth, suitable for multiple genres.
- Our Pick: The CST-24T offers a modern look with versatility, making it a great all-rounder for any beginner.
Metal-Focused Option: Custom Series – Amarok
If you’re aiming for heavier genres like metal, Harley Benton’s Custom Series, and especially the Amarok models, are built with the power and durability you’ll need to dive into heavy riffs, breakdowns, and aggressive lead lines. The Amarok is particularly notable for packing premium components usually found in much pricier guitars, making it a fantastic choice for beginners looking for a serious instrument that won’t require immediate upgrades. Here’s why the Amarok stands out for metal enthusiasts:
High-Gain EMG Pickups
The Amarok models come loaded with EMG active pickups, which are among the most popular choices for metal and hard rock players due to their high output and clarity, especially in high-gain settings. These pickups deliver a sharp, powerful tone that cuts through the mix, even in dense, layered metal tracks. You’ll get:
- Clarity in High Gain: Even at extreme gain levels, EMGs avoid muddying up your tone, so your playing remains articulate and dynamic.
- Tight, Defined Low-End: Essential for palm-muted chugs and heavy power chords.
- High Output and Sustain: Great for solos, ensuring your notes are crisp and sustained.
Things To Keep In Mind Before You Buy
Which Harley Benton Guitar is Best for a Beginner Looking for a Telecaster?
If you’re eyeing a Telecaster style, the Standard Series TE-20 is a top choice. It’s affordable, well-built, and delivers that unmistakable Tele sound. The Tribute Series also has a few Tele-inspired models with vintage appeal for those wanting a touch more refinement.
How Do Harley Benton Guitars Sound Compared to More Expensive Brands?
Harley Benton guitars punch well above their price range, offering surprisingly good sound quality. While they might lack some of the tonal depth and resonance of high-end brands, they’re versatile and great for beginners. With a few upgrades to pickups or hardware, Harley Benton models can sound as good as much more expensive guitars. And on the plus side: you’ll learn how to mod your guitar!
Are There Any Specific Maintenance Tips for Harley Benton Guitars?
Like all guitars, Harley Benton models benefit from regular maintenance.
Here are a few tips:
- Adjust the Action and Intonation: Many Harley Benton guitars come with decent setups, but adjusting the action and intonation can improve playability.
- Change the Strings Regularly: The factory strings are okay, but switching to quality strings can significantly enhance tone.
- Consider Pickup Upgrades: If you find the sound lacking, upgrading to higher-quality pickups can make a big difference.
Check out our full electric guitar maintenance guide for more information.
What are the Most Popular Harley Benton Guitar Models Among Beginners?
The most popular models among beginners tend to be the TE-20 (Telecaster style), ST-20 (Strat style), and CST-24T for those who want a mix of vintage and modern. These models are affordable, versatile, and offer reliable quality right out of the box.
How Does the Neck Feel of Harley Benton Guitars Compared to Other Brands?
Harley Benton necks are generally comfortable and slightly chunky, making them suitable for beginners who may not yet have a specific neck preference. Compared to more expensive brands, the feel may be less refined, but they’re designed for easy playability, often featuring a satin finish that allows smooth movement along the fretboard.
Final Thoughts
Harley Benton offers a range of affordable, quality guitars that make getting started as a beginner not only accessible but enjoyable. With their lineup covering classic, versatile designs like those in the Standard and Tribute Series and heavier, metal-focused models like the Amarok, there’s truly a Harley Benton guitar to suit every style and budget. These guitars provide a great balance between affordability and playability, making them ideal for beginners who want to jump right into learning without overspending.
The Right Guitar for Every Style
If you’re drawn to timeless styles and tones, the Standard Series gives you the feel of classic models like Telecasters and Strats without the hefty price tag. They’re designed to be straightforward and reliable, perfect for rock, blues, and other foundational styles. The Tribute Series offers a vintage-inspired experience for those who love a retro feel, with models that have a nostalgic look but modern reliability. And if metal is more your vibe, the Amarok in the Custom Series packs the high-gain power and durability metal players crave, offering a ready-to-rock experience for even the heaviest genres.
Built to Grow With You
One of the great aspects of Harley Benton guitars is their potential for upgrades as your playing improves. While they come well-equipped for beginners right out of the box, you can easily enhance their capabilities with a few thoughtful modifications. Upgrading pickups, for instance, can transform the tone and give you a more refined sound as you develop your ear and playing style. The hardware, too, can be replaced with higher-end components as you progress, making these guitars a solid foundation for a longer journey in music.
Affordable Quality
Harley Benton guitars stand out not just because of their affordability but because they deliver surprising quality for the price. They’re built with solid craftsmanship and components, offering a level of playability that holds its own against more expensive brands. This makes them an excellent starting point for beginners who want a reliable instrument without sacrificing quality. The build and tone quality of these guitars also make them great choices for modding enthusiasts who like to experiment with different pickups, tuners, and other hardware.
With regular care and maintenance, such as cleaning, proper string changes, and adjustments to the action and intonation, a Harley Benton guitar can be a trusty companion as you improve and expand your playing skills. Their robust construction and well-thought-out design make them suitable for both home practice and stage performance, so you won’t have to worry about upgrading your guitar just to keep up as you advance.
Here’s a complete breakdown of all of Harley Benton’s current guitar series + advice on which models we recommend right now and why.
