Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG FTF

I don't get it.. That's the frase that came out of my mouth multiple times the past week. Recently I purchased a Sire S7 which I'm very impressed with. So it was time to add a budget type single cut to my collection. Last week I've received the Harley Benton and just wow. I really don't get it. The fretwork was spot on, no sharp fret ends. Very low action and good set-up out of the box. I really couldn't find a real flaw. Unfortunately, one of the potentiometers had died so the neck pickup didn't work. These things happen, but Thomann offered me a nice solution. Great service! Back to the instrument: this is a no brainer. Looking for a single cut with some badass pickups? Look no further. If this is the quality Harley Benton always delivers then the competition will have a hard time. The guitar is on par with PRS SE no doubt. If found in the shop for €1000,- no one would have doubts. Great instrument for a even better price.

I bought the SC-550 + EMG FTF as I really wanted a Les Paul style without the price tag of a Gibson and I had heard that the quality was really good for the price.

What initially caught my attention was the stainless steel/fretwork and locking tuners, the quality of fretwork was up there with my MIJ guitars. It's lightweight and the flame top looks superb, the locking tuners are great and the bridge and pots feel good. My only issue is the EMG active pickups were not as punchy as I was hoping for but I will be investigating that further down the track.

Overall great quality guitar at a very reasonable price point.