I have been playing for over 45 years. I started in my teens. I played professionally during my 20s mostly Country Rock and Southern Rock Music. I retired during my 30s once I started a family. I have owned many different brands and models of guitars over the years. Some very expensive ones. Now retired I play only for my own enjoyment and no longer need the expensive stuff. Which leads me to my review.
First off the guitar came well packaged, double boxed. It was obvious that customs inspected it as the box had been opened and re taped. When I opened the box I found this Amazing Strat-ish guitar (Harley Benton) This guitar upon inspection by me was Flawless. The finish on the guitar was perfect no blemishes or any other polish marks, swirls etc.
I plugged it into my practice amplifier to test the electronics and setup prior to installing new strings (something I do on all of my new guitars)
The electronics checked out wonderfully. All of the pots were smooth in functioning and input jack snug.
I got her all tuned up and the sound from the pickups were nothing short of perfect. They gave off a Clear Bell like tone when played lightly and when I put some Ooomf into them they responded in kind. Still clear but they reacted very nice to the change in playing dynamics.
The Setup is spot on. I checked the neck relief, right on at .010 and String Height and action set perfectly. Frets are easy to bend on and there were no high frets or bad spots. The fret ends were smooth as silk so they don't cut into my hand. Neck shape a very nice C shape and kinda meaty but not so much a smaller hand couldn't use it.
The pros are basically everything and I couldn't find any cons.
I kind of specialize in Country Rock, Southern Rock ala The Eagles, Skynrd, Allman Brothers, The Outlaws etc. These are my major influences
There are no need to go into the specs because they are already posted on the website.
A little further info about me.
Due to shipping time, I began purchasing some guitars on Amazon. I will not give any names, ok, I will give initials only FF and while good guitars at a cheap price point, I have found that the Harley Bentons and I now own 4 are far superior in quality and they are well worth the wait! I was notified by a member of the Harley Benton Group on Facebook that I can pay a little extra and have it shipped via UPS 3 day. I guess this will help when I get a hardon for a new guitar and can't wait the 9-10 day delivery to the States.
Thanks to Thomann and all of their employees and I hope you all have a happy holiday season!