Introducing the Harley Benton SC-550Plus EMG PAF, a classic-looking single cut guitar that delivers the iconic tone to match its looks thanks to a duo of original EMG active pickups. Alongside its powerful sound, though, the solid-body SC-550 also features a flamed maple top and a slim-taper neck profile that ensures a comfortable playing feel along the guitar's entire 22-fret fingerboard. Of course, the latter would not be complete without the characteristic block inlays and ivory-coloured binding, which nicely complement the other synthetic parts of this Harley Benton. And despite the affordable price, no corners have been cut when it comes to the hardware: A classic Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece combination together with a set of locking machine heads ensure reliable tuning stability at all times.
The central components of this handsome single cut are its okoume body (a wood also known as Gabon mahogany) and set nyatoh neck. It's an instrument that is especially well-suited to Rock in all its forms, i.e. wherever powerful sounds are called for. The combination of woods used in its construction harmonise well with the two EMG Retro Active FAT 55 humbuckers, governed by the familiar three-way toggle switch to offer a tone spectrum that ranges from warm cleans to gritty overdrive. As one would expect from active EMGs, there are plenty of characterful dynamics to play with, and scarcely any noise: On top of that, each of the pickups has its own volume and tone control, letting guitarists personalise their sound or adapt it to the situation. Fans of slim, 60s-style neck profiles will also love the rounded shape of the neck's back; the Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF is incredibly easy to play from the first fret to the last, thanks also to a graduated profile that goes from 20.5mm thick at the first fret to 22.5mm at the octave.
At this affordable price point, the Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF is primarily aimed at those just starting out, as well as novice guitarists looking to improve their sound - after all, their budget also has to cover other essentials, like an amplifier. Certainly, the money invested in an SC-550 is well spent, with plenty of guitar for the price – especially the powerful pro-grade, brand-name humbuckers. This feature, which in particular makes the SC-550 a respectable all-round backup instrument, will also appeal to more experienced guitarists who have spent time on stage - as will the reliability and playability ensured by the guitar's solid hardware. Lead guitarists in particular will find the SC-550 very easy to play in the higher registers, thanks to the contoured heel at the neck joint, which isn't a feature always found in guitars of this design.
Since 1998, the Harley Benton brand has been catering for the needs of countless guitarists and bassists. In addition to an extensive range of stringed instruments, Thomann's house brand also offers a wide choice of amplifiers, speakers, effect pedals, and other accessories. In total, the range includes over 1,500 products. Built by established names in the industry, all Harley Benton products combine quality and reliability at attractive and affordable prices. The continuous expansion of the range ensures that Harley Benton always provides new, exciting, and innovative products that keep players perfectly in tune with the musical world, day after day.
Quality doesn't have to have a hefty price tag when it comes to guitars – as proven by the Harley Benton SC-550Plus EMG PAF. This solid-body's traditional look makes it an ideal way to get started in the world of single-cut guitars, and its powerful sound (thanks to the output of the two active EMG pickups) is sure to impress beginners and pros alike, the latter perhaps choosing an SC-550 as a backup instrument. The humbuckers are powered by a single 9V battery, which can be easily changed on the back of the guitar, and their active design means that they are even less susceptible to noise than passive humbuckers, which is especially beneficial when playing music that requires a lot of gain. Because the battery starts providing the pickups with power as soon as the cable is plugged in, it's best to unplug the guitar when it is not in use – this should ensure that the battery will last for a long time.