Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF

Last year I bought a Fender American Ultra Stratocaster which I am very happy with. It costs a bit, but then you really have a top guitar. So I thought it was quite exciting to go for a “budget” guitar, which I couldn't even hold in my hands beforehand. The reviews on YouTube about various Harley Bentons eventually removed the doubts. And it is of course quite interesting to compare a Harley Benton with a guitar from the higher segment. I have now had the Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG PAF for a few days and I am not disappointed. I think it is a top instrument, especially compared to the cost. The finish is of a very high level and the guitar simply looks beautiful. What I was pleasantly surprised by is the tuning of the guitar. It is just fine and I know that is certainly not the case with every budget guitar. I may make some minor adjustments to get it completely to my taste, but that was no different with the Stratocaster. The EMGs are fine, from clear and clean to nice ripping and everything in between. In my opinion, the locking tuners are a must have and are well made. Is there nothing to complain about at all? Certainly. It is more pleasant if the cable of the 9V battery is slightly longer, which makes it easier to change. Now it's all a bit tight and it requires some fiddling to replace the battery. The covers on the back of the guitar are also made of simple plastic, but for the price of this guitar I hardly dare to find any. All in all, highly recommended!

With one initial exception this is a 5 star guitar. Finish is beautiful with absolutely no flaws, action is low, fretboard and frets are level with no buzz anywhere, fret ends are excellent and intonation is spot on. Now, the only issue was that the low E locking tuner was stripped. A quick email with a video was sent and two days later a new tuner was on the way. Excellent service response! It arrived international in 3 days, just like the guitar did previously. Replaced it yesterday and now everything is perfect. I absolutely love the guitar and the active pickups.

The guitar came with a very good setup, only minor tweaks to the intonation but it was not really needed. Finish was flawless, could not find any problems. Only con was that the truss rod cover was missing, it has been there so i think it was removed during setup and forgot to put in place after. But i have contacted thomann and i will get one.
Great guitar with awsome pickups, they have very good clarity and does work well whitout battery but i will use the active function with battery because it sound great.

This guitar for this price is just a bargain! EMG's, stainless frets, locking tuners and really perfect finish. Nice tone, low string action ( 1.14mmE6 and 0.83mm E1) and no fret buzz (and honestly they don't look to be leveled just proper installed). Price could be easily doubled and still be a no brainer for me. I don't care about name on headstock and am sure if they will keep that quality, the future of this company is bright! And thanks fot Thomann for solving small issue, always helpful.