Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW

The good parts:
- Good fretwork (better than any Mexican Strat I ever played for a fraction of the price. Surprised the frets were polished).
- I don't see any serious flaws in the finish.
- EMGs! The 60 is still the greatest neck pickup ever made. And the 81 is no slouch.
- No problems with the electronics.
- Plays great with low action due to the aforementioned fretwork.
The bad:
- Loose jack.
- Gloss finish, sticky neck.
- Weight (did not measure, but it feels heavier than my other guitars. I changed the strap because of this).
- The neck is quite thick, but this could be a pro or a con for you.

Overall: One of the best guitar purchases I've ever made, considering the price. Recommended.

I've played with over 50 guitars in my whole life. This guitar is the one that made me fall in love with the first hit. Great sound, very high quality and features and in a price that almost anyone could afford it.
The only negative thing (but that's totally subjective) is the action that is a little higher than I would liked it to be.
Although higher action in the fretboard is perfect for low-tuning (Drop C and lower), cause you can feel the vibrations across the neck and the body.
A total value for money guitar and great choice especially for James Hetfield-Metallica fans.

I may start this review by saying I am not a gear head per se. I love gear, and I collect it but I know very little about it, I just know what I like. I have two Gibson Les Pauls, Fender Lite Ash Korea, Peavy Quilt Top EVH and so on. I'm a classical guitarist by trade and have spent by far the most money on my classical guitar (custom luthier built). So again, no expert, but I've played a few.

I've used Harley Benton twice, for exactly the reason most people do- to experiment with a fantasy guitar without spending outrageous money. My first was in 2004, a seven string, which I still play and rather like. This new one though, is in another class altogether.

As a massive Maiden, Metallica fan, (Smith and Hetfield respectively) I've always wanted an Explorer but wouldn't have had a daily use for one. Along comes the HB EX-84 EMG.

Well Holy God, this thing is a monster. As well made as any guitar I've ever played and could hold its own with guitars five times the price. The fretboard is like butter. Strung with .10s I have no issue switching between this and my nylon strings. Beautiful finish, no sharp edges or rough patches. Looks amazing, plays like a dream. Flatters me beyond belief! As for the EMG pick-ups.... pchow! Mind. Blown.

As I say, I'm no expert but I value quality, sound, aesthetics and playability. Sometimes I wish I'd broken the bank on a high-end Ibanez, PRS or suchlike- my classical cost over €6,500 so I'm no Scrooge. However, I can honestly say I'm not sure if that's necessary any more. If you are a true connoisseur, by all means shell out for the big guns, but Harley Benton are on to a winner with this one.

I've seen the price of my Peavey increase, and the Lite Ash might just become a dark horse classic. I firmly believe the same will happen with this guitar- it's a stone cold classic. Buy one before they sell out...