Like the headline says, I really spent my lunch break from work driving home and back to work, just to play this guitar for a few minutes because I couldn't wait until this evening.
I really cannot believe I paid so little for this guitar. I was unsure about buying this color, but I am glad I did! It is a subtle, yet very attractive color, and it works well with the mint and cream. The maple fretboard! Holy. I am convinced there's a typo in the price of this series. Maybe we shouldn't point that out ;-)
PROS: the hardware is pretty much exactly what I would put on to upgrade a typical budget ST. But, this one comes with it. The pickup configuration is spot on, and sounds so good. I do not own a Modern Plus, but I don't feel like I'm missing out. The neck alone or just the body would be worth the entire purchase price. The frets and neck feel good. The compound radius! I like it. This was packaged very well, too.
Not Pros: small neck pocket crack appears to be forming (and I can feel it, but it's very small). I'd love to see rolling string trees to accompany the locking tuners, but the basic ones provided are actually much nicer than the common ones typically found on entry level guitars.
Summary: I really see this guitar as fit for nearly anyone/everyone. It can keep an experienced performer happy (some may want to upgrade electronics and maybe the trem block, but I don't think I will), and this would be a lifetime purchase for someone just learning. I don't think they'd want to part with it. If they do, I'd be interested ;-)
I had thought that two pole pieces on the single coils were set too low, but this is normal in vintage style staggered pole pickups.
If you want to see my review video and hear the guitar (and a LPB one) search on YouTube for "Harley Benton ST-Modern (NOT Plus) Unboxing, First Impressions, mini Review"
I'm going to go play my ST-Modern MN HSS SP
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