Review of the Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany Acoustic guitar. Where to buy it?

I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of the Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany guitar. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar items so you can compare.

  • Body design: Mini Travel Grand Symphony
  • Body: Selected mahogany
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fretboard: Blackwood
  • Fretboard inlays: Dot
  • Arched back
  • Binding on the body and neck: Black
  • Neck profile: V
  • Fretboard radius: 381 mm
  • Scale: 596 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Bridge: Blackwood
  • Machine heads: Black deluxe diecast
  • Pickup: HB-03 preamp with integrated tuner
  • String gauges: HB .012 – .053
  • Colour: Natural matte
  • Includes a gig bag
  • Total length: 95 cm
  • Lower bout: 36 cm
  • Height of the sides: 10 cm

review harley-benton-gs-travel-e-mahogany

This guitar usually has a price around 99.00 €

Now that we’ve seen the features of this guitar Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany watch these related videos to learn more.

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany Review & Demo

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Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

I have been a singer songwriter for more than 35 years. I still enjoy writing songs but do not gig very much these days. I love travelling ( mainly up to the North East Coast in the UK, where I originate from, with my lovely, loyal wee companion, Wor Bob, the Border Terrier ) I have quite a few guitars and I am always reluctant to throw one in the back of the car when we are on our excursions, so I thought this Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany would solve that problem. A ridiculously low price for something which has such favourable reviews ( and with a nice wee gig bag too ) So I ordered one. It arrived today and I absolutely LOVE this wee guitar. WHAT A BARGAIN ! The guitar is very well made, from lovely materials ( I love the slightly arched back, which certainly helps the guitar to resonate ). The neck and fretboard are wonderful. The action was pretty much spot on and the tuners are excellent, zero problem there – they work very well and the guitar holds its tuning ( after some bending and stretching of the strings ) I love the look and overall feel of this guitar and it projects amazingly well for something of its diminutive stature, with a beautiful full tone. I have to keep reminding myself that this was just over a hundred quid !! I would not have been disappointed if I had paid twice that amount. It would still have been a real bargain. I heard a few people criticising the placement of the battery compartment but I actually think it is a great place to house it and I managed to pop the battery into its compartment very easily by simply loosening the strings to gain access via the sound-hole, there is no need to completely remove them. Some people said it could be a potential problem if the battery was to run out mid gig ? ? Well just make sure you install a brand new battery before you start your gig ! ( come on, it’s not rocket science and the batteries are cheap enough )
Pro’s : Ridiculously great value.
Outstanding build quality for a tiny outlay.
Aesthetically gorgeous looking guitar.
Very full and beautifully round tone for such a small guitar.
More than adequate tuners ( which, again, look fabulous in black )
Great sounding pickup.
Perfect for carrying with you no matter where you may roam.
Cons : Although I like the choice of bronze strings, the quality of the ones it came strung with were well below par – a bit worn looking ( hardly worth mentioning as I always restring guitars with my personal preference – and, in truth, they sound not too bad )
The fret ends were a wee bit on the sharp side but a few minutes with a gentle file and that will be easily solved … nothing else to say really other than, if you are looking for a lovely wee travel guitar to carry with you, BUY THIS ONE ! It’s such a bargain …. and it even comes with a very decent gig bag …. FOR A LITTLE MORE THAN A HUNDRED QUID !! Amazing !!

Comment:

I normally play a Martin 000-15S and my son plays a Taylor GS Mini (of which this little Harley Benton is a replica). I know a good guitar when I play it.
I was looking for a cheap little travel guitar to take on a boating holiday and saw all the rave reviews of this little baby and decided to take a punt.
When the guitar arrived, the first things I noticed were that there was a slight buzz on the low E string and a dead spot on the B. No problem though – a 1/4 turn on the truss rod (key in the lovely travel bag!) gave a little more neck relief and buzz/dead spot gone like magic.
Only imperfection I could find on the whole instrument was a crease mark on the very thin pick guard. Again – no problem. I just peeled off the pick guard which left absolutely no mark on the guitar. I think it looks way better without it.
The action is now absolutely superb all the way up the neck and the intonation (checked with Snark tuner) is, remarkably, also spot on at every fret. With the original strings and a little relief adjustment the guitar plays great now. Sure it’s not a Martin or a Taylor but it is a remarkably good sounding little instrument in its own right and for the Euros 109 I paid, absolutely stunning value for money. It comes complete with a smashing little gig bag, truss rod key and even a cheap, but functional lead for hooking it up to an amplifier. I tried it with a MicroCube amp and the output from the fitted pickup is more than adequate.
I will be fitting a Graphtec TUSQ XL saddle when I replace the strings with Martin Custom Lights as I think very slightly heavier gauge strings might just add a little more bottom end, and the saddle that is on the guitar is a very cheap plastic job that isn’t really doing anything to improve the tone. However, saying that I generally make these simple mods to any guitar I buy, irrespective of what I paid for it.
To summarise then, if you are looking for a really great value travel guitar then look no further. This really is ‘a steal’.

Update: I have now had this little gem for around a week and I haven’t picked up my Martin in that time. This little guitar is stunningly good. I just can’t believe that an all laminate, small guitar can sound and play as well as this one does. String spacing I find a little to tight for my liking when finger picking, but for flat picking and strumming, the v shaped neck and excellent action are spot on. I’ve yet to replace the saddle and strings because every time I pick it up I start playing it!
I may be one of the lucky ones to get an absolute gem, but somehow, given the other reviews, I think not. Absolutely the best value guitar I have ever bought in terms of bang for buck. Amazing!
Update: Have just replaced strings with medium gauge Elixirs (13s). Had to lower action slightly at nut for low E and A strings to accommodate heavier gauge strings. Great success, much less unintended bending of treble strings when playing up the neck and much improved base response. Although slightly harder on the fingers, I think it’s well worth putting heavier gauge strings on this great little guitar.
With the Elixir 13s this guitar is the DADGAD beast!

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany vs Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15MCE

The guitar Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany is usually 90 € cheaper than Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15MCE.

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15MCE
  • Body design: Mini Travel Grand Symphony
  • Body: Selected mahogany
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fretboard: Blackwood
  • Fretboard inlays: Dot
  • Arched back
  • Binding on the body and neck: Black
  • Neck profile: V
  • Fretboard radius: 381 mm
  • Scale: 596 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Bridge: Blackwood
  • Machine heads: Black deluxe diecast
  • Pickup: HB-03 preamp with integrated tuner
  • String gauges: HB .012 – .053
  • Colour: Natural matte
  • Includes a gig bag

Dimensions:

  • Total length: 95 cm
  • Lower bout: 36 cm
  • Height of the sides: 10 cm
  • Design: Dreadnought with cutaway
  • Dovetail construction
  • Top: Solid mahogany
  • Scalloped X-bracing
  • Body: Mahogany
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fretboard: Pau Ferro
  • Neck profile: Modified oval C
  • Fretboard inlays: Snowflakes
  • Body binding: Wooden
  • Scale: 643 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Nut: Bone
  • Compensated saddle
  • Bridge: Pau Ferro
  • Machine heads: Chrome-plated diecast DLX
  • Strings: D’Addario XTAPB1253 Light (Article Nr 471307), .012 – .053
  • Pickup system: Fishman Presys-II preamp system with built-in tuner
  • Colour: Natural matte

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15MCE

Harley Benton Custom Line CLD 15MCE Review

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15MCE review

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany vs Harley Benton D-120CE NT

The guitar Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany is usually 33 € more expensive than Harley Benton D-120CE NT, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany

Harley Benton D-120CE NT
  • Body design: Mini Travel Grand Symphony
  • Body: Selected mahogany
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fretboard: Blackwood
  • Fretboard inlays: Dot
  • Arched back
  • Binding on the body and neck: Black
  • Neck profile: V
  • Fretboard radius: 381 mm
  • Scale: 596 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Bridge: Blackwood
  • Machine heads: Black deluxe diecast
  • Pickup: HB-03 preamp with integrated tuner
  • String gauges: HB .012 – .053
  • Colour: Natural matte
  • Includes a gig bag

Dimensions:

  • Total length: 95 cm
  • Lower bout: 36 cm
  • Height of the sides: 10 cm
  • Build type: Dreadnought with cutaway
  • Top: Spruce
  • Back and sides: Mahogany
  • Neck: Mahogany (Sapele / Entandrophragma cylindricum)
  • Neck profile: C
  • Dovetail neck joint
  • Fretboard: Roseacer (thermally treated maple wood)
  • 20 Frets
  • Scale: 650 mm
  • Bridge: Roseacer (thermally treated maple wood)
  • Pickup with preamp with volume knob and 4-band EQ
  • Chrome-plated diecast machine heads
  • Strings: .010 – .047
  • Colour: Natural high-gloss

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton D-120CE NT

€75 Harley Benton D120CE NT Acoustic Guitar Review

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton D-120CE NT review

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany vs Harley Benton D-120CE BK

The guitar Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany is usually 33 € more expensive than Harley Benton D-120CE BK, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany

Harley Benton D-120CE BK
  • Body design: Mini Travel Grand Symphony
  • Body: Selected mahogany
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fretboard: Blackwood
  • Fretboard inlays: Dot
  • Arched back
  • Binding on the body and neck: Black
  • Neck profile: V
  • Fretboard radius: 381 mm
  • Scale: 596 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Bridge: Blackwood
  • Machine heads: Black deluxe diecast
  • Pickup: HB-03 preamp with integrated tuner
  • String gauges: HB .012 – .053
  • Colour: Natural matte
  • Includes a gig bag

Dimensions:

  • Total length: 95 cm
  • Lower bout: 36 cm
  • Height of the sides: 10 cm
  • Design: Dreadnought with cutaway
  • Top: Spruce
  • Body: Mahogany (Entandrophragma cylindricum)
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fretboard: Roseacer (thermally treated maple wood)
  • Neck profile: C
  • Fretboard inlays: Dot
  • Cream-coloured bindings on the body and neck
  • Scale: 650 mm (25.59″)
  • Nut width: 42.5 mm (1.67″)
  • 20 Frets
  • Bridge: Roseacer (thermally treated maple wood)
  • Pickup includes preamp with volume control and 4-band EQ
  • Machine heads: Chrome-plated diecast
  • Strings: .010 – .047
  • Colour: Black, high-gloss

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton D-120CE BK

The Harley Benton D-120CE TB Bundle Unboxing and review

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton D-120CE BK review

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany vs Harley Benton D-120CE TB

The guitar Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany is usually 33 € more expensive than Harley Benton D-120CE TB, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany

Harley Benton D-120CE TB
  • Body design: Mini Travel Grand Symphony
  • Body: Selected mahogany
  • Neck: Nato
  • Fretboard: Blackwood
  • Fretboard inlays: Dot
  • Arched back
  • Binding on the body and neck: Black
  • Neck profile: V
  • Fretboard radius: 381 mm
  • Scale: 596 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Bridge: Blackwood
  • Machine heads: Black deluxe diecast
  • Pickup: HB-03 preamp with integrated tuner
  • String gauges: HB .012 – .053
  • Colour: Natural matte
  • Includes a gig bag

Dimensions:

  • Total length: 95 cm
  • Lower bout: 36 cm
  • Height of the sides: 10 cm
  • Body shape: Dreadnought
  • With cutaway
  • Body: Mahogany (Entandrophragma cylindricum)
  • Top: Spruce
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Neck profile: C neck profile
  • Roseacer fretboard
  • Dot fretboard inlays
  • Cream bindings on the body and neck
  • Scale: 650 mm
  • Nut width: 42.5 mm
  • 20 Frets
  • Roseacer bridge
  • Pickup system with pre-amp
  • Controls: Volume and 4-band EQ
  • Chrome die cast machine heads
  • String thicknesses: .010″ – .047″
  • Colour: Translucent blue high gloss

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton D-120CE TB

The Harley Benton D-120CE TB Bundle Unboxing and review

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton D-120CE TB review

Where to buy the guitar Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Mahogany

Thomann

  • Free Shipping.
  • Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
  • 100% reliable payment.
  • Leader in trouble-free shipping.
  • Usually Best price.
  • Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalogue and information.

Amazon

  • Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
  • Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
  • Sometimes better price.
  • He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

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Jaime Echagüe

Hi! I'm Jaime Echagüe, a musician and an authentic fan of musical instruments. With this blog I want to give general information about musical instruments in an easy, direct and honest way. I hope you enjoy my website and that you find it very useful.

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