Review of the Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series Electric guitar. Where to buy it?

I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of the Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series 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: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard: Roseacer
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 3 ST-Style single coils
  • 1 Volume knob, 2 tone knobs
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Synchronised tremolo system
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Ex-factory stringing: .009 – .042
  • Colour: 3-Tone Sunburst high-gloss
  • Compatible cases: Article 122213 or article 136377 (both not included in purchase)

review harley-benton-st-20-sb-standard-series

This guitar usually has a price around 66.00 €

Now that we’ve seen the features of this guitar Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series watch these related videos to learn more.

Harley Benton - ST-20 -

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

Comment:

I am a techie-type and have been playing electric guitar for fifty years. I bought this Strat-style guitar for the sole purpose of fitting my MIDI pickup to it which I was desperate to get off my real Strat because it gets in the way of comfortable playing and also requires undersireble settings of string-height etc.
I therefore was never intending to play this HB-ST20 actually as a guitarist, I had no interest in the tone or the action or anything else because all I intended to do was play slow, simple chord-changes to control my synth via MIDI.
As such, I bought the cheapest guitar I could find and had very low expectations.
When this guitar arrived I was literally ASTONISHED by it. I can hardly believe that it is possible to buy such an excellent instrument for so little money.
I can see no significant flaw in the finsh – this guitar looks great.
The scratchplate is proper too – three-ply white/black/white as it should be.
The sound is very good. As a lifelong (American) Strat player I know what a Strat should sound like and this extremely inexpensive guitar comprehensively achieves it. The "tubular" sound of a Strat neck pickup, the spanky brightness of the bridge pickup, the distinctive hollow sound of the 2 and 4 switch positions …… it does it all.
The neck profile is quite thick – this is not an ultra-slim C-shaped neck, more of a D – but I found it very comfortable indeed and despite decades of playing slim C-shaped necks I immediately felt at home with it.
In recent years there has been a trend away for high gloss finsh on the neck because with the slight dampness of a hand the neck becomes sitcky to the feel and slower. The finish on this neck is matt and it feels fast. The frets are well finished, no sharp edges, fret-sprout or radically uneven heights. It needed a set-up but once the intonation and string heights were correct, the action is low. The nut was quite well cut – some small improvement would be possible, but it’s definitely close to it’s ideal straight out of the box.
The pickups sounded good both clean and into distortion.
The tuners are nothing wonderful but they’re fine, perfectly serviceable and far better than expected.

As I said at the beginning. I am literally astonished at how good this guitar is. Assuming that the one I received was typical then I would absolutely recommend this guitar to anyone.
As a guitar for beginner/inexperienced it is ideal, but this guitar is an actual INSTRUMENT which experienced and seasoned players would be happy to play.

My sole criticism is that the tremelo arm is an extremely sloppy fit, but excessive play in screw-in tremelo arms is a long-standing problem even for big name brands so don’t be put off by that. People have been putting tape etc on tremelo arm threads since the day Fender launched the first Strat, it’s all "part of the joy" :-p

Comment:

If only there had been guitars of this quality and price when I started playing over 40 (!) years ago. It’s an absolutely stunning piece of kit. I honestly don’t know how it’s possible to sell them at this price.
With a bit of work, you can turn this into a guitar that, in my opinion, is the equal of similar models at over 10x the price. Thanks to modern production techniques, this is a precision manufactured instrument. The (heavy!) 45mm thick body, cavities and neck are perfectly cut and fit like a glove. However, it does need some human touches to really get it up to scratch. Namely:
3 or 4 of the frets did protrude from the neck sides and needed filing down flush. Nearly all the frets needed dressing properly at the ends with emery paper. 3 of the frets were ever-so-slightly high and needed filing down and re-crowning. All simple enough jobs – YouTube is your friend. I also oiled the neck with some Danish wood oil.
Next after a re-string with some quality strings (the originals weren’t bad) I set the tremolo to float properly. The whole tremolo bridge works just fine and the plate, saddles and springs are all of a decent quality – perhaps the block could be upgraded, but no need especially. The tremolo arm does need bending up, off the strings, which I did using a vice. The tuners are well-made and do a quite satisfactory job. No complaints there. I then set the intonation and set the truss rod properly with feeler gauges. Just a quarter turn to the right. The pickup height was spot on,and I was ready to go.
So how does it sound? Just like it should! The pickups sound and feel authentic and don’t lack any power or clarity. Yes, I have heard better, but not by much. The knobs,switch and the jack socket are all fine and well-earthed and there’s no excessive, unwanted noise.
Conclusion: I was thinking of spending a lot of money on a Fender, but then, after reading a few reviews, I decided to take a chance – after all, I could always return it – thanks Thomann. Well, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one again or recommend one to anyone. Just spend a few hours setting it up properly and you will have yourself a fantastic guitar. The only negative I can report is a barely visible defect in the paintwork. For the record, whatever that’s worth, I also own a Fender Telecaster and a Gibson SG. I thought I might sand off the Harley Benton logo, but now? No way! I use it live and people (guys!) have come up to me and said they couldn’t believe it was really a Thomann copy, but there you go!

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series vs Fender Squier Bullet Strat BK

The guitar Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Seriesis usually 49 € cheaper than Fender Squier Bullet Strat BK, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series

Fender Squier Bullet Strat BK
  • Body: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard: Roseacer
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 3 ST-Style single coils
  • 1 Volume knob, 2 tone knobs
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Synchronised tremolo system
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Ex-factory stringing: .009 – .042
  • Colour: 3-Tone Sunburst high-gloss
  • Compatible cases: Article 122213 or article 136377 (both not included in purchase)
  • Body: Basswood
  • Neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: C
  • Fretboard: Indian Laurel (Laurel)
  • Fretboard radius: 241 mm/9.5″
  • 21 Medium frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Pickups: 3 single coils
  • Standard synchronized tremolo
  • Strings: Fender 250L Strings (009-042)
  • Colour: Black

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Fender Squier Bullet Strat BK

Squier Bullet Stratocaster Demo & Review - A Cheap Electric Guitar That Sounds Great

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Fender Squier Bullet Strat BK review

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series vs Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock Series

The guitar Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Seriesis usually 69 € cheaper than Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock Series.

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series

Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock Series
  • Body: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard: Roseacer
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 3 ST-Style single coils
  • 1 Volume knob, 2 tone knobs
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Synchronised tremolo system
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Ex-factory stringing: .009 – .042
  • Colour: 3-Tone Sunburst high-gloss
  • Compatible cases: Article 122213 or article 136377 (both not included in purchase)
  • Basswood body with domed top
  • Bolt-on maple neck
  • Modern C-shape
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • DOT inlays
  • White binding on fretboard
  • 24 Frets
  • 648mm (25.51″) scale
  • 42mm (1.65″) Nut width
  • Double-Action Trussrod
  • 2x Hi-Gain Humbucker Pickup
  • Electronic 1 x Volume and 1 x Tone Control
  • 3-Way Switches
  • By Floyd Rose Tremolo
  • Gold hardware
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Strings: 0.09 – 0.042
  • Finish: Translucent Blue High Gloss, (Art.122213)

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock Series

HARLEY BENTON S-620 - BIG Review🔴

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton S-620 TB Rock Series review

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series vs Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series

The guitar Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Seriesis usually 19 € cheaper than Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series

Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series
  • Body: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard: Roseacer
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 3 ST-Style single coils
  • 1 Volume knob, 2 tone knobs
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Synchronised tremolo system
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Ex-factory stringing: .009 – .042
  • Colour: 3-Tone Sunburst high-gloss
  • Compatible cases: Article 122213 or article 136377 (both not included in purchase)
  • Body: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Fretboard: Amaranth
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • 22 Frets
  • Pickup: 1 Humbucker (bridge) and 2 single coils (middle and neck)
  • 1 Volume control and 2 tone controls
  • 5-Way pickup switch
  • Synchronised tremolo
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Black hardware
  • Ex-factory stringing: .009″ – .042″
  • Colour: Black, matte

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series

Harley Benton ST 20HSS SBK Standard Series

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series review

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series vs Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style

The guitar Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Seriesis usually 0 € cheaper than Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style
  • Body: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard: Roseacer
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 3 ST-Style single coils
  • 1 Volume knob, 2 tone knobs
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Synchronised tremolo system
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • Ex-factory stringing: .009 – .042
  • Colour: 3-Tone Sunburst high-gloss
  • Compatible cases: Article 122213 or article 136377 (both not included in purchase)
  • Complete DIY (do it yourself) kit
  • Bolt-on neck attachment
  • Rengas body (wood colour may vary)
  • Maple neck
  • Double action truss rod
  • Amaranth fretboard
  • Dots fretboard inlays
  • Radius: 350 mm
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Truss rod
  • 3 Ceramic single coil pickups
  • Electronics: 1 Volume, 2 Tone, 5-Way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Diecast machine heads
  • Tremolo
  • .009 – .042 Strings
  • Colour: Natural

Note: The body and neck have been primed with pore filler, making them suitable for the direct application of lacquer finishes. Before the application of stains or other surface treatments, the primer must be first removed via sanding.

Note: A certain degree of skill in handiwork is required for successful assembly of the guitar.

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style - Unboxing, Assembling, and Sound Demo (no talking)

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style review

Where to buy the guitar Harley Benton ST-20 SB Standard Series

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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