Review of the Harley Benton TE-20MN BM 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 TE-20MN BM 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.

  • Bolt-on neck
  • Body: Basswood
  • Maple neck with modern C-shape
  • Maple fretboard
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Dot-inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Dual action truss rod
  • 2x TE-style single coil pickups
  • Electronics: 1 Volume knob, 1 Tone knob, 3-way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • 09-042 Strings
  • Finish: Blue metallic high gloss

review harley-benton-te-20mn-bm-standard-series

This guitar usually has a price around 75.00 €

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

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series Review

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

Comment:

As a disclaimer, before buying this guitar I have only had experience with the bass guitar, so I can’t give some super in-depth insight as to every small detail, but I can provide some general impressions I have (comparing to the different bass models I have had before).

Firstly, it’s weightier than I expected. I’m not necessarily against that, but it surprised me. Compared to the bass it’s not too bad however.

It came packaged really neatly with a few accessories. I was blown away with the quality of the finish, the blue colour is just as it is on the picture and in my opinion is one of the best features with this particular model.

The included strings are as to be expected, they’re stock strings after all. I plan to replace them fairly soon, but they certainly do well for the beginning stage of learning this instrument. The neckboard has a nice smooth finish to it, the only downside being that the frets are rather scratchy. (not the fret-ends) I’m sure a good polish along the fretboard would iron out this particular issue, since it seems rather common with this model. It doesn’t detract from the overall value whatsoever, since more expensive guitars can also have this of course.

The sound quality is better than expected! I initially used the cable that came with the guitar, but quickly came upon the realisation that it is basically useless. After switching the cable I was really impressed by the overall output, buzzing is rather minimal in my opinion. It’s possible that the cable included was simply faulty with mine, but I wouldn’t recommend using it either way.

The guitar tends to lose its tuning quite quickly, but it can last for a little while before needing a tune-up again. Replacing the tuning pegs might alleviate this, as it seems to be a common upgrade path for this model. Personally I will be keeping it stock, but it may be a good option for those who want more stable tuning in the long-run.

The protective film was a huge pain to remove, but with some care it comes off okay. I’ve seen worse with other instruments. Pots are quite nice for such a cheap instrument, they feel like they will survive quite well, alongside the output jack of course.

TLDR: Here are some pro’s and con’s:

Pro’s
– Phenomenal finish to the guitar, lovely colour!
– Fret-ends are nice and smooth
– Sound is better than expected, nothing too fancy
– Feels higher quality than the purchase price

Con’s
– Screws were put in a bit wonky in a few spots
– Scratchy frets, but all they need is a polish!
– Protective film was annoying to remove (like on many guitars, although also somewhat satisfying)
– Goes out of tune quite quickly
– Included cable is rubbish! (but it’s nice that one was included anyway)

Overall, it’s a fantastic purchase if you’re going for a cheap guitar. You can’t do better for the price in my opinion. This 100% beats the first bass I ever had, which was over twice the price of this guitar.
(perhaps an unfair comparison, but that’s all I can compare it to)

Comment:

I’m just a retired guy who has dabbled with guitar over the years, but was never really serious about it. Now that I’m retired, I have more time to play! I can honestly say that this guitar is perfect for my level of playing ability! Since I received it, I haven’t changed a thing (hardware) except a new set of strings. I also lowered the saddles to improve the action and then had to adjust the intonation. Now that I’ve got it dialed in, it’s a fantastic instrument and a blast to play! I really can’t say anything bad about the guitar! It has definitely exceeded my expectations!!! The only one complaint I have, and it’s totally not Thomann’s fault, is that the guitar arrived here in Florida damaged. Something blunt about the diameter of a dime pierced both boxes right through and put a dent in the back of the guitar. Thank you shipping companies!!! (Not going to mention any names, but you know who I’m talking about!) I have since filled it with wood putty, carefully sanded it flush, and put a 3 piece racing stripe silver decal over the dent and now it looks fine. I like the guitar so much I really didn’t want to send it all the way back to Germany for a replacement, so since the damage is on the back and I made a decent patch job on it, it’s staying right here! I would highly recommend a Harley Benton guitar over any other entry level brand!!! As I mentioned in my Heading, if I were a good enough player to join a band, I wouldn’t hesitate to gig with this guitar!!! The blue metallic finish is absolutely stunning and the satin finish maple neck is smooth and fast!!! No complaints!!! The only caveat here for customers in the Americas, unfortunately and sadly, is there’s always a slight possibility that the guitar might sustain some damage coming all the way from Germany across the pond. That being said, these guitars are so nice for so little money, I would still give Harley Benton serious consideration before plopping down more money at an American retailer on something that won’t be of the same high quality. I won’t ever part with this guitar!!!

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series vs Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style

The guitar Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series is usually 9 € more expensive 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 TE-20MN BM Standard Series

Harley Benton Electric Guitar Kit ST-Style
  • Bolt-on neck
  • Body: Basswood
  • Maple neck with modern C-shape
  • Maple fretboard
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Dot-inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Dual action truss rod
  • 2x TE-style single coil pickups
  • Electronics: 1 Volume knob, 1 Tone knob, 3-way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • 09-042 Strings
  • Finish: Blue metallic high gloss
  • 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

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series vs Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley

The guitar Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Seriesis usually 80 € cheaper than Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley.

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series

Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley
  • Bolt-on neck
  • Body: Basswood
  • Maple neck with modern C-shape
  • Maple fretboard
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Dot-inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Dual action truss rod
  • 2x TE-style single coil pickups
  • Electronics: 1 Volume knob, 1 Tone knob, 3-way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • 09-042 Strings
  • Finish: Blue metallic high gloss
  • Deluxe Series
  • Body: Basswood
  • Bolt-on neck: Maple
  • Fretboard: Amaranth
  • Neck profile: C
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Fretboard inlays: Dots
  • 21 Medium jumbo frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • Pickup: 2 Roswell STA Alnico-5 vintage ST-Style single coils and 1 Roswell HAF Alnico-5 humbucker
  • 2 Tone controls and 1 volume control with volume push/pull function coil split
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Hardware: Chrome
  • Wilkinson tremolo
  • Stringing: D’Addario EXL110 .010 – .046 (article no. 104555)
  • Colour: Black Paisley

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley

Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley Unboxing & Review

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley review

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series vs Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute

The guitar Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Seriesis usually 84 € cheaper than Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute.

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series

Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute
  • Bolt-on neck
  • Body: Basswood
  • Maple neck with modern C-shape
  • Maple fretboard
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Dot-inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Dual action truss rod
  • 2x TE-style single coil pickups
  • Electronics: 1 Volume knob, 1 Tone knob, 3-way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • 09-042 Strings
  • Finish: Blue metallic high gloss
  • Body: Alder
  • Bolt-on neck: Canadian maple with stained nyatoh skunk stripe
  • Fretboard: Maple
  • Neck profile: C
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm (TUSQ XL)
  • 21 Frets
  • Pickups: 3 Roswell SK52 True Vintage Staggered Alnico 5 single coils
  • 1 Volume control and 2 tone controls
  • 5-Way toggle switch
  • Single-ply pickguard
  • Synchronised tremolo system
  • Kluson style machine heads
  • Chrome-plated hardware
  • Ex-factory stringing: D’Addario .010 – .046 (article no. 104555)
  • Colour: Black high gloss

Below have a look to the video of this guitar Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPkBd4s9Nv8

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute review

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series vs Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA Standard Series

The guitar Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Seriesis usually 0 € cheaper than Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA Standard Series, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Below have a look to the video of this guitar

Harley Benton TE-20MN BM Standard Series

Harley Benton ST-20HSS CA Standard Series
  • Bolt-on neck
  • Body: Basswood
  • Maple neck with modern C-shape
  • Maple fretboard
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Dot-inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Dual action truss rod
  • 2x TE-style single coil pickups
  • Electronics: 1 Volume knob, 1 Tone knob, 3-way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Die-cast machine heads
  • 09-042 Strings
  • Finish: Blue metallic high gloss
  • Body: Basswood
  • Neck: Maple
  • Neck profile: Modern C
  • Fretboard: Roseacer
  • Fretboard radius: 350 mm
  • Dot fretboard inlays
  • 22 Frets
  • Scale: 648 mm
  • Nut width: 42 mm
  • Double action truss rod
  • Pickups: 1x Humbucker and 2x single coils
  • 1x Volume control and 2x tone controls
  • 5-Way switch
  • Chrome hardware
  • Synchronised tremolo
  • Closed gear machine heads
  • Strings: .009 – .042
  • Colour: Candy Apple Red
  • Case: Article Nr: 122213 and Article Nr 136377 (both not included)

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

Harley Benton ST-20 HSS CA Fat Strat on the Cheap. Is it worth it?

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

Where to buy the guitar Harley Benton TE-20MN BM 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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