Harley Benton CG-45 NS

Having given away my travel guitar in the Far East I was looking for something cheap to be my travelling companion for days out and holidays. Having seen the kind of punishment an instrument can get on the road or in the air (even if you are careful). I did not want to spend very much on what would be my "Beater" guitar. These are my findings and thoughts on what I got.

First of all, the service (particularly by Thomas) at Thomann was first class. I couldn't be happier with the communication or their expediency.

My CG-45

Arrived securely boxed, well packaged and protected.
It was exceptionally light. Now for me this was a bonus, for others this would be a minus. There is of course a trade-off in terms of sound. Please keep in mind all the time, the actual price of this guitar though.

I put some Martin strings on it and "Oh Boy!" Now THAT is more like it.In fact, I liked it so much I took it to my guitar tech to install a pre-amp and piezo just in case.

I would not recommend this as a first or beginner guitar. It walks a fine line between toy and instrument. A person starting out would do better in my humble opinion to go for something they can grow with it. Buy the best instrument you can afford. Look at the top of the range Harley Benton's as well as the more "famous" brands.

I have had this guitar over a year now and it is holding up well. Keeps tune pretty good (often a problem with cheaper guitars). Would I gig with it? No. But I would use it as an emergency back-up.

I didn't bother with the stick-on pickguard and a small niggly point, the stickers added to look like mother of pearl on the tuners don't do it for me, nor does the printed rosette, but remember that price? I thought it was worth spending that amount again to electrify it. Just change the strings and you can have a very servicable laminate guitar like "Woody" too.