Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE LH

This was not only my first acoustic but also my first Harley Benton (having a number of electric guitars already). Got to say right off the bat really impressed with the quality having seen many YouTube reviews of HB products, you can never really tell what is fact from fiction so had kind of reserved expectations of what I would actually get.

Guitar came double boxed which was a big plus. I have spent a few hours on it now and getting used the bigger body shape (than and electric). I purposely went for this model due to being smaller in frame and this being a little smaller than a dreadnought. Sits comfortably so feel i made the right choice. Build quality is exceptionally good for the price point. Really don't have any negative comments at all, feels well made. Fretwork is surprisingly good, actually significantly better than my Fender MIM fret edges. Can't feel and fret ends when playing and the neck is pretty smooth. Tuners seem fine and are holding tuning just fine. I tuned day 1 on arrival, retuned slightly day 2 and it has held tuning since (about a week now). Fishman preamp works great and built in tuner is pretty much spot on with my other tuners. Picks up nicely for recording in when I don't want it mic'd.

Has a lovely warm sound, maybe loses some volume being slightly smaller? For bedroom/studio though it is absolutely fine.

For the price point and quality I am not really finding any negatives, there are other more well known brands close to this price point so you could see those in store for comparison.

Maybe the veneer isn't the nicest to look at, I would probably have gone with a lighter colour guitar out of choice but they were all bigger dreadnoughts.

Overall, pleased with my purchase and the quality of the guitar. This will be my only acoustic and expect it will last for years to come.

A guitar that cost under £200 should not be this good. But I'm pleased to say it really really is.

The finish on the guitar is flawless. The frets are really good with no sharp edges. The neck is super comfortable. Bone nut cut perfectly. The sound board has an amazing striping to it that changes in the light when you move the guitar. I've never seen this before and it's amazing.

This guitar sounds like it should cost £400 - £600. Honestly, it really is that good.

I have given 4 stars for quality because out of the box the neck was dead straight (some people are fine with this, but I prefer a little relief in the neck) and the action at the 12th fret was a bit high. Once I adjusted the neck and sanded the saddle it now plays as good as any other guitar I've played.

This guitar punches well well well above its weight. Amazing. Well done thomann and thank you.