Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG VW

I have heard very mixed feedback about HB guitars and did not think I was going to buy one one day. I have three other quality, branded guitars (2 PRS, 1 Schecter) and I am not the kind of person who is going after cheap products.

However, I had desperately wanted to have an Explorer, not for the fact that Papa Het has a crush on them but also I find them extremely cool. I wanted to go after for an ESP Snakebyte but as this is out of stock now, I thought I was giving a try to this HB, the worst thing that could happen I thought was asking for a refund.

I received the guitar and unfortunately it had quality issues. My premonition about HB came true, I thought: chipped wood on the neck, multiple, visible markings right at the frets on the wood, paint spill at the nut etc. I was astonished that someone at HB put the quality control label marked "passed" without remorse on the headstock on this guitar especially considering that this is the top level tier at HB (Pro series). This is not acceptable for me with any brand as a new guitar, no matter how much it costs. I sent it back and asked for a refund.

In the meantime I ordered a new one, as the last chance for Harley Benton - if it is again poor quality, I will not ever touch one again.

The guitar arrived in impeccable condition with a gig bag. Finish was perfect, frets and fretboard intact, not a single micro scratch anywhere - it looked exactly as all brand new guitars should. It is very comfortable when you play sitting, the neck is fairly slim, the bridge pickup is crispy, EMG works very well. It is interesting though that I have the very same bridge pickup in my Schecter and the sound it produces in that guitar sounds different and I like that better. The tuners keep the tune very well even after a couple of days playing. The pickup selector is a bit loose in my opinion.

This guitar begs for (trash) metal, it is not for the faint hearted. Since it arrived, I have not touched my 3 other guitars - any time I want to play, I want to play this. The body itself is a bit smaller then a regular Explorer, and it is very light in my opinion. I am going to replace the strings and install Elixir.

The very same quality with any other brands costs at least twice as much, so it is a real bargain.

My only concern and regret is that the guitar has a serious neck dive. If one plays standing, it is extremely uncomfortable as you literally have to hold the neck in your left hand, which you normally should not. Being a person who plays 90% sitting is not an issue, but if you prefer playing standing, this guitar may not be for you - despite all benefits.

Overall I am very satisfied with this product, considering the price/value ratio it is an offer that is hard to leave on the floor.

I've played with over 50 guitars in my whole life. This guitar is the one that made me fall in love with the first hit. Great sound, very high quality and features and in a price that almost anyone could afford it.
The only negative thing (but that's totally subjective) is the action that is a little higher than I would liked it to be.
Although higher action in the fretboard is perfect for low-tuning (Drop C and lower), cause you can feel the vibrations across the neck and the body.
A total value for money guitar and great choice especially for James Hetfield-Metallica fans.

I may start this review by saying I am not a gear head per se. I love gear, and I collect it but I know very little about it, I just know what I like. I have two Gibson Les Pauls, Fender Lite Ash Korea, Peavy Quilt Top EVH and so on. I'm a classical guitarist by trade and have spent by far the most money on my classical guitar (custom luthier built). So again, no expert, but I've played a few.

I've used Harley Benton twice, for exactly the reason most people do- to experiment with a fantasy guitar without spending outrageous money. My first was in 2004, a seven string, which I still play and rather like. This new one though, is in another class altogether.

As a massive Maiden, Metallica fan, (Smith and Hetfield respectively) I've always wanted an Explorer but wouldn't have had a daily use for one. Along comes the HB EX-84 EMG.

Well Holy God, this thing is a monster. As well made as any guitar I've ever played and could hold its own with guitars five times the price. The fretboard is like butter. Strung with .10s I have no issue switching between this and my nylon strings. Beautiful finish, no sharp edges or rough patches. Looks amazing, plays like a dream. Flatters me beyond belief! As for the EMG pick-ups.... pchow! Mind. Blown.

As I say, I'm no expert but I value quality, sound, aesthetics and playability. Sometimes I wish I'd broken the bank on a high-end Ibanez, PRS or suchlike- my classical cost over €6,500 so I'm no Scrooge. However, I can honestly say I'm not sure if that's necessary any more. If you are a true connoisseur, by all means shell out for the big guns, but Harley Benton are on to a winner with this one.

I've seen the price of my Peavey increase, and the Lite Ash might just become a dark horse classic. I firmly believe the same will happen with this guitar- it's a stone cold classic. Buy one before they sell out...

I'm a James Hetfield fan since I was a kid, and I'll always loved the explorer's guitars, so I can say that buying this guitar was like a dream come true to me.

First, let's take care about the elephant in the room, the bad stuff.

It has a little cosmetic issue near the nut (wasn't fully painted on that point), but nothing too big or visible.

Now let's talk about the good stuff of the guitar.

The setup is correct, but you may had to adjust the truss rod and the action to fit your personal taste.

I was very surprised with the weight of the guitar, is very light for the shape. Also the neck dive is not as bad as I though it could be (I'm wearing a leather strap). and I think is a little less longer than a Gibson or ESP, but still great.

The pictures didn't make justice to the beautiful color, is like a white that makes me remember the old Hetfield's Explorers.

The sound is great, was very pleased with the EMGs pickups, they do the work. I also used the guitar on stage and was great.

I'm totally satisfied with my guitar, as I've already said, it is a dream come true for me, is also very affordable and I think on that price tag is unbeatable comparing the tech specs with other guitar on the market.

Probably I will give the opportunity to some Harley Benton SC on the near future.

Keep up the great work guys!