ST-62BK Hot Rod : A lot crammed into that price.

Ok so right off the bat, the problems: It's really lightweight. Enough to maybe affect tone and sustain if you notice subtle nuances like that in tonewoods. Personally, I'm deaf.

The tremolo tends to knock it out of tune pretty quickly. I'll replace the butterfly string guides with something more suitable.

that's about it. I'm not a fan of the lighter fretboard wood, but a little Fiebings dye will turn that around if it becomes so unbearable. Otherwise I am FLOORED they were able to fit this much into this price point.

The caramelized maple neck has a satiny smooth finish that is a pleasure to play. The body is slightly smaller than a proper Strat, but honestly that works in its favor with it being light.

The pickups have that singular Strat jangle that I was looking for, and the hot rail is the perfect thing for those that still want to have that strat single coil in the bridge sound as an option.

I will be ordering many more Harley Bentons in the future.