Custom Line CLD-41S WN : A Really Great Acoustic Guitar

I already own a Harley Benton HB Custom Line King-CE NT and have always been very happy and impressed with it, but I wanted an acoustic guitar with a spruce top that was a little brighter sounding. After some research I settled on the Custom Line CLD-41S WN. I have now owned the guitar for over 3 months and have grown to like it more and more and play it for at least a 2-3 hours every day.

It arrived about 3 days after placing my order in the usual double transit box. My first impression was that, although understated in looks, it was was very impressive and an attractive guitar. Its' Satin finish was flawless and, the white binding to the body, neck and head-stock, really gave it a quality look. It also has a lovely fresh Spruce wood smell coming from the sound-hole.

On the Quality Control tag it was shown the high E was 0.5mm on the first fret and 2.00mm on the 14th fret, and the low E was 0.6 on the first fret and 2.5mm on the 14th fret. I checked the measurements and they were exactly as stated, so full marks for the quality control! However, the strings were a bit too high for me but the saddle had plenty of material to take off to reduce the height of the strings. After sanding down the saddle to give me a lower action, it is 1.5mm on the 12th fret on the high E, and 2.00mm on the low E on the 12th fret. I didn't need to adjust the nut as it seems perfectly cut and its' height was spot-on.

The truss rod had been perfectly adjusted and the guitar does not have any buzzing on any of the frets. The fret ends were fine as well, with no sharp edges. The intonation was perfect when I first received the guitar and still is, even after the saddle adjustment.

The tuners are of good quality and holds the tuning for ages. The Abalone fret markers were nice and flat on the fretboard so they are not noticed when playing. It has a nice comfortable neck which I would call a shallow 'C' profile. I find the sound projects well and is well balanced, with neither the bass or the treble being dominant.

After changing the strings to 10's, (as I like to occasionally bend the strings as I'm primarily an electric guitar player), to me it sounds and plays perfectly.

I know the Custom Line CLD-41S WN is supposed to be a Martin D-41 replica. It certainly isn't a Martin, and I wouldn't expect it to be for the price, but you should really take it on it's own merits as it is a fantastic acoustic guitar in its' own right. It is excellent value for the comparitively low cost. This is my 7th Harley Benton guitar and it will not be my last.