TE-20 BK Standard Series : An unexpected gem

I bought this guitar as I've always wanted to refinish a Tele in a Paisley finish like the old Fender 60's models. I initially planned to buy just a body, but after seeing lots of positive comments regarding Harley Benton guitars on the thefretboard.co.uk website, I decided to take the plunge on this model. I anticipated having to do a lot of work to get something that was playable. After all, it's only £48, how much can you expect for that kind of money?

The answer was "Quite a lot".

Out of the box this was very playable - I'd expected to have to do a full set up including fret dress and polish, but was surprised to find that they were fine... could do with a tiny polish, but nothing that couldn't wait. Overall finish was very good; no runs or blemishes on the paintwork, and the neck was comfortable with a smooth satin finish. Action was a little high, but 5 minutes with an allen key fixed that. Hardware is not branded, but seems comparable in quality to Wilkinson after-market parts that I recently fitted to another project guitar. I may replace the bridge, but only to get one with compensated saddles. Intonation was fine with the original, just want a little more accuracy.

I have three other Tele-style guitars (one Fender, the others copies) but this is my first with a top-loading as opposed to through-body stringing. To my surprise, it doesn't seem to make that much difference... it still sounds like a Tele with the necessary spank and twang on the bridge pickup, and a more mellow neck pickup.

I had a paying gig with my covers band the day after it arrived, and honestly would have been happy to take this out and play it in public without any further modifications... the only thing that stopped me was fear I might ding the finish and make my refinishing job harder.

So in conclusion - it's amazing what you can get in a guitar for so little money these days... if there had been this quality/cost of instrument available when I started leaning guitar 30 yrs ago, my first musical steps would have been a lot easier. Tempted to try one of their single cut models next, though I really should finish my Paisley Tele first!