BigTone Trem White : A LOT of guitar for the price

I've had this guitar in and out of my basket a few times over the last couple of years. I was attracted by the price and the look of it, but was always concerned about the quality. Despite some cracking reviews I wouldn't commit because of some apparent issues with the floating bridge etc.

I found a solution for the bridge problem online, but still had my doubts.

I wanted to use this guitar for recording and the occasional gig, so the questions in my mind were "is this really usable live"? and

"do I take a chance on this or spend 4 x more on a Gretsch"?

Budget issues forced my hand and I finally hit the 'Order' button.

3 days later, it landed on my doorstep in the UK and I have to say that the photos don't do it justice.

This is a beautiful looking guitar apart from the rather cheap looking pick guard, but did it play well?

Well...there is no denying that it had a couple of minor issues.

The supplied strings, which I am guessing are 12's, are horrible and the master volume control was grinding on the top of the body when turned. There was also a horrible looking strip of white cloth under the floating bridge that looked like a fraying off-cut from someones handkerchief....why?

Within the first 20 mins the stings were changed to 9's, the cloth was removed and replaced with a strip of thin felt and the master volume control was adjusted...All problems solved. Somewhere along the line Harley Benton had listened and cured the bridge issue, so nothing else to be done there.

Pick-guard sprayed white (on the reverse) and gold edging added, so even that looks good now. Sound beautiful through my Fender Mustang amps so I am absolutely delighted. Keep your Gretsch...I could have the orange version of this as well and still have change... If you are looking at this as a potential addition to your collection, you won't regret it. Amazing guitar for the money (I don't understand how Harley Benton do it). Get yours now before they go out of stock again!