Custom Line CLA-15MCE VS : Easy on the left hand

6 years ago

I have to put my title in context here. I haven't been able to play my acoustics because of a problem with my left hand. I now primerely only play electric. However after playing a friends HB J200 copy and his HB Ta***r (Shh!) copy I was pleased to find that the radius and neck profile where really easy on my hand. Now, when I was only playing acoustic's I played 000 models 00028 Martin and 00016 rgte. I thought I would have those guitars till the end of my day's and hand them on to my son. I had owned to 00016 for over 20 years. I just couldn't play for long periods anymore. So sadly I sold them. I'm a finger picker so I also chose rosewood backed spruce topped instruments as I found they projected better. Now the CLA-15.... If you're a finger picker you'll love this guitar, but don't expect it to cut through if you jamming with friends and they have spruce topped instruments. The CLA-15 does not have a top conducive to resonation and or projection due to the mahogany construction. Fear not though as a song writing tool it has a lovely sweet little voice and is very pleasant, if muted. If you use a plec and are a strummer this may not be a problem for you in the slightest. The pre-amp however is killer. I had the early PREFIX system in my 00016 Martin it never sounded natural and I was always trying to EQ it to my taste in live situations. I ended up with a 'make do' sound that I was never entirely happy with. However the system on the CLA-15 is beautifully voiced (EQ wise). Plugged into the PA it sounds fantastic live. Finger picking is a joy again. It was hard to believe this guitar came with 12's on as standard, the feel and the action were that good. I have dropped to 11's (even better for me) and as a live tool this is now my only acoustic instrument. No it's not an all round guitar it is very quiet (due in most part to that mahogany top, but it comes to life when plugged in. A gem of a find and I understand why so many people have given this such good reviews. Only 4 stars overall and with sound because of how quiet it is for me as a finger picker, but that's down to me, others may not even notice.

Image Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-15MCE VS

Technical Data

  • Manufactured by Harley Benton
  • Released in 2019
  • Average price : $243
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