Harley Benton CLA-15M SolidWood 5-stars Reviews

A very nice surprise

Not my first Harley Benton, but this guitar went well beyond expectations. I was looking for a cheap acoustic for my daughter, I saw this, check a few videos and I ordered it. The guitar looks great, amazing finish and excellent playability. I used to have sore shoulder after playing my dreadnought, this guitar is super comfortable, super playable and its mojo drives you towards learning some Eric Clapton or some Robert Johnson. Had no idea that that the OOOguitar was the trick .... that could be a pro and a con... I mean... it's a matter of taste. it's excellent for fingerpicking but don't expect the full sound of a dreadnought.... it's a slightly different instrument... but it's super enjoyable... I really like it a lot . highly recommended :-)

I shall call you - "Marty McFly"

If you could go back in time and not buy a certain other guitar...

I have 2 very expensive acoustic guitars that I love. I still love those guitars, but it's guitars like this that make you want a time machine so that you could buy this instead. The price difference between this and my other more expensive models is huge - the sound quality is not. It is now my second favorite acoustic guitar. Totally recommend! Also, I love the headstock on this. I am proud to rock the "HB"!

The only slight flaw is a less-than-perfect inlay where there is more gap that desired. It is 100% cosmetic and it does not affect the sound or play. But if you look close, you'll notice it. Considering this guitar is more than $1000 less than it's inspiration, I will not complain.

Amazing Sound

This solid wood rig is a real buy...I have tried most of the other reproductions, and this one is the best by FAR! I would recommend it to anyone wanting that delta blues sound.

Amazing

I have just received my all-solid CLA-15M - I also own a CLA-15M none solid - the difference in sound is like night and day. The all-solid has a wonderful bottom end, crisp highs, and an overall smoother tone, beautifully finished too, has more of a natural look to the wood then the non-solid version, I cannot find any faults whatsoever....Amazing!! and for £200 WOW!! I can't wait for it to mature.

Very, very happy!

Lots of other reviewers have said this is a great guitar for the money. This is a great guitar, full stop!

I'm going to make direct comparisons with the Martin 00015M, on which it's based. The fact that the 2 guitars even stand comparison says it all.

Weight, balance and sustain are all comparable. For me, there was always a slight dead spot on the G string of the Martin, but not on the HB.

The finishes on the Martin are better quality, as you'd expect, and there is a more uniform colour to the mahogany, which almost certainly means a superior cut of wood was used, but I don't hear those differences in the playing.

On delivery, both guitars were pretty well set up. I had a full pro setup on the Martin but I haven't done that yet for the Harley. I'm not sure it needs it!

I found no issues with frets etc, although I found 2 tiny, and I mean tiny, blemishes on the Harley headstock. The Martin, as you'd expect, was faultless.

The most important bit - playability! Both are very light guitars, and just beg to be picked up and played. Which am I enjoying more? The Harley Benton! It just feels right for me, although I realise that's very subjective.

Which should you buy? Both are solid wood, and will only improve through time, but I suspect the Martin, with it's superior timbers and that headstock logo is the one that will gain in value. That said, if I was offered the choice of the two at the same price, and I knew I would never sell it or give it away, I think I'd pick the Harley Benton.

Now, take into account what these two actually cost, and I think it's an easy choice.

Excellent quality product. Beautiful craftsmanship, great sound. Very impressive for the price.