Harley Benton RB-612CS Classic Series Reviews

A little disappointing, but it's far from terrible

I was so excited about buying this guitar just to see what it would be like because on paper it is insanely cheap for the money. First impressions were good to a point. It's very solidly made, nicely finished, bound fret board, honestly a nice feel. The neck was sadly bowed though and so the intonation was sadly all over the place, so really I should have of sent it back. But I didn't and thought'd test it out further and try and live with it for a bit. A string broke on day 2 of owning it and this is where the real fun began. I've never owned a 12 string electric before and so hadn't encountered a floating bridge and saddle quite like this before. Basically it's almost impossible to change one string without having to change all twelve because of the way the strings gently sit within the saddle (tail piece) which held in place through the overall string tension when wound up to pitch. So this is pretty frustrating if you're not familiar with this style of restringing. I do really want to love this guitar, and as I mentioned part of the fault lies with me for not returning this guitar as it may just be faulty. But I managed to tweak the trust rod and straighten the neck a little and then get the bridge intonation a little more accurate but it's still not bang on. That said I fell like this guitar (if you get a good one) is a beginners dream. And it's lovely to hear the 12 string jangling tone. It really does feel pretty nice to play, and the hardware alone must surely cost most of its price tag. It's a solid feeling guitar with an interesting spec for its price bracket. So I hope this is a helpful review. I'd loved to have given it a higher rating but that would be fair to my experience with the product.

This is it.

Imma keep it short and sweet. The guitar is like a miracle at 280 delivered.

It stays in tune, it sounds Expensive, the Looks and build quality are out-f-ing-standing.

Forget any disclaimers "for the price", no. If this said PRS SE on the headstock I'd have no trouble believing it.

I can't stop playing this guitar. 5 stars.

Can not get a response on defective guitar pickups off center bridge as we slector switch not working in mid position etc.

No good see above pickups off center selector switch not working mid position

Bridge way off

12 String Happiness

If you're in the market for an electric 12 string guitar and you don't want to spend over two grand for a similar guitar.. Then this one's definitely worth picking up. Arrived quickly and only required a quick setup.. This guitar gives you all those iconic guitar sounds of the 60's and 70's.. (The Byrds/Tom Petty) You know the ones.. The fit and finish are amazing and it plays extremely for a 12 string guitar.. Grab this one for sure.. I'm picking up the 6 string of this one soon!

Beautiful, retro, great price point!

Right out of the box this guitar sparkled. It’s remarkably lightweight and sits perfectly in my lap.

I love it!

Great Guitar, Great Price

Once they finally came into stock, I received my guitar in two days....DE to USA! Great looking guitar, a couple of minor blems but for the price, excellent value.

First electric 12 string

What a great guitar haven’t put it down since it arrived great value

Awesome Rig

Everything a person needs from an electric 12 string and more!

Ricky style 12

Arrived promptly and ready to go

Changed strings to my favourite brand and gauges

Full sound and rich tonal variety

Great 12 string and a fantastic Price

Received the guitar a few days ago and have not put it down since. Came nicely set up so with only very minimal adjustment it plays great. Sounds nice and for the money it is unbeatable. Maybe a minor flaw in the finish but undetectable unless you are on a deep search. I have been playing for 40 years and I could not be happier!

Great 12 string

Only had to lower the bridge a bit, and slightly tighten the truss rod and it fell right into setup. Just great sound from the pickups. Dust in the wind chords are nothing short of heavenly. A must buy!

An Outstanding Value

This guitar sounds fantastic. The visual presentation is excellent, as is the basic construction and string spacing. The guitar will require US $100-200 for proper set up in the US, as the nut slots will need to be re-cut due to being too shallow, at least two of the frets will need to have their height lowered due to high spots of the fretboard, the bridge and truss rod will need adjustment, and saddle notches will require some work to conform to the radius of the fretboard/neck. Then the intonation will have to be re-set. Setting the intonation will be a time consuming process, as each pair of string will need to be loosened, the nut on the saddle screw will need to be removed, the guitar will need to be re-tuned, the intonation will need to be set, the pair of strings will then need to be loosened once again for re-application of the nut, and then the pair will need to be re-tuned before moving on to the next pair of strings. Then, after a reasonable total outlay of about $450, I will have a magnificent electric 12-string.

Edit: 22 Aug 2022 I have had all the necessary work done on this 12-string to optimize its sound and playability by a certified luthier for $200. It now looks great, plays incredibly well with very low action and near perfect intonation, and sounds much, much better than any of the other 12-strings that I have played below the $1300 price range. The tuners work fine and the guitar holds its tuning extremely well during performances. When at home, the guitar is alternately played and hung on a wall hanger and only needs tuning once a week if the house temperature is constant. I recommend the TC Electronic Unitune strobo-tuner which will permit tuning within .02 cent, as highly accurate tuning is essential for 12-strings and will allow for slight pitch changes without the need for retuning. Before taking this guitar in for a professional set up, be sure that you try at least one or two different sets of strings and leave the gauge that prefer on for at least a week before bringing the guitar in to the luthier. I chose the GHS extra light Boomers (9-40 gauge), as they are bright and, from my past experiences with 6 strings, last a good while if wiped clean between playings. This 12-string is one of the best musical instrument purchases that I have made.

MY H/B 12CS GUITAR

I have had 2 12 strings from i started to mess about with guitars i had EKO which i liked then i have had a RICKENBACKER 330 which was a very good 12 string lot easier to play than the EKO then by chance on youtube i saw HARLEY BENTON 612 cs reviews were good on it so i bought one WHAT A GUITAR never own a 12string like this so easy to play great sound and what a price unbelievable fantastic guitar i sold my EKO and my RICKENBACKER but i will never sell my HARLEY BENTON just a dream to play thanks frankie

Nice for the price

This is a nice guitar for the price.

Sound is good and parts are ok.

I had to change one of the machine heads as it was broken.

My main quality concern is the nut and bridge. Both are providing an odd string spacing. Specially the middle pairs is very far apart. Can be solved by filing new slots in the bridge and change the nut.

Overall, for the price I'm satisfied, and it is better than I expected.

GREAT

It does it's job. In my case, I don't have a big repertory of 12 strings songs so this guitar makes his work great. The volume knob had made ground noises at the middle point but it can be solved later, in fact I have a volume pedal so I control it by this. At top volume, sound great. I will keep it always at this level. I haven't already make it sound with compression and EQ, but I can make it sound better, I am sure. I am totally satisfied with it. I would buy it again.

Excellent choice

The neck to body balance, binding and finish, frets and setup, and pickups are all on par with the most expensive guitars. This is a beautiful instrument that I’m proud to have in my collection.

Quality - A+

I bought the HB with some trepidation, after all, it's a "budget' guitar. However, I was wrong with any idea of receiving an inferior product. The sound, the finish, the overall vibe with this HB is excellent. Love the 12-string, and now, I'm about to order an HB 12-string acoustic. I'm sold on their products!!

Great value

Great value guitar excellent service

Five stars considering the price

Seriously, how can they sell this guitar at this price? The quality of materials, hardware, construction, fit and finish is comparable to other guitars I own that cost two to four times as much. The neck is a bit chunky and the pickups could be a bit richer sounding, but since the guitar cost one TENTH of what the equivalent Rick would set me back I consider that immaterial.

If, like me, you've always wanted a nice jangly electric 12 string but can't justify spending three grand plus on a guitar you'll use every now and then this is the guitar for you.

Very Impressed!

I am very happy and impressed with this guitar. Great looks and sound. For the modest price, this is a fine guitar with respect to set-up, sound and playability. You won’t be disappointed if you purchase this guitar.