Harley Benton TE-90FLT Orange Blast Reviews

Really nice guitar

While I did contemplate buying one of Harley Benton guitars at some point in time, there are few models I like, it wasn't suppose to happen just now. Neither was I looking to buy another T-style guitar. But when I saw this one, I just could not resist. I just had to have it.

So, it came today and it didn't disappoint me. That wood is absolutely beautiful, together with that dark orange colour satin finish. It is to note that colour in product images are more yellow, while actual finish is more orange, at least the one I got. Grain is different from images above, but it is expected that different pieces of wood will have different grain. It is a three piece body. You can see that if you look for it, but grain is matched well enough not to be obvious. In addition to looks, I really like the sound of the pickups and see no reason to change them any time soon. If you want to hear how it sounds, there are enough demonstrations on YT for this model (other finishes).

Is it perfect? Not at all. Tuners are somewhat stiff, but they still do the job. Action is relatively high, but playable anyway. Frets are uneven and thicker strings tend to buzz, but fret ends are done well enough. Good setup and bit of a fret work is required, which I will do myself, but once done it will be a fantastic instrument. Keep in mind that both fretwork and action will very probably differ between units so YMMV.

There is a dent in the edge of the fretboard between the nut and first fret on the bass side. I believe it is something that accidentally happened during production or packaging. Very probably just one-off and is not to be expected normally, but at this price range such things can happen. I don't mind because it is just a visual blemish that isn't obvious. Because of this and few other light unobtrusive imperfections I give one less star for quality.

I like the neck shape, too, but, as many other things (action, tone, ...), it is matter of preference.

The only thing I plan to change in a foreseeable future is a black plastic pickguard for black anodized brushed aluminum one.