Harley Benton SC-Custom II: An affordable single cut design evolves

07 Aug 2020 by Jef |

4,7 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 3 Minutes

Harley Benton SC-Custom II · Source: Harley Benton

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Harley Benton has updated its SC-Custom range of single cut guitars, now named the SC-Custom II. The range now features a redesigned neck joint for improved upper fret access, along with a new roasted fretboard made from jatoba. And at prices from GBP 198, you’re getting a lot of guitar for your money.

Harley Benton SC-Custom II

Good old Harley Benton always has a great deal for guitarists. Often these guitars are more wallet friendly than many other manufacturers. What impresses me most, though, is that they never seem to rest on their laurels and are always striving to improve their existing models. And that’s what they’ve done here with the new SC-Custom II single cut models, incorporating some small but appreciated enhancements.

: Harley Benton SC-Custom II Black and Gold hardware · Source: Harley Benton

: Harley Benton SC-Custom II · Source: Harley Benton

Easy Access

The SC-Custom II has a redesigned neck joint compared to the first edition. The neck now transitions smoothly into the body; the original version has a small rectangular block between the neck and body that’s been removed. When you combine that with the sculpted lower horn, that whole area looks like it’s going to give you pretty great access in the upper registers, helping you pull off those tricky solos.

By itself, this would be a nice little update. But Harley Benton has now added a new roasted jatoba fretboard, which gives the models a distinct new look.

Harley Benton SC-Custom II now with better upper fret access · Source: Harley Benton

All the models

This update now spreads across the range, which totals 11 models with different takes on the single cut theme. All models have mahogany bodies and necks. The core model has an AAAA flame maple veneer, Tune-O-Matic bridge and dual passive Roswell humbuckers with a push/pull split function. This version is available in finishes like Honey Burst, Honey Flame, Ocean Flame and Paradise Flame.

Other variants include the FR version, with a Floyd Rose 1000 trem and gold hardware. An Active version available in black or white has two active Roswell humbuckers. These three guitars all have 24 frets, rather than 22 on the rest of the range. Another edition caters for fans of the P90 pickup, fitted with dual Roswell P90s.

Other hardware includes Grover tuners and a graphite nut. Hardware comes in either black, nickel or gold depending on the colour scheme. Each guitar also comes factory fitted with D’Addario EXL110 010 – 046 strings.

A good buy

These new Harley Benton SC-Custom II models are all an insanely good buy for the money and great value. The standard version comes in at just under 200 pounds, and the most expensive of the range is the FR version with a Floyd Rose 1000 trem, costing a modest 270 pounds. They pack in the features and have upgrades that make players usually only see on higher end models elsewhere. I think Harley Benton is on to a winner with this new formula and I cannot wait to try out that new neck joint myself!

Below is a list of all models available, available now via Thomann: