Harley Benton Custom Line CLJ-45E VS

After my first experience with a Harley Benton BZ-6000 (electric six string bass), I was a bit apprehensive.

Thankfully, this instrument is flawless. Really couldn't find any problems with it. Can't even think of something that could be done better. Its...I guess...perfect.

Fretwork is even, no rough edges at all. Binding and finish are perfect. The factory setup is very playable out of the box, not too high. The tuners seem to be well built and are responsive.

The on-board piezo pickup and preamp are surprisingly good. Sure, it is still a piezo at the end of the day and it will not sound like an LR Baggs or higher end mic-preamp system, but for a piezo, it is very usable. Stock strings sound great. The overall sound of the preamp is what pleased me the most. Compared it with Thomann's other guitars' sound samples, and there really is something slightly more organic to this one.

The acoustic sound itself is exquisite. The harmonics sound marvelous. I much prefer trying an instrument before buying it, so I was apprehensive about ordering online. But its absolutely superlative. I am very happy for now. Let's see how the neck and body behave over time.

Edit (07-07-2020): After a few months of owning and using this guitar, I thought it would be nice to make a couple of additions to my review. Firstly, the tuning keys feel like they are slightly fragile. Not sure if the tuning machines are also the same, they certainly don't feel/seem that way. Secondly, this guitar sounds amazing recorded on a proper mic, very balanced sound overall, very happy with that. Plays well, sounds great, and as of now, the neck and body have held properly (no warps on the neck or top).

I only heard it on the website and thought they were just using really nice mics and amps. When I opened up the box and tuned it up, well I'm just blown away by the craftsmanship, weight, and especially sound. this beauty sounds just as good as my J45, (that you know who) charges thousands more. I don't understand how they make money. I don't understand. This is my second guitar from Thomann and there will be A LOT more coming over to Canada. You won't be sorry buying this beauty.

Harley Benton Acoustics are amazing - this is no exception. Very nice sounds, and the action can get insanely low without fret buzz, neck feels perfect, fretboard is smooth and doesnt "stick".

So playability and sound, the two most important things are there.

I don't like the sunburts - reminds me of cheap Squier guitars, but I paid half of what the Epiphone costs and got a much more playable guitar, so no complains :)