Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley

This guitar is awesome. I just bought mine this year and I love it! I researched it as much as I could before buying it. The neck is glossy so if you like satin you’ll have to deal with that, but I just love the skunk stripe. It is thin with a C shape profile which can fill your hand a lil, but the board is rather flat (12 inches) compared to the small radius of a vintage Strat, but very, very, quick for chords and soloing. The tuners are nothing special but they do hold a tune especially if you tighten the screw in the center of the knobs. However, that’s the first mod I would/will make with probably some locking tuners from Grover. The neck is amazing in terms of the fretboard (not rosewood, much darker looking, almost ebony, and looks dry out of the box, but that’s just the type wood it is) and the frets, although they didn’t come shining, were perfectly cut along with the nut which is perfect in terms of height and cut. Frets will need some polish! The nut may need some graphite here and there as it is plastic I believe. Eventually I might change it down the road but it’s not a big deal. The bridge is absolutely beautiful with a slight hint of gold brush on the saddles (very slight). I have it floating and it is just great for a good tremolo sound when you need it. No dive bombing though, but the block on the trem is one of the thickest I’ve seen. Note: the trem bar has a little tiny screw behind the bridge that you will need to tighten to keep the bar from falling out of its hole (took me a minute to figure that one out bc it doesn’t screw in like most trem bars... lol). There’s a tiny Alan screw provided with the guitar to adjust that. I want so bad to change the pickguard to either a light translucent green or a milky metallic cream white or gold to enhance the colors in the beautiful paisley finish. Any type of gold accents on this guitar would really enhance it! And believe me it really is beautiful! The paisley pattern is truly amazing and one of a kind that doesn’t really look like anything else to me that I’ve seen. In terms of overall color though it has more black on the body than I anticipated. Headstock is nice. The guitar feels very solid, a little heavy though at maybe about 8lbs - you will notice that if you like light guitars. But this guitar is not fragile at all to me. It will last for sure! Comparing this to other guitars from about $500.00 to $1,000 at my local guitar center, it truly shines imho. Just as good if not better than any Strat, Schecter, Gibson, Squire, or PRS in that price range in terms of quality and sound. You never feel like you’re holding a cheap guitar in your hands. I would not change the pickups either! To me they’re perfect for this axe. They have that glassy Alnico V pickup, Strat-like tone, but at the same time there’s something unique about it’s tone that I haven’t found in any other Strat-like guitar. It’s really subtle, but you can hear it when someone else plays it! There doesn’t seem to be any shielding which is really a bummer because there is truly a 60 cycle hum to these PUs, so get ready for that. That’s my next mod along with the tuners is the shielding! That’s about all I can think of right now. I wish I could have found a review like this about it before I bought it, but I’m very very happy with it! Overall this is a great guitar and I love my purchase. Still making up a name for her. Lol. If you like fender Strats, you will love this axe, trust me!

First Impression

Looks right, feels right, nice weight, no damage, no obvious flaws. Overall it looks shiny, beautiful and professional

Second Impression

Fret ends feel good, frets look good, fretboard looks dry (as everyone says - that's why I have lemon oil). Fretboard is quite a light colour, partly due to the wood used and partly to the dryness. Also knobs look a bit cheap and need adjusting so that the "10s" are facing me when I look down and they are all turned up. The push-pull for the coil tap feels very good quality and the pots turn smoothly. Pickups look good - can't wait to hear them.

Looking over the body and neck for flaws I though I saw a bit of glue around the neck pocket - turns out it's just the film on the pickguard. The paisley printing doesn't look absolutely perfect when looking at it up close - so I won't look at it up close. The effect from a smallish distance is really good, if slightly lighter than I was expecting.

Crikey, this is as well-finished as my PRS SE Santana for a fraction of the price.

Intonation sounds spot-on to my ears - will measure it later. And it's in tune! (apart from the G being slightly flat). The neck feels good but the strings don't - I'm used to coated strings and I'll be changing these pretty soon. Unplugged it sounds as it should but the frets are unpolished and feel "graunchy". So I'll polish them when I'm changing the strings. No obvious problems with fret alignment or buzz and the action is actually lower than I usually have it.

Handling

Pickups are clear and "chime-y" with good sustain but slightly less attack and "teeth-curling" sharpness than my Pacifica - which is exactly what I wanted. The humbucker has the bark you'd expect and, when tapped, does sound like a single coil that matches the others, though it may need adjusting as it's a little quieter than the others. I think it may be a compromise so that the humbucker doesn't sound too loud when it's not tapped. The tone controls are progressive (turn up and down gradually) as they should be. The sounds in each pickup siwtch position are distinctly different and as you would expect.

The neck feels slightly deeper at the nut than it does at the 15th fret, which is a little unusual but I'm not complaining about the extra strength. Ffrets are even, no buzz problems just in need of a polish. The A and D string saddles have been set noticeably too high compared with the other strings. I hope that's not to hide buzz problems. I'll investigate later.

I can't find any significant dead spots on the fretboard (unlike the Pacifica which has a dead spot around the 12th fret on the G and, to a lesser extent, the 8th fret on the B - this is a common problem on Pacificas and is due to a body/neck resonance). However the D string sounds slightly quieter and duller than the others. This may be due to the strings or the pickups, or even just that it is set too high.

Actually Playing!

Even without a setup this thing plays fine. OK I can feel that the A and D are high but that will take a few moments to fix. The fretboard doesn't feel as dry as it looks but the frets do feel gritty. The pickups aren't the best in the World but I don't feel as though there is any need to change them - at least not for a while. It feels comfortable and sounds as Strat-like as any other copy (and more than most). It has the ridiculous Strat two tone control system so I may have to change that (either PTB or active tone controls) but that's not Thomann/Harley Benton's fault. Let's get it set up!

After Setup

The intonation was slightly out on the lowest three strings (E, A and D) but only about 10 cents at the 12 fret. The A and D saddles have been lowered to match the camber of the other strings. The action is now about the equal lowest of any of my guitars and still no buzzing. I have polished the frets with a leather strop on a wooden block with some polishing compound and they feel fantastic. I find it comfortable to "wear" standing or sitting. I like to look of it. It plays beautifully now that I'm getting used to the pickups and adjusting my amp settings accordingly. I love it!

Conclusion

I had to remind myself that this is a £130 guitar. The last guitar I bought was about £500. This stands up to it in almost every way and is better in some - AND it needed less setup! It gives me what I wanted, looks and feels great and makes a great complement to my PRS. It is versatile and feels good enough to the point where I feel I'm playing better. You can't ask much more than that.

If I had to be critical the only thing I would say is that the headstock seems a little too short - the distance from the nut to the low E peg puts quite a sharp angle on the string. I've seen MUCH more expensive guitars which are worse but, hey, this is only if I had to be critical!.

Only time will tell if the wood will hold stable enough for it to remain such a good guitar but... £130! Wow!

Summary

This is a good mid-range guitar which plays well, gives Strat and Fat Strat sounds and looks great. The surprise is that it is about a third of the price of a mid-range guitar! The hype is true: Harley Benton guitars (at least this one) are great guitars at an excellent price!

Postscript
I always had a slight reservation about the sound of the pickups. There was a slight high-frequency harshness and excessive attack at some settings, only noticeable on headphones. The guitar had shipped with a non-floating trem setting (bridge hard down against the body). I had left it like this as it is supposed to improve sustain and I don't tend to use the trem much (and have a Floyd Rose equipped Washburn for when I do.

Out of interest I adjusted it to a floating trem for a particular recording project. That harshness disappeared and the sustain hasn't been affected, as far as I can tell. It now has exactly the tone I wanted!It is now my favourite guitar - at least until my new HB CST-24HB is properly set up (a couple of frets need taking down slightly).

I was very undecided for a long time before pulling the trigger on this one. There weren't many reviews or soundclips or much of anything to read about this particular guitar, so i mostly read about the ST-62, and the good things buyers had to say about that one. I did want a HSS model, (humb-sing-sing) and the coil-split function for the humbucker was a big bonus, as well as the colour. I just couldn't forget that Paisley-pattern...

So, I finally bought it.

It came well-packaged (like always from Thomann: Thank You!), well set up, and in tune. A little string buzz at first, but that's to be expected after a guitar's been in transit and on the road for a week. It sorted itself out after a few days. Strings are nice (D'addarios), will be changing them when they break, not before that.

The finish is VERY nice, almost mirror-like gloss. The neck is laquered, but smooth. The bridge and vibrato is GOOD (Wilkinson). Tuners are ok, they do the job just as good as on some of my 5-600 euro guitars.

IF I am to complain about something, it would be the fretboard and the pots. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, since the overall quality is more than satisfying, but IF: The fretboard looks a little bland, with some inconcistensies and discolorations in a few places, and overall a little grey-ish. It is, however, stained Ovankol (if I remember it right), and staining CAN leave wood looking like that. The overall feel and playability of the fretboard is good, though!

The pots could also be a little better, but again, the overall quality and the PRICE makes up for this! It IS a great instrument! The pots work, and they can always be changed if the suddenly don't!

All guitars, regardless of price, can have small details that are not perfect. The overall quality and feel of the instrument is what matters. An instrument makes, or doesn't make, an impression, an imprint, on it's player. This one made one on me. It's my new favourite!

Plugged in, this guitar has something. It really does. I can't compare it to a "real" ST-guitar, since I don't own one, but it's a REALLY nice sounding guitar. It really holds something of it's own. The PU's are smooth, clear, and bright. I play mostly country on it, but throw in a little classic - and hard rock, and it works really well for it all. I would actually expect this kind of quality and sound for an instrument 3, maybe 4 times the price of this one!

I HIGHLY recommend this instrument! Don't hesitate if you're thinking about buying one!

Guitar was delivered quickly from Thomann to America in 6 days. No shipping damage carton contained guitar and case to go with it.
The instrument has no detectable flaws at all and this has been the case with 3 HB guitars I've acquired over 2 years. The only word of caution is that unless you are experienced with the Strat type tremolos you would be ahead to take the instrument to a technician. I'm fairly competent at basic setups on standard 2 PU set neck electrics but the Tremolo on this model is a little complicated. Once I have mine set up well I'll have a benchmark for future reference. Also the Wiggle stick on the trem is a loose fit specs out at 4.9mm into a 5mm hole and is tightened by a set screw on the bottom of the bridge requiring raising the bridge all the way up to access the screw. There is one excellent series of 3 short vids on YT explaining the process. I'm quite happy with this guitar and will have more to say when its had a pro set up.
Its a while since I acquired this guitar and in a fit of uncharacteristic generosity I gifted it to a friend. I've purchased a number of other brand guitars since a Xaviere LP style, a Rondo tele type and still play my Gretsch and a primo Agile hollow body from 2003. What I find is that this paisley st is my go to instrument. Its got a great variety of tones waiting to be discovered takes pedals well and is rock solid. If you are looking for a st style guitar this is one to take a good look at and then buy it! I'm waiting for the Ibanez Azes 40 to become available to mere mortals and the next purchase will be another of these paisley wunders. I can't keep telling the lady friend I promised this axe to that I'm working on it or its in the shop or I misplaced it, I think she's getting wise to me. Oh and I still can't properly adjust the tremolo but with the global plague finding a reliable luthier has become impossible out here in bumf**k Egypt. South of Heaven and West of Hell.

I have had 5 different Strat’s including a 1993 MIM that I bought new back then and still have. I put in a pair of Fender noiseless into that one, and still didn't like the sound. My Squier Vintage modified even though it came with Seymour Duncan designed pickups still didn't sound as good as this one. The tone in these Roswell’s are just right. I love having the humbucker in the bridge position with the split coil option. Strat’s are known to have a feeble bridge pickup, this one doesn’t yet maintains that clear tone when it split coil mode, and gives you that extra bark and bite in full humbucker when you really need it. The extra high gain in the humbucker really makes your pedals come to life.

This guitar stays in tune really well as long as you don't use the tremolo bar, unlike my CST-24T which appears to have the same bridge but gives you a perfect tuning even when using the trem.

Clapton is famous for putting a wooden block in the tremolo cavity because he wanted to maintain that unique sound a Strat style guitar has, while maintaining rock hard tuning stability. The springs in the tremolo really enhances the unique Strat tone.

When doing bends playing leads the guitar stays in tune, and does so especially well if you tighten the trem bar in the back all the way tight, and tighten the 6 screws holding the trem bar down on the guitar.

I was surprised to get a guitar with a fit and finish done so well for this kind of money. I put it on a stand, and it looks so good, I can't help but pick it up when I walk by and play it.

It took some setting up however. Unlike the CST-24T that came superbly setup right out of the box, this one took some tweaking to get it right which is usually standard fare with any new guitar.

The frets are smooth but using a fret rocker showed me that several of them were a tiny bit high next to the others. Consequently, I could only get the action with zero fret buzz very close to the 2/32" gap I prefer between the bottom of the string, and the top of the 12th fret. I mean it was only a hair over that. Of course, a fret leveling would perfect that because the fretboard itself was perfectly flat; that would make this guitar a rocket ship, and for the price you could afford to even have it done and still be way ahead of the game. Very few guitars come without at least one or two frets a tiny bit raised.

I love the design of the headstock. I like it even better than the ones on my OEM Strat’s. So overall, the fit and finish are superb, it plays wonderfully, and stays in tune really well, and that is saying something because I am checking it with a Peterson Stroboscopic tuner. I love being able to make full note bends for example on the E, B, and G strings and it comes back perfectly in tune.

Considering the price, this is a mind-blowing guitar. I have been playing it more than my CST-24T and I don’t know why. It's currently my pet go-to guitar out of my entire collection.

I am an ageing guitar player/collector and own quite a number of guitars, sadly these days all played solely at home. As I am now on a limited income I have to be a bit careful with my funds.

Very recently I bought a Harley Benton EX-76 Classic AN and was overwhelmed by the build quality, playability and value for money so I decided to have another dabble.

I already own a number of strats but have never had a Paisley one and, feeling nostalgic about the 60's, decided to scratch the itch so to speak. I ordered a Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley (at roughly a seventh of the cost of a similar 'branded' guitar).

The guitar was delivered on the promised date, very well packaged with no damage suffered during transit.

Upon opening and inspecting the guitar I was surprised by the quality (it isn't quite on par with the EX-76, but is in a different price range). Running my hand down the edges of the fret board I expected a few sharp edges at this end of the market, but was delighted that the sides were smooth and polished.

The guitar certainly looks the business and the heaviness of the product adds to the feeling of quality.

A thorough inspection of the guitar revealed no scratches, blemishes or imperfections.

The guitar was a little difficult to play at first and I assumed it was the fact that it was fitted with 10s in the string department, where I normally have 9s on a strat. However, playing a while longer I decided to drop the action by adjusting the bridge saddles, and it transformed the playability of the guitar.

The Roswell pickups perform very well for house use, the neck pick has a particularly pleasing tone.

Pros
Nice, heavy, quality feel to the guitar.
Lovely finish.
Visually pleasing.
Excellent value for money.
Great sound.

Cons
Guitar arrived with quite high action but this was rectified relatively easily.
The die cast machine heads are far from top quality but a replacement set won't break the bank.
The "Amaranth" fretboard is obviously dyed at the factory as whenever I am finished playing, my fingertips are covered in a dark coloured dye, however, I am sure the more that I play, the less there will be to come off.
The coil tap switch for the humbucker is quite low quality, but for playing in the house it will suffice.

In conclusion, for this type of money I expected to have to replace a few items on the guitar to get it up to standard, but this isn't the case. If you are considering one of these guitars then take the leap, I certainly haven't been disappointed.

Now,first things first,I 'm playing guitar for decades,once semi-pro musician,now, a now- and- then- if I want- to player,anyway,not a rookie....
I told myself that I need AND a fat strat because I feld in love with the looks!!!
The guitar arrived with a slide problem: nut was broken on the outside part of the d string. Playable,but ...
I have immediately reported the problem and Thomann send me a tusq nut in no time AND no charge!!!
Great customer service man!!!
Thank you Thomann!!!
Guitar otherwise came well adjusted,and playable off the box (wow)!!!
Now,the sound: it's very stratty (chimey sounds quak and all),.
The humbucker provides an extra bite or it can be splitted-nice touch!!!
Playability: very easy guitar, although the 14" radius feels a little strange on a strat ...
Tuners: they do the job just fine-my advice: always tune up!!!
Bridge: great!!! (Wilkinson)
Pickups:alnico 5 they remind me of S.D. ssl5....
Switch and potensiometers are o.k.
Overall,we 're talking about a guitar totally gigable (I took her to a rehearsal and I 'm satisfied) I did not recorded yet,but I will one of this days,and my trusty American strat,can finally get some rest...
Don't let the price fool you,it's a great guitar!!!!!

A year later:
Gigging,recording,rehearsing or just practicing is an absolute joy with this beauty-and she's got the looks too!!!

P.S. I 've soldered a 3k resistor on the push-pull switch,so I fixed the luck of lower end when splitting the bridge pickup!!!

I am mostly an acoustic guitar player but have been dreaming about an electric. I stumbled upon HB by accident and am so glad i have. To put it simply...this guitar is stunning. I ordered the guitar from Portland, OR on a saturday (after hours in Germany) and it showed up on Wednesday at 11am. WOW.
The only thing damaged was the great "save my guitars" sticker.

In the future...perhaps tape the packaging around the neck and headstock as it slipped during shipping but the guitar arrived safely in three days. Amazing.
I did have it set up by a local luthier and recommend that step.
The pickups were raised a little, intonation needed a little tweak
the nut slots were slightly lowered, the fretboard conditioned and frets polished. Basic set up stuff. The difference was important....but to be clear....the guitar was useable even before the setup particularly as the instrument traveled across the world.
I did the research, watched videos of people playing the same guitar better than i'll ever dream of playing it and decided it was time ( and for only 2000 dollars less than the PRS i almost bought) I am so very happy with this guitar and grateful.
In 1987 i visited Europe for the first time and had lunch at the Hard Rock in London. I sat underneath Bob Dylan's paisley Telecaster. Well i am more of a Strat sound guy...so finding a PAISLEY STRAT style is the best of both worlds. The guitar had no real flaws when it arrived.
It's not nearly as heavy as everyone said. I actually LOVE my new guitar...LOVE,LOVE LOVE.
One month ago I didn't know anything about Thomannmusic or Harley Benton as there aren't any USA distributors. I DO NOW.
thank you from the Rose City of Portland! Really, Thank you!
I have a feeling this won't be my last guitar from HB and Thomannmusic.

You are doing something really good. KUDOS

For this price you get really nice instrument.
Yes, it is a bit more heavy than some strats but not so much. I was preparing for big weight but was positively surprised that its not that heavy like some folk described.
The neck is bit fat - you have to try it and see if you like it or not.
Tuners on the head seem very low quality but they do the job.
Tremolo bar is adjusted with a little screw under the bridge (you have to insert the bar and bend it down to access it) and you can set the bar to spin on its axe exactly as you like. And you just insert it without twisting it in, which is a nice feature.

Black Paisley motive looked bit pale and the colours were not so vivid and lively like on the photos, but still looks lovely and makes this guitar stand out from the stratocaster crowd ;)

Unfortunately mine had some unacceptable fret buz. Despite right neck relief and quite high string action the strings were buzzing all across the fretboard. I had to return it. And did so with no problems. Tank you Thomann :)