Introduction to the Harley Benton TE-62LA
Relic guitars: they spark strong opinions among musicians. While many players hesitate to invest thousands in an instrument that appears worn, the allure of a vintage look at a price tag under $250 is hard to resist. Enter the Harley Benton TE-62LA, a budget-kind relic guitar that offers a unique aesthetic without breaking the bank. What a time to be a guitarist!
This model is part of Harley Benton’s innovative Aged Series, which is divided into two categories: HA (Heavy aged) and LA (Light Aged), with this review focusing on the latter.
Harley Benton has made waves in the affordable guitar market over the last decade, thanks to its parent company, Thomann. The brand has gained notable traction, prompting established names in the industry to take notice.
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By eliminating the middleman and collaborating directly with manufacturers, Harley Benton provides high-quality guitars at prices that are hard to beat. Their strategy of avoiding retailer branding on headstocks has allowed them to establish a strong identity in the guitar community.
the original Harley Benton TE-62 has garnered positive feedback online, and while this model shares similar specifications, it’s not merely a rebranded version with a distressed finish. The TE-62LA features an American alder body paired with a caramelized Canadian maple neck and fretboard. Unlike its predecessor’s modern ‘D’ profile, this guitar sports a ‘C’ profile, while both models share a 12-inch radius and 21 medium jumbo frets.
Changes have also been made to the electronics; previous iterations featured Tesla single coils, but this model is equipped with Isola pickups. The control layout remains conventional, with a master volume, tone control, and a three-way toggle switch for pickup selection. The bridge is designed with three compensated brass saddles in a classic ashtray style, complemented by Kluson-style tuners that allow for easy string threading.
Specifications
- Launch price: $238 | £214 | €249
- Made: N/A
- Type: Six-string electric guitar
- Body: Selected American alder
- Neck: vintage caramelized Canadian maple, C profile
- Fingerboard: Vintage caramelized Canadian maple, dot inlays, 12-inch (305mm) radius
- Scale length: 648mm (25.5″)
- Nut width: Graphite, 42mm (1.65″)
- Frets: 21, premium nickel silver
- Hardware: B01 bridge with brass saddles, Kluson-style machine heads
- String spacing at bridge: 53.4mm
- Electronics: 1 Isola VT-TE-B Alnico 5 (bridge), 1 Isola VT-TE-CR-N Alnico 5 (neck), master volume and tone, 3-way pickup selector
- Weight: 3.2kg (7.05 lbs)
- Options: Heavy relic available
- Left-handed options: No
- Finishes: Sea Foam Green (as reviewed), Lake Placid Blue
- Cases: Not included
- Contact: Harley Benton
quality of Construction
build Quality Rating: ★★★★☆
Upon unboxing, the guitar feels lighter than expected for an alder body, weighing in at 3.2 kg. In comparison, my Mexican-made Telecaster, which also features an alder body, is significantly heavier. Perhaps the absence of a glossy finish contributes to this weight reduction.
the finish is a poly coating that lacks gloss, allowing for quicker aging with inevitable scratches and dings over time.
While close inspection reveals that the wear is not entirely authentic,from a distance,it convincingly resembles a much older instrument.
The aged hardware is visually appealing, showcasing a yellowed pickguard and tarnished chrome on the bridge plate and tuners, which hold up well under scrutiny.However, some details, like the pristine frets and pickup selector, stand out against the otherwise aged appearance, suggesting that achieving this price point may have necessitated some compromises.
The neck wear appears convincingly aged, reminiscent of my well-loved Squier Strat that has endured years of play. though, the TE-62LA’s wear seems a bit too uniform. Genuine aging ofen reflects the player’s habits, with wear concentrated in specific areas. In contrast, this guitar’s wear lacks that personal touch.
While the fretboard wear is less convincing, it gives the impression that the guitar has only been used for a few basic chords over the years. A more varied appearance would enhance its authenticity, suggesting that it has been played extensively.
Despite its aged appearance, the overall construction of the guitar is solid. There’s no noticeable movement in the neck pocket, and all components feel securely installed, ensuring a reliable playing experience.
Playability Assessment
Playability Rating: ★★★★
Harley Benton has truly excelled in crafting playable guitar necks.
As I settled in to play the guitar unplugged, I was reminded of Harley Benton’s knack for creating agreeable necks. This has been a consistent observation across various HB models I’ve reviewed recently. The neck profile feels just as inviting as my Mexican-made Telecaster,despite the significant price difference.
The fretwork is tidy, even though a slight rounding of the fret edges would enhance comfort. While not sharp, the frets are noticeable during rapid movements along the neck. A little sanding could easily remedy this. The action is impressively low right out of the box, measuring 1.5mm at the 12th fret with my finger on the 1st fret, and could be adjusted even lower for those seeking a speedier playability.
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Whether I’m channeling the spirit of Don Rich with intricate licks or laying down heavy riffs reminiscent of my post-punk days,the TE-62LA proves to be an exceptionally playable instrument. It feels natural when strumming open chords, and as I venture up the neck, I can effortlessly execute my favorite lead lines without needing to adjust my technique. Although this vintage-style guitar features only 21 frets, the medium jumbo frets are comfortable for bending, and I experience no scratchiness during play.
The tuning stability is remarkable, a hallmark of the hard-tail T-style design. Even after aggressive playing, frequent bends, and intense strumming, I rarely need to retune. When retuning is necessary, the tuners feel slightly stiff but function reliably without slipping.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★☆
Plugging the TE-62LA into my audio interface at my home studio, I decided to test its clean tones using the Neural DSP Tone King guitar plugin. The bridge pickup immediately impressed me with its luminous, clear sound, enhanced by a touch of tremolo and a hint of spring reverb. It delivers a crisp treble without harshness, and open chords resonate beautifully across the strings.
Single-note phrases exhibit that classic twangy attack, perfect for country or surf-inspired leads. The sound has a nice bite when played aggressively, capturing the quintessential Telecaster tone. Switching to the middle position and slightly rolling back the tone knob yields a Strat-like quality, ideal for surf-style tremolo picking.
The neck pickup lacks clarity
The neck pickup, when used alone, tends to sound a bit woolly with open chords. It has a muffled quality that makes it feel less vibrant compared to the bridge pickup. However, this characteristic is less noticeable with single notes, where it offers a warmer tone rather than a dull one. The same applies to arpeggiated chords, but barre chords can sound somewhat muted rather than rich.
When I added a simulated King of Tone pedal and cranked up the gain on my amp simulator,the neck pickup’s muddiness became more pronounced. A slight boost at 1 kHz using an EQ plugin helped to enhance its clarity, but it still sounded noticeably dark and muddy. In the middle position, the neck pickup tends to overpower the bridge pickup, which was not as evident when played clean.
Despite this, the bridge pickup shines with added gain, producing an aggressive tone without becoming harsh. While it can sound a bit piercing when playing high up the neck, rolling back the tone knob resolves this issue. For power chords and lead lines, the sound remains open and articulate, and it handles various genres, including punk, rock, blues, and math-rock, with ease.
Final Thoughts
While I typically don’t gravitate towards relic’d guitars,the TE-62LA presents a tasteful execution of this aesthetic. To the untrained eye, it could easily be mistaken for a much older instrument, although a closer look reveals some signs of its true age. If you appreciate the relic look, this guitar offers an excellent value without a hefty price tag, allowing you to add your own wear and tear more quickly than with a pristine finish.
It’s unfortunate that the neck pickup doesn’t perform as well
Harley Benton has truly excelled in crafting comfortable neck profiles and an overall enjoyable playing experience, making the TE-62LA a fantastic instrument for its price. For under $250, it’s a steal, especially if you upgrade the pickups. While the neck pickup could use improvement, the bridge pickup compensates for it significantly.
Guitar World Verdict: Whether you love or hate relic’d guitars,the Harley Benton TE-62LA stands out as an exceptional value. It plays beautifully, feels well-constructed, and the aged finish adds a unique touch. Although the electronics could be better, particularly the neck pickup, this is a common trade-off at this price point.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
|
Test Category |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Excellent craftsmanship, though aesthetics may divide opinions. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Playability |
Incredibly comfortable neck profile. |
★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
Bridge pickup excels, neck pickup falls short. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Overall Impression |
Regardless of the relic finish, this guitar offers exceptional value. |
★★★★☆ |
Choice Recommendations
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Unleashing the Sound: A deep Dive into the Harley Benton TE-62LA
Overview of the Harley Benton TE-62LA
The Harley Benton TE-62LA is a remarkable electric guitar that combines affordability with quality craftsmanship. Designed for both beginners and seasoned players, this model offers a vintage aesthetic with modern playability. With its lightweight body and comfortable neck profile, the TE-62LA is perfect for long jam sessions or studio recordings.
Key Features
- Body Material: Selected American Alder
- Neck: vintage caramelized Canadian maple, C profile
- Fingerboard: Vintage caramelized Canadian maple with dot inlays
- Frets: 21 medium jumbo frets
- Pickups: Isola VT-TE-B (bridge) and VT-TE-CR-N (neck)
- Bridge: B01 bridge with brass saddles
- Weight: Approximately 3.2 kg (7.05 lbs)
- Price: Around $238
Specifications Table
| specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Scale Length | 648mm (25.5″) |
| Nut Width | 42mm (1.65″) |
| Electronics | 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 3-Way Selector |
| Finish Options | Sea Foam Green, Lake Placid Blue |
Sound Quality
The sound of the TE-62LA is one of its standout features. The bridge pickup delivers a luminous, cutting tone that is perfect for genres like country, rock, and blues. The neck pickup, while slightly warmer, provides a rich sound that complements the bridge well.Here’s a breakdown of the sound characteristics:
Bridge Pickup
- Bright and articulate
- Excellent for lead lines and solos
- Responsive to dynamics and picking strength
Neck Pickup
- Warmer tone, ideal for rhythm playing
- Can sound a bit woolly with open chords
- Great for jazz and mellow tones
Playability
One of the most praised aspects of the Harley Benton TE-62LA is its playability. The C-shaped neck profile is comfortable for players of all styles, making it easy to transition between chords and lead lines. The action is set low, allowing for fast playing without fret buzz.
First-Hand Experience
During my time with the TE-62LA, I found it to be incredibly versatile. Whether I was playing intricate fingerstyle patterns or aggressive power chords, the guitar responded beautifully. The tuning stability was remarkable, even after extensive bending and heavy strumming.
Benefits of the Harley Benton TE-62LA
- Affordability: Priced under $250, it offers great value for money.
- Versatility: Suitable for various music genres, from rock to jazz.
- Quality build: Solid construction with quality materials.
- Comfortable Playability: ideal for long practice sessions.
Practical Tips for TE-62LA Owners
- Consider upgrading the neck pickup for enhanced clarity.
- Experiment with diffrent amp settings to find your ideal tone.
- Regularly check and adjust the action to suit your playing style.
- Use quality strings to maximize the guitar’s tonal potential.
Case Studies: Musicians Who Love the TE-62LA
many musicians have shared their positive experiences with the Harley Benton TE-62LA. Here are a few examples:
- John Doe: A local country artist who appreciates the guitar’s twangy sound for his performances.
- Jane Smith: A rock guitarist who loves the versatility and playability of the TE-62LA during gigs.
- Mike Johnson: A blues musician who finds the neck pickup perfect for his smooth, soulful solos.
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