Harley Benton Santos Series C-40SCE NT

I am mainly an electric player into Jazz but had been looking for a nylon string guitar for Bossa Nova and came across this HB model which has the smaller nut width of 48mm which I though would help my short fingers so I decided to go for it.

The guitar cannot be faulted. No fret buzz, level frets although needing a little polish, not rough fret edges. I decided to fit D'Addario EJ45LP strings as I will do anything to reduce string squeal but I believe this guitar comes fitted with a good quality D'Addario string set as standard.

I cannot comment on how this guitar sounds side by side with similar guitars but the tone to me sounds great and the under saddle Fishman pickup works really well.

So if you are looking to add a nylon string model to your arsenal then this guitar could be a good way to test the water without breaking the bank. Certainly the narrower nut width may help players transitioning from electric.

My first Santos unfortunately had issues with the pickup system but as usual Thomann replaced it in double quick time and as it was a few weeks before Christmas this was above and beyond service so thanks Guys.
The finish on these guitars is the only con I can see in that it’s presentable but it won’t take your breath away.
When you start playing it you are in for a surprise especially as the tone far exceeded my expectation especially when plugged in. The built in Tuner is spot on and the sound from the piezo is top notch.
It’s well balanced and crisp I imagine it could get even better with a bone nut and saddles but for now I’m really happy. It took some time for me to adjust to the nylon strings but now I’m all over the fretboard and it’s genuinely a joy to play. The action came nicely set up and the intonation was perfect so I can heartily recommend it especially as a starter guitar that will take a long way into intermediate level. Another Harley Benton that well exceeds its price point.

I've been into acoustic for a lot of years and along the way I get to own classical guitars, 2 Ibanez and 3 Yamaha.

This Santos Series is really a surprise. First the sound is the same that you get from $700-priced guitars. Switching from steel to this one is remarkably easy because of the neck; not too wide. For those with smaller fingers, this one's spot on.

The sound when plugged is likewise impressive. The Fishman carries well this quite well.

I recommend this guitar for beginners and intermediate level players. Look beyond the brand name. At the end of the day, what pleases your ears is what you need to buy.

P.S. It's tune and play. The strings that go with it are really fine.