M
Nice budget surprise
I play mostly at home, so it more than ticked all the boxes needed. However, even if I did play a gig, I wouldn't mind taking this baby for a spin (along with a good enough amp).
This was the my first Thomann order and I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasently surprised with the guitar, no scratches whatsoever. The black gloss finish looks and feels fantastic. I took the pickguard off, but that was a personal preference, the pickguard was in good condition. The package arrived even before the time indicated by the UPS tracking number, another nice surpise (4 working days from Germany to Croatia). I believe I read comments about it being too heavy. It's lighter than my Squier Standard so there's a comparison if someone owns one. Definitely not a con for me.
The setup right from the box was great, just that the low E and A strings tended to resonate a bit more while playing unplugged, but a bit of tweaking should do the trick with that. Through the amp it has no string-resonating issues at all (Ibanez Tone Blaster 15r). It did, however have some feedback when facing the amp with higher gain.
The vintage style stock humbuckers sound good (I'm used to single coils so can't really compare them to other humbuckers, they are certainly "darker" than single coils).
The fretboard is a tad dry, probably down to the blackwood used. It's easily rectified with some fretboard oil, but it does not impede playability, as far as my limited skills are concerned.
The DLX machine heads keep tune and are very responsive and the gold hardware against the black body looks very elegant and really gives it that vintage feel.
A nice addition was the "In case of emergency rescue my guitars" sticker.
This will probably not be my last order from Thomann, hopefully the next one will be another success.
p.s. Even if someone were to stop playing guitar (why would you, though?) it would look great hanging on a wall in the middle of the room, admired by everyone!
This was the my first Thomann order and I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasently surprised with the guitar, no scratches whatsoever. The black gloss finish looks and feels fantastic. I took the pickguard off, but that was a personal preference, the pickguard was in good condition. The package arrived even before the time indicated by the UPS tracking number, another nice surpise (4 working days from Germany to Croatia). I believe I read comments about it being too heavy. It's lighter than my Squier Standard so there's a comparison if someone owns one. Definitely not a con for me.
The setup right from the box was great, just that the low E and A strings tended to resonate a bit more while playing unplugged, but a bit of tweaking should do the trick with that. Through the amp it has no string-resonating issues at all (Ibanez Tone Blaster 15r). It did, however have some feedback when facing the amp with higher gain.
The vintage style stock humbuckers sound good (I'm used to single coils so can't really compare them to other humbuckers, they are certainly "darker" than single coils).
The fretboard is a tad dry, probably down to the blackwood used. It's easily rectified with some fretboard oil, but it does not impede playability, as far as my limited skills are concerned.
The DLX machine heads keep tune and are very responsive and the gold hardware against the black body looks very elegant and really gives it that vintage feel.
A nice addition was the "In case of emergency rescue my guitars" sticker.
This will probably not be my last order from Thomann, hopefully the next one will be another success.
p.s. Even if someone were to stop playing guitar (why would you, though?) it would look great hanging on a wall in the middle of the room, admired by everyone!
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E
Amazing build for the price
What you are getting for the price paid is amazing. Finish is perfect, the binding is almost flawless, the weight is spot on, the neck is nice and thick to play even though is it painted. However, there are some details worth mentioning:
- The pickups are super microphonic, waxing needed. They sound a little dark but they are totally usable.
- Some frets are high, this is annoying but might be an issue not all guitars have.
- Tuners does not help with tuning stability. They are cheap and replacement is needed.
- Bridge is a little unstable. Same as the tuners, replace it!
I bought this guitar mainly to upgrade basically everything so no issues for me. Fret work is definitely needed so I have to buy tools for that, but I also bought this guitar to learn how to properly do a set up. So for me this guitar is perfect.
- The pickups are super microphonic, waxing needed. They sound a little dark but they are totally usable.
- Some frets are high, this is annoying but might be an issue not all guitars have.
- Tuners does not help with tuning stability. They are cheap and replacement is needed.
- Bridge is a little unstable. Same as the tuners, replace it!
I bought this guitar mainly to upgrade basically everything so no issues for me. Fret work is definitely needed so I have to buy tools for that, but I also bought this guitar to learn how to properly do a set up. So for me this guitar is perfect.
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IN
I had a problem with the switch (did not work) but fixed it in a local store, didn't even pay a cent. Thomann was more than helpful to help me solve it and I am thankful for that! The guitar is straight awesome and the sound is decent!
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S
Balls beyond what you thought possible for under $150
Spec'd faithfully after the classic single cut solid body neck through classic we all know and love. Played blind by a Gibson enthusiast, it proved indiscernible from its' forebear, the humbuckers run hot and provide all that brown, fat tone you could get spending 50 times as much or more, or learn that the brand logo on the headstock doesn't do a thing for the tone...
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W
Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Series
Harley Benton SC-500 BK Vintage Series
I have been using this cosy little item for a year now – regathering teenage properties as a 70 year old man. This item makes me comfortable. It arrived readily adjusted, to be plugged into a Fender Champion 100.
It is simply playable out of the package. Holds tuning with minor adjustments. Neck suits my rather long fingers. Haven’t had to touch any adjusting screws. The fret bars could have been a bit better polished – the only negative item.
It indeed provides the bluesy feeling, which fits my temper – all in a private setting.
I simply feel at home with Harley-Benton – and with Thoman…
Lars Widerberg, Sweden
I have been using this cosy little item for a year now – regathering teenage properties as a 70 year old man. This item makes me comfortable. It arrived readily adjusted, to be plugged into a Fender Champion 100.
It is simply playable out of the package. Holds tuning with minor adjustments. Neck suits my rather long fingers. Haven’t had to touch any adjusting screws. The fret bars could have been a bit better polished – the only negative item.
It indeed provides the bluesy feeling, which fits my temper – all in a private setting.
I simply feel at home with Harley-Benton – and with Thoman…
Lars Widerberg, Sweden
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GC
Heavyweight contender!
A quality guitar with a good heavy weight to it.
The finish is good and the hardware seems to be ok.
Some of the fret ends were a little sharp and will need filing, but it tunes up and plays and feels lovely... brilliant value for money as always Thomann!...
The finish is good and the hardware seems to be ok.
Some of the fret ends were a little sharp and will need filing, but it tunes up and plays and feels lovely... brilliant value for money as always Thomann!...
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C
Very good - at the start
When I first bought it, this guitar was amazing. Incredible sound and play-ability, however, 10 months later, the guitar has developed a warped neck. I'm going to try and work with Thomann for either a repair or replacement, otherwise great guitar.
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C
It's good! Not perfect but good.
They are a great price and with a little tweak they play well and have a good tone. even though there are some places where the body was scratched. As a result this guitar is good. Especially when you look at the price. You will not find a better deal anywhere else in South Korea.
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AH
Great Mod Platform
This is basically the ideal modding platform. Upon arrival it was mostly in tune, with decent stability, reasonable pickups and a fantastic neck. Truly it was a joy to play. However, after only a week or two the bridge pickup failed completely and the neck pickup was a bit patchy. Luckily I already had it booked in for modding. Now with a set of tonemaster pickups and new electronics, it is an awesome guitar. I highly recommend it, I use mine for everything from John Mayer and Nick Drake to Ghost and Black Sabbath.
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HB
Good Value with Some Flaws
Excellent fit and finish. Overall great sound and feel in my hand with the larger profile neck.
Problems that were honorably resolved with a discount/ credit to my account:
Microphonic pickups that howl with feed back at higher gain levels
Product arrived with a ding in the headstock
Volume knobs not linear on mid setting of pickups
Tuning and intonation a bit out.
All easily addressed with little financial discomfort given the initial outlay. If Thomann can deliver a product with these flaws addressed, this would be an outstanding purchase.
For now, it is a good deal.
A year later and it is one of the top 2 favourite of my guitars. I love to play this thing!
Problems that were honorably resolved with a discount/ credit to my account:
Microphonic pickups that howl with feed back at higher gain levels
Product arrived with a ding in the headstock
Volume knobs not linear on mid setting of pickups
Tuning and intonation a bit out.
All easily addressed with little financial discomfort given the initial outlay. If Thomann can deliver a product with these flaws addressed, this would be an outstanding purchase.
For now, it is a good deal.
A year later and it is one of the top 2 favourite of my guitars. I love to play this thing!
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