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Harley Benton EX-76 Classic
Solar E1.6FRLB
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Playability
80
Sound
77
Build
64
Value
84
Score
74
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Playability
75
Sound
84
Build
73
Value
77
Score
77
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Harley Benton EX-76 Classic vs Solar E1.6FRLB

Reasons to Get
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic over Solar E1.6FRLB

Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.886'' (22.5mm) vs 0.787'' (20mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.984'' (25mm) vs 0.866'' (22mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
15'' (381mm) vs 13.78'' (350mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Value Score
84 vs 77
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Solar E1.6FRLB over Harley Benton EX-76 Classic

Decorative Top
Flame Maple Veneer vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Pickup Mods
Coil Split vs None
Splits humbuckers into single coil pickups
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.787'' (20mm) vs 0.886'' (22.5mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.866'' (22mm) vs 0.984'' (25mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) vs 1.654'' (42mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Fretboard Radius
13.78'' (350mm) vs 15'' (381mm)
More curved fretboard helpful to play chords without muting strings

Other Key Differences
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic vs Solar E1.6FRLB

Bridge Pickup
Roswell LAF Alnico-5 vs Duncan Solar/Bridge
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Roswell LAF Alnico-5 vs Duncan Solar
Different Neck Pickup
Neck Wood
Mahogany vs Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Purpleheart vs Ebony
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6 vs R6
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Ivory Tusq vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic vs Solar E1.6FRLB

Body Wood
Mahogany
Same Body Wood
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
24.75'' (628.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body
Type of Frets
Jumbo vs XL Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT

Solar E1.6FRLB Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Solar E1.6FRLB is probably the better product overall with its final score of 77 compared to the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's 74 score, although not by a lot.

The Solar E1.6FRLB wins when it comes to sound, build quality. On the other hand, the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic has the upper hand when it comes to playability, value for the money.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic is the better choice.

The Harley Benton EX-76 Classic meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Solar E1.6FRLB meets only 4. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players.

New Player Friendliness

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Solar E1.6FRLB
  • Comfortable shape
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Overview

  • From Harley Benton's 2020 Tribute series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 15" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Purpleheart fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Roswell LAF Alnico-5 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Roswell LAF Alnico-5 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 1 tone Speed knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Wsc Tune-O-Matic Bridge bridge
  • Harley Benton Slim Taper C Set neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Grover Locking Machine Heads tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Solar E1.6FRLB Overview

  • From Solar's 2020 Type E series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Flame Maple Veneer top
  • Mahogany body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Duncan Solar/Bridge (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Duncan Solar (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose 1000, with 34 mm Block bridge
  • Solar C Shape Set neck
  • 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Solar 18:1 Locking Type tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

Woods Used in the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic

Purpleheart wood pattern used for guitar building
Purpleheart

Purpleheart (also known as Amaranth) is a hard, dense wood with a brilliant tone. As its name suggests, the purple color makes this wood look exotic.

Woods Used in the Solar E1.6FRLB

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

Winner: Solar E1.6FRLB.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Only the Solar E1.6FRLB comes with some kind of pickup modification: Coil Split.

Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's switch options
Solar E1.6FRLB pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Solar E1.6FRLB's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Solar E1.6FRLB.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic
Pickups 90
Sustain 85
Versatility 51
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 77
Solar E1.6FRLB
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 69
Tuning Stability 95
Sound 84

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic compares to the Solar E1.6FRLB.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Indonesia.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Harley Benton EX-76 Classic has a Ivory Tusq nut. Ivory used to be considered the best material for guitar nuts due to its beauty, durability, and the rich harmonics and sustain you could get from a guitar with it. However, the way to obtain it is simply unethical. Enter TUSQ ivory nuts, which are made synthetically to imitate ivory. Technically, it's better than ivory because it is consistent piece-to-piece, while natural materials can vary a lot, even if they're made from the same.

On the other hand, the Solar E1.6FRLB comes with a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

In this comparison, the Solar E1.6FRLB is the only one that has stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

Winner: Solar E1.6FRLB.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's brige is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Solar E1.6FRLB's is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Solar E1.6FRLB.

Tuners

They both have locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Ivory Tusq Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Solar E1.6FRLB
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Retainer Bar
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic
Quality of materials 66
Features 60
Quality Control 65
Build Quality 64
Solar E1.6FRLB
Quality of materials 63
Features 80
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 73

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Nut Width
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Nut Width
Solar E1.6FRLB Nut Width
Solar E1.6FRLB Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Solar E1.6FRLB has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 42mm (1.654''). This is a 1mm (0.039'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Solar E1.6FRLB, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic and Solar E1.6FRLB's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 24.75".

This is the scale length that Gibson uses for most of its Les Paul guitars. It's a smaller scale than the typical Stratocaster's 25.5''. Short scale lengths like this make it easier to bend the strings, which is pretty important if you have a fixed bridge. They also have a shorter fret separation, which makes it easier to change position fast at the fretboard.

On the other hand, a shorter scale like this one will make fret buzz more likely, which can affect you if you want to use thicker string gauges.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Neck Profile
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's neck profile
Solar E1.6FRLB Neck Profile
Solar E1.6FRLB's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic and the Solar E1.6FRLB have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Fingerboard Radius
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's Fingerboard radius
Solar E1.6FRLB Fingerboard Radius
Solar E1.6FRLB's Fingerboard radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

In this case, the Solar E1.6FRLB's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic.

Still, both tend to favor soloing over chords, so if you're looking for a guitar for playing rhythm, you might want something else with a radius closer to a Stratocaster's 9.5''.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Solar E1.6FRLB:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Frets Size
Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's Frets Size
Solar E1.6FRLB Frets Size
Solar E1.6FRLB's Frets Size

The Solar E1.6FRLB has XL Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Harley Benton EX-76 Classic's Jumbo frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic
Bending & Vibrato Ease 95
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 80
Playability 80
Solar E1.6FRLB
Bending & Vibrato Ease 90
Chord Playability 55
Solo Playability 80
Playability 75

Specs Side-by-Side

Harley Benton EX-76 Classic vs Solar E1.6FRLB
General Harley Benton EX-76 Classic Solar E1.6FRLB
Brand: Harley Benton Solar
Year: 2020 2020
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia Indonesia
Series: Tribute Type E
Colors: Natural Green Burst Matte
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany Mahogany
Bridge: Wsc Tune-O-Matic Bridge Floyd Rose 1000, with 34 mm Block
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Grover Locking Machine Heads Solar 18:1 Locking Type
Fretboard: Purpleheart Ebony
Neck Material: Mahogany Maple
Decoration: White Dot Fretboard Inlays Solar Logo on 12th Fret
Scale Size: 24.75" 24.75"
Shape: Harley Benton Slim Taper C Solar C Shape
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.886'' (22.5mm) - 12th Fret: 0.984'' (25mm) 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm)
Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 15" 13.78"
Nut: Ivory Tusq Locking
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 43mm (1.693'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Roswell LAF Alnico-5 (Humbucker / Passive) Duncan Solar/Bridge (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Roswell LAF Alnico-5 (Humbucker / Passive) Duncan Solar (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Speed Dome
Pickup Mods: None Coil Split
Volume Controls: 2 1
Tone Controls: 1 1