Best Electric Guitars Under $500 in 2025
Here you'll find the best electric guitars under $500. Here you'll find the best electric guitars under $500.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature
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Show All Specs
| Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Harley Benton | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Pro | |
| Colors: | Black, Green | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Nyatoh | |
| Bridge: | Wsc Tune-O-Matic | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Jinho HB JN-03L locking machine heads | |
| Fretboard: | Macassar | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | ||
| Scale Size: | 25" | |
| Shape: | Smooth U | |
| Frets: | 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Roswell "Seraphim" Custom Wound Alnico V (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Alnico Ceramic Flanker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Speed | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 2 | |
| Tone Controls: | 2 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature
Harley Benton Agufish STD Signature
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Weight Relief
- Luminescent Inlay
- Made in Indonesia
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Tremolo
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. Schecter S-II Omen
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (57 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (48 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (21 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (20 votes)
Show All Specs
| Schecter S-II Omen | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Schecter | |
| Year: | 2008 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Omen | |
| Colors: | White, Brown | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Basswood | |
| Bridge: | Tune-O-Matic w/ String Thru Body | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Schecter | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Semi-Goth | |
| Scale Size: | 24.75" | |
| Shape: | Thin C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 14" | |
| Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Schecter Diamond Plus (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Schecter Diamond Plus (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black & Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter S-II Omen
Schecter S-II Omen
- Expensive Wood
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Coil Split Pickups
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Indonesia
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Tremolo
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Dean NashVegas Select Floyd
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (4 votes)
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| Dean NashVegas Select Floyd | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Dean | |
| Year: | 2020 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Select | |
| Colors: | Black Satin | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Basswood | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1000 (Korean) | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Grover | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | 3 Piece Maple | |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Dot | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | C | |
| Frets: | 22 Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan TB-5 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan APH-1N (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Dean NashVegas Select Floyd
Dean NashVegas Select Floyd
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Tremolo
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Indonesia
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Normal (2 votes)
- Fret edges: Slightly sharp (2 votes)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (2 votes)
- Weight: Slightly heavy (2 votes)
- Neck profile shape: C (11 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (15 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Gretsch | |
| Year: | 2023 | |
| Configuration: | P90P90 | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | China | |
| Series: | Electromatic | |
| Colors: | Green | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Arched Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Adjustable Wrap-Around | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Die-Cast Sealed | |
| Fretboard: | Laurel | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Pearloid Neo-Classic Thumbnail | |
| Scale Size: | 24.6" | |
| Shape: | Thin U | |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Synthetic Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Gretsch P-90E Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Gretsch P-90E Single-Coil (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Speed | |
| Volume Controls: | 3 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Nickel | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90
Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90
- Expensive Wood
- Synthetic Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Weight Relief
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in China
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Tremolo
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Chapman ML3 Modern
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Very Easy (2 votes)
- Fret edges: Slightly sharp (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (2 votes)
- Weight: Slightly heavy (2 votes)
- Neck profile shape: C (9 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| Chapman ML3 Modern | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Chapman | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Standard | |
| Colors: | Blue, Orange, Red, Gray | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Flame Maple Veneer On Flat Top with Gloss Finish | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Chapman String-Through Hardtail | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Chapman Classic Closed (18:1 Gearing) | |
| Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Pearl Side Dots and Pearl Front Dot Inlays with Pearl Infinity | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | C Shape | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.905'' (23mm) - 12th Fret: 0.944'' (24mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 13.78" | |
| Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Chapman Sonorous Zerø Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Chapman Sonorous Zerø Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Chapman ML3 Modern
Chapman ML3 Modern
- Expensive Wood
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Coil Split Pickups
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Indonesia
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Tremolo
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Harley Benton Agufish Standard STD BT
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Show All Specs
| Harley Benton Agufish Standard STD BT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Harley Benton | |
| Year: | 2024 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Pro | |
| Colors: | Black | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Maple | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Nyatoh | |
| Bridge: | Wsc Tune-O-Matic | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Jinho HB JN-03L locking machine heads | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | ||
| Scale Size: | 28" | |
| Shape: | Smooth U | |
| Frets: | 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Roswell "Seraphim" Custom Wound Alnico V (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Alnico Ceramic Flanker (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Speed | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 2 | |
| Tone Controls: | 2 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton Agufish Standard STD BT
Harley Benton Agufish Standard STD BT
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Weight Relief
- Luminescent Inlay
- Made in Indonesia
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Tremolo
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (19 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
Show All Specs
| Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Harley Benton | |
| Year: | 2023 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Signature | |
| Colors: | Green | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Top: | Ultra Flame flamed maple veneer | |
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Nyatoh | |
| Bridge: | Floyd Rose | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Gold-plated Jinho J03 Mini Rotomatic style | |
| Fretboard: | Roasted Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | ||
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Harley Benton Modern C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.807'' (20.5mm) - 12th Fret: 0.886'' (22.5mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Locking | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Tesla Plasma-X1 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Tesla Plasma-RS2 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature
Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Indonesia
- No Expensive Woods
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (19 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Harley Benton | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Pro | |
| Colors: | Black | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Nyatoh | |
| Bridge: | WSC Hipshot style hardtail | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | WSC staggered locking die-cast | |
| Fretboard: | Roasted Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | 12 X 6mm black dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Harley Benton Modern C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.807'' (20.5mm) - 12th Fret: 0.886'' (22.5mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG Retro Active Hot 70 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG Retro Active Hot 70 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted
Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Made in Indonesia
- No Expensive Woods
- 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
All Prices
9. Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (19 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (11 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (5 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (3 votes)
Show All Specs
| Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Harley Benton | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Pro | |
| Colors: | Black | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Nyatoh | |
| Bridge: | WSC Hipshot style hardtail | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | WSC staggered locking die-cast | |
| Fretboard: | Roasted Maple | |
| Neck Material: | Roasted Maple | |
| Decoration: | 12 X 6mm black dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Harley Benton Modern C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.807'' (20.5mm) - 12th Fret: 0.886'' (22.5mm) | |
| Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | EMG Retro Active Hot 70 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Neck Pickup: | EMG Retro Active Hot 70 (Humbucker / Active) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Dome | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted
Harley Benton Fusion-III EMG HT Roasted
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Made in Indonesia
- No Expensive Woods
- 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
All Prices
10. Harley Benton MR-Modern Baritone
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Slightly sharp (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Sightly unstable (1 vote)
- Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (29 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (22 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Harley Benton MR-Modern Baritone | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Harley Benton | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | HH | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Indonesia | |
| Series: | Vintage | |
| Colors: | Sunburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Solid Body | |
| Body Material: | Alder | |
| Bridge: | Wilkinson VS-50 II Precision Tremolo | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Bolt-On | |
| Tuners: | Kluson-style Wilkinson locking | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Maple | |
| Decoration: | Dot | |
| Scale Size: | 27" | |
| Shape: | Harley Benton C | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.898'' (22.8mm) - 12th Fret: 0.931'' (23.6mm) | |
| Frets: | 22 Medium Stainless Steel | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Bridge Pickups: | Artec AHC-90 Soapbar (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Neck Pickup: | Artec AHC-90 Soapbar (Single Coil / Passive) | |
| Switch: | 3 | |
| Knobs: | Speed | |
| Pickup Mods: | Coil Tap | |
| Volume Controls: | 1 | |
| Tone Controls: | 1 | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Harley Benton MR-Modern Baritone
Harley Benton MR-Modern Baritone
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Tap Pickups
- Tremolo
- Made in Indonesia
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
