Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry

Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry review

The DC-Custom 612 Cherry puts a six-string and a 12-string guitar on one instrument, with a switch to select either neck or both. It is built for players who want to move between a standard electric guitar sound and the bright, layered character of a 12-string without changing instruments. At a listed price of 469, it is a comparatively accessible route into the double-neck format, and the included hard case adds practical value.

Its appeal is easy to understand, but the design comes with real tradeoffs. The guitar is large, heavy, and noticeably neck-heavy for many players. It also has shared volume and tone controls, rather than independent controls for each neck. The result is a distinctive instrument that can be rewarding in the right setting, but calls for a realistic view of its size and handling.

Construction and features

The instrument has a glossy cherry-red finish, bound necks and headstocks, and decorative trapezoid fingerboard inlays. Both necks are set into the body and have a C-shaped profile, rosewood fingerboards, 22 medium-jumbo frets, and a 628 mm scale length. The six-string nut measures 42 mm wide; the 12-string nut is 48 mm wide. A double-action truss rod is fitted.

The provided specifications are inconsistent about the body and neck wood, listing mahogany in one place and meranti in another. Buyers should check the current product listing for the manufacturer's definitive description. Hardware includes chrome-plated parts, Tune-o-matic bridges, and Grover tuning machines. Roswell Alnico 5 humbuckers are specified for both necks. The six-string pickups have covers, while the 12-string pickups do not.

There are two three-way pickup selectors, one for each neck, plus a three-way selector for the six-string, 12-string, or combined output. One master volume and one master tone control serve the instrument. A three-ply pickguard and a fitted hard case are included; a gig bag is not.

Playing feel and setup

Owner reports often praise the necks as comfortable, with the slightly wider 12-string neck considered an advantage by some players. Several buyers received an instrument with a usable setup straight from the case, including comfortable string height and solid intonation. Others report needing fretwork, bridge adjustment, or a professional setup. That variation makes an inspection after delivery sensible, particularly for fret buzz, sharp fret ends, and tuning at the upper frets.

The double-neck layout takes time to get used to. Seated playing is a practical way to manage the instrument, while standing exposes its main ergonomic drawback: the headstocks pull downward, and some players have difficulty keeping the necks level. The guitar's weight is substantial, as expected from a body carrying two complete necks and hardware. Reports vary on how manageable it feels, but extended standing sessions may be tiring.

Sound and controls

The 12-string neck is frequently described as clear, chiming, and full, especially through the neck pickup in a clean setting. It suits ringing chords and parts that need extra shimmer. The six-string side can provide a more direct classic-rock voice, with players reporting good results from clean tones through overdrive. Pickup opinions are less consistent: some find both sides impressive as supplied, while others feel the six-string pickups sound subdued or the two necks have uneven output.

That difference may require adjustment of pickup height and amplifier settings. One owner improved the balance by changing the wiring, but that is a modification, not a standard feature or a necessary first step. The shared controls are the more general limitation. Since there is no separate volume and tone for each neck, independent level changes require adjustment elsewhere in the signal chain or changes to the instrument's wiring.

Verdict

The Harley Benton DC-Custom 612 Cherry makes the double-neck concept available at a price far below many established alternatives, while providing both necks, Roswell humbuckers, Grover tuners, and a hard case. Its strongest points are the flexible six- and 12-string arrangement, attractive finish, and the satisfying sounds many owners report.

Its weight and neck dive are central considerations, not minor footnotes. Shared controls, possible setup work, and mixed reports about pickup balance also deserve attention. For a player who wants a double-neck for selected songs, recording, or collection use, it offers a compelling package. For frequent standing performances or long sets, try to handle one first if possible. The instrument rewards players who want its specific format and are prepared to work around its physical demands.