Harley Benton DC-Junior FAT TV Yellow

Harley Benton DC-Junior FAT TV Yellow review

The Harley Benton DC-Junior FAT TV Yellow keeps its formula simple: a nyatoh body, a set-in nyatoh neck, one pickup, and two controls. At a listed price of 237, it offers a stripped-down electric guitar with an ebony fingerboard, a wraparound bridge, and a push-pull tone control. The finish is high-gloss TV Yellow, set off by a three-ply black pickguard and chrome hardware.

Its appeal depends less on a long list of features than on whether the basics work. Owner feedback is strongly positive about the finish, fretwork, and sound, but there are also reports of uneven setup and occasional quality-control problems. That variation matters at this price, so a careful inspection and setup should be part of the buying decision.

Construction and playing feel

The neck has a Fat '59 profile, a 43 mm nut, and a 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius. It is a substantial handful, though players who like fuller necks describe it as comfortable rather than unwieldy. Others find it unusually thick. That difference is personal, but anyone who prefers a slim neck should try one before buying if possible.

The 22 medium-jumbo frets drew some of the most enthusiastic comments. Several owners describe smooth fret ends and clean installation, with no sharp edges. Other reports mention uneven fretwork or a setup that needed attention. The sample-to-sample variation in the feedback is a useful reminder that a good result is possible, not guaranteed.

Setup reports vary too. Some guitars arrived playing well, with good intonation, while others had high action or needed adjustment at the bridge. One owner found that the action could not be lowered as far as preferred without fret buzz. The graphite nut also received criticism from a buyer who reported string binding and tuning issues. A proper inspection of the nut, fretwork, and bridge setup is sensible after delivery.

The WSC wraparound bridge keeps the hardware straightforward. One player reported near-perfect intonation straight out of the box, while others needed to adjust the setup. Wilkinson vintage-style tuners use a 15:1 gear ratio. Some owners say they work well and hold tune; others dislike their appearance or report problems with how they were mounted. The strings supplied are.010,.046.

Pickup and controls

The single Roswell P90D Stack STK4P pickup uses an Alnico 5 magnet and a dog-ear cover. The guitar has one volume control and a tone control with a push-pull function. That keeps operation simple while offering a second pickup configuration. Owners describe the standard setting as full, growling, and forceful, particularly with mild overdrive or distortion. In a band mix, that direct midrange character can help riffs cut through.

Clean tones are available by rolling back the controls, but this is not a highly versatile two-pickup instrument. The pickup's strong personality is central to the guitar's appeal. Players expecting a bright, glassy sound may find it too thick or lacking in top-end sparkle. Raising an amplifier's treble may help balance the sound.

Feedback on the push-pull function is mixed in a practical way. Owners value the option to change the pickup's character and reduce hum, but it does not eliminate noise completely. Some hear only a small difference between the two settings, along with a slight reduction in high frequencies in the hum-reduced mode. Treat it as a useful tonal option, not a substitute for a separate pickup or a completely silent signal.

What to check before keeping it

• Inspect the fret ends, fret leveling, and action across the neck.
• Check the nut for clean string movement and stable tuning.
• Confirm the bridge setup and intonation, then adjust the action to suit your playing.
• Test both push-pull settings and listen for the change in hum and high-frequency response.

One buyer reported serious defects, including a loose, poorly cut nut, incorrect intonation, and irregular bridge mounting holes. Another described a damaged instrument after removing tuner bushings. These accounts sit alongside many reports of clean finishes, solid assembly, and good playability, but they make a thorough inspection worthwhile. The guitar does not include a case or gig bag. A compatible case is listed separately as item 172299.

Verdict

The DC-Junior FAT TV Yellow has a clear purpose: a substantial neck, one assertive pickup, and uncomplicated controls. For players drawn to a punchy, rough-edged voice, the Roswell pickup may be worth keeping rather than replacing. The neck and fretwork also receive strong praise from owners who got well-finished examples.

Its main limitation is consistency. Some guitars arrive ready to play, while others need setup work or closer quality checks. At 237, the feature set is appealing, but buyers should allow time to inspect and adjust the instrument. If you want a simple guitar with a thick neck and a distinctive P90 sound, this Harley Benton is a compelling option, provided the individual example checks out.