Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry

Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry review

The Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry is a left-handed, six-string semi-hollow electric guitar with a maple body, a maple top, and a mahogany sustain block. Its red cherry finish and arched, figured maple top give it the familiar visual language of a classic double-cutaway semi-hollow, while the price of 233 makes it notably accessible. For left-handed players looking for this style of instrument without stretching to a higher price bracket, that combination is a substantial part of the appeal.

Owner reports generally describe an instrument that looks and sounds more expensive than its price suggests. Several players found the finish, binding, and overall presentation impressive, while others received examples with small cosmetic or setup issues. That range matters: the strengths are clear, but inspection after delivery is sensible rather than assuming every guitar will arrive in identical condition.

Construction and playability

The neck is maple, set into the body, with a laurel fingerboard, block inlays, a 305 mm radius, and 22 frets. Its 628 mm scale and 42 mm nut width provide the basic dimensions, while players describe the neck as comfortable and, in some cases, fuller than the slim profiles they are used to. The guitar has a semi-hollow construction rather than a fully hollow body, with a mahogany block running through the center.

Many buyers report that their instrument arrived ready to play after tuning or only minor adjustments to the action or intonation. Others needed to address fret roughness, fret buzz, a high nut, or uneven setup. A few players polished the frets or had a technician level them. These reports suggest that the out-of-box experience can be very good, but a basic setup check is worthwhile, especially if you prefer low action.

Weight is another point to consider. Some owners find the guitar well balanced and comfortable while standing; others say it feels heavier than its appearance suggests, with comparisons to a solid-body guitar in the same general class. A wide strap may help during long sessions. The semi-hollow design also gives the instrument a pleasing unplugged voice, which owners mention as useful for casual practice.

Pickups and controls

Two Roswell LAF Alnico 5 vintage-style humbuckers provide the main amplified sounds. Each volume control has a push-pull function that splits the coils, and a three-way selector chooses the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or both. Two separate tone controls round out the layout. Players commonly describe the humbuckers as full and warm, with the neck position a favorite for blues and jazz. The guitar's sustain and broad, lively sound also earn frequent praise.

Coil splitting adds brighter, leaner tones and gives the guitar more range than its two-humbucker layout might imply. Owners report using the split sounds for cleaner parts and different musical styles, though the result remains dependent on the amplifier and playing setup. The bridge pickup may need adjustment to balance its output with the neck pickup.

The controls draw more mixed comments. Several owners say the tone response is concentrated near one end of the knob's travel, making fine adjustments difficult. Some also report reversed numbering or control behavior on left-handed examples. Volume controls are generally considered usable, but the tone controls can feel stiff or less progressive. The selector switch has also been described as easy to bump while strumming.

Finish, hardware, and ownership notes

The Cherry finish is one of the HB-35Plus's strongest visual features. Owners often praise the visible maple figure, glossy red finish, and binding around the body and sound holes. The top's figure varies from guitar to guitar, and some buyers note that it does not match the highest grade implied by the original specification. Others report minor flaws, including rough binding, small finish marks, misplaced inlays, glue residue, or a poorly fitted pickguard. Many examples, however, are described as clean and carefully finished.

Hardware feedback is similarly varied. Some players find the tuners dependable and report good tuning stability; others have had loose-feeling tuning pegs or a string slipping at the nut. One owner resolved a high-string tuning issue by lubricating the nut. Reports also mention a loose output jack and, in some cases, concerns about how the bridge or tailpiece sits on the arched top. These are not universal complaints, but they are worth checking when the guitar arrives.

• Strengths: Left-handed semi-hollow design, attractive cherry finish, comfortable neck, warm humbucker sound, and useful coil splitting.
• Potential adjustments: Fret polishing, setup, nut lubrication, control feel, or minor hardware and finish details.
• Included accessories: No case or gig bag is included.

Verdict

The Harley Benton HB-35Plus LH Cherry makes a strong case for itself as an affordable left-handed semi-hollow. Its best qualities are the comfortable playing feel, expressive humbuckers, useful coil splits, and striking cherry appearance. Many owners enjoy it as delivered, while others improve their example with a setup or small maintenance tasks. If you are comfortable checking the frets, controls, and hardware rather than expecting flawless consistency, the HB-35Plus offers a compelling blend of style and usable sound for the price.