Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series

Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series review

The Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series is a budget electric guitar built around a Mustang-inspired body, a 610 mm scale length, two single-coil pickups, and a tremolo. At the listed price of 149, it offers an accessible way to try a short-scale offset design, or to add a distinctive voice to a collection. It has been available since August 2014. No case or gig bag is included.

Owner reports make the appeal clear: many players describe a comfortable neck, a lively, bright sound, and a finish that looks more cream or pale yellow than white. Several say their guitar played well after a basic setup. Others report significant problems with fret buzz, intonation, the bridge, tremolo, or electronics. That spread matters. The MS-60 can be a rewarding buy, but individual inspection and setup quality appear to vary.

Specs and design

• Body: Linden, also listed as basswood, with a high-gloss Vintage White finish.
• Neck: Maple, attached with a bolt-on joint.
• Fingerboard: The supplied specifications conflict: one lists laurel, another lists amaranth. Confirm the version with the seller if the wood matters to you.
• Frets and scale: 22 frets and a 610 mm scale length.
• Nut: Graphite, with a listed width of 42 mm.
• Pickups: Two Roswell STA Alnico-5 vintage-style single coils, in an SS layout.
• Controls: Master volume, master tone, and a separate on/off slider switch for each pickup.
• Bridge and hardware: Tune-o-matic bridge, DLX tremolo, chrome hardware, and die-cast tuning machines.

The two switches give straightforward control over each pickup, but do not provide the out-of-phase option found on some Mustang-style circuits. This is a practical distinction for players seeking that particular sound. The 610 mm scale is shorter than the common 648 mm scale, reducing the distance between frets. Players with smaller hands often appreciate the reach, while some longer-scale players may find the upper fret area cramped.

Sound and playability

The twin single coils give the MS-60 a bright, clear character. Owners describe sharp attack and chime in clean settings, with a wiry edge that suits surf, indie, alternative rock, and grunge. The neck pickup is often praised for a warmer, fuller tone. Reports on the bridge pickup are less consistent: some find it lively and articulate, while others call it thin, quiet, or unusually sharp. Pickup height and individual preferences can affect those impressions.

Several players say the guitar responds well to fuzz and overdrive, and that its short scale makes riffs and bends feel easy. Others use it as a second instrument for a sound their main guitar does not provide. The short scale changes string tension and feel, so players who prefer a firmer response may want to try a heavier set than the light strings some owners report receiving.

Many reviews praise the neck's comfortable feel and the overall finish for the price. However, setup reports are mixed. Some instruments arrived ready to play; others needed adjustments to neck relief, string height, intonation, or fretwork. A few owners had trouble achieving correct intonation with the bridge saddles, while others found setup simple. A careful inspection after delivery is sensible, especially for fret buzz, nut slots, loose hardware, and the input jack.

Tremolo and tuning stability

The tremolo is a distinctive part of the design, and reports range from positive to frustrating. Some owners find it smooth and reasonably stable when used gently. Others describe rattles, loose parts, or tuning shifts after use. The Tune-o-matic bridge also draws criticism from players who want frequent tremolo use, since friction at the bridge can make returning to pitch less predictable. Roller-bridge replacements and other adjustments are common owner modifications, though they are not essential for every player.

The tuning machines are similarly variable in owner accounts. Many say they work adequately, while some report slipping or unwanted play. Check tuning stability with the guitar properly strung and stretched, and inspect the tremolo arm for a secure fit.

Verdict

At 149, the Harley Benton MS-60 VW Vintage Series makes a strong case as an affordable short-scale guitar with a distinct offset sound and a useful platform for personal adjustments. Its best qualities, according to many owners, are the compact feel, comfortable neck, vintage-style single-coil tones, and striking finish. Its main risk is inconsistent setup and hardware performance, particularly around the bridge and tremolo.

Choose it if you want a Mustang-inspired instrument and are comfortable checking the setup or having a technician do it. If you need dependable tremolo performance straight from the box, or want consistent quality without follow-up adjustments, the mixed reports are reason to compare alternatives first. The MS-60's potential is real, but the individual guitar you receive makes a difference.