Harley Benton R-457FFB Roasted MultiScale
The Harley Benton R-457FFB Roasted MultiScale offers a comfortable seven-string multiscale design and a standout finish for a very low price. Expect some variation in setup and hardware quality, and be prepared to adjust or upgrade parts if your example needs it.
★★★★★ 4.6/5 · 50 buyer reviews · 7 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Harley Benton R-457FFB Roasted MultiScale review
The Harley Benton R-457FFB Roasted MultiScale makes a strong first impression with its Flip Flop Blue finish, roasted maple neck, and seven-string, multiscale design. At a listed price of 218, it offers an inexpensive way to try fan-fretted playing or add an extended-range guitar without a major investment. Its appeal is easy to understand, though buyer reports show that setup and finish quality can vary from one instrument to another.
The guitar has a poplar body, a bolt-on roasted maple neck, and a roasted maple fingerboard with offset dot inlays. Its glossy finish shifts in appearance with the viewing angle, with owners describing green, blue, and purple tones. The effect is a major part of the instrument's character, and several reviewers say it looks more impressive in person than in photos. A few report small paint flaws, scratches, tool marks, or other cosmetic blemishes, so the finish is eye-catching but not always flawless.
Neck and multiscale feel
The 648 to 686 mm scale length places the high strings on the shorter end and the low strings on the longer end. That arrangement supports a familiar feel on the treble strings while giving the lower strings more tension. Players new to fan frets may need a little time to adjust, but many owners report that the transition is quick and that the angled frets feel natural after a short playing session.
The neck has a Speed-D profile, a 48 mm nut width, and a 350 mm fingerboard radius. Owners often praise its comfortable shape and smooth satin feel. The extra string does not seem to make the neck unwieldy for many players, and reports describe comfortable access across much of the fingerboard. The guitar has 24 medium-jumbo frets arranged to match the multiscale layout.
Fretwork is the most inconsistent part of the owner feedback. Some guitars arrive with smooth fret ends and a clean setup, while others have scratchy frets, sharp edges, uneven spots, or notes that buzz. A fret polish or setup adjustment may be all that is needed, but some reported problems call for more substantial attention. Check the frets and play every string across the neck when the guitar arrives, particularly if you do not plan to do your own setup work.
Sound and controls
Two Hi-Gain humbuckers provide the R-457FFB's output. The controls are straightforward: one volume knob, one tone knob, and a three-way pickup selector. Owners generally find the pickups usable and responsive, with plenty of output for driven rock and metal sounds. Several also report good results for riffs, lead playing, and basic clean tones.
Their character is less consistent in owner descriptions. Some players find the sound clear and versatile for the price, while others describe the pickups as dark, muddy, or short on definition, especially with clean sounds or very low tunings. The bridge pickup can also push an amplifier into breakup, so lowering its volume may help when a cleaner sound is the goal. These pickups are a reasonable starting point, but players who need a precise clean tone or sharper definition at low tunings may want to consider an equalizer or a pickup replacement.
Hardware, setup, and value
The guitar has black hardware, a Nubone nut, and deluxe die-cast tuning machines. It has no tremolo system and does not include a case or gig bag. Tuning stability receives mixed reports. Some players say their guitar holds tuning well, while others report tuning-machine dead spots, strings catching in the nut, or strings slipping from poorly cut nut slots. A careful setup, fresh strings, or replacement tuners may help, depending on the instrument.
Out-of-box setup also varies. Many owners received a playable guitar with good action and intonation, needing only a small adjustment. Others found the action high or encountered fret buzz and had to visit a technician. The supplied string gauges run from.009 to.054. Players who prefer a firmer feel on the lowest string may want to experiment with a heavier set, then have the guitar set up for it.
At 218, the Harley Benton R-457FFB Roasted MultiScale offers an unusual combination of seven strings, a multiscale neck, roasted maple, and a vivid color-shifting finish. Its most dependable strengths are its distinctive looks, comfortable neck, and accessible entry point to fan-fretted playing. The pickups and hardware may suit many buyers as delivered, but quality-control reports make a thorough inspection worthwhile. It is a compelling budget guitar for curious players and hands-on owners, with the caveat that some examples may need fret, nut, or setup work.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Striking color-shifting finish that reviewers often say looks even better in person
- Comfortable roasted maple neck with a slim profile and a 648, 686 mm multiscale layout
- Often arrives with a playable setup and smooth, comfortable fretwork
- Strong value for a seven-string multiscale guitar at this price
What bugged me
- Quality control varies: some buyers report rough fret ends, fret buzz, finish flaws, or setup issues
- The stock humbuckers can sound dark or muddy, especially on clean tones or very low tunings
- Some reviewers report inconsistent tuning machines or nut slots that need adjustment
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for budget-conscious players exploring seven-string or multiscale guitars, especially those playing rock and heavier styles. Also suited to buyers who value the distinctive finish and are willing to make a setup or upgrade if needed.Look elsewhere if
Skip it if you need consistently flawless fretwork, nut cutting, and tuning hardware without inspection or adjustment. It may also disappoint players who need bright, clearly defined stock pickups for clean tones or very low tunings.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Blue
- Body
- Linden
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Maple
- Frets
- 24
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickup system
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Number of strings
- 7
- Style
- ST
- Long scale
- 686 mm
What other players say
Customer feedback is broadly positive about the vivid finish, comfortable roasted maple neck, approachable multiscale layout, and value for money. Many owners describe a good setup and satisfying playability, while opinions on the pickups range from useful and punchy to overly dark or muddy. Reports of rough frets, nut or tuner problems, fret buzz, and cosmetic flaws are inconsistent, suggesting that quality control can vary between examples. Several reviewers consider the guitar a good starting point or a practical platform for upgrades.
Fretwork and setup were fantastic out of the box.
Fan frets were surprisingly easy to get used to.
The pickups are dark, as mentioned before me.
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is the multiscale layout difficult to get used to?
Several reviewers say the fan frets feel natural after a short adjustment period. The 648, 686 mm scale range provides a shorter scale on the treble strings and a longer one on the low strings.
Are the stock pickups suitable for clean tones?
They are high-output humbuckers, and owners report mixed results. Some find them flexible and usable, while others describe them as dark or muddy, particularly for clean and lower-gain sounds.
Does it usually need a setup after delivery?
Many buyers report a good out-of-box setup, but others needed to lower the action, address fret buzz, or polish the frets. Check the neck, intonation, and fretwork when it arrives.
Should I expect to replace the tuners or nut?
Not necessarily, but some reviewers report imprecise tuners or poorly cut nut slots. If tuning feels unreliable or strings bind in the nut, a setup or hardware replacement may help.
Who is this guitar best suited to?
It is a strong option for players who want an affordable seven-string multiscale guitar for rock or heavier styles, and who are comfortable making adjustments if needed. Buyers seeking consistently premium fretwork and hardware should consider a higher-priced instrument.
The last word from the bench
This is a compelling, affordable way to try seven-string and multiscale playing, with a roasted maple neck that many owners find comfortable and easy to adapt to. The high-output humbuckers work well for many heavier sounds, though reports differ on their clarity and clean-tone performance. Reviews also show inconsistent fret, nut, and tuner quality, so inspect the instrument carefully on arrival. At this price, it is a strong buy for players willing to handle a setup or occasional modification.
Hanging next to it
Harley Benton R-457FFB Roasted MultiScale
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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