Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute

Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute review

The Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute is a budget electric guitar with a familiar double-cutaway shape, a glossy black finish, and a maple neck and fingerboard. Listed at $179, it pairs an alder body with three single-coil pickups and a synchronized tremolo. The specifications point to a traditional, bright-sounding design, while owner reports show that the quality of the setup can vary from one example to another.

Its appeal is easy to understand. The black body, black single-ply pickguard, and pale maple neck give the guitar a distinctive contrast. Several owners praise the finish and overall appearance, describing clean paintwork and well-fitted body and neck joints. Others report scratches, finish blemishes, loose or stripped screws, and differences from the pictured hardware. Treat those accounts as a reminder to inspect the individual guitar rather than a guarantee of either outcome.

Construction and playing feel

The body is alder, with no separate top. The satin-finished maple neck uses a C profile and a stained nyatoh stripe on the back, known as a skunk stripe. The 648 mm scale length is a standard long-scale measurement, and the 42 mm nut width gives the neck familiar proportions. Its 350 mm fingerboard radius is relatively flat compared with many vintage-style designs. Players who like a flatter fingerboard may find bends comfortable; those who prefer a rounder feel should keep the radius in mind.

Reports about the neck are notably mixed. Many players call it comfortable and smooth, and some received instruments with clean fret ends and a playable setup straight from the box. Others found the fingerboard dry or rough at first, or said the neck felt too thick for their hands. Fretwork also varies: some owners found polished, even frets, while others reported scratchy bends, uneven heights, fret buzz, or work needed from a guitar technician. At this price, checking the neck relief, action, intonation, and frets is sensible before relying on it for regular playing.

The guitar has 21 frets. That layout suits conventional lead and rhythm parts, though players used to 22- or 24-fret instruments may need to adjust their reach. It ships with.010,.046 strings, but string condition and factory setup have also varied in owner accounts. No gig bag or hard case is included, so factor in separate protection for transport or storage.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

The three-pickup arrangement combines two Roswell SK52 True Vintage staggered Alnico 5 single coils in the neck and middle positions with a Roswell True Vintage QSTA-B Alnico 5 single coil at the bridge. A five-way switch selects the familiar range of individual and combined pickup positions. One volume control and two tone controls provide straightforward onboard adjustment.

Players often describe the sound as clear, bright, and recognizably associated with this style of guitar. Several praise the range of usable tones across the switch positions, particularly for clean sounds, blues, and classic rock. Others find the pickups thin, unbalanced, or less convincing than those in more expensive instruments. The bridge pickup, in particular, can sound brighter or louder than the neck and middle pickups to some ears. These judgments depend on the amplifier, settings, and taste, so trying the controls through your usual setup matters more than expecting a specific artist's tone.

The synchronized tremolo has a vintage-style specification, though owners report receiving different bridge details on some production runs. Some describe a substantial block and good tuning stability with restrained use; others had trouble with the tremolo arm, bridge setup, or tuning after heavy use. The arm is described in some reports as a push-in design. Proper setup and a well-cut nut can make a significant difference, but this is not a promise of perfect tuning stability under every playing style.

Kluson-style tuning machines and chrome-plated hardware complete the stated specification. Many owners say the tuners feel reliable and hold pitch well. A smaller number report excess play or sticking. The included D'Addario strings are.010,.046 gauge.

Verdict

At $179, the ST-57DG Black Tribute offers an alder body, maple neck and fingerboard, three Alnico 5 single coils, and a five-way switching layout. Owner feedback suggests that the strongest examples can be comfortable, attractive, and satisfying to play without immediate upgrades. The caution is consistency: setup and fretwork reports range from excellent to problematic, and some examples need adjustment or professional attention.

It makes the most sense for players who want this traditional pickup layout and appearance at a low entry price, and who are willing to check or adjust a new instrument. A beginner expecting every example to be ready to play without inspection may have a less predictable experience. There is no case or bag in the package. If the guitar arrives with clean frets and a suitable setup, it can offer strong value; inspect the specific instrument before deciding it meets your needs.