Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Black

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Black review

The ST-80FR MN Black is a fixed-price entry into the world of locking tremolo guitars, with a Floyd Rose 1000, one Tesla humbucker, and a roasted maple neck. Listed at 285, it puts a substantial set of hardware and fretwork on the spec sheet without adding a case or bag. Owner reports suggest that the playing experience can be impressive for the cost, though the setup and small hardware details may vary from one guitar to another.

The black, high-gloss finish is paired with an American basswood body and no separate top. The bolt-on neck is roasted Canadian flamed maple, while the fingerboard is roasted Canadian maple with rounded edges. Dot inlays and glow-in-the-dark side markers keep the layout simple. Players reviewing the guitar praised the neck's appearance, with one noting an even grain and no visible finish defects on their example.

Neck and fretwork

The asymmetrical C neck measures 20.5 mm at the first fret and 23.5 mm at the twelfth, though one player found it fuller than expected. That observation is worth keeping in mind if you prefer a particularly slim neck. Other owners described the feel as comfortable and singled out the rounded fret ends as a standout detail. The neck heel and body contours are shaped for easier access and a more accommodating fit against the player.

The fingerboard uses a compound radius from 305 to 406 mm, equivalent to 12 to 16 inches. Its 22 medium-jumbo stainless steel frets have rounded ends, and the stated fret width is 2.9 mm. Several reports praise the fret ends and smooth feel, while one player found that bends initially produced some string drag despite the frets looking polished. After additional polishing, the bends improved. Another owner reported a minor high-fret issue that was easy to correct. These accounts point to strong potential, with final fret finishing worth checking on arrival.

Scale length is 648 mm, or 25.5 inches, and the nut measures 43 mm. The double-action truss rod adjusts with a wheel, which can make access more convenient during a setup. Glow-in-the-dark side markers are a practical touch for low-light stages, and the rounded fretboard edges contribute to the smooth feel owners noticed.

Floyd Rose and setup

The Floyd Rose 1000 is a major part of this model's appeal. One owner reported that it stayed in tune through pull-ups and dive bombs, while another described it as working well for trying a Floyd Rose without spending heavily. Stable performance depends on setup, and reports differ: some players received a guitar ready to play, while others needed to lower the action, adjust the locking nut or work on the tremolo.

One reviewer found the action high, especially at the locking nut, and had to file the nut rather than add a shim. They also noticed burrs at the tremolo's knife edges and polished them to improve tuning stability. Other points raised include some movement in the bridge inserts, stiff-feeling fine tuners with uneven excess finish, and a tremolo arm that rattled during playing. These are not universal findings, but they are useful checks when inspecting a new instrument. The tuning machines, with a 15:1 ratio, received a positive report for smooth operation.

Pickup and controls

The electronics are deliberately spare: one Tesla Plasma-X1b Alnico V humbucker and one volume control. Players generally liked the pickup's clear, muscular sound and reported that pinch harmonics came easily. One described its character as slightly dark but satisfying, while another found its output very strong and wanted a treble-bleed circuit to preserve clarity as the volume was turned down. A reviewer also noted that the pickup has four-conductor wiring, so coil splitting may be possible with suitable switching, though no such switch is included.

The single-control layout keeps operation uncomplicated, but offers no onboard tone control. The reported complaints are specific rather than consistent: one owner said the output jack was loose, and another described reversed signal wiring that caused noise when the volume was fully down. It is sensible to test the jack, control response, and signal before relying on the guitar for a performance.

Verdict

The Harley Benton ST-80FR MN Black offers an appealing mix of a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, a Tesla humbucker, and a Floyd Rose 1000. Owner feedback ranges from instruments that arrived correctly adjusted to examples needing focused workshop attention. The clearest strengths are the neck feel, fret-end finishing, and tremolo's potential to hold tuning. Check the action, nut, bridge, fine tuners, arm, jack, and wiring on your specific guitar. A careful inspection and setup can make this an especially compelling choice for players seeking a locking-tremolo guitar at a modest price.