Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime Sparkle

Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime Sparkle review

The Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH Lime Sparkle is an affordable, double-cutaway electric guitar with a locking vibrato system and two humbuckers. Its specification sheet is strong for the price: a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, a compound-radius fingerboard, and a Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo. Player reports are especially positive about the finish and neck workmanship, though the neck shape and fretboard-edge fit deserve attention before buying.

The guitar has a basswood body in a high-gloss Lime Sparkle finish. The color is described as a dark, olive-leaning green with visible sparkle, rather than a bright lime shade. One owner reported clean paintwork with no visible finish defects. No top is listed, and a bag or case is not included.

Neck and fretwork

The bolt-on neck and fingerboard are made from roasted Canadian maple. The neck has an asymmetrical C profile, measuring 20.5 mm thick at the first fret and 23.5 mm at the 22nd. Its 305 to 406 mm compound radius moves from a rounder feel near the nut toward a flatter surface higher up the neck. The scale length is 648 mm, with a 43 mm nut width.

Reports on the neck are divided, largely because its shape is not especially thin. One player found it comfortable, smooth, and quick, and praised the rounded fingerboard edges and neatly finished stainless steel frets. Another found the profile too bulky for their hand, while acknowledging that players with larger hands may prefer it. Trying the guitar in person could help settle that question.

There is also a more serious concern in one buyer's account. Both of their returned guitars had a slight height difference from one side of the neck to the other, leaving the low E string close to the fingerboard edge. They also found inconsistent fret ends, with some sitting flush and others set back by 1 to 2 mm. In use, the string could slip off the edge. This is not enough evidence to conclude that every guitar has the same problem, but it makes a careful inspection worthwhile.

The neck includes fluorescent side markings, dot inlays, a double-action truss rod with a heel adjustment wheel, and an ergonomic neck-to-body transition. One owner said a small truss rod adjustment was all that was needed after delivery. Setup can vary from guitar to guitar, so check neck relief and string position rather than assuming every example will arrive identically adjusted.

Pickups and controls

Harley Benton fits a Tesla Plasma-X1b Alnico V humbucker at the bridge and a Tesla Plasma-X1n Alnico V humbucker at the neck. Controls are straightforward: one volume knob, one tone knob, and a three-way pickup selector.

Opinions on the pickups differ. One player described them as somewhat dark and expected to replace them eventually. Another found them appealing, with a midrange-focused sound, but thought players seeking more high-end bite might want different pickups. A separate owner was happy with their performance and had no plans to change them. These accounts suggest a particular tonal character rather than a clear defect. Players should listen for themselves, especially if a bright, cutting bridge sound is a priority.

Floyd Rose 1000 and hardware

The Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo is a substantial feature at this price. One buyer noted that the same tremolo model also appears on more expensive guitars, while suggesting a different arm and springs as possible improvements. Another owner replaced springs after they began making a ringing sound and changed the arm for a push-in version. These are individual modifications, not supplied upgrades. The guitar is listed with a Floyd Rose 1000, chrome hardware, and Jinho J-02 tuners with a 15:1 gear ratio.

It ships with Elixir coated strings in.010 to.046 gauge. One report describes the setup as nearly ready to play, with a slight truss rod correction. The ST-80FR does not include a gig bag or hard case, so factor that into the purchase if you need protected transport.

Verdict

At a listed price of 332, the Harley Benton ST-80FR MN HH offers a polished finish, a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, and a Floyd Rose 1000. Positive reports emphasize the smooth neck finish and strong overall presentation. The main qualifications are personal fit, pickup voicing, and a reported neck-edge and fretwork issue on two returned examples.

For players who like a substantial asymmetrical neck and a midrange-forward humbucker sound, this model could be a compelling value. Those with smaller hands, or anyone sensitive to low-string edge position, should inspect the neck and fret ends closely before settling on an example. A case is not included, and some owners have chosen to adjust or change parts of the tremolo setup. The guitar's appeal is clear, but quality control at the fingerboard edge is worth checking rather than taking for granted.