Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS BK

Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS BK review

The Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS BK aims to deliver a modern take on a familiar double-cutaway electric guitar format. Its specifications make a strong case: an alder body, a roasted flamed Canadian maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, stainless steel frets, and a Babicz two-point tremolo. The listed price is 329. Buyer feedback ranges from enthusiastic reports of excellent setup and finish to complaints about fret leveling, so individual inspection remains important.

The gloss black finish and black three-ply pickguard give this model a restrained look, with chrome-plated hardware for contrast. The guitar has 22 medium jumbo stainless steel frets, dot inlays, and fluorescent side markings. Its 648 mm scale length is the standard 25.5-inch format, and the graphite nut measures 42 mm wide. Harley Benton lists the neck as roasted flamed Canadian maple; buyer comments suggest the degree of roasting and visible figuring can vary between instruments.

Neck and playing feel

The D-shaped neck measures 20.5 mm at the first fret and 22.5 mm at the twelfth. Its compound fingerboard radius changes from 305 mm to 406 mm, or 12 to 16 inches, according to the specifications. That flatter upper-fret area is intended to support lower string action and wide bends. The body-to-neck transition is shaped for easier access to the higher frets, while the double-action truss rod has a convenient adjustment wheel.

Several players describe the neck as especially comfortable and smooth. Rounded fingerboard edges and well-finished fret ends contribute to that impression, with some owners saying the guitar feels broken in from the start. Reports on the stainless steel fretwork are less uniform. Many buyers praise the finish, while others encountered rough fret surfaces or uneven leveling that caused notes to choke during bends. A fret polish or setup may be needed, and it is sensible to check every fret before relying on the factory setup.

Some owners also found the rosewood fingerboard dry on arrival. Conditioning it can improve the feel during bends. The supplied Elixir coated strings are.010 to.046 gauge, but their presence does not guarantee that every guitar arrives perfectly adjusted. Some buyers received a playable instrument straight out of the box; others needed to adjust the action, neck relief, or setup.

HSS pickups and controls

The pickup layout combines a covered Tesla VR-Nitro Alnico 5 humbucker at the bridge with two Tesla TV-S1M Alnico 5 single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. Controls consist of one volume knob, one tone knob with a push-pull coil-split function, and a five-way pickup selector. The split function gives the bridge humbucker a more single-coil-like character, while its full humbucker mode adds output and a thicker, more forceful sound.

Many owners are notably positive about the pickups. They describe the single-coil sounds as clear without becoming harsh, and find that the bridge humbucker blends well with the other positions. Some report that adjusting its height improves balance, particularly when split. Others find the split sound loses volume or feel the bridge pickup lacks punch in certain clean or high-gain settings. These differing impressions reflect taste and setup, but the pickup set appears versatile enough that several reviewers chose to keep it rather than replace it.

Tremolo and hardware

The Babicz FCH 2-point Z-Series C full-contact tremolo is a standout feature. Owners report good tuning stability after frequent use, along with useful sustain and straightforward adjustment of string height and intonation. The bridge can float in both directions. Its shape takes some players time to get used to, especially during palm muting, though other owners say it causes no interference.

The guitar is fitted with Sung-Il ML-55 locking tuners, chrome hardware, and roller string trees. Feedback on the tuners is generally favorable, with players noting that the guitar stays in tune during tremolo use. Some buyers have criticized the knobs and pots as feeling inexpensive, even when they work smoothly. One owner also reported a cold solder joint at the output jack, a reminder that quality-control results are not consistent for every unit.

Verdict

At a listed price of 329, the ST-Modern Plus HSS BK offers an unusually substantial specification sheet and, for many owners, a refined playing experience. The neck, pickup flexibility, and stable Babicz tremolo are its strongest points. The main caveat is variable fretwork and setup quality, with occasional complaints about dry fingerboards or basic electronic components. Inspect the frets, test bends across the neck, and check the setup on arrival. A well-finished example can be a compelling modern HSS guitar; a less fortunate one may need professional attention before it reaches its potential.