Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB

Hands-on Evaluation: Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB

The Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB enters the market with a tightly packed feature set uncommon at its sub-400 price point. Released in June 2024, this model aims higher than most in Harley Benton's catalog, combining aesthetic details, modern hardware upgrades, and versatile electronics. This review unpacks the instrument's real-world qualities based on extensive user feedback and close technical inspection.

Woods and Construction

The guitar sports an American alder body topped with a flamed maple veneer, finished in high-gloss Flame Blue Burst. Fit and finish receive consistent praise, users note the striking deep grain on both the body and neck. The neck, made of roasted flamed Canadian maple, is a highlight for many. The roasting process (caramelization) not only enhances playability but also imparts visual appeal with vibrant flame figuring.

This neck is shaped to a D-profile, measuring 20.5 mm at the first fret and 22.5 mm at the 22nd. The right-angled rounded edges and a compound radius rosewood fingerboard (12" to 16") promote comfort and speed, especially during upper fret access. The ergonomic neck-body transition further aids high-fret playability.

Frets and Playability

Twenty-two medium-jumbo stainless steel frets, with rounded ends, are a standout feature. Stainless steel promises longevity and a slick feel under the fingers. However, user reports confirm a recurring out-of-box issue: inconsistent fret heights and insufficient fret polishing. While the edges are smooth, several buyers found some frets needing leveling and extra polishing for optimal low action. This seems to be the model's biggest quality control flaw, with some owners spending an afternoon with a fret rocker and polish to unlock the guitar's full potential. Once properly set up, feedback is overwhelmingly positive on playability, most highlight a fast, comfortable neck and well-executed setup for intonation and action after adjustments.

Electronics and Sonic Palette

The Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus uses a Tesla VR-Nitro zebra alnico V humbucker at the bridge paired with two Tesla TV-S1M alnico V single coils at the neck and middle positions. Combined with a coil-split push/pull tone knob and a five-way switch, the HSS configuration delivers breadth: from sparkly clean to full-bodied drive tones. User impressions generally praise the pickups as clear and versatile, but note that the stock voicing leans on the brighter, glassy side, some might find the bridge split a bit thin and prefer other options for a warmer sound. The electronics, volume, tone with coil split, and selector, operate smoothly and quietly. The tonal transitions between pickup selections are well defined, encouraging exploration across multiple genres.

Tremolo and Hardware

The Babicz FCH 2-Point Z-Series C full contact tremolo sets the ST-Modern Plus apart. Its design, with individual height and clamp adjustment for each string, is lauded for maintaining tuning stability, even with heavy tremolo use. Despite some initial skepticism in the community regarding the high-profile saddles and palm-muting comfort, detailed hands-on tests indicate any adaptation is minor. The bridge feels stable, with no reports of tuning slips, thanks in part to factory-installed locking machine heads. Staggered heads would have been preferable, as the current layout required extra string trees (some users note this as a cosmetic nitpick). The graphite nut and full chrome hardware ensemble complement the instrument's overall reliability and look.

Setup, Strings, and Accessories

The ST-Modern Plus ships with Elixir coated.010,.046 strings, tuned to E standard. Many players appreciate the premium factory strings, though players favoring lighter gauges will need a restring. Reports praise the out-of-box setup's intonation and action, but reiterate the need for potential fretwork or string action tweaks. There is no included bag or hard case at this price point.

Hands-On Impressions and Gig Utility

In hand, the guitar feels well-balanced with a comfortable weight. The high-gloss finish and detailed flame patterns make an impression, well beyond the instrument's price target. Several owners compare it directly to higher-end guitars such as Fender American Professional II Stratocasters, Ibanez AZ series, and even PRS Core models, with the Harley Benton performing remarkably close in basic playability and construction quality. This instrument is widely regarded as stage- and studio-ready after a basic polish and personal setup, many owners explicitly mention gigging and recording with it alongside premium axes.

Main criticism focuses on fretwork; out-of-the-box polish and level vary, and the push/pull tone knob for coil split could be more ergonomic. The included cable is low quality. These are minor compared with the remarkably high value for money and the solid hardware/electronics package.

Verdict

• Build quality: Generally excellent; standout woods and finish, but expect possible fretwork on arrival.
• Playability: Fast roasted maple neck, comfortable radius, ergonomic neck join. Action and intonation are easily dialed in after setup.
• Versatility: HSS configuration and coil split accommodate a wide range of styles; pickups are all-rounders, skewing bright.
• Hardware: Babicz tremolo and locking tuners perform well; a slight edge on competitors at this price.
• Value: Competes with guitars twice the price after a setup. Ideal for both beginners wanting their first "serious" guitar and pros needing a budget workhorse.

The Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus HSS FBLB is a technical success, delivering a modern feature set and real-world usability at a fraction of the cost of similar instruments. Aside from the need for potential fretwork on some samples, this model is a top contender in the value segment and stands out for those seeking flexibility, visual appeal, and play-ready comfort.