Harley Benton TE-20 BK LH Standard Series

Harley Benton TE-20 BK LH Standard Series review

The Harley Benton TE-20 BK LH Standard Series is an affordable, left-handed electric guitar with a familiar T-style layout. Its specifications include a 648 mm scale, 22 frets, a bolt-on maple neck, and two T-style single-coil pickups. The listed price is 84, with no currency specified in the supplied information. There is no case or gig bag included.

Owner reports are notably divided on setup. Some players describe instruments that arrived ready to play, with comfortable action and accurate intonation. Others found the strings too high, the neck angle in need of adjustment, or the frets sharp at the edges. That variation matters. A guitar at this price can be a strong buy, but it is sensible to budget time for a basic setup rather than assume every example will be dialed in from the box.

Construction and playability

The body is finished in high-gloss black, paired with a maple neck and an amaranth fingerboard. The neck has a Modern C profile, a 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius, dot inlays, and a dual-action truss rod. The nut measures 42 mm wide. Chrome hardware and die-cast tuning machines complete the spec sheet. The product information lists both linden and poplar as body woods, so the exact body wood is not clear from the supplied specifications.

Players often praise the neck's smooth feel and approachable shape. Several left-handed owners say it was comfortable to move around on, and some report clean fretwork with no rough edges. Other examples had sharp fret ends, uneven fretwork, or a dry-feeling fingerboard. These accounts point to inconsistent finishing rather than a universal flaw. Inspect the frets and fingerboard when the guitar arrives, especially if bends feel scratchy or a string catches near the edge of the neck.

Weight reports also differ. Some owners found the guitar light and well balanced, while others considered it heavy, especially during long sessions. The body wood discrepancy may account for some of that variation, but the reports do not establish a single typical weight. If weight is a priority, check the instrument's actual weight with the seller before ordering.

Pickups and controls

The TE-20 uses two single-coil pickups, one volume control, one tone control, and a three-way toggle switch. Players who enjoy the bright, cutting character associated with T-style guitars often find the bridge pickup delivers a satisfying twang. Reports also describe the neck pickup as warm and smooth, with a softer voice suited to bluesier or jazz-influenced parts. The combined setting provides another usable color for rhythm playing.

Sound quality is one of the most frequently praised aspects, though expectations should stay realistic. Some owners find the pickups lively and surprisingly capable for clean tones, indie rock, blues, and driven parts. Others hear a thinner or less defined midrange, and a few report hum or unwanted feedback at higher gain. There are also reports of scratchy controls or a faulty selector. Pickup and wiring quality can vary, so test every switch position and control soon after delivery.

Setup, tuning, and reliability

The listed scale length is 648 mm, and the factory strings are specified as.009 to.042. Several buyers changed strings immediately, either to replace the supplied set or to use a preferred gauge. Reports on tuning stability are generally positive, with many players saying the guitar holds pitch well after setup. Others have upgraded the tuning machines or replaced a poorly cut nut. The nut is a recurring point for some owners, who report string binding, slipping, or wear.

A proper setup can make a significant difference. Check neck relief, string height, and intonation, then inspect the nut slots if tuning changes during bends. Some owners needed only small adjustments; others had to spend more time correcting the action or neck angle. If you are not comfortable doing that work, a technician's setup may be worthwhile. A small number of reports also mention a failed output jack or strap-button concerns, so check the hardware and connection rather than treating the low price as a reason to skip inspection.

Verdict

The Harley Benton TE-20 BK LH makes a compelling case for left-handed players looking for an inexpensive T-style guitar. Its comfortable neck, classic control layout, and potentially convincing single-coil tones are strong points, and owners have used it for practice, home recording, rehearsals, and occasional gigs. It can also serve as a platform for upgrades, though replacing parts is optional, not an automatic requirement.

The main compromise is sample-to-sample setup and finish consistency. Some arrive ready to play; others need fret attention, a new nut, or basic adjustments. Beginners should consider having the guitar checked if the action feels difficult, while experienced players may find it an appealing project or dependable backup. For its listed price, the TE-20 BK LH offers substantial value, provided you allow for the possibility of a setup.