MusicRadar Verdict
A guitar that looks, sounds and plays like a dream and outperforms some models that are notably more expensive. Its premium features, such as the armrest and all-solid wood construction, really contribute to this guitar being fun and inspiring to play.
Pros
- +
All-solid wood construction.
- +
Versatile.
- +
Projects well.
- +
Excellent build quality.
- +
3-band EQ and tuner on preamp.
Cons
- -
A little more bass response would be nice.
- -
Gloss neck not for everyone
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What is it?
The Harley Benton CLG-650SM-CE is a Grand Auditorium style electro-acoustic guitar from their ‘Custom Line’, boasting some pretty premium specs without the higher price tag. Made using all solid woods (spruce top, African mahogany back and sides), this guitar should age well as you play it, with the instrument gradually breaking in, sounding richer and more complex over time.
The body has been designed with comfort in mind, as well as sound. It’s got a Venetian-style cutaway allowing easy access to the highest notes on the fretboard, and a bevelled armrest on the top side of the lower bout.
At this price point, you’ll usually find acoustic guitars featuring solid tops, but the rest of the body will likely be made from laminate, layered wood - it’s rare to find all solid-wood construction at well under $500. But that feature alone doesn't necessarily equate to a good guitar. The CLG-650SM-CE sits towards the top end of Harley Benton's Custom Line, so how does it perform?
Specs
- Price: $339 | £299 | €349
- Made: China
- Body shape: Grand Auditorium
- Body top: Solid spruce
- Top bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
- Back & sides: Solid African mahogany
- Neck/shape: Okume, C
- Scale length: 25.6” (650mm)
- Nut/width: Bone, 1.69” (43mm)
- Fingerboard/Radius: Ebonol (composite), 400mm radius
- Finish: High Gloss Black (as reviewed), Ultra High-Gloss Vintage Sunburst
- Bridge/pins: Composite
- Tuning Machines: Closed WSC DLX
- Electronics: Fishman Flex Plus-T pickup system with built-in tuner
- Case: Not included
- Left-handed options: No
- Contact: Harley Benton
Build quality
Build quality rating: ★★★★★
The CLG-650SM-CE feels considerably more premium than any other Harley Benton acoustic I've played before. The smooth gloss finish coats the body and neck. There aren't any blemishes; it all feels reassuringly consistent. The aesthetic wood binding around the body - top and bottom - has all been applied well too.
It’s quite a statement to have an armrest on a relatively budget guitar
Running my hands along both sides of the neck, it’s clear that real care has been taken to finish this guitar to an impressive standard. All fret edges are smooth and the nut has been cut well with all six strings sitting perfectly in place.
It’s quite a statement to have an armrest on a relatively budget guitar, and it's a well-designed inclusion that genuinely improves the playability of the guitar for picking arm comfort. The edge of the body transitions into the flat surface of the armrest smoothly, and the shiny gloss finish gives it a premium touch.
Playability
Playability rating: ★★★★★
The neck is neither too thin, nor too thick and allowed for every style of playing I could throw at it
The CLG-650SM-CE is a lot of fun to play and inspiring in the way you never feel like you’re working against it. The C-carve neck has universal appeal – neither too thin, nor too thick. But one thing that is worth mentioning is the gloss finish on the back of the neck – not everyone will like that, with some players preferring the more natural, worn-in feel of a satin treatment.
Where you might find other acoustic guitars starting to dig into your arm, particularly during long sessions, that armrest means your arm is sat comfortably against the instrument without any edges digging in.
The test guitar I have received has been set up nicely too – in no positions does it feel like you have to really press down on the strings, but there are no buzzing issues either.
Having previously worked in a retail store, I’ve played my fair share of guitars. In terms of build quality and playability, this Harley Benton can hold its own against some instruments with more recognisable names on the headstock at twice the price.
Having previously worked in a retail store, I’ve played my fair share of guitars. In terms of build quality and playability, this Harley Benton can hold its own against instruments with more recognisable names on the headstock at twice the price.
Sounds
Sounds rating: ★★★★☆
The CLG-650SM-CE has a bright character, with crisp, articulate detail in the top end. If I’m being picky, I’d like to have a little more power from the bottom E, but that might be because I’m used to playing a deeper-bodied acoustic that has a more prominent bass response.
An excellent guitar for cutting through a live and recording mix
However, there's certainly a pronounced mid-range that is excellent for harmonic detail in chord-work - likely a result of the mahogany back and sides. This also makes it an excellent guitar for cutting through a live and recording mix. The spruce top aids the crisp articulation and a quick, bright attack that complements the defined mids well.
Grand Auditorium-style guitars tend be chosen by players who want their instrument to do a lot, so I tried a variety of playing styles on it.
Big, bold strumming allows for a super wide dynamic range, with notable volume being projected when really driven. It also responds well to softer chordwork and gentle fingerpicking, yielding a more delicate sound without losing its high-end qualities.
Flatpickers will love the fast and bright attack that you can get from it with a guitar pick as it means that quick lead lines and melodies are clear and distinguishable. All of this helps make it a solid choice for players looking to cover a lot of ground with just one guitar.
The built-in tuner is certainly handy
Though the onboard pickup is badged as Harley Benton – the company lists it as a Fishman Flex Plus-T pickup system. At this price you're getting the piezo experience with all its quacky pitfalls, but these can be addressed to some extent by rounding off some of the more abrasive highs with the three-band EQ. The built-in tuner is certainly handy.
One small thing to note regarding the sound is that I do lose a little bit of power on the B string when playing melody lines across the treble strings. The G and top E seem ever so slightly louder than the B. It probably wouldn’t be noticeable in a live context, but it’s worth a mention.
Verdict
I'm genuinely impressed with the CLG-650SM-CE. The build and sounds really do perform above what many will expect at this price point, and the playability could find favour with a wide range of players – especially with the cutaway's potential.
There are a few things tone-wise I'd like a little more of, but if you're looking for a do-it-all acoustic guitar for well under $500, then there aren't many better options than this.
MusicRadar verdict: A guitar that looks, sounds and plays like a dream and outperforms some models that are notably more expensive. Its premium features, such as the armrest and all-solid wood construction, really contribute to this guitar being fun and inspiring to play.
Test | Results | Score |
|---|---|---|
Build quality | All-solid build, with an armrest, high-end looks and quality tuners = no complaints. | ★★★★★ |
Playability | Great neck, comfortable feel and easy setup. | ★★★★★ |
Sounds | A little more bass oomph would have been good, and the piezo-only isn't that great. | ★★★★☆ |
Overall | At this price, this is a steal. We say that a lot about Harley Benton, but this is at the upper limits of what the budget brand is all about, and it's impressive. | ★★★★½ |
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