Embracing Power: Harley Benton emulates Charvel and EVH's iconic energy, harkening back to the glorious era of shredding with two $500 Superstrats.
Harley Benton, the renowned manufacturer known for offering keen specifications at low prices, has recently unveiled its new '80s-inspired Superstrat electric guitars, the ST-80FR MN and ST-80FR MN HH. These guitars aim to capture the classic shredder vibe of the '80s while delivering modern playability at an affordable price.
### Key Features and Specifications:
The ST-80FR models boast an American basswood body with a tapered heel and sculpted rear contouring for easy high-fret access and comfort during fast playing. The neck is a bolt-on roasted Canadian flame maple, featuring an asymmetric-C profile that enhances durability and playability.
The compound radius fretboard, with a 12" to 16" radius, is made of Canadian maple and is designed for smooth bends and fast runs. It comes equipped with 22 stainless steel medium jumbo frets with rounded ends, ideal for legato licks and three-note-per-string shredding techniques.
Both models sport a radiant red finish that stands out visually. The guitars are equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, perfect for divebombs and expressive whammy bar effects typical of '80s shred guitars.
The ST-80FR series is available in the Radiant Red gloss finish, with more vibrant finish options expected soon. The guitars feature Watch On Passive, Alnico V-bolstered Plasma-X1 humbuckers, designed for "outstanding punch with strong distortions and wild sounds".
The new guitars come in two forms: ST-80FR MN (single bridge humbucker) and ST-80FR MN HH (dual humbuckers). The single 'bucker model includes a Volume control, while the HH model includes a Tone knob and a three-way selector.
Harley Benton has emphasized the versatility of the Plasma-X1 humbuckers in the demo provided, highlighting the snug fit of the asymmetric-C neck profile, the rock-solid tuning stability provided by the Floyd Rose, and the guitar's overall emphasis on speed, tone, and vintage flair combined with contemporary specs such as stainless steel frets and a compound radius fingerboard.
In January, metal guitarist and HB signature artist Maxxxwell Carlisle debunked two myths surrounding Harley Benton's ability to sell electric guitars with such keen specifications at low prices on YouTube. The recent drops from Harley Benton, including a solid top dreadnought priced under $230 and the JAMaster practice amp, which is "pretty much unbeatable", further underscore the brand's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable instruments.
These Harley Benton ST-80FR models represent an authentic yet affordable homage to the iconic '80s Superstrat genre, making them excellent choices for fans of '80s-style shredding and beyond.
- The Harley Benton ST-80FR MN and ST-80FR MN HH, with their American basswood bodies and roasted Canadian flame maple necks, offer a modern twist on the '80s Superstrat electric guitars.
- Featuring a compound radius fretboard, these guitars are designed for smooth bends and fast runs, making them ideal for legato licks and three-note-per-string shredding techniques.
- Equipped with Floyd Rose tremolo systems, these guitars are perfect for performing divebombs and expressive whammy bar effects, capturing the classic shredder vibe of the '80s.
- Harley Benton has incorporated technology into their ST-80FR series, with Plasma-X1 humbuckers that deliver outstanding punch with strong distortions and wild sounds.
- With their radiant red finishes and affordable prices, these guitars demonstrate Harley Benton's expertise in offering high-quality, affordable instruments, appealing to fans of '80s-style shredding and gadget lovers who appreciate the fusion of technology and entertainment in music.
