Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $255

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton CLJ-503CE". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical creativity with the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE, an acoustic-electric guitar that effortlessly marries tradition with modern innovation. Crafted for musicians who seek both rich acoustic tones and amplified clarity, this guitar is designed to shine in any setting, whether you're strumming at home or performing on stage.

The CLJ-503CE boasts a solid spruce top, renowned for its ability to deliver bright and resonant sound. This is complemented by selected walnut back and sides, offering a warm and full-bodied tone that enhances every chord and melody. The jumbo body with cutaway design not only provides a comfortable playing experience but also allows easy access to higher frets, giving you all the flexibility you need for intricate solos.

Engineered with advanced scalloped X-bracing, this guitar promises improved sound projection and structural stability. The mahogany neck is paired with an ovangkol fingerboard, adorned with striking square white MOP and abalone inlays that make a stylish statement. For those moments when you want to plug in, the Fishman Presys II preamp system with a built-in tuner ensures your sound remains pristine and true to its acoustic roots.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for bright, resonant sound
  • Jumbo body with cutaway for enhanced playability
  • Selected walnut back and sides for warm tones
  • Mahogany neck with ovangkol fingerboard
  • Advanced scalloped X-bracing for improved projection
  • Fishman Presys II preamp system with built-in tuner
  • 20 frets with a 648 mm scale length
  • Nut width: 43 mm
  • Elegant abalone and ivory rosette
  • Enclosed machine heads with pearl-colored buttons

Product specs

Available since November 2017
Top Solid Spruce
Back and Sides Walnut
Cutaway Yes
Fretboard Ovangkol
Nut width in mm 43,00 mm
Frets 20
Pickup(s) Yes
Colour Natural
Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the top of the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE?

The Harley Benton CLJ-503CE features a solid spruce top, which is known for its bright and clear tonal qualities, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

Does the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE have a built-in pickup system?

Yes, the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE comes equipped with a built-in pickup, allowing you to easily amplify your sound for performances or recording.

Is the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE suitable for fingerstyle playing?

With its solid spruce top and comfortable neck profile, the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, providing a balanced tone and responsive feel.

What is the nut width of the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE, and how does it affect playability?

The Harley Benton CLJ-503CE has a nut width of 43 mm, which offers a comfortable spacing for most players, making it versatile for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.

Does the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Harley Benton CLJ-503CE does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your guitar during transport.

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Harley Benton - CLJ-503CE WN - Walnut Jumbo -

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - CLJ-503CE WN - Walnut Jumbo - by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - CLJ-503CE WN - Walnut Jumbo -

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Video thumbnail for Electro-acoustic guitar Harley Benton CLJ-503CE WN - review (ENG) by András Hushegyi

Electro-acoustic guitar Harley Benton CLJ-503CE WN - review (ENG)

András Hushegyi

András Hushegyi

Reviews

PROS

  • Looks and feels like a high-end guitar at a budget price

  • Solid spruce top darkens beautifully with age

  • Fishman Presys II system provides impressive amplified sound

  • Powerful bass and balanced acoustics, outperforming some expensive brands

  • Easy playability with a comfortable neck and smooth frets

  • Stunning aesthetics with abalone inlays and gloss finish

  • Versatile tone suitable for various tunings and string gauges

  • Stays in tune well with smooth-operating machine heads

  • Lightweight, making it easy for gigs and travel

  • Excellent value for money, suitable for beginners and professionals alike

CONS

  • Some cosmetic issues like varnish marks and glue excess

  • Low action may require adjustment for optimal playability

  • Walnut finish doesn't highlight the wood grain well

  • Inconsistent string brand upon delivery

  • No battery or user leaflet included for the pickup system

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton CLJ-503CE.

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock tuners with Gotoh locking tuners requires extra long pegs and a 45-degree mounting screw angle.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The CLJ-503CE is noted as a slightly modified copy of the Ibanez AEF-30, offering similar features at a lower price.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is equipped with a Fishman preamp and priced at $230, offering significant value for an acoustic-electric model.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The action is slightly high but manageable; the neck's shape is reminiscent of a Hofner bass, providing comfortable handling.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Delivers warm sound both acoustically and amplified, making it versatile for various styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the guitar's aesthetic appeal, noting its attractive design alongside its performance.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Guylain Bornette uses Harley Benton CLJ-503CE

Guylain Bornette

Guitarist

Bloody Cocktail

...
Verified via Facebook

He used a Harley Benton acoustic jumbo with Bloody Cocktail acoustic show in 2016.

Genre Usage

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