Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $245

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE is a versatile companion for both budding musicians and seasoned performers. With an auditorium design enhanced by a cutaway, this guitar allows you to explore the fretboard with ease, making it ideal for intricate fingerpicking or bold strumming. Its solid Sitka spruce top delivers a bright, resonant sound, while the sapele body adds a warm, full-bodied tone, creating a balanced auditory experience that suits a variety of musical styles.

This guitar boasts a robust construction with a dovetail joint and scalloped X-bracing, ensuring durability and excellent sound projection. The okoume neck and Pau Ferro fretboard combined with a modified oval C neck profile offer comfort and playability, making long practice sessions enjoyable and effortless. With its 20 frets adorned with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, you'll find your way around the fretboard with both ease and style.

The CLA-16SCE features the Fishman Presys-II preamp system with a built-in tuner, allowing you to effortlessly amplify your sound in any performance setting. The bone nut and compensated bone saddle provide precise intonation, while the chrome-plated die-cast DLX machine heads ensure stable tuning. Equipped with D'Addario XTAPB1253 Light strings, this guitar is ready to deliver rich tones right out of the box.

Key Features:

  • Auditorium design with cutaway
  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Sapele body and okoume neck
  • Pau Ferro fretboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays
  • Modified oval C neck profile
  • Scalloped X-bracing and dovetail construction
  • Fishman Presys-II preamp system with built-in tuner
  • Chrome-plated die-cast DLX machine heads
  • Bone nut and compensated bone saddle
  • D'Addario XTAPB1253 Light strings

Product specs

Available since July 2014
Model 000
Top Spruce
Back and Sides Sapele, Mahogany
Cutaway Yes
Fretboard Pau Ferro
Nut width in mm 43,00 mm
Frets 20
Pickup Yes
Colour Natural
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE?

The Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE features a spruce top with sapele mahogany back and sides, providing a warm and balanced tone suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE come with a pickup system?

Yes, the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE is equipped with a built-in pickup, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified performances.

What is the nut width of the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE, and how does it affect playability?

The nut width of the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE is 43 mm, which provides a comfortable playing experience for most guitarists, accommodating both fingerstyle and strumming techniques.

Is the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE is designed with a cutaway and built-in pickup, making it ideal for live performances where amplified sound is required.

Does the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE include a case or gigbag?

No, the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE does not come with a case or gigbag, so you may need to purchase one separately for protection during transport.

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Harley Benton - Custom Line - CLA-16SCE BK - Presentation -

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton - Custom Line - CLA-16SCE BK - Presentation - by Harley Benton

Harley Benton - Custom Line - CLA-16SCE BK - Presentation -

Harley Benton

Harley Benton

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality with clear, folky tone and medium sustain

  • Comfortable to play due to thinner body design

  • Outstanding value for a solid wood guitar at this price

  • Good pickup sound with no feedback issues

  • Attractive, simple design with quality craftsmanship

  • Great intonation without adjustments needed

  • Minimal maintenance required for beginners

CONS

  • Frets may need polishing to remove roughness

  • Initial string action might need lowering for optimal playability

  • Truss rod might require adjustment upon arrival

  • Nut cut slightly high, may need fine-tuning for perfection

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE.

Setup and maintenance

  • After minor setup adjustments, the Harley Benton Custom Line CLA-16SCE is reported to play and sound great, even as a sub-£200 guitar.

    Source
  • It's recommended to ensure proper intonation and low action to enhance playability for beginners.

    Source

User experience

  • The Harley Benton CLA-16SCE, after setup, remains a favorite for its playability and sound, despite being priced under £200 new.

    Source
  • Owners have noted that despite the neck's appearance, the guitar maintains solid performance, dispelling concerns about its aesthetic differences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to more expensive guitars, the CLA-16SCE holds its ground in playability and sound, especially following a proper setup.

    Source
  • Seagull guitars are noted for their great sound and playability, but require gentle handling due to their light woods, offering an alternative to the CLA-16SCE.

    Source
  • Even at high price points, like the Gibson Hummingbird Original, laminated back and sides are common, positioning the CLA-16SCE's construction as standard within its category.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck features a common scarf joint, which may appear different due to the lack of a wood selection process, leading to varied color tones in the wood pieces.

    Source
  • The CLA-16SCE includes a solid Sitka spruce top for better resonance, while the back and sides are laminated, a typical choice in budget acoustics.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Harley Benton Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    ignacy
    ignacy

    Gear IQ 392