Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $145
Budget/Beginner
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton SC-500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.
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Description
The Harley Benton SC-500 is where vintage charm meets modern playability in a delightful blend. Crafted with a basswood body, this guitar offers a lightweight yet resonant foundation for your sound. The archtop design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the guitar's rich tonal qualities. This model features a set-in maple neck, providing a sturdy and comfortable playing experience. The 22 frets on a blackwood fingerboard make it a joy to play, whether you're navigating intricate solos or laying down solid rhythms.
The SC-500 is equipped with two vintage-style humbuckers, delivering a classic, warm sound that can easily venture into rock territory with a flick of the 3-way toggle switch. With 2 volume controls and 2 tone controls, you have the versatility to shape your sound to perfection. Gold-plated DLX hardware not only ensures reliability but also adds a touch of elegance to the guitar's overall look.
Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Tune-O-Matic bridge and DLX machine heads keep your tuning stable and your intonation spot on. This guitar is strung with HB .010 - .046 strings from the factory, making it ready to play right out of the box. With its blend of style, sound, and playability, the Harley Benton SC-500 is a perfect companion for musicians who appreciate both vintage aesthetics and modern precision.
Key Features:
- Vintage Series with archtop design
- Basswood body with set-in maple neck
- Blackwood fingerboard with 22 frets
- Dual vintage-style humbuckers
- 3-way toggle switch, 2 volume and 2 tone controls
- Gold-plated DLX hardware
- Tune-O-Matic bridge and DLX machine heads
- Factory strings: HB .010 - .046
Product specs
| Available since | July 2015 |
| Colour | Black |
| Body | Basswood |
| Top | Basswood |
| Neck | Maple |
| Fretboard | Blackwood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | 628 mm |
| Pickups | HH |
| Tremolo | None |
| Incl. Case | No |
| Incl. Gigbag | No |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Harley Benton SC-500 have?
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The Harley Benton SC-500 is equipped with two humbucking pickups, offering a warm and full sound suitable for a variety of music genres.
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Is the Harley Benton SC-500 suitable for beginner guitarists?
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Yes, the Harley Benton SC-500 is a great choice for beginners due to its affordable price point and versatile sound, making it easy to explore different playing styles.
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What kind of wood is used for the body of the Harley Benton SC-500?
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The body of the Harley Benton SC-500 is made from basswood, which provides a balanced tone with a focus on the midrange frequencies.
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Does the Harley Benton SC-500 come with a case or gigbag?
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No, the Harley Benton SC-500 does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your guitar.
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What is the neck material of the Harley Benton SC-500?
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The neck of the Harley Benton SC-500 is crafted from maple, offering durability and a smooth playing experience.
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How many frets does the Harley Benton SC-500 have?
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The Harley Benton SC-500 features 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing techniques.
Videos
Harley Benton
Harley Benton - SC-500 WH - Vintage Series - Presentation -
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning aesthetic with flawless finish and eye-catching inlays
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Excellent price for a Les Paul-style guitar, looks more expensive than it is
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Individual quality control checks, rare at this price point
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Comfortable neck and great playability for beginners
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Well-executed fretwork with polished frets and no drag
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Vintage-style humbuckers offer a distinct "darker" sound
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DLX machine heads keep tune well and are responsive
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Gold hardware against black body adds a vintage, elegant look
CONS
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Stock strings are low quality and break easily
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Some units have uneven paint and loose knobs
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Fretboard can be dry, requiring oil for maintenance
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Feeback issues at high gain settings when facing the amp
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Slightly heavy, may not be ideal for all players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton SC-500.
Build quality
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The Harley Benton SC-500 shows noticeable sanding marks under the gold finish, particularly on the neck pickup, and visible tape lines on the binding.
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Some owners report that Harley Benton nuts are generally well cut, contrary to other budget brands, impacting tuning stability positively.
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Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Replacing stock pickups with Warman Tennessee Revivals is popular for achieving a hot-rodded 70's sound; also, owners frequently upgrade tuners to HB's gold locking model.
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Owners recommend Tonerider Generator and Panama pickups for versatility, covering styles from Gary Moore to Megadeth, with Irongear's Dirty Torque and Blues Engine as versatile alternatives.
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The Graphtech Tusq nut is recommended for improved performance, while some suggest a brass nut from Musiclily for better tone and aesthetics.
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Full-sized CTS pots, possibly with push/pull or push/push options, are suggested for increased versatility in tonal control.
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A treble bleed circuit and push/pull coil splitting on tone pots are practical modifications for SC-500, enhancing tonal variety and control.
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User experience
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Numerous users find the stock strings low quality, severely impacting sound, and recommend replacing them immediately.
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One owner, after trying six different guitars from Amazon, found the SC-500 to be satisfactory, even as a B-stock, praising its playability and functional electronics.
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Owners report satisfaction with Harley Benton locking tuners and Musiclily tuners on budget guitars, noting they perform well without the need for more expensive options.
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Value and pricing
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Total cost for U.S. buyers, including shipping and duty fees from Europe, is approximately $242, seen as excellent value for the build.
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Features and functionality
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The dual control setup (2 volume, 2 tone pots) can result in a duller sound when using both pickups simultaneously due to parallel pot configuration.
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Comparisons
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Ibanez and Schecter guitars reportedly do not require as much fret leveling as Harley Benton models, highlighting potential inconsistency in fretwork on the SC-500.
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3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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