Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $259

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

The Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF is a harmonious blend of classic design and modern innovation, crafted to meet the demands of discerning musicians. This electric guitar stands out in the Deluxe Series with its chambered Meranti body, reducing weight for long playing sessions without compromising on tonal richness. The curved AAA maple top adds a touch of elegance, while the set-in Meranti neck provides stability and sustain, crucial for those soaring solos. The Pau Ferro fingerboard, adorned with pearloid trapezoid inlays, offers a smooth playing surface and a vintage aesthetic that is sure to impress.

Equipped with 22 Blacksmith stainless steel frets and a 12-inch fretboard radius, this guitar ensures precise intonation and effortless playability. The neck profile, reminiscent of the '60s, is comfortable to hold, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. The Tesla Opus-1 AlNiCo-5 humbuckers deliver a warm, creamy tone that is both powerful and versatile, making it perfect for a wide range of musical styles.

The SC-550 II PAF features a DLX Tune-O-Matic bridge and Kluson-style machine heads, ensuring rock-solid tuning stability and ease of adjustment. With a 3-way pickup selector switch and separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, you have complete control over your sound.

Key Features:

  • Chambered Meranti body with AAA maple top
  • Set-in Meranti neck with Pau Ferro fingerboard
  • Pearloid trapezoid fingerboard inlays
  • '60s neck profile with 22 Blacksmith stainless steel frets
  • Scale: 628 mm (24.72"), Nut width: 42 mm (1.65")
  • Tesla Opus-1 AlNiCo-5 humbuckers
  • DLX Tune-O-Matic bridge and Kluson-style machine heads
  • 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Factory strings: D'Addario EXL-110 .010 - .046

Product specs

Available since June 2021
Colour Amber
Body Meranti
Top Maple, flamed
Neck Meranti
Fretboard Rosewood
Frets 22
Scale 628 mm
Pickups HH
Tremolo None
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF have?

The Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF is equipped with HH pickups, which are known for delivering a classic humbucker sound ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and affordable price, making it a great entry-level solid body electric guitar.

What is the neck material of the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF?

The neck of the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF is made from Meranti, offering a sturdy feel and contributing to the guitar's overall warm tone.

Does the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF come with a case or gigbag?

No, the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your guitar.

What is the scale length of the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF?

The Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF features a scale length of 628 mm, which is typical for guitars with a Les Paul-style design, offering a familiar feel for players accustomed to this style.

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Three Harley Benton Guitars And A Guitar Snob - What Could Go Wrong?

Video thumbnail for Three Harley Benton Guitars And A Guitar Snob - What Could Go Wrong? by The Studio Rats

Three Harley Benton Guitars And A Guitar Snob - What Could Go Wrong?

The Studio Rats

The Studio Rats

Video thumbnail for Better Than You'd Expect. The Harley Benton SC 550 II Gotoh PAF: by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Better Than You'd Expect. The Harley Benton SC 550 II Gotoh PAF:

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton SC 550 II PAF Test Teil1: Auspacken und Qualitätskontrolle in 20 Minuten. by KowasMusic

Harley Benton SC 550 II PAF Test Teil1: Auspacken und Qualitätskontrolle in 20 Minuten.

KowasMusic

KowasMusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful design surpasses expectations, looks like a high-end guitar

  • Excellent finish and workmanship, feels solid and well-crafted

  • Well-balanced sound, clear across all strings and positions

  • Stainless steel frets polished to a high standard

  • Tesla pickups provide a breathtaking range of tones

  • Factory setup often arrives in-tune with proper intonation

  • Affordable price for the quality offered

  • Ideal base for customization and upgrades

  • Good weight, feels substantial and resonant

  • Volume and tone controls respond smoothly and evenly

CONS

  • Some frets have tool marks or require additional polishing

  • Output balance issues between pickups may require rewiring

  • Kluson tuners may require replacement for better stability

  • Occasional finish imperfections, such as minor scratches or cracks

  • Nut may be cut too low, causing string buzzing

  • The sustain could be improved with modifications

  • Paradise Amber Flame Gloss finish perceived as artificial

  • Heavy guitar, potentially uncomfortable for extended play

  • Sharp frets may need filing and smoothing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF.

Build quality

  • Owners report that the pau ferro fingerboard can feel dry and sticky during bends, requiring sanding and hydration for better playability.

    Source
  • Some users report inconsistencies in website specifications, particularly regarding nut material, suggesting a need for potential buyer verification with customer support.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some guitars arrive with poorly cut nuts and stiff tuners, leading to frequent tuning instability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend Gotoh SD90-SL MG-T Locking tuners and a Graph Tech XL PQL-6642-00 Nut for improved tuning stability and performance.

    Source
  • For an enhanced tone, users have swapped the stock pickups with Seymour Duncan Distortion Mayhem Set and implemented CTS PCB from ObsidianWire for wiring flexibility.

    Source
  • Replacing the SC-550's stock nut with a bone or Graph Tech version is recommended for improved sound and playability.

    Source

User experience

  • The thick varnish on the neck can be uncomfortable, prompting users to sand it down for a smoother feel.

    Source
  • It’s noted that tuners on budget electric guitars can exhibit "whiplash" or dead zones, impacting tuning precision and ease of tuning.

    Source
  • Owners report that the shipping cost for Harley Benton guitars can be high, sometimes making it economical to purchase multiple guitars to save on overall shipping.

    Source
  • One owner noted that the SC-450+ had a perfect build quality except for a broken E string upon arrival, highlighting the need for minor initial checks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SC-550 II Gotoh model features an AAAA grade maple top, offering a visually enhanced and premium aesthetic compared to the SC-550 II PAF's top.

    Source
  • The SC-550 II BCF model features Tesla OPUS-1 pickups, which provide warm lows and smooth mid-range, suitable for genres like Progressive Rock and Shoegaze.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Gotoh model's graphite nut is considered superior for reducing friction and improving tuning stability compared to the ABS nut listed for the SC-550 II PAF model.

    Source
  • The Tesla VR-NITRO pickup, found in the SC-Custom III, is noted for its defined midrange, making it ideal for classic rock and punk rock, compared to the OPUS-1.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
hashimoto

Not such a Good Guitar

  • Cheap
  • Pick Ups are OK
  • Troggles are OK
  • Binding looks nice Cream Color
  • Stays in Tune
  • Freds are Sharp and Buzzing , needs Work
  • Bridge makes Noices
  • Very Heavy Guitar
  • The Paradise Amber Flame Gloss looks fake
From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kfir Ochaion uses Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF

Kfir Ochaion

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Kfir Ochaion can be seen playing the Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF guitar in his cover of "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses, as indicated in the video description.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Harley Benton SC-550 II PAF, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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hashimoto

hashimoto

Gear IQ 14698

hashimoto

hashimoto

Gear IQ 14698

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