Harley Benton SC-Custom III

$289.00 Price Tier: Budget

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 1, 2026.

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4.8 (26)

$289.00

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Average Price: $259

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Harley Benton SC-Custom III is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Price History

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

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Description

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Crafted for the modern guitarist seeking both style and substance, the Harley Benton SC-Custom III is a testament to precision and playability. Its alluring design begins with a solid meranti body, topped with an exquisite AAAA flamed maple veneer that promises to turn heads while you turn up the volume. The set-in neck, also made of meranti, is sculpted into a Modern C profile, providing an ergonomic grip that adapts seamlessly to your playing style, whether you're blazing through solos or laying down smooth rhythms.

The roasted jatoba fingerboard, adorned with white pearloid crown inlays, not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures durability and smooth playability. With 22 medium jumbo Blacksmith stainless steel frets, this guitar is built for precision and longevity, ready to accompany you on every gig and jam session.

At the heart of the SC-Custom III, the dual Tesla TM VR-Nitro Alnico-5 humbuckers deliver a powerful, articulate sound that can be further sculpted with the push/pull coil-splitting function. This feature allows you to switch between humbucking tones and single-coil clarity, expanding your tonal palette. The WSC Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover machine heads ensure rock-solid tuning stability, even during the most intense performances.

With its combination of classic aesthetics and modern functionality, the Harley Benton SC-Custom III is a versatile instrument designed to inspire musicians of all genres.

Key Features:

Body: Meranti with AAAA flamed maple veneer
Set-in neck: Meranti, Modern C profile
Fingerboard: Roasted jatoba with white pearloid crown inlays
22 Medium Jumbo Blacksmith stainless steel frets
Dual Tesla TM VR-Nitro Alnico-5 humbuckers
Push/pull coil-splitting function
WSC Tune-O-Matic bridge
Grover machine heads
Nut: Graphite
Chrome hardware

Product specs

Available since	July 2024
Colour	Lemon Flame
Body	Meranti
Top	Flamed Maple Veneer
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-Custom III feature?: The Harley Benton SC-Custom III is equipped with HH pickups, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.
Is the Harley Benton SC-Custom III guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Harley Benton SC-Custom III is suitable for beginners due to its affordable price and user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for new guitarists.
What is the neck profile of the Harley Benton SC-Custom III?: The Harley Benton SC-Custom III features a comfortable neck profile that is easy to play, catering to both beginners and experienced players.
Does the Harley Benton SC-Custom III come with a case or gigbag?: No, the Harley Benton SC-Custom III does not include a case or gigbag, so you may want to purchase one separately for protection and transport.
What kind of wood is used for the body and neck of the Harley Benton SC-Custom III?: The Harley Benton SC-Custom III has a body and neck made from Meranti wood, with a flamed maple veneer top for an attractive appearance.

Videos

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Jon is just TOO LouD!!

The New Harley Benton SC-Custom III is awesome!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Harley Benton - SC-Custom III - Gold Top

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Harley Benton SC-Custom III (Gold Top & P90 Black) - Sound Demo

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Harley Benton SC Custom III Active Unboxing and First Impressions

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Harley Benton SC-Custom III Purple Burst

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Harley Benton SC-Custom III Demo

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The SC-Custom III features Tesla splittable pickups, offering flexibility for different tonal needs, particularly useful for versatile playing styles.
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The guitar's floating tremolo often struggles to return to a neutral position, consistently leaving it slightly sharp after use.
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The SC-Custom III Active VBK's Tesla pickups are compared to EMG-81s, which are known for their reliability and performance in heavier music styles.
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Build quality

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The SC-Custom III has a contour body design that enhances playability and comfort, especially for extended playing sessions.
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Frets on the SC-Custom III are noted to be nearly perfect, contributing to its high playability right out of the box.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners needed a minor initial setup, but generally, the guitar arrived well-calibrated with Grover tuners maintaining stable intonation.
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The SC-Custom III FR may require extensive setup, as one owner reported extremely high action and non-parallel bridge alignment from the factory.
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Comparisons

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The SC-Custom III lacks the real flame maple cap found on the SC-550 II, impacting aesthetic preferences.
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The SC-Custom III FR is thinner than a traditional Les Paul, aligning more closely with ESP and LTD single cut designs, which may not appeal to all Les Paul enthusiasts.
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Owners liken the SC-Custom III to the LTD EC-401, highlighting it as a significant quality improvement over previous models.
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Use cases and applications

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This model is noted for its ability to deliver a strong pick attack and maintain treble and presence, ideal for players who favor dynamic expression over heavy chugging.
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The guitar's hot pickups naturally produce overdriven tones, making it well-suited for heavier music styles.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have considered upgrading the stock Floyd Rose arm, with the Gotoh 1996T as a popular replacement for improved performance.
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Some users recommend replacing the stock nut with a synthetic bone nut for enhanced durability and tone, especially if you're playing beyond casual home use.
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User experience

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An owner with over 20 Harley Benton guitars finds the SC-Custom III to be exceptional, with a focus on its ergonomic body and lightweight build.
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Critic Reviews

Harley Benton has already dropped the best-value Strat copies of the year – now it looks to do the same for single-cuts with the overhauled SC-Custom III range | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Harley Benton strikes again with the SC-Custom III, an affordable Les Paul-style guitar series that doesn't skimp on quality. Starting at just $326, these guitars feature premium specs like stainless steel frets and active humbuckers, usually unheard of at this price point. The SC-Custom III line offers various models, including versions with a Floyd Rose tremolo and P90 pickups, catering to diverse musical tastes. While the abundance of options and features impress, the guitars remain budget-friendly, making them accessible for players seeking versatility without breaking the bank. However, purists might find the use of meranti wood instead of traditional mahogany a slight compromise in tone. Overall, Harley Benton delivers a robust and versatile guitar lineup that offers exceptional value for musicians.

positive

Full Review

“Designed for players who demand a rock solid instrument”: Harley Benton unveils the SC-Custom III, aggressively priced singlecut electrics with stainless steel frets as standard, and plenty of spec options | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Harley Benton hits the right notes with the SC-Custom III, a budget-friendly electric guitar series that doesn't skimp on features. For under $400, it offers stainless steel frets and a plethora of options, from active humbuckers to vintage-inspired designs with P-90s, making it a versatile choice for both shred enthusiasts and fans of classic tones. The inclusion of a Floyd Rose vibrato on some models is a standout feature at this price point. However, the reliance on meranthi wood may not appeal to traditionalists seeking more premium materials. Overall, the SC-Custom III is a compelling package that punches above its weight in terms of value and versatility.

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