Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $85

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

The Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK is a compact powerhouse ready to rock any stage or practice room. Ideal for beginners and seasoned players alike, this electric guitar offers a perfect blend of comfort and performance. Its short scale length of 492 mm makes it exceptionally easy to play, especially for younger guitarists or those with smaller hands. The solid poplar body is complemented by a bolt-on maple neck and a roseacer fingerboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience.

This guitar doesn't just look great with its sleek satin black finish and black hardware; it sounds amazing too, thanks to its versatile pickup configuration. You get one humbucker at the bridge for those powerful, punchy tones and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions for crystal-clear articulation. Whether you're into rock, blues, or jazz, the ST-Junior's 5-way switch offers a plethora of tonal options to suit your style.

The Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK also features 21 frets, dot inlays, and a double-action truss rod for easy adjustments. The die-cast machine heads keep your tuning stable, while the string-through-body design enhances sustain. Designed with practicality in mind, this guitar is strung with .009 - .042 gauge strings and is tuned to A-D-G-C-E-A, making it a versatile choice for any music genre.

Key Features:

  • Body: Poplar
  • Neck: Bolt-on maple
  • Fingerboard: Roseacer with dot inlays
  • Scale: 492 mm (short scale)
  • 21 Frets
  • Pickup Configuration: 1 Humbucker (bridge), 2 Single Coils (middle and neck)
  • 5-Way switch for versatile tone selection
  • Double-action truss rod
  • Die-cast machine heads and black hardware
  • Colour: Satin Black
  • String gauge: .009 - .042
  • Tuning: A-D-G-C-E-A

Product specs

Available since December 2023
Colour Black Satin
Body Poplar
Neck Maple
Frets 21
Scale 490 mm
Pickup System HSS
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No
Top None
Fretboard Laurel
Tremolo No

FAQs

Is the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK is ideal for beginners due to its shorter scale length and lightweight poplar body, making it comfortable and easy to play for smaller hands.

What is the neck profile of the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK?

The Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK features a maple neck with a comfortable and smooth profile, suitable for players who prefer a fast and easy grip.

What tones can I expect from the HSS pickup configuration on the Harley Benton ST-Junior?

The HSS configuration offers versatility, providing bright, clear single-coil tones from the neck and middle pickups, and a powerful humbucker at the bridge for more aggressive sounds.

Does the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK come with a tremolo system?

No, the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK does not include a tremolo system, which can be beneficial for maintaining tuning stability.

Is the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK suitable for children?

Yes, with its shorter 490 mm scale length, the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK is particularly suitable for children or players with smaller hands.

Overdrive Fun Studio

Overdrive Fun Studio

Czy warto kupić dla dziecka gitarę Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK?

Video thumbnail for Czy warto kupić dla dziecka gitarę Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK? by Overdrive Fun Studio

Czy warto kupić dla dziecka gitarę Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK?

Overdrive Fun Studio

Overdrive Fun Studio

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton ST Junior HSS SBK by Grays Guitars

Harley Benton ST Junior HSS SBK

Grays Guitars

Grays Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Surprisingly playable and fun for a half-scale guitar

  • Excellent fretwork for a budget guitar

  • Great value for the money

  • Perfect size for young beginners

  • Decent action and intonation out of the box

  • Resonant sound enhances playing experience

CONS

  • Issues with string pins falling out during changes

  • Bottom string flobs if hit too hard

  • Pickups are not well-tuned, resulting in unclear sound

  • Matte finish prone to wear

  • Neck is wide, not ideal for children

  • Strings sit high, may be uncomfortable for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS.

Setup and maintenance

  • The nut is reported to be too tall, affecting playability, especially for young learners.

    Source
  • A minor QC issue was noted with blue paint on the binding of the SC-Custom II, indicating some variability in finish quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The compact scale length is under 20 inches, making it challenging to play comfortably beyond the 12th fret for adults.

    Source
  • Stock tuners on the Harley Benton guitars are generally effective, maintaining tuning stability, particularly in hard tail models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Its light weight and small size make it a viable option as a travel guitar.

    Source
  • Some users see potential for this guitar as an electric Guitarlele, given its size and ability to handle drive.

    Source
  • The Harley Benton guitars are often used as project guitars for modding, appreciated for their solid construction and low initial cost.

    Source

User experience

  • Initial impressions suggest the guitar holds standard tuning well due to its fixed bridge, but long-term tuning stability isn't extensively tested.

    Source
  • Users report that initial setups can vary, with some guitars arriving perfectly set up, while others require adjustments like fret dressing or action height tweaking.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have replaced stock pickups with Lace Deathbuckers, highlighting a significant tonal improvement with better clarity and less muddiness.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some Harley Benton models have been reported to have sharp fret ends, which can be smoothed out easily with a nail file.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Harley Benton SC-Custom II favorably to Epiphones, suggesting similar playability and sound quality at a lower price point.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Harley Benton launches a super-short-scale HSS Strat-a-like for $89 | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Compact and affordable, the Harley Benton ST-Junior HSS SBK offers a unique entry point for beginner guitarists and travelers alike. With its short scale length and lightweight design, it caters well to players seeking portability without compromising playability. The guitar's solid construction and versatile pickup configuration allow for a surprisingly rich tone. However, the choice of woods reflects its budget-friendly price, which may not satisfy seasoned players looking for premium materials. Additionally, while the aesthetics lean towards a sleek look, the overall finish might not withstand the scrutiny of more discerning eyes. Ultimately, for $89, it’s an excellent starter guitar, but it may leave more experienced musicians wanting.

positive

An £85 short-scale S-style with a HSS pickup configuration, Harley Benton’s ST-Junior HSS SBK Standard Series might be the ultimate beginner electric guitar | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Harley Benton’s ST-Junior HSS SBK is a budget-friendly gem for budding guitarists, offering versatility with its HSS pickup configuration and a compact, approachable design. Priced at just £85, it features a comfortable short scale and solid poplar body, making it accessible for smaller hands. While it may not dethrone established competitors from brands like Squier or Epiphone, its stylish looks and solid construction make it a contender in the beginner market. However, potential buyers should be aware that being a budget model may come with compromises in overall sound quality and craftsmanship. If you're starting out and need an affordable option, this guitar is definitely worth considering.

positive

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