Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley: Is It Worth It?

So, you're looking at the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley guitar, huh? Maybe you're gassing for a new axe, drawn in by that striking paisley finish and the ridiculously tempting price tag. Or maybe you're just starting out and trying to find the best bang for your buck. Whatever the reason, you've landed in the right place. Let's dive deep into this guitar, peel back the layers of hype, and see if the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley is truly worth your hard-earned cash. We'll cover everything from its build quality and playability to its sound and overall value. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of what this guitar offers and whether it aligns with your needs and expectations. Forget the glossy marketing – we're going for an honest, no-nonsense assessment. Get ready to have your questions answered, and hopefully, make an informed decision about adding this paisley beauty (or beast!) to your collection. Is it a hidden gem or a budget compromise? Keep reading to find out!

First Impressions: That Paisley Pop!

Okay, let's be real, the first thing that grabs you about the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley is that stunning finish. It's a bold move, a statement piece, and it definitely sets it apart from the sea of generic-looking guitars out there. The black paisley pattern against the white (or sometimes slightly cream) background just pops. It's not a subtle guitar, and it's definitely not for everyone, but if you dig the aesthetic, it's hard to deny its visual appeal. But beyond the looks, how's the actual build quality? Well, for the price, it's surprisingly decent. The body is typically basswood, which is a common choice for budget-friendly guitars. It's lightweight and resonant enough, but don't expect the tonal richness of, say, an alder or ash body. The neck is maple, usually with a rosewood or laurel fretboard. The frets are generally well-seated, but you might find some sharp edges that need a little attention. That's pretty standard for guitars in this price range, though. The hardware – the tuners, bridge, and pickups – are all budget-grade, but they're functional. The tuners might not be the smoothest or most precise, but they'll generally hold your tuning. The bridge is a vintage-style tremolo, which can be fun for adding some subtle vibrato, but don't expect to dive-bomb like Eddie Van Halen without some serious setup work. The key takeaway here is that while the components aren't top-of-the-line, they're sufficient for the price point. The overall construction feels solid enough, and with a little bit of tweaking and setup, you can definitely get this guitar playing comfortably. This is a guitar that, while budget-friendly, doesn't immediately feel like a toy. The finish is applied well, the neck feels reasonably comfortable in hand, and the weight is manageable. It's a good starting point, especially for beginners who want an instrument that looks cool without breaking the bank. However, remember that a proper setup is crucial to unlock its full potential.

Playability: How Does It Feel in Your Hands?

Alright, so it looks the part, but how does the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley actually play? This is where things can get a bit subjective, as everyone has their own preferences when it comes to neck profiles, action, and overall feel. However, we can definitely talk about some general characteristics. The neck on the ST-70 is typically a C-shape, which is a pretty common and versatile profile. It's not too thick, not too thin, and it sits comfortably in most hands. The fretboard radius is usually around 12 inches, which is relatively flat and makes bending notes a breeze. As mentioned earlier, the frets themselves might need a little bit of attention. You might find some sharp edges that need to be filed down, or some unevenness that can cause buzzing. This is where a good setup from a qualified guitar tech can make a world of difference. A proper setup will involve leveling the frets, adjusting the action, and intonating the guitar. This will ensure that the guitar plays smoothly and in tune across the entire neck. Out of the box, the action (the height of the strings above the frets) is usually set quite high. This is probably to avoid buzzing, but it can make the guitar harder to play, especially for beginners. Lowering the action will make it easier to fret notes and play chords, but you'll need to be careful not to lower it too much, or you'll run into buzzing issues. The overall weight of the guitar is generally quite light, thanks to the basswood body. This can be a plus for beginners or anyone who prefers a lighter instrument. However, some players might find that the light weight makes the guitar feel a bit less substantial. The key here is to understand that the playability of the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley can be significantly improved with a good setup. While it might not play like a custom-shop guitar straight out of the box, it has the potential to be a very comfortable and enjoyable instrument with a little bit of work. Don't be afraid to invest in a professional setup – it's one of the best things you can do for any guitar, especially a budget-friendly one.

Sound Quality: Does It Rock, or Just Roll Over?

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley actually sound? This is arguably the most important aspect of any guitar, and it's where budget instruments often fall short. The ST-70 comes equipped with three single-coil pickups, which are designed to emulate the classic Stratocaster sound. However, these are budget pickups, so don't expect them to sound like vintage Fender pickups. The tone is generally bright and clear, with a decent amount of chime and sparkle. However, they can also sound a bit thin and weak, especially in the lower frequencies. The bridge pickup is typically the hottest of the three, and it's suitable for rock and blues. However, it can also sound a bit harsh and brittle at higher volumes. The middle pickup is generally the most balanced of the three, and it's good for clean tones and rhythm playing. The neck pickup is the warmest of the three, and it's suitable for blues and jazz. However, it can also sound a bit muddy and undefined. One of the biggest limitations of the stock pickups is their lack of output. They don't have a lot of punch or sustain, which can make it difficult to get a really thick and powerful tone. However, this can be partially compensated for by using a good overdrive or distortion pedal. The electronics in the ST-70 are also pretty basic. The pots (the knobs that control the volume and tone) are often scratchy and unresponsive, and the switch can be noisy. However, these are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace. One of the most common upgrades for the ST-70 is to replace the pickups. There are a ton of aftermarket single-coil pickups available, ranging from vintage-voiced to modern high-output. Swapping out the pickups can dramatically improve the sound of the guitar, and it's a relatively easy modification to do yourself. In conclusion, the stock pickups in the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley are decent for the price, but they're definitely the weakest link in the guitar. They're suitable for beginners who are just starting out, but more experienced players will likely want to upgrade them. However, even with the stock pickups, the ST-70 can still be a fun and versatile guitar to play, especially with the help of some good effects pedals.

Value for Money: Is It a Steal or a Rip-Off?

Okay, so we've talked about the looks, the playability, and the sound. But the big question remains: is the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley actually a good value for money? In other words, are you getting a decent guitar for the price you're paying? The answer, in my opinion, is a qualified yes. For the price, the ST-70 offers a lot. You get a visually striking guitar with a decent build quality and a playable neck. The stock pickups are okay, but they can be easily upgraded. The hardware is functional, but it's not top-of-the-line. The key to getting the most out of the ST-70 is to invest in a good setup. A professional setup will make the guitar play much better, and it will also help to identify any potential issues that need to be addressed. Another thing to consider is the cost of upgrades. If you're planning on replacing the pickups, the pots, and the switch, the cost of these upgrades can quickly add up. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to just buy a more expensive guitar in the first place. However, if you're on a tight budget, the ST-70 can be a great starting point. It's a good platform for learning how to play guitar, and it can also be a fun project guitar to modify and upgrade. One of the biggest advantages of the ST-70 is its availability. Harley Benton guitars are sold online through Thomann Music, which ships worldwide. This makes them accessible to a wide range of players, regardless of their location. However, it also means that you can't try the guitar out before you buy it. This can be a bit of a gamble, but Thomann does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always return the guitar if you're not happy with it. Overall, the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley is a good value for money, especially for beginners and players on a tight budget. It's not a perfect guitar, but it offers a lot for the price. With a good setup and some potential upgrades, it can be a very enjoyable and versatile instrument.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

So, after all that, should you buy the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley? Well, that depends. Let's break it down:

• If you're a beginner: Absolutely! It's a fantastic entry-level guitar that won't break the bank. The cool looks will keep you inspired, and with a proper setup, it'll be easy to learn on. Just be prepared to potentially upgrade some parts down the line as your skills (and ears) develop.
• If you're an experienced player on a tight budget: It could be a fun project guitar. The ST-70 provides a solid base for modifications. Swapping out the pickups, upgrading the hardware, and giving it a proper setup can transform it into a seriously cool and unique instrument.
• If you're an experienced player who demands top-notch quality: You might want to look elsewhere. While the ST-70 can be improved, it will never be a high-end guitar. You're better off saving up for something that meets your expectations right out of the box.

Ultimately, the Harley Benton ST-70 Black Paisley is a guitar with a lot of character and potential. It's not perfect, but it's surprisingly good for the price. If you're willing to put in a little bit of work, you can turn it into a real gem. And hey, that paisley finish is sure to turn some heads! Just remember to factor in the cost of a setup and any potential upgrades when making your decision. Happy playing, guys!