Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White, a guitar that’s been making waves in the budget-friendly market. If you're looking for an affordable instrument that doesn't skimp on style or playability, you’ve come to the right place. Let's break down everything you need to know about this cool axe.

First Impressions and Aesthetics

When you first lay eyes on the Harley Benton MS-60 in Vintage White, you'll likely be struck by its classic aesthetic. The vintage white finish gives it a retro vibe that's reminiscent of guitars from the '60s. It’s not just a plain white; it has a subtle creaminess that adds to its charm. The gloss finish is well-applied, giving the guitar a smooth and polished look. The MS-60 features a double-cutaway design, which not only looks stylish but also provides easy access to the upper frets. This is a huge plus for those who love to shred or play higher up the neck. The body is made of poplar, a tonewood known for its balanced tonal characteristics. While it might not have the same prestige as alder or ash, poplar is a solid choice for a budget-friendly guitar. It offers a good blend of warmth and brightness, making it versatile enough for various musical styles. The neck is crafted from maple, which is another popular choice for its bright and snappy tone. The bolt-on construction ensures a secure and stable connection between the neck and body. The neck profile is a comfortable 'C' shape, which should feel familiar to most guitarists. It's not too thick and not too thin, making it easy to grip and play for extended periods. The roseacer fretboard adds a touch of warmth and smoothness to the overall feel of the guitar. Roseacer is a thermally treated maple that mimics the look and feel of rosewood, without the environmental concerns. The fretboard has 22 frets, which are well-seated and polished. You might find that the fret ends need a little attention, but this is common in guitars at this price point. The black dot inlays provide a classic and understated look, complementing the vintage white finish perfectly. Overall, the aesthetics of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White are spot-on. It captures the essence of a vintage guitar without looking cheap or tacky. The attention to detail is impressive, especially considering the price point. If you're a fan of classic designs, you'll definitely appreciate the look of this guitar.

Playability and Comfort

Moving on to playability, the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White doesn't disappoint. The 'C' shape neck is incredibly comfortable, fitting snugly in your hand and allowing for smooth and easy chord changes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll find this neck profile to be accommodating. The action, which is the height of the strings above the frets, is set at a reasonable level from the factory. However, you might want to adjust it to your personal preference. Lowering the action can make the guitar easier to play, especially for beginners, but it can also lead to fret buzz if it's too low. The 22 frets are well-seated and level, ensuring that you won't encounter any dead spots or buzzing. However, as mentioned earlier, the fret ends might need a little attention. They can sometimes be a bit sharp, which can be uncomfortable when sliding your hand up and down the neck. Fortunately, this is an easy fix with a fret file or some sandpaper. The double-cutaway design provides excellent access to the upper frets, making it easy to play solos and riffs in the higher registers. This is a feature that many guitars in this price range lack, so it's a definite plus for the MS-60. The guitar is also relatively lightweight, which makes it comfortable to play for extended periods. You won't have to worry about your shoulder getting tired during long practice sessions or gigs. The balance of the guitar is also good, with the weight evenly distributed between the body and the neck. This prevents the guitar from feeling neck-heavy, which can be a common issue with some guitars. The tuners are decent and hold their tuning reasonably well. However, if you're a serious player, you might want to consider upgrading to a set of locking tuners. Locking tuners can improve tuning stability and make string changes faster and easier. Overall, the playability of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White is impressive. It's a comfortable and easy-to-play guitar that's suitable for players of all skill levels. With a few minor adjustments, you can easily customize it to your personal preferences.

Sound and Electronics

Now, let's talk about the sound of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White. This guitar comes equipped with three single-coil pickups, which are the heart of its tone. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, clear, and articulate sound, making them ideal for genres like rock, blues, and pop. The pickups in the MS-60 deliver a classic single-coil tone with plenty of chime and sparkle. They're not overly aggressive or high-output, which gives them a vintage character. The bridge pickup has a bright and biting tone that's perfect for lead playing and crunchy rhythm parts. It cuts through the mix well and has plenty of sustain. The middle pickup has a slightly warmer and rounder tone, which is great for clean chords and funky rhythm playing. The neck pickup has a smooth and mellow tone that's perfect for bluesy solos and jazzy chords. The guitar has a five-way pickup selector switch, which allows you to choose between different combinations of the three pickups. This gives you a wide range of tonal options to experiment with. The five positions are: bridge, bridge and middle, middle, middle and neck, and neck. Each position has its own unique character, allowing you to dial in the perfect tone for any situation. The MS-60 also has a master volume control and two tone controls. The volume control allows you to adjust the overall output of the guitar, while the tone controls allow you to shape the high frequencies of the bridge and neck pickups. The tone controls are responsive and allow you to dial in a wide range of tones, from bright and sparkly to warm and mellow. Overall, the sound of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White is impressive. It delivers a classic single-coil tone that's versatile enough for various musical styles. The pickups are well-balanced and the controls are responsive, allowing you to dial in a wide range of tones. Whether you're playing rock, blues, pop, or any other genre, you'll find that the MS-60 can deliver the goods.

Hardware and Components

Let's take a closer look at the hardware and components of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White. The bridge is a vintage-style tremolo system, which allows you to add vibrato and other effects to your playing. The tremolo is smooth and responsive, but it's not as stable as a modern two-point tremolo. If you're planning on using the tremolo extensively, you might want to consider upgrading to a higher-quality unit. The tuners are decent and hold their tuning reasonably well. However, as mentioned earlier, you might want to consider upgrading to a set of locking tuners for improved tuning stability. The nut is made of plastic, which is a common choice for guitars in this price range. However, a bone or graphite nut can improve sustain and tuning stability. The pots and switches are functional and reliable. They might not be the highest quality components, but they get the job done. The wiring is clean and tidy, and the soldering is well-done. Overall, the hardware and components of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White are decent for the price. While there's room for improvement, they're functional and reliable. If you're a serious player, you might want to consider upgrading some of the components, but they're perfectly adequate for most players. The MS-60 features a vintage-style tremolo system that allows for expressive vibrato effects. While it might not be as stable as more modern designs, it adds a touch of vintage flair to the guitar. The chrome hardware complements the vintage white finish, giving the guitar a cohesive and stylish look.

Value for Money

One of the most compelling aspects of the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White is its value for money. This guitar offers an incredible combination of features, playability, and sound at an affordable price. It's hard to find another guitar in this price range that offers the same level of quality and performance. The MS-60 is a great option for beginners who are looking for their first electric guitar. It's easy to play, sounds good, and won't break the bank. It's also a great option for experienced players who are looking for a budget-friendly guitar for practice or as a backup instrument. The MS-60 is a versatile guitar that can be used for various musical styles. Whether you're playing rock, blues, pop, or any other genre, you'll find that the MS-60 can deliver the goods. It's a great option for anyone who's looking for a versatile and affordable guitar. Compared to other guitars in its price range, the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White stands out for its quality construction, comfortable playability, and versatile sound. It's a guitar that you can rely on, whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage. The Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White offers exceptional value for money, making it an attractive option for beginners and experienced players alike. Its combination of features, playability, and sound make it a standout choice in its price range.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White is an excellent guitar that offers incredible value for money. It's a well-built, comfortable, and versatile instrument that's suitable for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll find that the MS-60 can deliver the goods. The vintage white finish and classic design give it a stylish look that's sure to turn heads. The 'C' shape neck is comfortable and easy to play, and the three single-coil pickups deliver a classic single-coil tone that's versatile enough for various musical styles. While there's room for improvement in some of the hardware and components, the MS-60 is a solid and reliable guitar that will provide years of enjoyment. If you're looking for an affordable guitar that doesn't skimp on quality or playability, the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White is definitely worth checking out. It's a guitar that you can be proud to own and play, and it won't break the bank. Overall, the Harley Benton MS-60 Vintage White is a winner. It's a guitar that exceeds expectations and offers incredible value for money. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly guitar, be sure to give it a try. You won't be disappointed.