Harley Benton's commitment to producing lesser-known instruments is perfectly showcased by the GL-2NT Guitarlele - an uncommon 1/8-size hybrid blending the compact size of a ukulele with the six strings of a classical guitar. This niche yet thoughtfully designed instrument is tuned A-D-G-C-E-A, which corresponds to a standard guitar with a capo at the fifth fret, allowing young students to practise "proper" chord shapes and fingerings from the outset. It delivers a surprisingly full sound given its miniature dimensions, thanks to a sapele mahogany body for warmth and a spruce top for projection. Featuring user-friendly nylon strings and a full body length of just 86cm, the Harley Benton GL-2NT Guitarlele offers young players authentic guitar fundamentals in a manageable package. A fitted gig bag is also included for safe storage and transport.
The Harley Benton GL-2NT Guitarlele pairs a sapele mahogany body with a spruce top - classic tonewoods respectively chosen for their warmth and clarity. An understated open-pore satin finish allows the wood to breathe, while black multi-ply binding on the front and back create an elegant visual contrast. The walnut fingerboard, featuring 17 frets with rounded edges, is comfortable to play all along the shortened 432mm scale length, with reliable intonation throughout. The sturdy amaranth bridge is positioned for comfortable right-hand fingerpicking, while the traditional classical guitar-style machine heads maintain stable tuning, ensuring reliable performance during extended practice sessions.
Addressing children's needs through thoughtful design, the Harley Benton GL-2NT Guitarlele makes learning guitar both accessible and enjoyable. Its shortened neck and reduced weight of just 1.2kg alleviate physical strain and favour small hands, while the rounded frets and nylon strings prioritise safety and the instrument's sturdy construction will stand up to the occasional knock, making it as childproof as can be. Beyond these physical advantages, the Harley Benton GL-2NT Guitarlele also fosters proper technique from the outset - with the walnut fingerboard's 17-fret range and precise intonation ensuring that children develop accurate pitch recognition and progress confidently without being hindered. It can also make a great secondary instrument for adults looking for a travel-sized companion with familiar tuning and a relaxed feel.
Since 1998, the Harley Benton brand has been catering for the needs of countless guitarists and bassists. In addition to an extensive range of stringed instruments, Thomann's house brand also offers a wide choice of amplifiers, speakers, effect pedals, and other accessories. In total, the range includes over 1,500 products. Built by established names in the industry, all Harley Benton products combine quality and reliability at attractive and affordable prices. The continuous expansion of the range ensures that Harley Benton always provides new, exciting, and innovative products that keep players perfectly in tune with the musical world, day after day.
The Harley Benton GL-2NT Guitarlele is surprisingly versatile. The combination of sapele and spruce produces a rich and vibrant sound, sufficient for busking or ensemble playing, while the shortened scale length invites creative approaches to chord voicings. Unlike toy instruments, it features proper intonation over the entire register - a testament to Harley Benton's exacting standards even at this price point - and its remarkably warm tone offers genuine musical value. Whether serving as a child's first guitar, a colourful accompaniment instrument or a songwriter's sketchpad, this guitarlele's blend of playability, affordability, and musicality shows that specialised instruments always deserve serious consideration.