Harley Benton HB-35Plus Vintage Burst Bundle

The Harley Benton HB-35 Plus, shown here in Vintage Burst, is a semi-hollow electric guitar that instantly calls to mind classic guitars of the past - albeit without the hefty price tag. It features a maple body with an arched top that is adorned with elegant f-holes, and the combination of a high-gloss finish and chrome hardware completes its authentic vintage look. The guitar's construction incorporates a solid block of wood that runs through the centre of the body, which together with its set maple neck ensures plenty of sustain and helps to prevent unwanted feedback when playing at high volume. The latter in turn features a 22-fret pau ferro fingerboard with white pearloid block inlays that provide a visual contrast and easier orientation when playing, and both neck and body (front and back) are adorned with cream-coloured binding, a feature usually reserved for much pricier instruments.

To ensure that the Harley Benton HB-35 Plus delivers a retro feast for the ears as well as the eyes, the guitar features a pair of vintage-style Roswell LAF AlNiCo-5 humbucking pickups, and its combination of a deluxe Tune-o-Matic bridge and stop-bar tailpiece together with the internal centre block mentioned above provide a full, sustaining sound. At the opposite end, the headstock is adorned by a set of sealed diecast machine heads that promise many years of reliable service. The neck features a comfortable C profile and is equipped with a double-action trussrod for optimum adjustability, and both the 628mm (24.7") scale length and 42mm (1.65") nut width are also typical for this style of guitar. The same is true of the HB-35 Plus's electronics, which comprise a three-way toggle switch and dedicated volume and tone controls for each pickup, so players can easily dial in any tone they desire.

From Blues and Jazz through to Indie and even Rock, the Harley Benton HB-35 Plus will be a guaranteed eyecatcher on stage. It represents a great choice for live players with much more expensive guitars who are looking for a suitable backup instrument as well as for studio musicians looking to unleash their inner Chuck Berry with catchy double-stop riffs, power chords, and full-sounding melodies. To authentically replicate the sounds of the era, the HB-35 Plus should of course be combined with a suitable tube amplifier with sufficient headroom. The gig bag included in this bundle features a set of sturdy backpack straps and is perfect for storing and transporting the guitar safely - whether it's with other equipment in the back of a car or on a bike - and its external storage pockets provide plenty of space for all manner of accessories, from tuition books to tuners and spare strings.