This is the latest ST59HM just brought in June 2021. I already have a earlier model ST59HM circa 2019. there is quite a few alterations to this new model and the quality and authenticity of this new model in comparison is very poor in my opinion for the following reasons . The colour of the "fiesta" red is much darker and has no pinkiness in it at all , more like a Torino red. the rounded countours of the body edges are now much more square. Neither my earlier ST59HM or my ST-62 Harley Bentons are like this. The lovely one piece amber tint gloss neck with a slight V on the back has gone, a 2 piece capped neck is now supplied with a very very pale satin finish. The spacing of the double dot E markers at the 12th fret are almost on the edges of the fretboard and look ridiculous. The authentic split post vintage tuners have now gone. There are also 2 string trees fitted now , poor choice there. The bridge saddles have been changed from '59 correct pressed steel to the cheaper cast type. The tremelo arm is very long
( something Mr. HM would surely not approve of ) and does not have a tip. A positive however is that the trem does come with a full size block. Sound wise the guitar is pretty good .
Now I understand that this is a budget guitar, but so was the previous model, so why make all of these, IMO, detracting changes .
My intention now is to use the guitar as a basis for a project, starting with neck replacement and re contouring of the body edges and a more realistic "Fiesta" red finish. Thomann you had a winner with the previous model , but sadly IMO not with this one .
