Harley Benton CLA‑15MCE Review — Still a Standout Budget Acoustic

First Impressions

When I first unpacked the Harley Benton CLA‑15MCE, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was in for. I knew the brand, but my expectations were modest. Thomann launched Harley Benton back in 1998, so the name has history behind it, but budget acoustics can be hit‑and‑miss.

The guitar arrived in flawless condition. Thomann’s packaging was so robust that it would have taken a determined effort to damage it. Once out of the box, the finish, feel, and overall presentation immediately suggested a guitar far above its £174.59 price point. I even double‑checked the model to make sure they hadn’t sent something more expensive by mistake.

Construction and Materials

The CLA‑15MCE sits within Thomann’s Custom Line series, specifically the 000‑style “Auditorium” body shape. It’s smaller than a dreadnought, with a slimmer waist and a shallower body, making it comfortable for long playing sessions.

Originally marketed as an all‑mahogany guitar, the model has since undergone a specification update. Thomann now lists the wood as “Gaboon Mahogany” (Aucoumea klaineana)—better known as Okoume. Despite the name, Okoume isn’t a mahogany species and isn’t related to it. Tonally, it leans closer to maple: bright, clear, and responsive. It’s worth noting for anyone expecting traditional mahogany warmth.

Other key materials include:

Top: Solid Okoume
Back & Sides: Laminated Okoume
Neck: Okoume
Fretboard & Bridge: Ovangkol (a rosewood‑like West African hardwood)
Saddle: Bone
Bracing: Scalloped X‑bracing

Fit, Finish, and Playability

The fretboard features attractive Snowflake inlays, complemented by side dot markers. Fretwork is clean and smooth, with none of the sharp edges that often plague guitars in this price bracket. The chrome die‑cast tuners feel solid and reliable.

Overall, the guitar feels well‑built, comfortable, and inviting to play—qualities that matter far more than spec sheets alone.

Electronics and Hardware

The CLA‑15MCE comes equipped with the Fishman Isys+ preamp system, complete with an onboard tuner. It’s a practical, gig‑friendly setup that performs reliably. The factory‑fitted D’Addario EXP‑16 (.012–.053) strings complement the guitar nicely and help it sound its best straight out of the box.

Value for Money

I recorded a full video review to accompany this article, but even without it, the takeaway is simple: this guitar offers exceptional value. The build quality, tone, and playability are all far beyond what you’d expect at this price. Solid‑top acoustics typically start well above £200, making the CLA‑15MCE’s price genuinely surprising.

Who This Guitar Suits

This model is an excellent choice for:

Beginners, thanks to its comfortable body shape and forgiving playability
Players on a budget, who still want a solid‑top acoustic with reliable electronics
Experienced musicians, looking for a capable second guitar or a travel‑friendly workhorse

It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely enjoyable instrument.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed this guitar so much during the review period that I ended up buying the review unit. Even knowing the wood isn’t true mahogany, I’d grown attached to its feel and tone. The CLA‑15MCE punches well above its weight, delivering a sound and playing experience comparable to guitars twice its price.