Could the Harley Benton CLA-15MCE Be One Of The Best Budget Acoustic Guitars Out There?

Harley-Benton-CLA-15MCE

When I unpacked the Harley Benton CLA-15MCE, I had mixed feelings. I had heard of the brand before, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thomann Music, Europe’s largest musical instrument retailer, had established the HB brand in 1998, so they had a long history.

The guitar arrived in excellent condition, so well-packed that it would have taken a herd of elephants to damage it. Upon removing it from the packaging, I was immediately impressed by its finish and the way it felt in my hands. I checked to make sure I had received the right guitar, as it felt much more expensive than the £174.59 price tag.

The CLA-15MCE is part of Thomann’s ‘Custom Line’ range, specifically the 000 series, often referred to as an ‘Auditorium’ guitar. It’s smaller than a dreadnaught, slimmer in the waist, and not as deep. It’s entirely made of mahogany, with a solid mahogany top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and mahogany neck. However, it’s worth noting that since this review was first published in April 2018, Thomann has updated the guitar’s specifications. It now lists it as “Gaboon Mahogany” (Aucoumea klaineana), which can be misleading. Aucoumea klaineana, or Okoume as it’s sometimes called, is not mahogany and not related to that tonewood. It’s closer in tonal characteristics to maple, so that’s something to keep in mind. The fretboard is made of Ovangkol, a West African wood similar to rosewood, and the bracing is of the scalloped X type. The bridge and nut are also made of Ovangkol, while the saddle is made of bone.

The fretboard features beautiful “Snowflake” inlays and dot markers along the top of the board. The frets are well-finished and smooth, free from sharp edges that you sometimes find on guitars in this price range. The machine heads are chrome-plated die-cast and feel great, so there are no issues there.

The electronics are handled by the Fishman Isys+ preamp system with an integrated tuner. The strings are D’Addario EXP-16 .012 – .053.

Harley Benton CLA-15MCE

I’ve created a comprehensive video review to accompany this write-up, providing a more detailed visual and auditory assessment of the guitar. For now, I must express my profound admiration for the exceptional quality offered at such an affordable price. This guitar is meticulously crafted, delivering not only exceptional sound and playability but also remarkable value for money. It’s quite perplexing how they manage to sell this instrument at £174.59, considering that solid top guitars typically command a price well above the £200 mark.

Considering its suitability, I highly recommend this guitar to beginners. The exceptional quality and easy playability make it an invaluable investment. Moreover, the low price doesn’t compromise on either aspect. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone on a budget, regardless of their skill level. In today’s market, it’s possible to acquire a decent guitar without breaking the bank, and the Harley Benton CLA-15MCE serves as a prime example.

Absolutely! I would definitely purchase one. I’ve had an absolute blast playing this guitar. In fact, I was so enamored with the review model that I went ahead and bought it! Although it’s not made of real mahogany, I had become quite attached to it, and it made sense to keep it, even though it’s not the real deal.

The CLA-15MCE exudes a sound and feel that’s comparable to a guitar twice the price. If I hadn’t bought the review model and was actively searching for a high-quality, value-for-money guitar, I would be thrilled to have discovered something like the CLA-15MCE.

 

Looking for alternatives?

Fender FSR CC-60S

Vintage V300 Folk Acoustic, Mahogany

Eastman PCH1-OM Classic

Yamaha FS800 (solid spruce top but well worth considering). 

LAG Tramontane 70 T70A

For more details see:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_custom_line_cla_15mce.htm

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