Affordable delight with premium features: The Harley Benton HBJ-45E SBK, boasting a vintage-inspired dreadnought design, solid Sitka spruce top, and built-in electronics, is surprisingly budget-friendly.
Harley Benton Unveils Affordable J-45-Style Acoustic Guitar
Harley Benton has launched the HBJ-45E SBK, a budget-friendly guitar that emulates the renowned Gibson J-45 in appearance. Although the HBJ-45E SBK exhibits a significant resemblance to the Gibson model, it offers various distinct features and differences.
With a slope-shouldered dreadnought body shape and single-ply binding on the solid-black top, the HBJ-45E SBK boasts a design reminiscent of the Gibson J-45, complete with dot inlays on the fingerboard. However, there exists a substantial variance in build, materials, and overall quality between the two guitars.
In terms of construction, the HBJ-45E SBK features a departure from the standard Gibson J-45 configuration, with a longer 25.5" scale length, ovangkol back and sides, mahogany neck capped with a blackwood fingerboard, and ovangkol bridge. The finish is a subtle natural satin on the red-brown ovangkol, contrasting nicely with the all-black top.
Transitioning to electronics, the HBJ-45E SBK is fully equipped for modern performances, boasting an HB-03 acoustic guitar pickup and preamp system with a 3-band EQ and an integrated chromatic tuner. This system promises to make your first open-mic night less daunting.
As for the price, the HBJ-45E SBK is truly budget-friendly, retailing at £169/$228, available exclusively through Thomann and Harley Benton's Reverb Shop in the United States.
While the HBJ-45E SBK absorbs some stylistic cues from the classic Gibson J-45, it offers benefits for beginners or budget-conscious players, such as its unique materials and cost-effective construction. For those seeking an affordable alternative to pricier acoustic guitars, the HBJ-45E SBK is certainly worth consideration.
[For more information, check out Harley Benton's website or order directly from Thomann.]
The HBJ-45E SBK's design and electronics make it suitable for various lifestyle activities such as home-and-garden performances, entertainment events, and even open-mic nights. Similarly, music enthusiasts can incorporate this affordable J-45-style acoustic guitar into their home-and-garden, entertainment, or lifestyle settings, providing an affordable alternative to expensive guitars.
