Guitarist Guild: A Musical Community Beyond Strings

Astounding - quite a word but well deserved in this case.

I recently sold my Yamaha APX 700 because I simply didn't like it. It didn't seem to matter what strings I put on it, how much I adjusted the neck or the bridge, it just didn't work for me.

Because I wanted a replacement acoustic I decided to take a punt on this own brand Harley Benton (https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_d_120ce_nt.htm) from Thomann. It's got loads of glowing reviews, but I am always a little sceptical of gushing praise.

It arrived this morning and I am, well, astounded. It looks amazing (although the 'inlay' around the sound hole is obviously a decal but so excellently applied you can't tell until right up close), sounds good even with the factory 10s, the electro-acoustic installation looks very good quality, and like the rest of the guitar the fit and finish are top grade. The machine heads are smooth and highly geared - astounding (there's that word again). The icing on the cake is a very good action with perfect intonation. It is much more comfortable to play than the APX and I am in love with it already.

All for â,¬75 or £65.

OK, I am not primarily a guitar player, my instrument is bass, but seriously if you want a beginner or second acoustic as a spare, or even if you are just on a tight budget you'd be mad not to take a look at one of these.

Time for a nice cup of tea.

Congrats, Hinfrance.  Great deal, and sounds like a perfect fit for you.  Will we hear it sometime soon?

Fingers crossed the Harley Benton lives up to the positive reviews and becomes the acoustic gem you're looking for.