Harley Benton EX-76 Classic GHW AN

First up, the finish. It's so smooth and shiny. Looks beautiful all over.

The neck, whilst being pretty thick - this is quite the opposite of a Jackson style neck, so if you're looking for a very thin neck, this may not be the guitar for you - plays really fast and well. I am actually really happy with how the neck plays, because I'm used to much thinner necks usually, but it may be the finish ( same as the body, not a satin finish ) that is INCREDIBLY smooth.
So those with smaller hands may find it a bit more difficult perhaps as you'll need to stretch a little more, but it absolutely won't feel sluggish at all. The fretboard allows for easy fast fingerplay.

It does not feel heavy over your shoulder at all. I'm only 5'9 and hardly muscular or strong at all, but this does not weigh down on me during play. Make sure to just buy a good quality strap ( padded ) and some kind of strap locks/system, as the positioning of the strap hook might allow for the strap to come off at the front if you're moving around a lot as you play. But as i say, even a super cheap set of those plastic strap locks will help prevent this from happening.

I love the set in jack. Makes everything feel so much more solidly connected. Feels safe and secure when playing in a standing position.

I have already replaced the tone and volume knobs with a prettier set of gold ones, as they match the guitar well and add more to the (faux) expensive "look", but there is no need to other than aesthetics, as the standard ones look and work absolutely fine.

Sound is subjective of course. It all comes down to what amp / tone & pedals you use of course. It sounds great to me, but there are so many individual factors that make up a guitar tone we individually love. So i can't really comment too much on that, all i can comment on is HOW it plays. And I'm very happy.

You know what you're probably in for when spending only around 250/260 pounds on a guitar ( if you've been playing for years ) but this could not be better for a beginner on a budget.

It does not FEEL like you're playing a "cheap" guitar. The build quality is too good. Just remember that players/beginners with smaller hands, maybe try to go and test out a thick neck guitar in a shop before you think about buying this one, as it may not be perfect for you yet. Probably too bulky ( though it isn't big ), the shape maybe too unbalanced for very young players, so maybe go a different route for now if you're maybe 12 and under. But old people like myself should have no problem with the weight/shape.

Best "cheap" guitar I've ever bought and there have been so, so many over the years.

Let me start by saying I do not review products. I honestly can't remember a single product I have ever left a review for.

I've always been in love with the Explorer shape (and more specifically the Korina explorers) and have always wanted one but refuse to drop the cash on a Gibson. When I saw this was coming out I ordered it within the hour it went up.

Just got it today, which was a little over a month for shipping. This was to be expected with what's going on in the world right now, and it was 100% worth the wait.

I'm a die hard Ibanez player and typically prefer wizard necks and slim profile guitars so the only thing I was scared of was getting a baseball neck like my Gibson LP. The neck is definitely thicker than a wizard but no where near a baseball Gibson. Maybe somewhere around a PRS.

The locking tuners are fantastic. The stock pickups are also honestly not hateful. I play generally heavy music (modern metal & hardcore) and they get the job done but will probably swap them eventually.

The bridge, saddle & nut are solid, the pickup selector is a little wobbly but that's about the only con I have currently.

Oh, and the biggest pro is this guitar looks about 50x better in person than the pictures/videos show.

If you're on the fence about this guitar, just do yourself a favor and splurge on it. You absolutely will be satisfied.