Lots of other reviewers have said this is a great guitar for the money. This is a great guitar, full stop!
I'm going to make direct comparisons with the Martin 00015M, on which it's based. The fact that the 2 guitars even stand comparison says it all.
Weight, balance and sustain are all comparable. For me, there was always a slight dead spot on the G string of the Martin, but not on the HB.
The finishes on the Martin are better quality, as you'd expect, and there is a more uniform colour to the mahogany, which almost certainly means a superior cut of wood was used, but I don't hear those differences in the playing.
On delivery, both guitars were pretty well set up. I had a full pro setup on the Martin but I haven't done that yet for the Harley. I'm not sure it needs it!
I found no issues with frets etc, although I found 2 tiny, and I mean tiny, blemishes on the Harley headstock. The Martin, as you'd expect, was faultless.
The most important bit - playability! Both are very light guitars, and just beg to be picked up and played. Which am I enjoying more? The Harley Benton! It just feels right for me, although I realise that's very subjective.
Which should you buy? Both are solid wood, and will only improve through time, but I suspect the Martin, with it's superior timbers and that headstock logo is the one that will gain in value. That said, if I was offered the choice of the two at the same price, and I knew I would never sell it or give it away, I think I'd pick the Harley Benton.
Now, take into account what these two actually cost, and I think it's an easy choice.
