Harley Benton CLA-15M SolidWood

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.

I have a couple of acoustics both into 4 figures and thought I'd give this a go as I was thinking about putting in a resonance system but wanted a solid wood guitar I've seen these compared to the martin 000 15m and I'm not sure about comments like that usually I just take them with a pinch of salt..but after receiving this guitar I can see why it would be compared with the martin. I have a om16 and honestly this is every bit as good and 1/6 of the price. If I had to pick fault the only things I could mention would be the machine heads personally I didn't like them so put some better quality ones on and the pick guard so I removed it but this is a really serious guitar for any level of proficiency don't write it off because of the name on the headstock..I absolutely love playing this guitar and finding it hard to put it down in fact I'd go as far as to say I wish I'd been able to buy one of these before I paid out as much as I did for the other two I would have saved myself a lot of money..oh and changed my mind about the resonance system just can't bring myself to make a hole in this guitar and honestly it really doesn't need anything else..

I have compared this model (side by side) with a 2015 Harley Benton CLA-15M and the older model was far superior. I have also compared the non SolidWood model (current 2022) and the built looks very similar but feels and sound quite different. I wish I could get my hands on the older model. The 2015 guitar I tested isn't mine but is simply fantastic, the sustain and attack was really impressive for the price range. I would imagine there's been a change of factory (?).

The current models in 2022 (non- & solidWood) are made in China and feel more plastic like to me. It's hard to describe, but that's the feeling I get under my fingers. I had a similar experience with the Gretsch Gin Rickey; also matt finish, Pau Ferro fingerboard and made in China.

This being said, a solid wood guitar in this price range is really a bargain. I appreciate Harley Benton's consistent effort to create an affordable wide variety of products. I believe some of them (some specific models with specific year of production) will become collectibles in the future.

The all solid wood, quality of fit and finish, bone nut and saddle. Nothing short of outstanding at this price point. Tuners look and feel great.
Sound is subjective but sustain is not, and this guitar sustains really great.
Just listen to it.. No, no, don't point at it..
Bottom line, this guitar is great deal that i bought for regular gigging and somehow this 250 euro guitar seems too good for it. Even the snowflake inlays are done beautifully. There is really nothing that gives it away as an affordable instrument.
Good job Thomann.
Definitely would buy again if something happened to it.

If you could go back in time and not buy a certain other guitar...
I have 2 very expensive acoustic guitars that I love. I still love those guitars, but it's guitars like this that make you want a time machine so that you could buy this instead. The price difference between this and my other more expensive models is huge - the sound quality is not. It is now my second favorite acoustic guitar. Totally recommend! Also, I love the headstock on this. I am proud to rock the "HB"!
The only slight flaw is a less-than-perfect inlay where there is more gap that desired. It is 100% cosmetic and it does not affect the sound or play. But if you look close, you'll notice it. Considering this guitar is more than $1000 less than it's inspiration, I will not complain.

I play electric guitar and I wanted to try also an acoustic. Based on good reviews I choose this guitar and I set my expectations quite high, especially that somebody here compared it with a Martin 000-15 (I just know is a respected brand and quite expensive but I never played it).
The guitar looks good, stays very well in tune, the intonation is almost perfect.
It plays quite hard considering the action is high, so a visit to a luthier is needed.
Unfortunately this guitar doesn't sing, is sterile, no overtones, no bass, it has very harsh highs. The sound is awful.
Maybe is a good guitar for a beginner but if you are an intermediate or advanced player you should look for something else.
I went today to a local guitar shop and tried a Martin. Oh boy, such a beautiful sound. I don't know if it's worth to pay almost 2000 euro but that guitar will help you to tell a story.
This guitar is just...bleah.