Harley Benton ST-80FR: New Guitars with Sparkle Burst and Holographic Finishes
A Strong Addition to the Model Series
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Harley Benton ST-80FR: New Guitars with Sparkle Burst and Holographic Finishes · Source: Harley Benton
The new Harley Benton ST-80FR models immediately catch the eye. With bold finishes and a surprisingly solid feature set, these new additions bring a lot to the table once again. And as expected, the price to performance ratio stands out. Let’s take a closer look.
All About the Harley Benton ST-80FR
High Quality Materials and Ergonomic Design
Even at the launch of the Harley Benton ST-80FR series in 2025, it was clear that a lot of attention went into the component selection, especially at this price point. Looking at the specs, that impression still holds up. The guitar feels thoughtfully put together rather than rushed.
The body is made from lightweight American basswood and features an ergonomic shape with a tapered heel and smooth rear contours. This makes access to the upper frets feel natural and comfortable, even during longer playing sessions.
The neck is built from roasted, flamed Canadian maple and combines a premium look with a smooth playing feel. The fretboard, also made from roasted Canadian maple with rounded edges, feels comfortable and easy to navigate. A rosewood version is available as well. The asymmetrical C profile sits well in the hand, while dot inlays and glow in the dark side markers add both function and subtle visual detail.
On top of that, the guitar includes 22 stainless steel medium jumbo frets with rounded ends, along with a modern compound fretboard radius that supports both chord work and lead playing.
Tonal Versatility and Pickup Options
When it comes to tonal flexibility, the Harley Benton ST-80FR offers a clear range of options. It is available either with a single Tesla Plasma-X1b Alnico V humbucker in the bridge or in a dual humbucker configuration that adds a Tesla Plasma-X1n Alnico V in the neck position.
Depending on the configuration, the control layout stays straightforward. One volume, one tone, and a 3 way switch for quick access to the different pickup positions. Simple, but effective, and exactly what you want when you need fast control while playing.
Floyd Rose 1000 Tremolo
The Floyd Rose 1000 tremolo on the Harley Benton ST-80FR keeps tuning stable even under heavy use, whether for dives or more subtle vibrato. At the same time, the black nickel hardware adds a clean, high-end look that fits perfectly with the overall design.
Price and Availability
Expanding this model line feels like a logical step. The Harley Benton ST-80FR is now available in a range of new Sparkle Burst and holographic finishes, adding even more visual character to the series. At Thomann* prices start at $371.00 / £339.00 / 399.00€, which continues to position these guitars very competitively.
Based on previous releases, early batches tend to move quickly. If one of these finishes catches your eye, it might be worth taking a closer look sooner rather than later.
More Information
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