Harley Benton ST-80FR: 80s Shred, Back in Black!
Three new ST-guitars with optional double humbuckers!
4,5 / 5,0 | 
[September 26, 2025] The Harley Benton ST-80FR MN series is getting some new colors. After “Radiant Red” and “Lime Sparkle,” the guitars are now also available in classic “Black”!
All About the Harley Benton ST-80FR
In Black: Double Humbuckers and Lefty version, too!
The ST-80FR series has been a massive success! So, it is only logical for the manufacturer to continue with it and regularly add new colors. The new classic “Black” model will once again find many fans, most notably those for whom the Radiant Red guitar was a bit too flashy. As before, the guitars are available with either a single bridge humbucker or two humbuckers. This time, there is even a left-handed version. All new models are available here at Thomann*.
ST-80FR
[June 26, 2025] These new Harley Benton ST-80FR in Radiant Red models are the perfect blend of ’80s shred guitar and affordability. With Floyd Rose locking systems and Tesla humbuckers, these models are built to rock.
These two new ST-80FR models are all about that 1980s Shred/Super Strat style of high-performance S-style guitar and come in a glorious Radiant Red finish. Harley Benton states there are more finishes to come, so if you are not a fan of red, then be patient.
Humbuckers
The Harley Benton ST-80FR MN and its ST-80FR MN HH counterpart are built on the same core specifications. The key difference in the HH model is the inclusion of an additional Tesla humbucker in the neck position, a tone control, and 3-way switching.
Built for Speed
They come with an American basswood body that boasts a tapered heel and sculpted rear contouring, allowing for effortless access to the upper frets—perfect for blistering solos.
A bolt-on roasted Canadian flame asymmetric-C profile maple neck and compound 12″–16″ radius fretboard with rolled fingerboard edges and 22 stainless steel medium jumbo frets with rounded ends seals the deal. Making these models perfect for fast legato licks and three notes per string runs.
Floyd Rose
Of course, they come equipped with a Floyd Rose 1000 locking tremolo system and locking nut, allowing users to divebomb and flutter to their heart’s content. It wouldn’t be an 80s-style shredder without one, so it makes perfect sense to have them on these models.
They both have chrome hardware, a set of Jinho locking tuners, and come with glow-in-the-dark side dots, which is a great little feature when playing on dark stages. These models both come with a set of Elixir Coated .010–.046 strings.
Tesla
The ST-80FR-MN is fitted with a single, high-output Tesla Plasma-X1b Alnico V bridge humbucker. This pickup is voiced for aggressive gain, but it can also clean up nicely.
ST-80FR MN HH: Dual-Humbucker Power
The HH-model takes things a step further by adding a Plasma-X1n Alnico V in the neck position. This brings warm, vintage-inspired tones into the mix. With the 3-way selector, you can blend smooth neck leads with searing bridge bite, or combine both for a tone that truly sings and snarls.
Price & Availability
Both the Harley Benton ST-80FR MN at €399 and its ST-80FR MN HH at €449 are available now from Thomann.
More Information
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One response to “Harley Benton ST-80FR: 80s Shred, Back in Black!”
Cool. But they should add some more colors, even patterns,to be true 80s hair metal!