Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG Review – Introduction
As a guitarist who revels in the thrill of discovering new gear, I recently got my hands on the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG electric guitar. Known for their budget-friendly yet high-quality instruments, Harley Benton has garnered a loyal following, and I was eager to see if the EX-84 Modern EMG lives up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the EX-84, highlighting its key features, performance, and any areas where it might fall short.
First Impressions
From the moment I opened the box, the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG made a strong visual statement. The guitar’s body is a classic Explorer shape, finished in a sleek black that exudes a no-nonsense, aggressive vibe. The angular lines and sharp edges give it a distinct presence that screams rock and metal.
The overall build quality is impressive for an instrument in this price range. The fit and finish are clean, and the black hardware complements the guitar’s aesthetic perfectly. The first impression is one of a well-crafted instrument that looks ready to handle some serious playing.
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Playability
Playability is a critical factor for any guitar, and the EX-84 Modern EMG doesn’t disappoint. The neck is a comfortable C-shape, which provides a nice balance between thickness and slimness, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. The satin finish on the back of the neck enhances the smoothness, allowing for quick movements up and down the fretboard.
The guitar features a rosewood fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets. The frets are well-dressed, with no sharp edges to speak of, making bends and slides effortless. The 24.75” scale length is familiar and comfortable, catering to a wide range of playing styles. The action was set up well out of the box, and I found it easy to make adjustments to suit my personal preferences.
Sound Quality
The Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG is equipped with EMG active pickups, specifically the EMG 81 in the bridge position and the EMG 60 in the neck position. These pickups are renowned for their high output and clarity, making them a favorite among metal and hard rock players.
Clean tones
When playing clean, the EMG pickups provide a surprisingly articulate and clear tone. The neck pickup (EMG 60) delivers a warm, full-bodied sound that’s great for clean chords and jazz-influenced playing. It has a smooth character that adds depth without sounding muddy. The bridge pickup (EMG 81) offers a brighter, more aggressive clean tone that cuts through the mix, making it ideal for funk and pop.
The cleans are not the primary strength of this guitar, given its design and pickups, but they are certainly usable and offer a nice range of tones for different styles.
Distorted Tones
This is where the EX-84 Modern EMG truly comes into its own. Engaging the distortion reveals the full potential of the EMG pickups. The bridge pickup delivers a tight, searing distortion with excellent note definition, perfect for heavy riffs and fast, precise playing. It handles high gain beautifully, maintaining clarity and punch.
The neck pickup provides a smooth, creamy distortion that’s perfect for soloing. It offers a rich, singing quality that makes lead lines stand out. Whether you’re playing chunky riffs or soaring solos, the EX-84 Modern EMG delivers a powerful, aggressive tone that’s ideal for metal and hard rock.
Hardware and Features
The hardware on the EX-84 Modern EMG is solid and reliable. The guitar features a Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, which provides excellent tuning stability and sustain. The black hardware not only looks great but feels durable and well-made.
The tuners are Harley Benton’s own branded models, and they hold tuning quite well. While they are not locking tuners, they perform adequately for most playing styles. Players who require more robust tuning stability might consider upgrading to locking tuners, but the stock ones are sufficient for general use.
One of the standout features of the EX-84 Modern EMG is the use of EMG active pickups. These pickups are a significant upgrade over the passive pickups found in many guitars in this price range. They provide a high-output, articulate tone that’s perfect for heavy music, making this guitar a great value for the money.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG is impressive, especially considering its price point. The mahogany body feels solid and substantial, providing a good foundation for the guitar’s tone. The neck is set into the body securely, and there are no noticeable flaws or imperfections in the construction.
The finish is durable and resistant to minor scratches and dings, which is essential for a guitar that’s likely to see some aggressive playing. The hardware is robust, and the electronics are well-installed, with no loose components or wiring issues.
Overall, the EX-84 Modern EMG feels like a well-constructed, durable instrument that can handle the rigors of regular use, whether in the studio or on stage.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Despite its angular, aggressive appearance, the EX-84 Modern EMG is surprisingly comfortable to play. The body contours fit snugly against the body, and the guitar’s weight is well-balanced, preventing fatigue during long playing sessions. The neck’s satin finish and C-shape profile contribute to the overall comfort, making it easy to play for extended periods.
The Explorer shape provides excellent access to the upper frets, which is a significant advantage for lead players. The guitar balances well when sitting or standing, and the overall ergonomics are excellent, especially considering the instrument’s bold design.
Versatility
While the EX-84 Modern EMG is primarily designed for metal and hard rock, its versatility is commendable. The EMG pickups offer a wide range of tones, from clean and articulate to heavy and aggressive. This makes the guitar suitable for various musical genres, from jazz and blues to rock and metal.
The clean tones are warm and full-bodied, while the distorted tones are tight and powerful. The ability to switch between the neck and bridge pickups, combined with the responsive tone controls, allows for a broad spectrum of sounds. This versatility makes the EX-84 Modern EMG a valuable addition to any guitarist’s collection.
Value for Money
Considering its high-quality features and impressive build quality, the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG offers excellent value for money. It’s priced competitively compared to other guitars in its class, and it delivers performance and versatility that rival more expensive instruments.
For both beginners and intermediate players, the EX-84 Modern EMG represents a solid investment. It’s a guitar that can handle the demands of live performance and studio recording, making it a versatile and reliable addition to any guitarist’s arsenal.
Areas for Improvement
While the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG is an outstanding guitar, there are a few areas where it could be improved. First, upgrading the stock tuners to locking tuners would provide even better tuning stability, especially for players who perform frequently or use aggressive playing techniques.
Secondly, while the EMG pickups are excellent for high-gain settings, players looking for more traditional or vintage tones might consider upgrading to passive pickups. This could further enhance the guitar’s versatility, particularly for those seeking a wider range of sounds.
Lastly, offering more finish options could cater to a broader audience. While the black finish is sleek and professional, additional color options would allow players to choose a look that best suits their personal style.
Conclusion – Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG Review
In conclusion, the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG electric guitar is a remarkable instrument that combines striking aesthetics, exceptional playability, and versatile sound quality. Its EMG pickups and solid construction make it a powerhouse for metal and hard rock styles, while its clean tones and comfortable design make it suitable for a variety of other genres. The build quality and hardware are top-notch, ensuring durability and reliability.
Despite a few minor areas for improvement, the EX-84 Modern EMG offers excellent value for money. It’s a perfect choice for beginners and intermediate players looking for a versatile and high-performance electric guitar. My time with the Harley Benton EX-84 Modern EMG has been incredibly rewarding, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a quality electric guitar that can handle a wide range of musical styles.
