Advice please - Harley Benton T-style kit??

[Sada Yairi]

I've come here to seek advice from those in the know. I'm looking to add a hardbody to my collection and I've decided a Tele is what I want. I'm also thinking that instead of just buying one I'm gonna make a bit of a project of it - how hard can it be to build up a Tele (famous last words?). I've only done a bit of refinishing work in the past, never a complete build, and never any mods with the electrics either.

Because I'm assuming I won't do that great a job of it, and because I want a unit that I won't be too precious with, I want something cheap - this will be my first building project afterall. I'm in Aus so everything here's more expensive which is annoying. What do you lot think of the Harley Benton T-style kit:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_bent...kit_tstyle.htm

I can get it shipped here for $200 all up, which is amazingly cheap, but I want it to be worthwhile. Anyone had experience with Harley Benton? It just seems to be an in-house tag for Chinese gear, but I'm not worried where it comes from as long as the kit goes together well and works. Previously I was looking at Rondo and Sx to get a platform to start with, but I do like the idea of starting the build from scratch.

What input can you give me, particularly regarding the Benton kit? Cheers.

[maguila_2]

Hi
I can tell you my experience with the S- Harley Benton (Stratocaster). It is really a basic kit with very poor accesories (particularly the tuning machines). The good news is that the guitar itself is pretty decent. The body is accurate enough, the drilling of cavities and screws is correct. Neck in mine was straight and needed only a little sanding of the fret tips. Electronics are basic but functional... and solderless.
Painted mine with duplicolor sealer-primer (1can), semi gloss white (2 cans) and gloss lacquer ( 2 cans). My only initial mod was a red tortoise pickguard.
After a couple of months decided to install wilkinson tuners and tuning precision and stability improved beyond measure. Maybe a better bridge will follow.
All in all, a good start point for a novice.

[crazydave911]

First off, welcome to the forum guys! Secondly, I followed that link and it says that item is out of stock. Strangely enough, I didn't see any other kits either, but there are 2 teles, in finished condition the same price.
There is a very good poplar tele kit at www.grizzly.com here LINK. That other kit ships from where, Germany, Denmark? This one is 2000 miles closer, I would think the price would be competitive . FWIW, the tuners on all these things will be crap, so I'd plan on that from the beginning


Dave

[Sada Yairi]

Thanks for the input. I'll have a look at the Grizzly one, and I'll keep going with the research. Starting to really like the idea of putting together myself.

[oigun]

A lot more expensive but maybe a lot more satisfying in the end...
http://shop.precisionguitarkits.com/category_s/1817.htm
Personally I never seen these IRL but I've heard good things about them.

Only thing I dont like is the large trussrod hole

[Sada Yairi]

The Grizzly kit looks good, but they have a minimum threshold of $200 for international orders before shipping, so depending on their shipping cost (I've asked for a quote) it may or may not be worthwhile.

And the Precision kit looks good, but it's $300 without electronics and before shipping, so it's not worthwhile.