Harley Benton has just announced two new bang-for-your-buck electric guitars, the DC-Custom II and DC-Custom II 612. These models are part of Harley Benton's custom line, which promises to deliver a premium exterior, high-quality hardware, great playability, and optimal sound at a great price point.
There are no prizes for guessing the new models' inspiration – the Gibson SG – and according to Harley Benton, the DC-Custom II is a “no frills rock machine” that comes in cherry and white finishes. However, it differs to typical SG-inspired builds in its construction, which features a meranti body and set neck, and a roasted jatoba fretboard with trapezoid inlays.
Two in-house Tesla TM VR-Nitro Alnico-5 humbucker pickups are adjusted via a 3-way toggle switch, single volume and sole tone control.
This model also comes with a C-shape profile neck and 24 medium jumbo Blacksmith stainless steel frets – another departure from typical SG specs. Additional premium features include DLX gold hardware, DLX Tune-O-Matic bridge, a graphite IV nut, and Grover tuners.
As for the Gibson EDS-1275-indebted double-neck, the DC-Custom II 612 comes with – you guessed it – an additional 12-string neck, to live your wildest Jimmy Page fantasies, but features a more offset body than its inspiration.
It is available in white and cherry finishes and features similar construction to the DC-Custom II. This includes meranti-crafted bodies and necks, roasted jatoba fretboards, C-shape profile necks, and 22 medium jumbo Blacksmith stainless steel frets.
However, this time, two Tesla TM VR-60 Classic Alnico-5 vintage-style covered humbuckers power the 6-string neck, with Tesla Opus-G1 Alnico-5 vintage-style open humbuckers driving the 12-string. These can be further dialed in using the pickup and neck selectors, along with the volume and tone controls.
The launch is a savvy move from the brand, especially given Epiphone's own double-neck is hard to come by, with Reverb listings for the G-1275 routinely topping $1k. Although given Gibson's recent release of its Jimmy Page signature double-neck, we'd expect a more affordable Epiphone to swoop in and fill that void in the coming months.
Both DC-Custom II models are now exclusively available at Thomann, with prices starting at $244 and $549 for the DC-Custom II and DC-Custom II 612 respectively. For more information, visit Harley Benton.
