In 2023 it was Harley Benton’s 25th year making guitars. They came out with an anniversary series of guitars and basses, all with higher end specifications like stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and gig bags. All came with a really pretty satin color/finish called Firemist which is close to the color of a Gibson Gold top for comparison.

They also painted the headstocks on the guitars the same color. Some of the guitars and basses are still available. I was interested in two models the SC-25th (Single Cut Away Les Paul Copy) that has since sold out and is no longer being made.

The next model was the model I am covering here today the TE-25th which is a loose copy of a Fender 60s Telecaster Custom with the double binding on the body. I am sorry to say that when I purchased my guitar a few weeks back the guitar was special order and when you ordered the guitar would be manufactured and would ship about 3 weeks later.

Now the website is saying that the guitar is no longer available. I have seen some used on the market but used they are going for above what they cost new being $244. I saw a model this morning at Sweetwater used for $399. I guess I will hold onto mine and this will be the first Harley Benton I have that meets the criteria for being an affordable collectible.

Here are the specifications and my observations of the TE-25TH


American Alder body

Roasted Canadian flame maple neck with Tiger Striping on the back of the neck. The neck has a satin finish and feels great to play.

Dark laurel fretboard with white dot
inlays and 22 stainless steel frets. The neck is a bolt on with a D shape, 1.65" white graphite nut, Scale: 25.50", Fingerboard radius: 12"

When I examined the neck, I found the truss rod was out of adjustment and the string height was really high. Both of these are easily adjusted, and I did this near the end of the video. The frets were smooth on the edges and had no fret rocking until the 17th fret where there was a slight amount.

Pickguard: 3-ply white/black/white
Pickups: Roswell TEA-B alnico 5 single coil vintage (bridge), Roswell TEA-F-CR alnico 5 single coil (neck). I really like the pickups and would not be inclined to upgrade or modify. The neck is very clean and has a great sound. The middle position with both the bridge and neck is a wonderful rhythm position. The bridge pickup has a lot of telecaster bite to it.
Controls: volume and tone
Switch: 3-way
The pots are full size pots, and the quality of the work is high. The three-way slider switch has a good feel unlike a normal import and feels like a typical high end Telecaster switch.

Wilkinson WTB deluxe bridge with compensated brass saddles. This will help with intonation. I did find the intonation on the guitar out of the box was spot on. I appreciate this when I buy a new guitar.

Hardware finish: chrome

Matching headstock with engraved locking tuners. The tuners I think are very serviceable and work great. I would have preferred a standard set of Wilkinson style split shat vintage tuners instead of the locking, but this is just personal preference.

Color: firemist. The body and headstock have a satin finish and the overall fit and finish is good.

Stock strings: Elixir 010 - 046

Incl. Harley Benton 25th Anniversary E-Guitar Gigbag
Incl. Harley Benton 25th Anniversary Lanyard

My overall feelings about the TE-25th are that I really like the guitar and think it is definitely worth at least what I paid for it. It is really nice seeing an affordable guitar with specifications like stainless steel frets. Unlike my Harley Benton TE-52 the TE-25th is a comfortable weight guitar coming in at 7 lbs. and 11 ounces and as a result is very comfortable to wear strapped to your body or sitting.

I would have to say that I really like the guitar and would recommend it to others.