Harley Benton CST 24 Guitar Kit Build

Today, we're finishing and trying out a Harley Benton guitar kit meant to resemble a Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitar. I walk through finishing the guitar, my thoughts on the neck and the kit overall.
Amazon Associate Links:
Wood finish: amzn.to/3moCYVi
Clear coat: amzn.to/3zcORl0
Bridge replacement: amzn.to/3B3Wdru
Other Links:
Guitar Kit: www.thomannmus...
Tuning machines: www.thomannmus...
Spray paint: www.michaels.c...

[@edlicari3909]

I just came across this video and just wanted to say you did a fantastic job in my opinion. It really makes me appreciate buying a guitar that’s completely finished as i do not have the patience to do a kit myself lol. 👍

[@randymiles904]

Nice video man, I just ordered the hb kit with the tremolo. I went with the trem model, because I had concerns with that wraparound bridge. I'm happy you were able to find a replacement that fixed intonation issues. That's exactly what I was afraid of. I can't wait to get started on mine. Your video caught my eye because I'm going with a metalcast purple on mine, but I'm going to put all gold hardware on it, right off the bat. I'm upgrading a mid tier guitar, so I'm reusing it's hardware on the Harley Benton build. 😉 Thanks for sharing. It turned out really well.

[@ProductImpressions]

Thanks! I got a couple of Les Paul kits that I've been working on, but may have jumped in too deep on the electronics which have had me stuck for quite a while. Setting up push/pull pots requires a bit more fine control with the solder than I am up to at this point.

[@randymiles904]

@@ProductImpressions lol. I understand. Ive been playing for 25 years, but just recently, in the last couple years, been doing my own setups and upgrading. I was always afraid of screwing something up. The wiring and soldering was the hardest part for me as well. Just keep at it. I have no doubt you'll figure it out. KZbin and forums are invaluable tools for guitar diy guys. Good luck brother 🤘

[@popsfereal]

I just bought one of these- 88 bucks, plus shipping. I added an HB tele, and the whole works was less than an Affinity tele.

[@paulmearing9192]

I glued and screwed my neck on fitted Grover's on it and a set of tonerider generator pickup set with a McCarty wiring mod in split mode so you don't lose any volume it's a good little guitar and it was my 5th build but it's a keeper this one. Great work 👍🏼 yours looks better than mine

[@realizamusik3453]

Nice color did you choose. I think the best step will be your your electronic parts.

[@HavendaleBlvd80]

Well done my man. I am about to pull the trigger on the cst 24 kit. How much work was involved to get the sealer sanded off the guitar for the paint and stain?

[@ProductImpressions]

Not a lot. I just did a few passes with 1600 or 2000 grit sandpaper. It's not a heavy coat to get through.

[@HavendaleBlvd80]

@@ProductImpressions thanks really looking forward to its arrival. I am thinking ebony stain, and tru oil finish, depending on the grain on the face, maybe a flat black on the face. Seems to be the consensus on the bridge. I have wilkenson on the way. Great job on the kit.

[@Ivolo89]

What plastic rings around the humbuckers did you use to replace them with?

[@ProductImpressions]

Those are actually metal. Here is the link. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BJCHQXS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@phililpb]

Nice job

[@Lola_Santoro]

Great video. Thank you.

[@popsfereal]

I have a Musiclilly adjustable wrap around here somewhere.

[@ProductImpressions]

It definitely makes this a playable guitar, where the tail piece that came with it absolutely did not.

[@mikkoaalto1413]

Hello! nice work, i'm thinking of getting this same kit. i'm just bit concerned about the bridge, could you tell what exact replacement you put on it? tried searching for replacements, but all seems to be from the higher price range, more than the kit itself is worth 🤔

[@ProductImpressions]

No problem. Here is the bridge I used. It's under $20. www.amazon.com/dp/B0757K41W1?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@geoffreyalder7275]

Was it difficult masking off the edge binding before spraying the paint..? Nice job though

[@ProductImpressions]

No, not really. The binding is really just along the edge and doesn't wrap over, so it was just one piece of tape all the way around.

[@ShoreCast]

did you have to drill out a bigger hole for the new bridge? or did it fit out if the box

[@ProductImpressions]

I don't think I had to drill it out at all, but it was a while ago at this point.

[@ShoreCast]

@@ProductImpressions no sweat thank you for getting back

[@frantisekbednar23]

hello, may I ask which bridge you used? I am not sure which alternative I should buy

[@ProductImpressions]

Musiclily Pro 52.5mm pigtail bridge

[@frantisekbednar23]

@@ProductImpressions ty very much mate

[@martynrandall7652]

Hi great job on the guitar, were the holes for the bridge post the right size? I saw another guy doing one and they were the wrong size or wrong bridge. I was thinking vinyl wrap for the covering. Cheers Martyn

[@ProductImpressions]

Thanks. The holes for the bridge seem to be fine. They could perhaps be a little bigger so that the bridge could sit a little lower, but it works. I thought of vinyl wrap, but was concerned about how well it would hold up to pick-attack.

[@martynrandall7652]

Good point about the pick attack will have a think on that but seen plenty of KZbin vids and they dont mention it. What does she weigh? I suffer from a bad back. Cheers

[@ProductImpressions]

@@martynrandall7652 About 7.4 pounds.

[@martynrandall7652]

@@ProductImpressions that's ideal,right I'm going to go for it thanks for your input. And good luck with your next one!

[@minivanmachoman]

Are there duty taxes or import taxes when you order from Thomann? Does anyone know?

[@ProductImpressions]

I don't recall there being any additional fees. I just paid what was specified on the website, nothing additional to the post office.

[@Kkll69351]

Why there is three knobs instead the two originals?

[@ProductImpressions]

I added a second volume knob so each pickup can be controlled independently to allow for more control over the sound.

[@alanpriest5047]

Hi. I am considering buying this but would want to change all the chrome hardware to gold. I have found replacements for everything apart from the bridge. WOuld you have a recommendation for an alternative (and gold coloured) bridge? HB recommended an option but it's cost was actuallt way more than the whole kit itself!

[@ProductImpressions]

It looks like there are bridges from Wilkinson and Gotoh, but they go on over the post rather than sliding on from behind, so you'd need to use the posts that come with them rather than trying the stock bridge first.

[@ProductImpressions]

I understand about the cost. My first thought was to use a PRS bridge, but that would be about $100 onto a kit costing $110...

[@presmasterflash7555]

The Gotoh 510ub is FANTASTIC for stud mount/wrap tail bridge that gives full intonation and looks slick.

[@presmasterflash7555]

Also about $55-60

[@alanpriest5047]

@@ProductImpressions yeah. My kit cost £66 / $84 on black Friday. However I'll have a look at the Gotoh 510ub

[@tunnel7]

You need a new MICROPHONE..