Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-Style

Given the price it's hard to complain about this kit. I'd also like to note that overall I'm quite happy with the kit and liked the level of freedom that you get from it. That said I have a few comments/issues on which I think things could be improved or at least made more consistent as I don't see some of the other posts with these issues. They are in no particular order.

The nut was cut too deep on the notch for the A string so even while all strings are in tune it buzzes like an angry hornet. So I need to replace it. I didn't notice other review having problems with this so I would expect that it's a matter of inconsistency in the milling equipment.

The instructions (English) where poorly written. I could go nit pick a lot of various wording but the bulk of it is that it's written more as assembly instructions for someone who already knows the basics of what they are doing or at least know how to care for a guitar already.

Customization of product. While I enjoyed carving the headstock into flames I would have liked a little more room on the peg side to shape. As I don't have my own workshop I wasn't in a position to add anything. I'm also sure that there are individuals who for one reason or another can't carve the head stock at all and are left with a heavy and unattractive block at the end. So I think having at least the option of a pre carved basic headstock could be nice for a lot of people. Another customization I personally would have loved was options of scratch plates. I would have loved to get a fully clear scratch plate and I'm sure others would have been happy to get black instead. So I think this is something that could make for a nice improvement to the kits having the option to switch out some parts for a few extra euro at purchase.

Another issue I had with the kit was the fret board extended out beyond the base of the neck. So when it's slotted in place there is a roughly 2mm gap between it and the pick guard. It doesn't seem to effect the playability but I do think that it's something that should have been noted in the instructions if it is a regular outlier in the manufacture(I.E. sand it flush) or it shouldn't have made it past inspection of product.

While I could complain further those are the main points and I don't wouldn't want to dissuade someone from buying this product if it is in fact what they wanted because it is a fun and interesting means to learn more about what goes into a bass as well as a way for someone to get into playing bass without as much of an initial cost.

It's a pity I can't attach photos and can't return the guitar as I started polishing it already. It appeared the holes that are drilled e.g. for the pick-ups or for the tuners are completely off. They don't align at all. Now I need to fill them with toothpicks and drill new ones. It's a nightmare especially if it comes to those under the pick-ups as they're in the routed sockets. Also if you want to buy some other pickguard like I did (I bought Harley Benton's JB-Style Tortoise pickguard, thinking it's standardized) it won't be that easy too, because... surprise! holes don't align here as well. I'm giving 1 star, so this comment could stand out as a warning for others what to prepare for.