HARLEY BENTON SC-JUNIOR £177

More than the sum of its parts?

- Rob Laing

Single pickup guitars occupy a strange space; limited? Misunderstood? Well, they look certainly cool. There’s something utilitarian, no-nonsense but self-assured and classic about a Junior.

The Gibson Les Paul Junior may have been designed as an entry-level model back in 1954, but it’s won favour for good reasons. One P-90 pickup can do a surprising amount of things with the right tone and volume – and player, of course. There’s no doubt that is where Harley Benton’s SC-Junior is drawing its influence. And at a price to tempt even those who have hesitated to travel down One Pickup Avenue before. But how good can it be for £177?