Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk: A Rock Solid Review

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk, a headless guitar that's been making waves in the guitar community. If you're curious about headless guitars or just looking for a versatile and affordable instrument, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from its features and build quality to its sound and playability, so you can decide if this is the right guitar for you.

First Impressions: Unboxing the Dullahan AT-24 Tbk

Let's start with the unboxing experience. The Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk typically arrives well-packaged, ensuring it's protected during shipping. The first thing you'll likely notice is its unique headless design. It's a real head-turner! The trans black finish (Tbk) looks sleek and modern, and the overall aesthetic is definitely eye-catching.

The guitar feels surprisingly solid for its price point. The body is made of nyatoh, a tonewood known for its warm and balanced tonal characteristics. The neck is maple, which provides a bright and snappy response. The combination of these woods contributes to a versatile sound that's suitable for various genres.

Upon closer inspection, you'll find that the hardware is generally well-made. The headless system itself is functional and keeps the guitar in tune remarkably well, which is crucial for any headless instrument. The string clamps are easy to use, and the fine-tuners allow for precise adjustments. The guitar also features a set of Roswell humbucker pickups, which we'll delve into later. Overall, the initial impression is positive, especially considering the guitar's affordability.

Features and Specifications: What Makes It Tick?

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty details of the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk's features and specifications:

  • Body: Nyatoh
  • Neck: Maple
  • Fretboard: Roasted Maple
  • Frets: 24
  • Scale Length: 25.5" (648 mm)
  • Pickups: Roswell Humbuckers (Bridge & Neck)
  • Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-Way Switch
  • Bridge: Headless System with Fine Tuners
  • Finish: Trans Black (Tbk)

The roasted maple fretboard is a nice touch, adding to the guitar's stability and providing a smooth playing surface. The 24 frets offer plenty of range for lead playing, and the 25.5" scale length is standard for most electric guitars. The Roswell humbuckers are a key component of the guitar's sound, offering a good balance of warmth and aggression.

The headless system is obviously a standout feature. It not only contributes to the guitar's unique look but also enhances its tuning stability. The fine tuners on the bridge make it easy to dial in your intonation and keep the guitar playing in tune, even with aggressive playing styles.

The 3-way switch allows you to select between the bridge pickup, neck pickup, or a combination of both. This provides a good range of tonal options, making the guitar suitable for various musical genres. The volume and tone controls are responsive and allow you to further shape your sound.

Sound Quality: How Does It Sound?

Okay, let's talk about the most important aspect: sound. The Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk delivers a surprisingly versatile range of tones, thanks to its nyatoh body, maple neck, and Roswell humbucker pickups. The humbuckers provide a good amount of output, making them suitable for rock, metal, and other high-gain genres.

The bridge pickup offers a bright and articulate tone with plenty of bite. It's great for solos, riffs, and crunchy rhythm playing. The neck pickup has a warmer and smoother sound, perfect for bluesy leads, jazzy chords, and clean arpeggios. When combined, the two pickups create a balanced and full sound that's suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

The guitar's sustain is also impressive, thanks to its solid construction and headless design. Notes ring out clearly and sustain for a good amount of time, which is essential for expressive playing. The guitar also responds well to different playing techniques, such as palm muting, tapping, and sweep picking.

While the Roswell humbuckers are decent, some players may eventually want to upgrade them to higher-end pickups for even better sound quality. However, for the price, the stock pickups are more than adequate and provide a solid foundation for your tone.

Playability: How Does It Feel?

Playability is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a guitar. The Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk offers a comfortable and smooth playing experience, thanks to its well-shaped neck and roasted maple fretboard. The neck has a modern C-shape profile that feels comfortable in the hand and allows for easy access to all 24 frets.

The roasted maple fretboard is smooth and fast, making it easy to move around the neck. The frets are well-dressed and don't have any sharp edges, which is a common issue with some budget guitars. The guitar's action is set up reasonably well from the factory, but you may want to adjust it to your personal preference.

The headless design also contributes to the guitar's playability. Without a headstock, the guitar feels more balanced and comfortable to play, especially when standing. The absence of a headstock also makes the guitar more compact and easier to travel with.

Some players may take some time to get used to the headless design, but once you do, you'll likely appreciate its ergonomic benefits. The fine tuners on the bridge are easy to access and allow for precise adjustments, even while playing.

Build Quality and Reliability: Is It Built to Last?

When it comes to build quality, the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk is surprisingly well-made for its price. The guitar feels solid and durable, and the components are generally of good quality. The nyatoh body and maple neck are well-joined, and the finish is applied evenly and consistently.

The hardware is also decent, although some players may eventually want to upgrade certain components, such as the tuners or bridge. However, the stock hardware is functional and reliable, and should last for a good amount of time with proper care.

The electronics are also well-made, with no noticeable issues with the wiring or soldering. The Roswell humbucker pickups are decent quality and provide a good range of tones. The volume and tone controls are responsive and work smoothly.

Overall, the build quality of the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk is impressive, especially considering its affordability. While it may not be on par with high-end guitars, it's certainly a well-built instrument that should provide years of reliable service.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

To give you a balanced perspective, let's summarize the pros and cons of the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk:

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Unique headless design
  • Versatile sound
  • Comfortable playability
  • Good build quality
  • Tuning stability

Cons:

  • Stock pickups could be better
  • Some players may not like the headless design
  • May require some setup adjustments

Who Is This Guitar For?

The Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk is an excellent choice for:

  • Beginner to intermediate guitarists
  • Players looking for a versatile and affordable instrument
  • Guitarists who want to try a headless guitar
  • Travelers who need a compact and portable guitar
  • Players who appreciate unique and modern designs

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk worth it? Absolutely! This guitar offers an incredible value for the price. It's a well-built, versatile, and playable instrument that's suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll likely appreciate the Dullahan AT-24 Tbk's unique design, comfortable feel, and impressive sound. While the stock pickups could be better, they're more than adequate for most players. If you're looking for an affordable headless guitar that delivers on its promises, the Harley Benton Dullahan AT-24 Tbk is definitely worth considering. Go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at how much you like it!