Affordable EMG-loaded 6-string, 7-string and baritone guitars seek to provide a premium playing and tonal experience through high-end pickups and a modern contoured body
(Image credit: Harley Benton)
Harley Benton has expanded its lineup of left-handed electric guitars with the release of three new metal-friendly Amarok models.
Arriving in the form of a six- and seven-string version, as well as a baritone iteration, the champion of affordable gear’s latest southpaw-friendly model once again aims to provide a premium playing and tonal experience at a more budget price point.
This time out, the highlight of the spec sheet is the set of EMG pickups that each model sports. For the Amarok-6 LH, Amarok-7 LH and Amarok-BT LH, an EMG Retro Active Hot 70 ceramic bridge humbucker lines up alongside an EMG Retro Active Hot 70 Alnico-5 neck pickup.
The impressively appointed pair are controlled via master knobs for volume and tone, as well as a three-way selector switch.
In terms of construction, each metal-minded model features a neck-through mahogany body with an arched body contour, which is paired with a stylish flamed maple top in Black Natural Burst. A five-ply maple/mahogany neck and macassar ebony fretboard also features, adorned with fluorescent inlays and 24 jumbo stainless steel frets.
Both the 6-string and 7-string models come equipped with a 25.5” scale length, with the only differentiating appointment being the WSC HPS custom hardtail bridge, which has been tweaked to accommodate an extra string on the Amarok-7.
A WSC HPS-6 custom hardtail bridge is also utilized on the baritone guitar, which has an extended 27” radius.
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Finishing hardware touches include a GraphTech Tusq XL nut, Grover locking tuners, dual-action spoke wheel trussrod, and a reverse headstock.
Of the brand’s fresh Amarok guitars, Harley Benton’s Community Manager Benedikt Schlereth said, “We’re very pleased to offer another three left-handed guitars designed from the ground up for the metal players out there.
“We feel it’s more important to offer more choice for left-handed players,” he continued, before adding, “we’ll be launching several exciting new models as left-hand versions this year.”
The Amarok-6 LH and Amarok-7 LH are available now for $519 and $599, respectively, while the Amarok-BT LH is available for $549.
Matt is a Senior Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.
