Harley Benton Unveils Dave Grohl-Style HB-35TL
Harley Benton unveils two new semi-hollow guitars: the HB-35TL Tribute Series and HB-35Plus Rotary Vintage Series, delivering premium tone and features
Just in time for the annual Guitar Summit, Harley Benton has expanded its highly popular lineup with two stunning new semi-hollow electric guitars. Introducing the HB-35TL from the Tribute Series and the HB-35Plus Rotary from the Vintage Series.
Whether you're chasing iconic arena-rock tones or looking for unparalleled sonic versatility on a budget, these new releases prove once again that Harley Benton is dominating the affordable guitar market. Here is a closer look at what these new semi-hollowbodies have to offer.
The Harley Benton HB-35TL: Iconic Rock Vibes
If you are a fan of the legendary double-cutaway semi-acoustic guitars famously wielded by rock icons like Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, the new HB-35TL will immediately catch your eye. Joining the Tribute Series, this guitar boasts a premium build that completely defies its affordable price tag.
- Resonant Tonewoods: The guitar features a classic maple body with a gorgeous arched top, paired with an Okoume sustain block to maximize resonance while fighting high-gain feedback.
- Comfortable Neck: The set-in maple neck features a comfortable "C" profile (22mm at the first fret, widening to 23.5mm at the twelfth). It is topped with a warm rosewood fingerboard featuring smoothly rolled edges for effortless, played-in comfort.
- Versatile Electronics: Tone-chasers will love the dual Tesla VR-60 Alnico 5 humbuckers. With two push/pull volume pots, you can instantly coil-split the pickups, letting the HB-35TL cover everything from thick, lush humbucker roars to biting single-coil twang. Two tone controls and a standard 3-way switch round out the hardware.
- Finishes & Pricing: The HB-35TL is available in striking Pelham Blue (which includes a left-handed option), Golden Mist, and Burgundy. The models are available now for just €349.00 via Thomann.
HB-35Plus Rotary: Premium Tone-Shaping on a Budget
Also joining the fray is the new HB-35Plus Rotary, an exciting upgrade to the beloved semi-hollow HB-35 Plus model. This addition to the Vintage Series introduces a clever, advanced feature typically reserved for high-end boutique guitars: a 6-position rotary frequency switch.
- The Frequency Controller: This innovative rotary switch progressively filters out midrange frequencies. Position 1 bypasses the circuit for an unaffected, pure humbucker tone. As you dial through positions 2 to 6, the mid-range frequencies are increasingly reduced, giving players a noticeably crisper, more articulate sound on demand.
- Pickups & Hardware: Powering this incredibly versatile guitar are perfectly matched ISOLA VT60CR-B (bridge) and VT60CN-N (neck) Alnico 5 humbuckers. Just like the TL, it features two push/pull volume controls for coil-splitting, dual tone knobs, and a 3-way selector switch.
- Finishes & Pricing: Finished in elegant Transparent Black Gloss, Transparent Cherry Gloss, or a classic Vintage Sunburst Gloss, the HB-35Plus Rotary is an absolute steal at only €289.00 at Thomann.
The Verdict: Unbeatable Value
Harley Benton continues to set the gold standard for budget-friendly instruments without compromising on quality or modern features.
With the release of the HB-35TL and HB-35Plus Rotary, guitarists are getting incredible tone, high-end switching options, and stellar aesthetics for a fraction of what major heritage brands charge.
Quite simply: you cannot get more guitar for your money.
- +Coil-split humbuckers for versatile single-coil to humbucker range
- +6-position rotary frequency switch on Rotary model enables advanced tone-shaping
- +Premium maple construction with arched tops defy the budget price point
- +Left-handed option available for HB-35TL Pelham Blue
- +Okoume sustain block maximizes resonance and reduces feedback
What makes the Harley Benton HB-35TL different from the HB-35Plus Rotary?
The HB-35TL is a Tribute Series model priced at €349 with classic aesthetics, dual Tesla VR-60 pickups, and coil-split functionality. The HB-35Plus Rotary (€289) adds a 6-position rotary frequency switch that progressively cuts midrange frequencies for tonal flexibility, using ISOLA Alnico 5 humbuckers.
Can you split the coils on both guitars?
Yes. Both the HB-35TL and HB-35Plus Rotary feature two push/pull volume pots that let you coil-split the humbuckers instantly, giving you access to single-coil twang alongside thick humbucker roars.
What does the rotary frequency switch do on the HB-35Plus?
The 6-position rotary switch progressively filters midrange frequencies. Position 1 bypasses the circuit for pure humbucker tone; positions 2–6 increasingly reduce mids, delivering crisper, more articulate sound—a feature typically found only on high-end boutique guitars.
Are there left-handed options available?
Yes. The HB-35TL in Pelham Blue includes a left-handed version available at Thomann for €349.
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