2023 Harley Benton RB-612 12-String Semihollow Electric Guitar (Part 2)

This is basically an update on this instrument which I posted-on earlier with new pics and some details updated... now back to the description...

My friend Rob picked this guitar up on direct from Thomann in Europe. It arrived here with a horrendous setup but after dialing-in the bridge via extra compensation and then tweaking the neck and overall setup, it's now a nice, slick player with a quick, even feel.

It does, however, have a bit of a wide, bulkier neck despite an average neck depth. If you're used to the Rickenbacker 12s that this emulates in looks, it definitely does not hit the mark. It feels more in width like an old '60 or '70s Guild or Harmony 12-string. The bright-sounding, Gretschy-looking mini-humbucker pickups, however, do dish-out plenty of jangle. I was impressed by the fact that they weren't mushy thump right out of the gate.

Yes, though -- the style is very-much a take on Rickenbacker looks -- a 620 body shape, semihollow build a bit like a Tele Thinline, stacked pickguards, and high-contrast looks with bound edges. It's slick.

If I had to advise someone interested in this model, I would want them to be aware that it could cost upwards of $100 in work-time to get one to play well. Out of the box this was a "guitar-shaped object" and not at all a player, but after coaxing it's now a respectable instrument.

My friend Rob trolled us all a bit, though, by putting an aftermarket Rickenbacker truss rod cover at the headstock. I've covered-over the R with electrical tape so as not to inflame the censors but that's what you're seeing up there.

Repairs included: added compensation (individual for each string) at the saddles, mild setup, restring.

Weight: 7 lbs 3 oz

Scale length: 24 3/4"

Nut width: 1 7/8"

Neck shape: slim-medium C

Board radius: 15"

Body width: 12 5/8"

Body depth: 1 5/8"

Body wood: unknown

Bridge: 6-saddle adjustable

Fretboard: unsure (looks like ebony buuuuut...?)

Neck wood: unsure

Pickups: 2x mini-humbuckers in FilterTron-a-like format

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 46w-9

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-bigger

Condition notes: it's basically new save for the lightest of scuffs and scratches on the body and the Rickenbacker truss cover at the headstock. The Harley Benton logo decal has a little smudge in the middle of its script from Rob having put a little electrical tape over it.

It comes with: a gigbag.