Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 Amber Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, (Used)

The Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 in Amber is a beautifully styled semi-hollow electric guitar combining classic vintage-inspired looks, versatile humbucker tones and distinctive construction designed to provide excellent resonance, sustain and playing comfort.

Part of the acclaimed Greg Bennett Design Royale Series, the RL-3 takes inspiration from traditional semi-hollow electric guitars while introducing a compact body shape and innovative centre-block construction.

Its most eye-catching feature is the elegant arched quilted maple top, finished in a rich Amber colour that highlights the figured wood beneath. Combined with traditional body binding, decorative fingerboard inlays and chrome hardware, the RL-3 offers a sophisticated appearance reminiscent of more expensive semi-hollow instruments.

Unlike conventional hollow-body guitars, the Royale features a central solid section designed to provide improved structural rigidity and sustain while retaining the warmth and resonance associated with semi-hollow construction.

The original RL-3 specification includes a set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and comfortable 24.75-inch scale length, creating a familiar playing experience particularly suited to blues, jazz, rock and expressive lead guitar.

A pair of Duncan Designed HB101 humbuckers provides a versatile selection of warm, articulate sounds, from smooth clean tones to punchy classic rock overdrive.

The traditional two-volume, two-tone control layout and three-way pickup selector allow players to tailor each pickup's response to their preferred style.

A fixed bridge and stop tailpiece provide straightforward string maintenance, while the original Grover tuning machines offer reliable tuning adjustment.

This particular Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.58 lbs (approximately 3.89kg) and is supplied without a hardcase or gigbag.

The guitar carries serial number SIT10752846.

For musicians seeking a distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar with vintage styling, warm humbucker tones and excellent versatility, the Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 is a compelling choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Samick
Series	Greg Bennett Royale
Model	RL-3
Finish	Amber
Body Style	Single-Cutaway Semi-Hollow
Weight	8.58 lbs / 3.89kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Serial Number	SIT10752846
Case	No Case Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 Amber is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The guitar features its attractive Amber finish, decorative quilted maple top, traditional semi-hollow construction and distinctive Royale body design.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for an accurate assessment of its individual cosmetic condition, including the body finish, neck, fingerboard, frets and hardware.

Serial Number

SIT10752846

The serial number is recorded for identification. An exact manufacturing year has not been independently established from this number.

Weight – 8.58 lbs

This particular RL-3 weighs 8.58 lbs (approximately 3.89kg).

The weight gives the guitar a substantial, reassuring playing feel, particularly for musicians accustomed to traditional solid-body electric guitars.

No Case Included

This guitar is supplied without a hardcase or gigbag.

A properly fitted semi-hollow electric guitar case is recommended to protect the body, neck and headstock during transportation and storage.

What's Included

• Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 Amber Electric Guitar

Not Included: Hardcase or gigbag.

Service & Setup

The Royale RL-3 features an adjustable truss rod and a traditional bridge with adjustable saddles, allowing suitable adjustment of neck relief, string action and intonation. Regular maintenance of the tuning machines, nut, frets, bridge and electronics can help maintain consistent performance. As a semi-hollow instrument, appropriate care should also be taken to protect the body and neck from sudden environmental changes. As with all guitars, setup can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Greg Bennett Royale RL-3: Distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar designed for versatile performance.

• Amber Finish: Rich, vintage-inspired colour highlighting the quilted maple top.

• Single-Cutaway Semi-Hollow Body: Combines acoustic character with electric guitar sustain.

• Arched Quilted Maple Top: Attractive figured appearance and traditional binding.

• Integrated Centre-Block Construction: Designed to improve rigidity, attack and sustain.

• Set Mahogany Neck: Traditional construction with a comfortable playing feel.

• Rosewood Fingerboard: Classic appearance and smooth playing surface.

• 12-Inch Fingerboard Radius: Comfortable for chords and expressive string bending.

• 22 Frets: Familiar playing range for rhythm and lead guitar.

• 24.75-Inch Scale Length: Comfortable string tension and traditional humbucker guitar feel.

• Decorative Crown Inlays: Distinctive Greg Bennett styling.

• Dual Duncan Designed HB101 Humbuckers: Warm, articulate and versatile amplified tones.

• Three-Way Pickup Selector: Neck, bridge and combined pickup sounds.

• Independent Volume & Tone Controls: Flexible tonal adjustment for each pickup.

• Adjustable Bridge & Stop Tailpiece: Stable fixed-bridge construction.

• Original Grover Tuning Machine Specification: Designed for smooth tuning adjustment.

• Chrome Hardware: Complements the rich Amber finish.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive alternative to buying new.

• 8.58 lb Weight: Substantial semi-hollow playing feel.

Why You'll Love It

The Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 offers the warmth and character associated with traditional semi-hollow guitars in a more compact and distinctive design.

Its elegant quilted maple top and Amber finish give it immediate visual appeal, while the single-cutaway body provides a comfortable playing experience for rhythm and lead guitarists.

The unusual centre-block construction is a particularly interesting feature.

By integrating the sides and centre block into a more rigid structure, the Royale design aims to deliver improved note attack and sustain without sacrificing the resonant character associated with semi-hollow instruments.

The Duncan Designed HB101 humbuckers complement this construction with a versatile range of tones.

Clean sounds are warm and expressive, making the guitar suitable for jazz-influenced playing, blues and mellow chord arrangements.

With an overdriven amplifier, the guitar produces stronger rock tones with excellent midrange presence and sustain.

The 24.75-inch scale length and set neck also provide a familiar playing feel for musicians accustomed to traditional Gibson-style instruments.

For guitarists seeking vintage-inspired style without choosing a conventional ES-335 or Les Paul design, the Royale RL-3 offers something refreshingly different.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Distinctive Greg Bennett Royale Design

The Royale Series was developed to offer the character of traditional semi-hollow electric guitars while addressing some of the practical compromises associated with larger hollow-body designs. The RL-3 uses a compact single-cutaway shape with sculpted contours and distinctive styling, making it appealing to musicians who want a comfortable instrument with plenty of visual character.

Beautiful Quilted Maple Top

The RL-3 features a bound, arched quilted maple top that provides an attractive visual centrepiece beneath its Amber finish. The figured appearance gives the guitar a premium aesthetic, with light reflecting across the wood grain to create a distinctive three-dimensional effect. Combined with the traditional binding and chrome hardware, it creates an elegant vintage-inspired appearance.

Innovative Centre-Block Construction

One of the most interesting aspects of the Royale design is the integrated construction of the sides and centre block. Rather than relying on a conventional separately fitted centre block, the design aims to create a more rigid structure supporting the neck and body. This helps provide strong note attack and sustain while maintaining the warm, resonant qualities associated with semi-hollow guitars.

Compact Semi-Hollow Body

The RL-3 offers a smaller semi-hollow body than many traditional full-sized designs, making it particularly appealing to guitarists who find larger instruments uncomfortable. Its body construction creates a lively amplified response while helping control some of the unwanted feedback associated with fully hollow guitars. The result is an instrument suited to a broad range of musical styles.

Set Mahogany Neck

The original RL-3 specification features a set mahogany neck, following a traditional construction method widely used on classic electric guitars. The neck provides a comfortable playing feel and complements the guitar's semi-hollow design. Its traditional dimensions make it particularly suitable for expressive bends, smooth chord transitions and melodic lead work.

Rosewood Fingerboard & 22 Frets

The rosewood fingerboard features a 12-inch radius and 22 frets, providing a versatile playing surface for chord-based music and lead guitar. Decorative crown inlays add to the instrument's distinctive appearance. The fingerboard proportions provide a familiar feel for musicians who regularly play traditional humbucker-equipped electric guitars.

Comfortable 24.75-Inch Scale Length

The RL-3 features a 24.75-inch scale length, providing a slightly softer string feel than longer-scale electric guitars when using comparable strings and tuning. This makes expressive bends and vibrato particularly comfortable, while retaining plenty of articulation for rhythm and lead guitar.

Duncan Designed HB101 Humbuckers

The standard Royale RL-3 features a pair of Duncan Designed HB101 humbuckers, developed to provide balanced electric guitar tones suitable for a wide variety of musical styles. The neck pickup offers a warm, rounded response for blues, jazz and melodic lead playing, while the bridge pickup provides greater attack and presence for rock rhythms and overdriven sounds. Their humbucking design also helps reduce the electrical hum associated with traditional single-coil pickups.

Traditional Dual Volume & Tone Controls

The RL-3 uses separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, giving players extensive control over the instrument's sound. The three-way selector provides access to the neck pickup, bridge pickup or both together. When both pickups are selected, the individual volume controls allow the balance between them to be adjusted for different tonal characteristics.

Adjustable Bridge & Stop Tailpiece

The guitar's traditional adjustable bridge and stop tailpiece provide a stable, straightforward setup. Individual bridge saddles allow intonation to be adjusted, while the fixed tailpiece provides secure string anchoring. This configuration is particularly appealing to players who prefer the simplicity of a non-tremolo electric guitar.

Grover Tuning Machines

The original RL-3 specification features Grover A102C tuning machines with a 14:1 gear ratio. These tuners are designed to provide smooth, accurate adjustment, complementing the guitar's traditional hardware arrangement and vintage-inspired styling.

Excellent for Blues & Classic Rock

The combination of a set neck, semi-hollow construction and dual humbuckers makes the RL-3 particularly effective for blues and classic rock. Its warm clean tones respond well to expressive playing, while mild to moderate overdrive produces rich midrange sounds and sustaining lead tones. The guitar is equally comfortable with rhythmic chord work and melodic solos.

Versatile for Jazz & Soul

The RL-3's warm neck pickup response makes it appealing for jazz-influenced chord voicings and smooth melodic passages. Rolling back the tone control provides a softer, rounded sound, while the semi-hollow construction adds a lively playing feel. It is also suitable for soul, funk and clean pop arrangements.

Who Is It For?

Blues Guitarists: Warm humbucker tones and expressive playability.

Classic Rock Musicians: Excellent response to overdrive and traditional valve amplification.

Jazz Players: Smooth neck pickup sounds and comfortable chord playing.

Soul & Funk Guitarists: Versatile clean tones and flexible pickup controls.

Semi-Hollow Guitar Enthusiasts: An interesting alternative to more familiar designs.

Recording Guitarists: Useful tonal flexibility for layered arrangements.

Players Seeking Something Different: Attractive quilted maple styling and distinctive Royale construction.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 is particularly suited to blues, jazz, classic rock, soul, funk, indie, alternative and contemporary pop.

The neck humbucker provides a warm, mellow sound for chord work and melodic passages.

The bridge humbucker delivers additional presence for rock rhythms and lead guitar.

The combined pickup position offers a balanced tonal character that works particularly well for clean rhythm parts and expressive playing.

Its semi-hollow construction also makes it an appealing instrument for guitarists who want a lively, resonant playing response without moving to a fully hollow design.

How It Compares

Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 vs Gibson ES-335

The Gibson ES-335 is one of the most recognisable semi-hollow electric guitars ever produced, featuring a traditional double-cutaway body with a central solid block.

The Royale RL-3 follows a similar general concept but features a more compact single-cutaway design and its own distinctive integrated centre-block construction.

Both offer the versatility associated with semi-hollow humbucker guitars, but the Royale has a different appearance, body feel and price positioning.

Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 vs Epiphone Dot

The Epiphone Dot follows the traditional ES-335-inspired double-cutaway design.

The Royale RL-3 features a smaller, more distinctive single-cutaway body with a quilted maple top and Duncan Designed pickups in its original specification.

Players seeking a less conventional semi-hollow instrument with attractive figured-wood styling may particularly appreciate the RL-3.

Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 vs Traditional Solid-Body Guitars

A conventional solid-body guitar generally offers greater resistance to acoustic feedback at very high amplification levels.

The RL-3 incorporates semi-hollow construction to provide a lively response and warm character while retaining a substantial centre-block structure.

This makes it particularly attractive for musicians seeking a balance between resonance and traditional electric guitar sustain.

Samick & Greg Bennett Design Heritage

Samick is a long-established musical instrument manufacturer with a history of producing guitars for a variety of international brands.

The Greg Bennett Design Series was developed in collaboration with American guitar designer Greg Bennett, with the aim of combining practical improvements, comfortable ergonomics and distinctive styling.

Rather than simply reproducing conventional guitar designs, the range incorporated different approaches to construction, hardware and body shaping.

The Royale Series is a particularly interesting example of this philosophy, combining a traditional semi-hollow concept with its integrated centre-block construction and compact body.

The RL-3 remains an appealing choice for musicians seeking a distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar with vintage-inspired styling and versatile humbucker tones.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Samick
Design Series	Greg Bennett Royale
Model	RL-3
Finish	Amber
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Original Top Specification	Bound Arched Quilted Maple
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Integrated Centre Block
Original Neck Material	Mahogany
Original Neck Construction	Set Neck
Original Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	12" / 305mm
Fingerboard Inlays	Crown
Number of Frets	22
Scale Length	24.75" / 629mm
Original Nut Width	1 5/8" / Approx. 41.3mm
Original Neck Pickup	Duncan Designed HB101 Humbucker
Original Bridge Pickup	Duncan Designed HB101 Humbucker
Pickup Configuration	HH
Original Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector	Three-Way Toggle
Original Bridge	Adjustable Fixed Bridge
Original Tailpiece	Stop Tailpiece
Original Tuning Machines	Grover A102C
Tuner Ratio	14:1
Original Hardware Finish	Chrome
Electronics	Passive
Number of Strings	6
Serial Number	SIT10752846
Weight	8.58 lbs / Approx. 3.89kg
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Case	Not Included

Technical specifications reflect the published Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 factory design. The originality of individual components on this pre-owned guitar has not been independently verified.

Power Requirements

The Greg Bennett Royale RL-3's original specification features passive Duncan Designed humbuckers.

No battery or external power supply is required for the standard electronics.

The guitar connects to a compatible amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 Amber is a highly appealing semi-hollow electric guitar combining vintage-inspired styling with thoughtful construction and versatile humbucker tones.

Its quilted maple top creates a particularly attractive appearance, while the compact body design provides a comfortable alternative to traditional larger semi-hollow instruments.

The integrated centre-block construction is an interesting feature that helps distinguish the Royale from conventional semi-hollow designs.

The Duncan Designed HB101 humbuckers and traditional control arrangement provide a versatile range of sounds suitable for blues, jazz, classic rock and contemporary music.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.58 lbs, carries serial number SIT10752846 and is supplied without a case.

Best Suited For: Blues, classic rock, jazz, soul, indie and players seeking a distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Entry-level semi-hollow guitars, traditional dual-humbucker instruments and basic solid-body electrics.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender-style valve amplifiers, Vox amplifiers, overdrive pedals, compression, delay and reverb.

Our Tip: Try the neck pickup with the tone control slightly reduced for warm, rounded jazz and blues tones. Switching to the bridge pickup with a little amplifier overdrive produces an excellent classic rock sound.

Showroom Advice: The RL-3's compact body and 24.75-inch scale are particularly attractive for players who enjoy the warmth of semi-hollow guitars but prefer a more manageable instrument than a full-sized ES-335-style design.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own an interesting semi-hollow guitar at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions, detailed specifications and transparent information about included accessories.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 8.58 lbs, carries serial number SIT10752846 and is supplied without a hardcase or gigbag.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition and confirmed accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

As no case is included, a suitable semi-hollow guitar hardcase or gigbag is recommended for transportation and storage.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including semi-hollow electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Samick Greg Bennett Royale RL-3 in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does the guitar come with a case?

No. A hardcase or gigbag is not included.

How much does it weigh?

8.58 lbs, approximately 3.89kg.

What is the serial number?

SIT10752846.

What year was the guitar manufactured?

The exact production year has not been independently established.

Is the correct brand Samick or Sammick?

The manufacturer is Samick, and Greg Bennett is the designer associated with the Royale guitar range.

What colour is the guitar?

Amber.

Does it have a quilted maple top?

Yes. A bound, arched quilted maple top is part of the original RL-3 specification.

Is the Royale RL-3 a hollow-body or semi-hollow guitar?

It is a semi-hollow electric guitar with an integrated centre-block design.

What is the purpose of the centre block?

It provides a rigid structure designed to improve attack and sustain while retaining the resonant characteristics of semi-hollow construction.

What is the neck made from?

The original specification features mahogany.

Is the neck bolt-on or set?

Set neck.

What is the fingerboard made from?

The original specification features rosewood.

How many frets does it have?

22.  

What is the scale length?

24.75 inches.

What is the fingerboard radius?

12 inches.

What pickups did the RL-3 originally use?

Two Duncan Designed HB101 humbuckers.

Are the pickups active or passive?

The factory pickup configuration is passive.

Does it require a battery?

No, not with the standard factory electronics.

Does it have separate pickup controls?

Yes. The original design features two volume and two tone controls.

Does it have a tremolo bridge?

No. The original RL-3 uses an adjustable fixed bridge and stop tailpiece.

What tuning machines did the RL-3 originally use?

Grover A102C tuning machines.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. Its semi-hollow construction and humbuckers make it particularly appealing for blues.

Can it be used for jazz?

Yes. The warm neck pickup response is well suited to jazz-influenced playing.

Is it suitable for classic rock?

Yes. The bridge humbucker provides a strong foundation for classic rock rhythm and lead guitar.

How does it compare with a Gibson ES-335?

The Royale follows a semi-hollow design philosophy but uses a smaller single-cutaway body and distinctive integrated centre-block construction.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Samick?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.