I'm like you buying Harley Bentons. I now have 9. I like every one of them. I do own major brands but my go to are the H.B.'s. Thx for sharing your thoughts. 🎶🎸🎶
Awesome Joe! I just bought a Classic Vibe telecaster but I’m really disappointed with it so am selling it and buying another HB! Thank you for watching and commenting
The bridge on such guitars comes nailed fast only because it's faster to do in the factory. It can be set floating without issues after lubricating nut and string strees to minimise friction and also loosening the front screws to allow for enough pivoting space for the plate. Sustain is usually limited by lower action since that increases the amount of buzzing on the frets close to the notes played. This could be why the HB is better than the Squier in their present set-up.
Thank you for doing this review, I’ve been wanting the Squire Classic 50’s Vibe in White Blonde and it’s been a bit of a wait trying to fit that into priority but I think this would be good to get for $300 less. Looks good, thank you
I've heard UA-camrs say the Hb is better than the classic vibe, and this from a UA-camr who has both, can't remember who it was, it may have been Henning but pls don't quote me
Thank you. Good shout on the block. I may well do as you suggest when I next restring it. I’ve done another video on this guitar as I sold it and bought another one 🙈. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍🏻
@@thenovicenoisemaker haha nice! Yeah I have the same st-62 but with a pau ferro fret board. I've put in a MiM fender bridge which has the full size zinc block. No redrilling needed! I also put in a toggle switch to have all pickup combo's (gilmour mod). It really is great fun upgrading these as they are great to begin with
@@eertje01 nice!! I’m not sure I have the expertise to do all that but maybe I’d give it a go. I had a sunburst ST62 a while back that someone had put a fender bridge on already, probably should have kept that too 🙈
@@thenovicenoisemaker a sunburst st-62 I couldn't handle. I sold a classic vibe strat in that colour and I'm still in mourning. A sunburst HB would only make me sad 😂
Hey Richard! Great review! Atleast earned another subscriber here! I did a video on the ST62 as well, and i will have to say... It IS better than a Squier bullet! Enjoy your guitar mate!
Thank you so much! Really kind of you ☺️🙏 Definitely better than the current Bullets. I’ve had 6 of them from 2017-2020 and they’re not a patch on the ST62! I got lucky with my current Bullet, it’s 2011 and is far superior to the new ones. Keep safe and well
A guitar is only as good as the person playing it - their skill and their knowledge of shaping tone with their amplification/effects/etc. After a good, thorough, set-up and string change, I'm sure it will easily match any Fender. I can hear it's potential - even with old strings. I've taken the budget Strats I own, set them up, upgraded electronics where needed, and made them match the feel/sound of ANY of the Fenders I've owned. I did the same with my Epiphones, Harley Bentons, and other Gibson types. I've made them match, or exceed, Gibsons. Of course, the gear snobs and brand loyalists deny my claims and hate me for it (LOL). But, I prove them wrong regularly.
lol I love this. There are waaaay too many gear snobs. I think the pickups on this sound bright and pleasing and everything else is great too and not just for the money. Obviously people who gig may want to use it which is fair enough. I’ve had lots of different strats from fender to HB and I’d say a fender Mexican is not 6 times better for 6 times the price!! Thank you watching and the comments, appreciated
@@thenovicenoisemaker Oh, I've been under fire from gear snobs all the decades I've been playing - though, not so much as these past 2+ years I've been uploading guitar covers to my channel. I upset the Gibson fanboys more than the Fender ones. The Gibson ones are the most vocal and angry. They've come after me on my channel, hounded me in comments sections of other videos, followed me from channel to channel, and tried to get my channel taken down. They're amusing - for the most part! 😁 In the decades I was gigging, maybe TWICE did someone ask what brand of guitar I was playing - and that was only other guitarists! Back before the Internet, the gear snobs didn't last long because the audience could suss them out for the 'posers' they were. The audience never cared what brand of guitar I was playing - or what name was on my gear/amps. They only cared if I could entertain them. And having stayed in the business since the late 70's, I think I entertained them to their satisfaction! LOL! We used to have a saying: What's the difference between a MIM Strat and an American Standard? About 100 miles. 😎🎸👍
Haha I love that last comment on mim vs USA lol. I’d like to say I can’t believe those nut jobs being like that but sadly I can believe it, especially Gibson plonkers. Vintage branded les Paul’s are a tenth the cost and are just fine. Guess we’re lucky to be in age of affordable and useable guitars now
@@thenovicenoisemaker After battling the ones in recent years, I've come to the conclusion that it's a combination of ego and cowardice that makes them act that way. Brand snobs are the kind of people who tend to be VERY frightened of standing out in the crowd. And that's VERY odd with guitarists. How the heck would you be able to be in a gigging band and NOT be able to handle criticism or scrutiny?? That's why a lot of people who acted like them - back then - quickly ended up back at their day jobs. Being onstage takes a VERY thick skin. You are DEFINITELY going to receive criticism - no matter how good you are! Haha!
@@thenovicenoisemaker I'm on the other one now, "I sold my CV after a week for a ST62 again"...really dig your vids Rich, keep them coming ! I'm in for a ride tonight, which one should I watch next ? 😉😂
What really put me off on buying one of these was that the pictured guitar on the site had rusted saddles. I mean they picture a guitar and pick what you would guess would be a good looker but no. Rusty saddles. Take a look at the ST models to see what i mean. It's pretty hilarious.
I got this HB ST-62 Deluxe with goldhardware for 140 EUR. The previous owner did put Fender Vintage Noiseless in it. For that price it was a steal. Its a damn good guitar.
I have my first 2 Harley Benton's on the way. You said you have 15? Only a few up on your channel, you mind doing a video overview of all the models you have?
Ah brill which have you ordered? For me it was ‘had’ , all sold now. I might do a short one of my thoughts on them but obviously haven’t still got them to show. Thank you for watching and comments
@@thenovicenoisemaker I ordered a SC-550 Faded Tobacco and a DC-580 Cherry. Still want a ST-90 SA Swamp Ash, an HB-35, TE-52 and a Fusion 2 roasted Natural. Just a wish list right now most are out of stock. Is it better to order and wait or let them come back in stock?
This Hb seems a good buy, a lot of guitar for the money imo. That one riff you play in a lot of your videos sounds like mull of Kintyre, love it! I prefer maple fretboard with those cream colours. You said "it's not better than this Squier" ide like to know why? Cheers!
Not noticed that on the riff, will have to listen. I too prefer maple with cream/white. That particular Squier was an anomaly. The fret board was gorgeous, the pickups were clear and handled gain well and the overall playing experience felt much better then the model and price suggested. I’ve had 6 HB ST-62’s and they’ve all been well worth the money
@@thenovicenoisemaker yes well worth the low price on most of the Hb line. I havent ordered a Hb yet, yet being the key word haha. I want one quite specific, roasted Maple neck or caramelized with stainless frets on a maple fretboard, and probably cream or caramel body colour.
@@thenovicenoisemaker Thank you for your answer. Do you think is thinner than a gibson les paul standard? I own one and i would like to buy something thinner
They’re just really good for the money and as you get better it can be modified or upgraded if you wanted to as the base of the guitar is a great foundation. Thank you for watching and asking
Classic Vibe feels quite different, more luxurious and the CV also has a thinner neck. In terms of sound there’s not actually that much in it really. The Harley Benton costs a lot less so I think it’s better value for money. The CV also had a thick lacquer on the neck and fret board which the HB doesn’t do depends if you like that or not. I’d rather by the HB and an HB TE52 telecaster and still have change
The very latest Affinity replaces the Standard and is a better guitar but also £220 and no second hand ones yet. If money no issues then get the new Affinity. If it’s this or the old Affinity then I’d go for the Harley Benton. Thank you for watching and commenting
Good question. I’ve had lots of Bullets but not yet a Sonic. It’s a fair bit cheaper than a sonic. Unless the sonic has improved drastically over the bullet, I’d say yes it’s better. Only thing is the flatter fret board which might not be to everyone’s taste. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
I bought a Squier Sonic last week. And tomorrow hope to get a ST-62 exactly like yours. I will do a comaprision of the 2 on youtube. I already made a review of the sonic. Greetings from the other side of the pond (Holland) Review of the sonic: ua-cam.com/video/TyjIMpE-O3I/v-deo.htmlsi=6QuE6M2ywYLcuapM
@@thenovicenoisemaker Well, finaly I got my HB ST 62 VW! And I must say, It is my first Harley Benton With a real fine sound. It actually sounds more 'fender' then the Squier Sonic which I compare it to. You can skip the intro and all, as I always make crazy reviews.. I'm from Holland. We don't know 'unboxing' videos etc. Have fun! ua-cam.com/video/nYF0-flarb8/v-deo.htmlsi=MJ6Ea1cbarC83F4p
I'm like you buying Harley Bentons. I now have 9. I like every one of them. I do own major brands but my go to are the H.B.'s. Thx for sharing your thoughts. 🎶🎸🎶
Awesome Joe! I just bought a Classic Vibe telecaster but I’m really disappointed with it so am selling it and buying another HB! Thank you for watching and commenting
The bridge on such guitars comes nailed fast only because it's faster to do in the factory.
It can be set floating without issues after lubricating nut and string strees to minimise friction and also loosening the front screws to allow for enough pivoting space for the plate.
Sustain is usually limited by lower action since that increases the amount of buzzing on the frets close to the notes played. This could be why the HB is better than the Squier in their present set-up.
Great comments thank you, much appreciated and thank you for watching
Thank you for doing this review, I’ve been wanting the Squire Classic 50’s Vibe in White Blonde and it’s been a bit of a wait trying to fit that into priority but I think this would be good to get for $300 less. Looks good, thank you
I have a CV Strat and to be honest the Harley Benton sounds and plays just as nice
@@thenovicenoisemaker Wow, gee I love them both to be honest, which color do you have?
@@colbygibson3705 I’ve got the vintage burst. You can see it in some of my other videos 👍🏻
I've heard UA-camrs say the Hb is better than the classic vibe, and this from a UA-camr who has both, can't remember who it was, it may have been Henning but pls don't quote me
@@thenovicenoisemaker I've heard that, and the Hb costs much less!
Congratulations on getting new Harley Benton guitar! Really good and detailed review!
Thank you and that’s really kind of you to say so 😊
These are way better than Squier Bullet and Affinity.
Absolutely they are, play and sound like a much better guitar. I had a squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster and still preferred the Harley Benton
Thank you for watching and commenting
Nice guitar! The only thing I would do to this is put in a full size trem block and polish the fret board and headstock.
Thank you. Good shout on the block. I may well do as you suggest when I next restring it. I’ve done another video on this guitar as I sold it and bought another one 🙈. Thank you for watching and commenting 👍🏻
@@thenovicenoisemaker haha nice! Yeah I have the same st-62 but with a pau ferro fret board. I've put in a MiM fender bridge which has the full size zinc block. No redrilling needed! I also put in a toggle switch to have all pickup combo's (gilmour mod). It really is great fun upgrading these as they are great to begin with
@@eertje01 nice!! I’m not sure I have the expertise to do all that but maybe I’d give it a go. I had a sunburst ST62 a while back that someone had put a fender bridge on already, probably should have kept that too 🙈
@@thenovicenoisemaker a sunburst st-62 I couldn't handle. I sold a classic vibe strat in that colour and I'm still in mourning. A sunburst HB would only make me sad 😂
@@eertje01 haha lol 😂
I sold a ltd edition fender Strat lone star quite a while back which is another regret!
Hey Richard! Great review! Atleast earned another subscriber here! I did a video on the ST62 as well, and i will have to say... It IS better than a Squier bullet! Enjoy your guitar mate!
Thank you so much! Really kind of you ☺️🙏 Definitely better than the current Bullets. I’ve had 6 of them from 2017-2020 and they’re not a patch on the ST62! I got lucky with my current Bullet, it’s 2011 and is far superior to the new ones. Keep safe and well
@@thenovicenoisemaker You too mate!
A guitar is only as good as the person playing it - their skill and their knowledge of shaping tone with their amplification/effects/etc. After a good, thorough, set-up and string change, I'm sure it will easily match any Fender. I can hear it's potential - even with old strings. I've taken the budget Strats I own, set them up, upgraded electronics where needed, and made them match the feel/sound of ANY of the Fenders I've owned. I did the same with my Epiphones, Harley Bentons, and other Gibson types. I've made them match, or exceed, Gibsons. Of course, the gear snobs and brand loyalists deny my claims and hate me for it (LOL). But, I prove them wrong regularly.
lol I love this. There are waaaay too many gear snobs. I think the pickups on this sound bright and pleasing and everything else is great too and not just for the money. Obviously people who gig may want to use it which is fair enough. I’ve had lots of different strats from fender to HB and I’d say a fender Mexican is not 6 times better for 6 times the price!! Thank you watching and the comments, appreciated
@@thenovicenoisemaker Oh, I've been under fire from gear snobs all the decades I've been playing - though, not so much as these past 2+ years I've been uploading guitar covers to my channel. I upset the Gibson fanboys more than the Fender ones. The Gibson ones are the most vocal and angry. They've come after me on my channel, hounded me in comments sections of other videos, followed me from channel to channel, and tried to get my channel taken down. They're amusing - for the most part! 😁
In the decades I was gigging, maybe TWICE did someone ask what brand of guitar I was playing - and that was only other guitarists! Back before the Internet, the gear snobs didn't last long because the audience could suss them out for the 'posers' they were. The audience never cared what brand of guitar I was playing - or what name was on my gear/amps. They only cared if I could entertain them. And having stayed in the business since the late 70's, I think I entertained them to their satisfaction! LOL!
We used to have a saying: What's the difference between a MIM Strat and an American Standard? About 100 miles. 😎🎸👍
Haha I love that last comment on mim vs USA lol. I’d like to say I can’t believe those nut jobs being like that but sadly I can believe it, especially Gibson plonkers. Vintage branded les Paul’s are a tenth the cost and are just fine. Guess we’re lucky to be in age of affordable and useable guitars now
@@thenovicenoisemaker After battling the ones in recent years, I've come to the conclusion that it's a combination of ego and cowardice that makes them act that way. Brand snobs are the kind of people who tend to be VERY frightened of standing out in the crowd. And that's VERY odd with guitarists. How the heck would you be able to be in a gigging band and NOT be able to handle criticism or scrutiny?? That's why a lot of people who acted like them - back then - quickly ended up back at their day jobs. Being onstage takes a VERY thick skin. You are DEFINITELY going to receive criticism - no matter how good you are! Haha!
You're the best at reviewing these aha ! Loved it !
Lol you’re too kind sir 🤣. Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻👍🏻
@@thenovicenoisemaker I'm on the other one now, "I sold my CV after a week for a ST62 again"...really dig your vids Rich, keep them coming ! I'm in for a ride tonight, which one should I watch next ? 😉😂
@@JohanJoosLaur haha that’s funny! As for the next one I don’t know lol. Have you seen my st20 HSS vs Bullet HSS?
@@thenovicenoisemaker I didn't ! Thanks for the suggestion, I'm on it aha !
@@JohanJoosLaur hahahahaha 🤣
Thank you for the review 🙏
You’re welcome, thank you for watching and subscribing
Very honest review buddy, I love your videos 😬😬
That’s super kind, thank you 😊
What really put me off on buying one of these was that the pictured guitar on the site had rusted saddles. I mean they picture a guitar and pick what you would guess would be a good looker but no. Rusty saddles. Take a look at the ST models to see what i mean. It's pretty hilarious.
Oh no!! I’ve not seen that. I’ve had a few of them and none have been like that.
Thank you for watching and commenting
I like the brass saddles personally!
Very good review work on your guitar playing
Thank you. Only been playing 6 months so work in progress. Thank you for watching and commenting, appreciated 👍🏻
Great review! How do the frets feel like (small/medium/jumbo)
Thank you Daniel and thank you for the sub. Frets feel close to jumbo or medium/tall I’d say
which is better this or the st20 hss?
Sorry I missed this! My ST-20 HSS was ok but preferred this
I got this HB ST-62 Deluxe with goldhardware for 140 EUR. The previous owner did put Fender Vintage Noiseless in it. For that price it was a steal. Its a damn good guitar.
Oh wow that sounds awesome!!!
Thank you for watching and commenting 👍🏻
I have my first 2 Harley Benton's on the way. You said you have 15? Only a few up on your channel, you mind doing a video overview of all the models you have?
Ah brill which have you ordered? For me it was ‘had’ , all sold now. I might do a short one of my thoughts on them but obviously haven’t still got them to show. Thank you for watching and comments
@@thenovicenoisemaker I ordered a SC-550 Faded Tobacco and a DC-580 Cherry. Still want a ST-90 SA Swamp Ash, an HB-35, TE-52 and a Fusion 2 roasted Natural. Just a wish list right now most are out of stock. Is it better to order and wait or let them come back in stock?
should i get this or squier affinity strat?
Good question. Personally I’d get this, great guitar and less money. I’ve had many of both and other Squiers too.
Let me know what you decide m.
Rich
@@thenovicenoisemaker yeah actually I'll get one a couple of months later so I'm still considering. im loving your videos btw:)
@@callalaaa thank you so much! This is an old one, I’m about 5% better at playing guitar now 😂🙈
This Hb seems a good buy, a lot of guitar for the money imo. That one riff you play in a lot of your videos sounds like mull of Kintyre, love it! I prefer maple fretboard with those cream colours. You said "it's not better than this Squier" ide like to know why? Cheers!
Not noticed that on the riff, will have to listen. I too prefer maple with cream/white.
That particular Squier was an anomaly. The fret board was gorgeous, the pickups were clear and handled gain well and the overall playing experience felt much better then the model and price suggested.
I’ve had 6 HB ST-62’s and they’ve all been well worth the money
@@thenovicenoisemaker yes well worth the low price on most of the Hb line. I havent ordered a Hb yet, yet being the key word haha. I want one quite specific, roasted Maple neck or caramelized with stainless frets on a maple fretboard, and probably cream or caramel body colour.
@@dragan4658 hmmm , is it a strat you’re after too?
@@thenovicenoisemaker yes. I do have two, a black Cort and a brand new LTD with a maple neck but not roasted, and the LTD is white which I like.
@@dragan4658 I love white guitars!
hi, is the harley benton neck thinner than the bullet ? i did not understand very well, thank you :)
Hi Andrea, it’s thicker than the Bullet but still comfortable. Thank you for watching
@@thenovicenoisemaker Thank you for your answer. Do you think is thinner than a gibson les paul standard? I own one and i would like to buy something thinner
@@Andrea-cn7jf bit of a different shape. I think the les Paul is a U shape neck on those. If it’s a C like this there won’t be much in it
Is it suitable for my fist electric guitar?
Absolutely yes!
They’re just really good for the money and as you get better it can be modified or upgraded if you wanted to as the base of the guitar is a great foundation.
Thank you for watching and asking
This or classic vibe ?
Classic Vibe feels quite different, more luxurious and the CV also has a thinner neck. In terms of sound there’s not actually that much in it really. The Harley Benton costs a lot less so I think it’s better value for money. The CV also had a thick lacquer on the neck and fret board which the HB doesn’t do depends if you like that or not. I’d rather by the HB and an HB TE52 telecaster and still have change
@@thenovicenoisemaker Thank you !
best Budget tele with maple fingerboard for under 250 quid?
Second hand I’d say a Chinese Squier Classic Vibe. New I would buy a Harley Benton TE-52.
Hope this helps 👍🏻
This or squier affinity?
The very latest Affinity replaces the Standard and is a better guitar but also £220 and no second hand ones yet. If money no issues then get the new Affinity.
If it’s this or the old Affinity then I’d go for the Harley Benton.
Thank you for watching and commenting
Yet is it better than Squier Sonic??
Good question. I’ve had lots of Bullets but not yet a Sonic. It’s a fair bit cheaper than a sonic. Unless the sonic has improved drastically over the bullet, I’d say yes it’s better. Only thing is the flatter fret board which might not be to everyone’s taste.
Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Thank you too for answering 😁
I bought a Squier Sonic last week. And tomorrow hope to get a ST-62 exactly like yours. I will do a comaprision of the 2 on youtube. I already made a review of the sonic.
Greetings from the other side of the pond (Holland) Review of the sonic: ua-cam.com/video/TyjIMpE-O3I/v-deo.htmlsi=6QuE6M2ywYLcuapM
I’ll be interested in that. I’m had lots of Bullets before and a few times of these Hand. Be good to see if then sonic is different 👍🏻
@@thenovicenoisemaker Well, finaly I got my HB ST 62 VW! And I must say, It is my first Harley Benton With a real fine sound. It actually sounds more 'fender' then the Squier Sonic which I compare it to. You can skip the intro and all, as I always make crazy reviews.. I'm from Holland. We don't know 'unboxing' videos etc. Have fun!
ua-cam.com/video/nYF0-flarb8/v-deo.htmlsi=MJ6Ea1cbarC83F4p
@Neshek023 good to know you like it. I e had a few and wish i had kept one!
Real bb bat neck
Pretty chunky but still nice 👍🏻