I’m in Los Angeles and I ordered one of these CST-24 Deluxe in the Amber Stripes Finnish. He’s not kidding, these are seriously good quality guitars. I loosened the strings and pulled the strings out of the way and oiled the fretboard. While the strings were loose I lowered the action just a tiny tiny bit. The set up was great and I tuned it up and played for about 3 hours. Yep, these are seriously great guitars at any price and for well under $300 it’s a sensational deal! Go for it!
Your 9 Harley Benton unboxing and second impressions videos convinced me to buy the CST 24HB and RB 600CS. I was so happy with those I grabbed a TE-20 and Fusion II. I haven't put a single part into any of them outside the string changes because they all work that well. And I've owned mine for 5 years now. Anyone who wants to talk down about HB's overall, is just being a snob and an ignorant idiot at this point. It's fine to like Gibson's and Fenders, but for someone like me who literally can not afford to put $1,000 into buying one guitar, the quality you're getting makes these a no brainer. Period. End of discussion.
Pretty much... I recently got the pink/purple sparkly Fusion-III for birthday and it sounds and feels great. For anyone outside of EU/US who cannot give more than a few hundred euros for a guitar, these are a blessing.
I bought 5 HB guitars over the years, most of them CST-24s. I can totally confirm this is a paid video, most likely by Thomann directly... Their quality is not going up, as this guy is suggesting, they are not "improving" - quite the contrary! They used to have better pickups before they switched to Roswells. I remember myself saying back then, it's OK I change pickups anyway on HBs. But the tipping point for me came this year - in 2024 Thomann quietly changed the woods used for most of their HB guitars - from quality Mahogany (swietlana whatever) to now Meranti on electrics, and Okuome on acoustics. I am totally in awe nobody seems to be bothered by this fact! These are INFERIOR wood types , just look them up !! What I find almost "deceiving" is Thomann keeps on their website the SAME pictures and even the recordings of guitars with the old, quality Mahogany that they had there before - and even the same PRICES! Meanhile, the quality of their woods went down the pitch. Of course, I can understand they want to make more money, but THIS is not the way to do it! Meranti is heavier than real Mahogany, also less durable. Okuome is used to make commercial plywoods, and while weiging less, it's again very unstable as your guitar gets older. Both tonewoods also SOUND DIFFERENT. And resonate less, as well! They also absolutely DON'T GET BETTER WITH AGE, as Mahogany does, the opposite is true! I am really surprised I see no discussion online on these very important quality DOWNGRADES, not upgrades as this guy keeps suggesting, as the wood choice has direct impact on your instrument tone and, of course, value. I am therefore quite frustrated to see guys like this simply quickly skipping the wood part - and going straight to the coloration of the guitar. And, of course, keep in mind that almost any guitar would sound so-so when played through hi-end gear like he has, with the Torpedo Cab in the end smoothing things out. The Roswell pickups are very thin-sounding in reality, almost unusable in both studio and concert. Don't get me wrong, I have been fan of HB over the years, and still think the luthiership - especially when it comes to their wood parts being quality cut, finished, and preciaely put together - was where the Germans truly shined. I still love my old HBs (with totally new, hi-end hardware). BUT , what absoluteky pisses me off is how quietly they managed to perform the wood downgrade on SO MANY of their guitars - and even obviously sned out insteuctions to influencers like this guy to "quickly fly over the wood part", where he mumbles something about Meranti being sort of a Spanish village to him, and quickly gpes on to cover more "important" thinga like what his friend said about the CST-24, and how cool is the color of that particular guitar... Which, sory to say that, are things of much lower importance than the very material the guitar is made of... All in all, I now consider Harley Benton a company that, due to want of higher profits, is cashing out and literally milking on its customers , as after years of investing into the brand they now have very high brand recognition, especially in the US, and so somebody over a table in the office in Germany thought it would be a great idea to now cash out by simply swapping the quality woods for cheap alternatives used in plywood and costing much, much less ... And the way they went about it, doing it totally quietly, just changing the wood types in their product descriptions while leaving the pictures and even sound aamples of their previous Mahogany-made guitars, is something that, at least for me, means I am now done with HB, and have decided it is time to look for alterbatives! I am totally disappointed with HB over this wood thing, and guess after having bought 5 of their guitars in the past, this thing what they did literally equals betrayal of customer trust, since I wanted to order one more just the other day, and as soon as I found out they are now offering plywood-type products, I am sorry, but I said gpod bye to HB for good. 😡🤬😶🌫️
@@user-bh5yr7wc1v You have entirely no clue what you're talking about. The fact is they make a cheap guitar. They have to change wood types to stay within their advertised price point range that people expect. You want a better wood? Then bitch at the governments of the world that have taken their respective economies and flushed them down the fucking toilet...
I've had one for 5 years and had a few tweaks, graphite nut and had my tech give it good going over and its still rocks...for the 188Eur I paid for it its jsut as good as my PRS custom that cost Waaaay more...absolute bargin, ignore the headstock and just play it...fab
That guitar sounds great nothing but the tuners I would change for locking. I bought the JA 25th on your recommendation and it’s absolutely brilliant so thanks Henning. Great review!
I just come here for all of the cool shirts and hoodies you wear and to learn technical terms like "clickity upy downy" 🙂 Seriously, another great review as always. Thank you.
Well they added stainless steel frets,but they changed woods on all their guitar for much lower quality and diffetent sound quality, meranti is way worst wood,plus roswells are veey weak sounding pickups, also these cst has less curved top which is downgrade as well
@@hamerrayno hate,actualy i have 2 hb guitars,i had more,i think they very good for money and nice modify platforms,but eith all hb bentons i had there is always something,sticking out frets(this is actualy in most guiars these days)dodgy swith,or other little faults, again for tjis money its not issue but there is always something, i have sc 550 ii ,bought sevind hand so it has no issues (maybe someone fix it) but teslas are not the best, i have cst 24 ,changed pups for iron gears and sound very good, but again there is issue ,on 12th fret string G sustain is extremely short ,only in that position,seen two luthiers they didn't fix it,again maybe shity luthiers but you need expect some issues on them but i don't hare them,they cheap, looks nice ,if you have good luthier its no problems,im from Poland ,not many ppl play guitars here and good luthier is 2,5 hours driving from me and did not fet to him yet to fix the sustain on the cst, actualy i think about amarok 6,for features you can't beat it
I trust your EXPERT opinion, Henning! Of course you need to make a living and you are doing extremely well. The negative feedback does not impress me at all. I think I can make my own decisions and I am so happy with your reviews which give me something to hold on.
I picked up a standard Gibson SG, and it felt so cheap, but I have a buddy that has a bedroom studio filled with Harley Benton, Fazely, and Squier guitars that feel so much better! Gibson is resting on its brand name, and has got really lazy, for an £800 guitar it felt light, thin, and plasticity.
@user-id9qu4lo5r The "pros" will be getting the super high-quality custom models, that feel nice and play like butter, but if I shell out for the cheapest Gibson, it'll be nasty. I'd rather get something cheap and buy expensive parts for it, rather than buy something that costs me £7-800 and have it feel like I'm playing a ridiculously low-end guitar. I like Gibsons, the 335 was a dream guitar of mine, but now I'm thinking that Gretsch, Harley Benton, or ANYTHING else would be better, even the £140 squier 3ft away played and felt better.
Thanks for this substantial presentation. With different amps and modelers, you show a wide range of sounds and musical genres. I fully agree with your evaluation. Meanwhile, I own several Harley Bentons and compared to earlier decades, there is no measurable difference between HB and the dominating brands that offer their guitars in a price range highly above 1000 Euros... One might replace the pickups, strings or tuners, but a good amp / modeler / pedal is much more effective when one wants to give the sound a kick... I never had to adjust the neck on any HB guitar... (usually, I spend a complete day adjusting budget guitars from other brands). As I owend a wide range of high end guitars in earlier years (Gibson, Rickenbacker, Fender, BC Rich etc.), I can say, I don't miss any of them...
Bought the Harley Benton CST24 hardtail in black in 2017-18. I paid $159 + $34 shipping. I immediately took it to my luthier, who did a complete setup, swapped out the wiring for high end replacement, and also dressed the frets. (Leveled, polished and made sure the ends were smooth). What struck me about the CST 24 was that it had the deep violin carve of the core PRS models. Not the shallow violin carve of the SE, CE, and S2 lines. For the longest time I had it tuned up two full steps or a step and a half whatever it was to play Little Fighter by White Lion it sounded beautiful. I still have this guitar although it’s tuned Standard now. I will never sell this guitar though I have about 10 solid body electrics, because it’s value to anyone else could never match the value that it is to me.
I have an older version with trem and Wilkinson pickups. It’s a good sounding guitar with great sustain and very even tone over the whole fretboard, no distinctive dead or life spots. Only big gripe I have is the frets, they are simply too low. Doesn’t have to be stainless but jumbos would be a nice improvement. Tall and narrow would be my recommendation.
This is a deal breaker for me now. I wish I knew frets more when I got started several years ago. I trusted Fender. Medium Jumbo which in hindsight they were great until I played so many different options later from mediocre brands that just killed the fret feeling for me on what is my favorite guitar. So I'm at odds. It's my favorite because it was my first and it's a looker in the Gilmour black strat vibes MIM FSR. I would now swear the frets HAD to be leveled and maybe they went too low. But my son and son in law both say they feel like stock medium jumbo strat frets.y 2015 Classic Vibe I bought used and play the hell out of has slightly taller frets. And my God I know the Harley Benton Fusion T Jumbo SS frets have SPOILED me. So now what do I do???? Lol. Refret? Sell the neck to someone that likes the stock fender maple poly neck with gold fender logo and order a roasted maple SS fret Neck from MIM fender to swap?? Probably costly either dang way.
My CST24 P90 has been amazing since purchasing it in 2020. Changed to locking tuners, and pickups to Bare Knuckle True Grit Set, it boast of lust tones! Only set back was that it didn't come with Stainless Steel Frets then if I didn't remember wrongly... I believe my mods has gone beyond financial sense to that guitar hahahahha
hey, i'm strongly considering (basically sure about) buying the cst24. i'd like to know what tuners fit the model because that's the first thing i'll be changing. which ones are you using?
Henning you shouldn't apologize!❤ Haters are just haters!🖤 Now for the CST: I have the older version with Wilkinson pickups and tremolo for almost 10 years. It's one of my favorite HBs! The new version with the upgraded stainless frets is totally worth the money. Though I definitely don't need another guitar I am sweet-looking at the new tobacco burst color...🤤
Here here! Don’t feed the trolls speaking out of ignorance and jealousy. All they have to do is climb the stairs and they’d be out of their parent’s basement. Also they seem to ignore when you tear into expensive guitars that are flawed. It’s almost like they don’t know what they’re talking about. Hmmm. Keep up the good videos.
I agree with what your saying, but I wonder sometimes if Thomman are sending you the best guitars in the ranges you review. That said I have the HB Fusion Pro 2 and rhe SC550 2 and their fantastic, slight mark on the 550 headstock but you have to look very hard to see it and the Fusion is flawless. Great guitars.
Sorry im late but thanks for this video ive been debating getting one since "20 during the 🦠 now with this updated video I'm def getting the purple one haha gotta stand out 🤘🏻🎸
Sounds good considering its price, but how does it feel? Through great amps and plugins - modellers, any guitar can sound good enough. So the ´feel´... This is the "expensive part" normally... top guitars feel amazing in our hands, and cheap guitars usually feel quite the opposite, so I am curious about what you say about that feel. Danke, sir. Your videos are top notch, always!
I got a Harley Benton CST/24 and it's got the wraparound bridge. I bought it brand new a couple days ago. It's making a buzzing sound on the B and G string at the 10th fret, i'm guessing it's the 11th fret that have a high spot and I going to need to raise the bridge up a little bit on that one side and swap those strings out for some 8.
I've had a green CST-24T for 3 or 4 years now, and while unfortunately I only own very affordable guitars, the CST is definitely my best one. Idk if they make them really well or if I got lucky, but it's MUCH better than my harley benton strat-style guitar. That one has uneven frets (and therefore high action) and some rough fret end, cheese grater saddle screws etc. My CST had a bad nut that I replaced when it was still brand new, but other than that it has been great ever since! I LOVE that purple color. I saw it the other day and was contemplating buying it even though I already have one... I need a way to justify it though. Maybe so I can have one tuned down to D? 😂
Thanks @EytschPi42 for the review! I got one and you are 100% right: this thing is great! I cannot put mine down! And I got it at 189 eur with Thomann 70th Anniversary sale!!! And even unplugged, I was blown away by how resonant and good sounding it is.
You know Henning, some people watch an entire TV show and writes negative comments / reviews of the show telling about all the aspects through the WHOLE show they don't like... Then I wonder - don't they have a "channel switch" or "off-button" on their TV...?? Anyway - love your reviews and comments and the animals at the end! Keep up the good work!
Great guitar for the money, I got the tremolo verion a few months ago. The only thing I don't like is that the neck carve has a lot of shoulder to it but others will like that. Other than this it is fantastic.
I bought 2 of the CST guitars in 2020.... CST 24-T (trem) & the CST 24-HB (hollowbody) & LOVE them!!! Now with Stainless Frets?!?!? Awesome! (I see no reason to spend more on the PRS SE versions when these are so GOOD!)
Just found your channel and I'm very happy I did! I'm 50yr+ and just learning guitar with my 10 year old son; it's been eye opening. I'm a professional cinematographer and camera operator and really appreciate the effort you put into sound, lighting and camera. Love the anamorphics! If you ever respond, feel free to mention some of your camera gear. Luv from Canada.
Hey man, that means a lot to me! During the main part of the video it is mostly Blackmagic studio camera and micro studio 4ks. The anamorphic stuff and slideshows in the beginning are a RED Komodo. The wide angle in the studio is a Sony FX6 It all goes into a Blackmagic Atem 4 M/E…. It’s a rather complex system for UA-cam, but it allows us to have a good workflow!
Fantastic and great bang-for-the-buck gear for multi-cam. The sound (through your DAW?) is fantastic through my new DAC headphones. Love hearing the stereo mix effects. Just wish I had 1% of your skill. Maybe there is hope for my son one day. For now, we play for fun and he is writing songs for his band. Keep up the awesome work!
If he's writing songs, get him my songwriting course... that will catapult him forward by years... I might be biased, but it's true! spectreacademy.net/courses/complete-guide-to-songwriting/?sld=eytschpi42
I'm impressed, these come with ss-frets & a proper graphite nut, for under 300 Euros. The trem version even has a proper Wilkinson trem. Meanwhile, the PRS SE models still come with that cheapo nut, that trem that doesn't stay in tune to save it's live, nickel frets and they cost 900 Euros upwards!
I would pay extra for block inlays or just something other than boring dots. I absolutely cant stand the logo on the truss rod cover as well. These things are pretty amazing for the price. I have never got a lemon from Harley Benton. Maybe some of the pickups were not really impressing me tone wise but once I replaced them, I have a fabulous instrument. My favorite is still the first gen SC550 I bought in 2019.
I have two that are a couple of years old. Both work fine and feel great. With shipping they cost me around five hundred dollars. On the other hand, a PRS would have cost me 3 times that and I wouldn't have been able to buy that cool Vox amp I got. Seems like a no brainer to me.
I own the 2021 (all mahogany with a Pao Ferro fretboard) tremolo-version of this model. I bought it B-Stock and the initial setup was horrific, which was probably the reason why it was returned in the first place. That might have been a QC issue at Thomann. After I gave it some time so settle and a propper setup including a fretpolish it immediately turned to being my very favorite guitar (amongst some higher priced Fenders and other HBs). I put the very HB locking tuners on, Henning mentioned in this video and swapped the pickups for a set of EMG 57/66. Don't get me wrong, the Roswells are absolutelly fine and sound good, but their voicing did in my opinion not quite fit the style the guitar was intended to be played. If I was playing more blues and hardrock the Roswells would NEVER have been changed! I absolutelly love this guitar through my Mesa MK3 and it's definitelly the one I play the most out of my collection. I'd definitly take it out to play shows with, if I had a band and the opportunity. As Henning mentioned, buy one and see for yourself, you won't be diasppointed!
Great to see you reviewing some HB guitars again! I am seriously looking for a 335-esque and the HB guitars are so tempting right now! Any updates incoming on these? SS frets maybe? 🙂
I bought a CST 24 T for just 209 € at the Harley Benton 25th Anniversary sales. I didn't like the Roswell humbuckers, so i changed them to P94 PUs (P90 in Humbucker size). I looove that guitar, in the meantime i play the CST rather than my Player Strat. Sound is awesome with the P94s!
I recently bought the paradise flame one without tremelo. I was wondering did you make any changes to it. I thinking of changing bridge to correct action properly. a bit limited with this bridge. I will like to cheng bridge pick up in the near future too.
I bought one about five years ago, and it's a decent guitar. I was not set up well when it arrived, in fact NONE of my four Harley Benton guitars have been set up particularly well from Thomann, so it's always a bit weird to hear so many reviewers saying they always get perfectly set up Harley Bentons, even when ordering anonymously. Just a reflection based on personal experience - not criticism aimed at anyone specific. I do like the guitar well enough though, and it probably deserves a proper setup, but I'm not skilled enough to do it myself so that will add close to (or possibly more than) half the cost of what I originally paid for it. Had it arrived with a great setup I probably would call it one of the best guitar bargains I've encountered, but the one sent to me sadly wasn't, and therefore isn't. With that said, it IS amazing how much guitar you get for very little money these days.
Lovely looking guitar but I have trust issues regarding HB guitars. Got a few of them over past years and eventually got rid of them all (except the "violin" beatbass). The thing is they all were fun for a while but started showing many annoying minor problems quite soon (switches, knobs, loose jack sockets etc.). In comparison my cheap ibanez and squiers work quite flawlessly so far... of course ymmv. Anyhow thanks for another review.
Don't complain about neck binding on a HB. I got myself a modern MR on whatever-colour-Friday and that was the first guitar that actually tried to hurt me. My fingers got actually _hurt_ by the frets. And, being stainless steel, the usual nail file didn't cut it. Apart from that, and the just-barely-good-enough setup, that is a very, utterly cool guitar, but I really wish it had a hand-protection binding on the neck.
At the start of April I had the chance to get one for very, very little money. I'm not a collector and had already two guitars, so I just bought it with the intention to resell it after doing some maintenance. It was the older version made in Indonesia (*) with a mahagony body and Wilkemson pick ups in emerald green. Initially I didn't like the somewhat pircing and astonishingly close to PRSs signature sound. This last bit quickly changed after hearing it in a mix and the single coil split also works very well, which makes it extremely versatile. More and more there was less and less of a chance I'd sell it. Until I chipped it and said to myself I cannot in good conciouns sell this ;-) Which was 100% making excuses for what I already decided. I roughed up the back of the neck a bit, but that was the only modification so far. Everytime I'm somewhere with experienced players around they try it and love it. And not as in "... for it's price tag". Fun thing is that extension it made me a big PRS fan, and there is one thing though that rings a bit in my ears from the first review. The pickups of a core cost more then this whole guitar. And while I wouldn't change the PUs for anything, ta limited set of 85/15 TCI would darn to heck sexy - and I really am wondering if I install this pickups that are twice it's current price tag. That is just how much I value it. While I love the pattern of mahagony shining through the somewhat translucent color the current meranti does not make a difference in sound and feel (I have a Custom II in meranti). but as a trade in the new line comes with steel frets which is quite an upgrade. (*) I bet the factory in Indonesia was the one now producing PRS SEs and they couldn't built repliques any more to get / keep PRS as customer and that was the reason that it is produced in Vietnam now.
There are PRS clones with "ugly" dot inlays that retail for 4 to 5 times what these cost - *cough*Fame*cough* - so 🤷♂ My main concern with this shade of purple, is that it tends to look like brown in any but the brightest light. Still, with most HB prices, the threshold isn't just low, it's pretty much non-existent. Anyone with a steady job can own 30 guitars.
I bought a B stock CST 24t back in 2018 it was the black flamed top. I wish I would have bought either Black Cherry or the Paradise Flame.. It was a weird quick decision to get the black. But got it for 179, since it was B stock, at the time they were going for around 215 and 35 usd for shipping to the states up to 100 pounds.. Boy do I miss those days. Anyway, When i first got it i put in a set of dragonfire pickups cause at the time those were really getting a lot of reivews on youtube as a good cheaper alternative to the named pickup brands. They're still in it. I also installed locking tuners on it. It's been in a guitar rack all these years and occasionally I'll grab it and plug it in and I still really love the feel of the neck. and it plays great. I'm thinking of putting in a better set of pickups soon. But really it's been more of the guitar I let my kids use when they showed interest in learning. But, doesn't have a scratch on it. Very solid guitar.
I’m considering to get CST-24T P90 version. Do you have any opinions on it if you had played it before? I’m just a beginner. And i’ considering this or get Sire s3 because i know the workmanship is there
I tried the CST24 P90 version a few years ago. I really, really wanted to like it! I didn´t! It went back. It was totally uninspiring and had finish flaws that were beynd what I could find acceptable, and I´m not that fussy! Maybe I should revisit the CST24? Trouble is, since that time, I have become to dislike PRS guitars lol I just do not like the tones that come out of PRS pickups.
I have the CST-24T emerald green for a few years now, and as most say it is great value for money, sounds good, playability great and looks great. Why HB can do proper violin carve on these at this price point and PRS dont do a proper violin carve until the Core series (many thousands €) is baffling, its just a programme on the CNC, no skilled carving required. I thought about getting a PRS SE but it would be a downgrade from this in terms of value for money and looks and sound is personal. As Glen says, the PUs dont matter when you crank the gain. For less than €300 it is a defo good option for anyone.
How about testing guitars also against the NI Guitar Rig LE instead of a physical amp? a) That is an inexpensive solution some beginner guitarists might use and b) that was a giveaway on Black Friday at Thomann's and c) I like and use it
Yesterday I received my HB Amarok 7 String ... and today my fingers hurt 😂😂😂😂 I'm not really a good guitar player, but I don't care. The guitar is really cool. One of the best. And I have tried a lot of really expensive guitars. Let's see, there can always be some inconveniences in a production and some guitars can have mistakes, but if I pay let's say 1500 euro the mistakes really hurt a lot more. And I have the conviction that if a guitar like mine now, for only 500 euro or so, can be so good, a more expensive guitar, for more money, if it gives ONLY the same as that relatively cheap guitar, the more expensive one would only be more bad for more money.
call me stupid if want but I sold all my high end guitars and have now 10 HBs. My only insight here is the very cheapest ones do have crap tuners. To me I would say put locking tuners on all of them, they are missing a completely roasted neck/board strat and tele in the 22 fret variety. And lastly I am not a binding fan nor gloss necks. I have had to do a couple truss adjustments and oil boards which take away some slight scratchiness in frets. And believe it or not love the HP42 best and the pickup variety/sounds it makes. Otherwise totally a tele guy with HB. The model with FLT Filtertrons is amazing but worst tuners on earth. Thanks for playing (ps. I am 63)
Awesome. So it's like a PRS without the disgusting bird inlays. I'm sorry Paul but if that's pretty much the only way to get a PRS with dots (outside a few PRS models here and there) then I'd take the copies and knock offs any day.
I bought this guitar 6 months ago. It is an absolutely amazing guitar for the price. Amazing at three times the price. hOWEVER...now I want a genuine PRS just to know.
Putting everywhere the same low/middle output Roswells ain't doing any service. Its kinda lame for HB to have such a portfolio of guitars with nearly the same pickups among them, tbh. IMHO, it would be more interesting to have at least some variety. Like different colors having different pickups for example. Great price thought
I have found that the Roswells without covers sound a bit better. I think bridge humbucker is the weakest. The Tesla bridge in the sc550 2 sounds awesome
It seems that therd's some inconsistency with roswell's....at least im my case. I have 4 cst24t and i've changed pickups on 3 of them, just to have some tonal options. Now one has hb sized p90's (just becouse i had a pair on my draw), other one with minihums. Ant tho othe with slnico 2 pups. The fact is that one of the guitars sounded in between perfect and awesome with the stock pups!!!,i was impressed. But the others sounded just too muddy on the nech and/or harsh on the bridge ( not saying unusables but not my taste).... But hey....for the money 😊
Is anyone really using these for clean tones? With any dirt at all the pickups are fine. Ya'll need to watch Glen Fricker's tests. These import pickups have nearly zero discernable difference from pricey pickups. Fine throw a Tonerider A2 set in there if you need better clean tone.
@@EytschPi42Thanks HP for your fast answer about your gear. Your videos are so interesting and instructive. As a long time follower i'm really jalous about your studio😊. Stay fine and healthly. Have a great christmas time, hopefully Santa brings nice gifts to you and your family. See you in the next vids😊
I bought the blue one 4 years ago and characteristics still the same. Only doubt are pickups, honestly great in distortion, but cleans are awful. But luthiery for this price is unbelievable
Reality is that there is no inspection pre shipping. Only youtubers get this inspection notice. I asked for. And they said I can not get ...inspection...🤔🤔👎
hört sich ned schlecht an (sorry, bin Schwabe) und schaut schon phänomenal aus. Würd mich mal interessieren wie das klingt wenn Pickups von Herr Andreas Kloppmann drin sind 🤔
Thank you for this detailled review and your honest opinions! Nice comparison with the different amps.
im planning on buying this guitar, i already have ja-60cc and its dope
Please make a white Cst! PLEAAAASE ❤
Please make a CST-24 with Floyd Rose.
I’m in Los Angeles and I ordered one of these CST-24 Deluxe in the Amber Stripes Finnish. He’s not kidding, these are seriously good quality guitars. I loosened the strings and pulled the strings out of the way and oiled the fretboard. While the strings were loose I lowered the action just a tiny tiny bit. The set up was great and I tuned it up and played for about 3 hours. Yep, these are seriously great guitars at any price and for well under $300 it’s a sensational deal! Go for it!
Really love watching your reviews. Laughs and facts always arrive while opinions you add i like as i know you have played MANY.
Pretty cool guitar. Loved the rant at the end ☝️
I bought one after watching your original review and still love it.
Your 9 Harley Benton unboxing and second impressions videos convinced me to buy the CST 24HB and RB 600CS. I was so happy with those I grabbed a TE-20 and Fusion II. I haven't put a single part into any of them outside the string changes because they all work that well. And I've owned mine for 5 years now. Anyone who wants to talk down about HB's overall, is just being a snob and an ignorant idiot at this point. It's fine to like Gibson's and Fenders, but for someone like me who literally can not afford to put $1,000 into buying one guitar, the quality you're getting makes these a no brainer. Period. End of discussion.
Pretty much... I recently got the pink/purple sparkly Fusion-III for birthday and it sounds and feels great. For anyone outside of EU/US who cannot give more than a few hundred euros for a guitar, these are a blessing.
True
I bought 5 HB guitars over the years, most of them CST-24s. I can totally confirm this is a paid video, most likely by Thomann directly... Their quality is not going up, as this guy is suggesting, they are not "improving" - quite the contrary!
They used to have better pickups before they switched to Roswells. I remember myself saying back then, it's OK I change pickups anyway on HBs.
But the tipping point for me came this year - in 2024 Thomann quietly changed the woods used for most of their HB guitars - from quality Mahogany (swietlana whatever) to now Meranti on electrics, and Okuome on acoustics.
I am totally in awe nobody seems to be bothered by this fact!
These are INFERIOR wood types , just look them up !!
What I find almost "deceiving" is Thomann keeps on their website the SAME pictures and even the recordings of guitars with the old, quality Mahogany that they had there before - and even the same PRICES!
Meanhile, the quality of their woods went down the pitch. Of course, I can understand they want to make more money, but THIS is not the way to do it!
Meranti is heavier than real Mahogany, also less durable. Okuome is used to make commercial plywoods, and while weiging less, it's again very unstable as your guitar gets older.
Both tonewoods also SOUND DIFFERENT. And resonate less, as well! They also absolutely DON'T GET BETTER WITH AGE, as Mahogany does, the opposite is true!
I am really surprised I see no discussion online on these very important quality DOWNGRADES, not upgrades as this guy keeps suggesting,
as the wood choice has direct impact on your instrument tone and, of course, value.
I am therefore quite frustrated to see guys like this simply quickly skipping the wood part - and going straight to the coloration of the guitar. And, of course, keep in mind that almost any guitar would sound so-so when played through hi-end gear like he has, with the Torpedo Cab in the end smoothing things out. The Roswell pickups are very thin-sounding in reality, almost unusable in both studio and concert.
Don't get me wrong, I have been fan of HB over the years, and still think the luthiership - especially when it comes to their wood parts being quality cut, finished, and preciaely put together - was where the Germans truly shined.
I still love my old HBs (with totally new, hi-end hardware).
BUT , what absoluteky pisses me off is how quietly they managed to perform the wood downgrade on SO MANY of their guitars - and even obviously sned out insteuctions to influencers like this guy to "quickly fly over the wood part", where he mumbles something about Meranti being sort of a Spanish village to him, and quickly gpes on to cover more "important" thinga like what his friend said about the CST-24, and how cool is the color of that particular guitar... Which, sory to say that, are things of much lower importance than the very material the guitar is made of...
All in all, I now consider Harley Benton a company that, due to want of higher profits, is cashing out and literally milking on its customers ,
as after years of investing into the brand they now have very high brand recognition, especially in the US,
and so somebody over a table in the office in Germany thought it would be a great idea to now cash out by simply swapping the quality woods for cheap alternatives used in plywood and costing much, much less ...
And the way they went about it, doing it totally quietly, just changing the wood types in their product descriptions while leaving the pictures and even sound aamples of their previous Mahogany-made guitars,
is something that, at least for me, means I am now done with HB, and have decided it is time to look for alterbatives!
I am totally disappointed with HB over this wood thing, and guess after having bought 5 of their guitars in the past, this thing what they did literally equals betrayal of customer trust, since I wanted to order one more just the other day, and as soon as I found out they are now offering plywood-type products,
I am sorry, but I said gpod bye to HB for good. 😡🤬😶🌫️
@@user-bh5yr7wc1v You have entirely no clue what you're talking about. The fact is they make a cheap guitar. They have to change wood types to stay within their advertised price point range that people expect. You want a better wood? Then bitch at the governments of the world that have taken their respective economies and flushed them down the fucking toilet...
My wife and I are looking at this Harley Benton CST24 in 🟣 purple. We each want one... Cheers 🍻 🥃🥃 🎸 🎵🎶🎶🎶
My CST still sounds and feels amazing. Its one of hb greatest guitars.
I've had one for 5 years and had a few tweaks, graphite nut and had my tech give it good going over and its still rocks...for the 188Eur I paid for it its jsut as good as my PRS custom that cost Waaaay more...absolute bargin, ignore the headstock and just play it...fab
I have the twin Humbucker in blue flame and the p90 version in black flame and they are never far from the amp.
That guitar sounds great nothing but the tuners I would change for locking. I bought the JA 25th on your recommendation and it’s absolutely brilliant so thanks Henning. Great review!
I just come here for all of the cool shirts and hoodies you wear and to learn technical terms like "clickity upy downy" 🙂 Seriously, another great review as always. Thank you.
Unbelievable what HB has evolved into. Thanks for the video!
Well they added stainless steel frets,but they changed woods on all their guitar for much lower quality and diffetent sound quality, meranti is way worst wood,plus roswells are veey weak sounding pickups, also these cst has less curved top which is downgrade as well
@@remikhotowy9660 you really must hate Harley Benton guitars
@@hamerrayno hate,actualy i have 2 hb guitars,i had more,i think they very good for money and nice modify platforms,but eith all hb bentons i had there is always something,sticking out frets(this is actualy in most guiars these days)dodgy swith,or other little faults, again for tjis money its not issue but there is always something, i have sc 550 ii ,bought sevind hand so it has no issues (maybe someone fix it) but teslas are not the best, i have cst 24 ,changed pups for iron gears and sound very good, but again there is issue ,on 12th fret string G sustain is extremely short ,only in that position,seen two luthiers they didn't fix it,again maybe shity luthiers but you need expect some issues on them but i don't hare them,they cheap, looks nice ,if you have good luthier its no problems,im from Poland ,not many ppl play guitars here and good luthier is 2,5 hours driving from me and did not fet to him yet to fix the sustain on the cst, actualy i think about amarok 6,for features you can't beat it
I trust your EXPERT opinion, Henning! Of course you need to make a living and you are doing extremely well. The negative feedback does not impress me at all. I think I can make my own decisions and I am so happy with your reviews which give me something to hold on.
Oh yeah, I was lucky enough to be able to buy your green HB and I love this machine!!!
I picked up a standard Gibson SG, and it felt so cheap, but I have a buddy that has a bedroom studio filled with Harley Benton, Fazely, and Squier guitars that feel so much better!
Gibson is resting on its brand name, and has got really lazy, for an £800 guitar it felt light, thin, and plasticity.
@user-id9qu4lo5r The "pros" will be getting the super high-quality custom models, that feel nice and play like butter, but if I shell out for the cheapest Gibson, it'll be nasty.
I'd rather get something cheap and buy expensive parts for it, rather than buy something that costs me £7-800 and have it feel like I'm playing a ridiculously low-end guitar.
I like Gibsons, the 335 was a dream guitar of mine, but now I'm thinking that Gretsch, Harley Benton, or ANYTHING else would be better, even the £140 squier 3ft away played and felt better.
Awesome video. Love your reviews. Very informative and amusing. You"ve got me seriously considering buying a Harley Benton ❤
Ended up laughing at the 2 cents, as you reviewed the trolls instead of the guitar. Don't feed'em too much or they'll just grow!
I'll check it out when I visit the store next time. Will compare it back to back to the PRS SE and let my hands and gut decide. Thanks Henning!
Thanks for this substantial presentation. With different amps and modelers, you show a wide range of sounds and musical genres. I fully agree with your evaluation. Meanwhile, I own several Harley Bentons and compared to earlier decades, there is no measurable difference between HB and the dominating brands that offer their guitars in a price range highly above 1000 Euros...
One might replace the pickups, strings or tuners, but a good amp / modeler / pedal is much more effective when one wants to give the sound a kick...
I never had to adjust the neck on any HB guitar... (usually, I spend a complete day adjusting budget guitars from other brands). As I owend a wide range of high end guitars in earlier years (Gibson, Rickenbacker, Fender, BC Rich etc.), I can say, I don't miss any of them...
Bought the Harley Benton CST24 hardtail in black in 2017-18. I paid $159 + $34 shipping. I immediately took it to my luthier, who did a complete setup, swapped out the wiring for high end replacement, and also dressed the frets. (Leveled, polished and made sure the ends were smooth). What struck me about the CST 24 was that it had the deep violin carve of the core PRS models. Not the shallow violin carve of the SE, CE, and S2 lines. For the longest time I had it tuned up two full steps or a step and a half whatever it was to play Little Fighter by White Lion it sounded beautiful. I still have this guitar although it’s tuned Standard now. I will never sell this guitar though I have about 10 solid body electrics, because it’s value to anyone else could never match the value that it is to me.
I have an older version with trem and Wilkinson pickups. It’s a good sounding guitar with great sustain and very even tone over the whole fretboard, no distinctive dead or life spots. Only big gripe I have is the frets, they are simply too low. Doesn’t have to be stainless but jumbos would be a nice improvement. Tall and narrow would be my recommendation.
This is a deal breaker for me now. I wish I knew frets more when I got started several years ago. I trusted Fender. Medium Jumbo which in hindsight they were great until I played so many different options later from mediocre brands that just killed the fret feeling for me on what is my favorite guitar. So I'm at odds. It's my favorite because it was my first and it's a looker in the Gilmour black strat vibes MIM FSR. I would now swear the frets HAD to be leveled and maybe they went too low. But my son and son in law both say they feel like stock medium jumbo strat frets.y 2015 Classic Vibe I bought used and play the hell out of has slightly taller frets. And my God I know the Harley Benton Fusion T Jumbo SS frets have SPOILED me. So now what do I do???? Lol. Refret? Sell the neck to someone that likes the stock fender maple poly neck with gold fender logo and order a roasted maple SS fret Neck from MIM fender to swap?? Probably costly either dang way.
The way you deliver these gear reviews is awesome. Would watch it even having no interest in the instrument reviewed. Thank you :)
NB. I have the wrap on the pickup issue on my Gibson Les Paul Classic, so seems fantastic to me. Love the colour
My CST24 P90 has been amazing since purchasing it in 2020. Changed to locking tuners, and pickups to Bare Knuckle True Grit Set, it boast of lust tones! Only set back was that it didn't come with Stainless Steel Frets then if I didn't remember wrongly... I believe my mods has gone beyond financial sense to that guitar hahahahha
hey, i'm strongly considering (basically sure about) buying the cst24. i'd like to know what tuners fit the model because that's the first thing i'll be changing. which ones are you using?
@@nn1nasif Hey, I'm using the Gotoh Locking Tuners
@@EnduranMusicwhat model exactly?
Henning you shouldn't apologize!❤ Haters are just haters!🖤
Now for the CST: I have the older version with Wilkinson pickups and tremolo for almost 10 years. It's one of my favorite HBs!
The new version with the upgraded stainless frets is totally worth the money. Though I definitely don't need another guitar I am sweet-looking at the new tobacco burst color...🤤
Here here! Don’t feed the trolls speaking out of ignorance and jealousy. All they have to do is climb the stairs and they’d be out of their parent’s basement. Also they seem to ignore when you tear into expensive guitars that are flawed. It’s almost like they don’t know what they’re talking about. Hmmm.
Keep up the good videos.
I agree with what your saying, but I wonder sometimes if Thomman are sending you the best guitars in the ranges you review. That said I have the HB Fusion Pro 2 and rhe SC550 2 and their fantastic, slight mark on the 550 headstock but you have to look very hard to see it and the Fusion is flawless. Great guitars.
Sorry im late but thanks for this video ive been debating getting one since "20 during the 🦠 now with this updated video I'm def getting the purple one haha gotta stand out 🤘🏻🎸
Sounds good considering its price, but how does it feel? Through great amps and plugins - modellers, any guitar can sound good enough. So the ´feel´... This is the "expensive part" normally... top guitars feel amazing in our hands, and cheap guitars usually feel quite the opposite, so I am curious about what you say about that feel. Danke, sir. Your videos are top notch, always!
Just ordered mine. Excited like a little child at Christmas.
Justo me llega el lunes y haces la review🎉🎉🎉
I got a Harley Benton CST/24 and it's got the wraparound bridge. I bought it brand new a couple days ago. It's making a buzzing sound on the B and G string at the 10th fret, i'm guessing it's the 11th fret that have a high spot and I going to need to raise the bridge up a little bit on that one side and swap those strings out for some 8.
I've had a green CST-24T for 3 or 4 years now, and while unfortunately I only own very affordable guitars, the CST is definitely my best one. Idk if they make them really well or if I got lucky, but it's MUCH better than my harley benton strat-style guitar. That one has uneven frets (and therefore high action) and some rough fret end, cheese grater saddle screws etc. My CST had a bad nut that I replaced when it was still brand new, but other than that it has been great ever since! I LOVE that purple color. I saw it the other day and was contemplating buying it even though I already have one... I need a way to justify it though. Maybe so I can have one tuned down to D? 😂
Thanks @EytschPi42 for the review! I got one and you are 100% right: this thing is great! I cannot put mine down! And I got it at 189 eur with Thomann 70th Anniversary sale!!!
And even unplugged, I was blown away by how resonant and good sounding it is.
You know Henning, some people watch an entire TV show and writes negative comments / reviews of the show telling about all the aspects through the WHOLE show they don't like... Then I wonder - don't they have a "channel switch" or "off-button" on their TV...?? Anyway - love your reviews and comments and the animals at the end! Keep up the good work!
Great guitar for the money, I got the tremolo verion a few months ago. The only thing I don't like is that the neck carve has a lot of shoulder to it but others will like that. Other than this it is fantastic.
I bought 2 of the CST guitars in 2020.... CST 24-T (trem) & the CST 24-HB (hollowbody) & LOVE them!!! Now with Stainless Frets?!?!? Awesome! (I see no reason to spend more on the PRS SE versions when these are so GOOD!)
I have the black T version and would have also loved to know if there have been any changes from it to the purple
The ss steel frets are the game changer it makes it a lifelong guitar
Just found your channel and I'm very happy I did! I'm 50yr+ and just learning guitar with my 10 year old son; it's been eye opening. I'm a professional cinematographer and camera operator and really appreciate the effort you put into sound, lighting and camera. Love the anamorphics! If you ever respond, feel free to mention some of your camera gear. Luv from Canada.
Hey man, that means a lot to me!
During the main part of the video it is mostly Blackmagic studio camera and micro studio 4ks.
The anamorphic stuff and slideshows in the beginning are a RED Komodo.
The wide angle in the studio is a Sony FX6
It all goes into a Blackmagic Atem 4 M/E…. It’s a rather complex system for UA-cam, but it allows us to have a good workflow!
Fantastic and great bang-for-the-buck gear for multi-cam. The sound (through your DAW?) is fantastic through my new DAC headphones. Love hearing the stereo mix effects. Just wish I had 1% of your skill. Maybe there is hope for my son one day. For now, we play for fun and he is writing songs for his band. Keep up the awesome work!
If he's writing songs, get him my songwriting course... that will catapult him forward by years... I might be biased, but it's true!
spectreacademy.net/courses/complete-guide-to-songwriting/?sld=eytschpi42
I'm impressed, these come with ss-frets & a proper graphite nut, for under 300 Euros. The trem version even has a proper Wilkinson trem.
Meanwhile, the PRS SE models still come with that cheapo nut, that trem that doesn't stay in tune to save it's live, nickel frets and they cost 900 Euros upwards!
😂😂😂😂
Just put some PRS humbuckers in it.
@@TheNocturnalEvil Why would I put overpriced PRS pickups in it, when I could swap in a S. Duncan Hotrodded set for far less?
I would pay extra for block inlays or just something other than boring dots. I absolutely cant stand the logo on the truss rod cover as well. These things are pretty amazing for the price. I have never got a lemon from Harley Benton. Maybe some of the pickups were not really impressing me tone wise but once I replaced them, I have a fabulous instrument. My favorite is still the first gen SC550 I bought in 2019.
Beautiful introductory performance!
I have two that are a couple of years old. Both work fine and feel great. With shipping they cost me around five hundred dollars. On the other hand, a PRS would have cost me 3 times that and I wouldn't have been able to buy that cool Vox amp I got. Seems like a no brainer to me.
Hey,
What did you mean by the "wrap of the pickup"? Where does the scrapey sound come from?
I own the 2021 (all mahogany with a Pao Ferro fretboard) tremolo-version of this model. I bought it B-Stock and the initial setup was horrific, which was probably the reason why it was returned in the first place. That might have been a QC issue at Thomann. After I gave it some time so settle and a propper setup including a fretpolish it immediately turned to being my very favorite guitar (amongst some higher priced Fenders and other HBs). I put the very HB locking tuners on, Henning mentioned in this video and swapped the pickups for a set of EMG 57/66. Don't get me wrong, the Roswells are absolutelly fine and sound good, but their voicing did in my opinion not quite fit the style the guitar was intended to be played. If I was playing more blues and hardrock the Roswells would NEVER have been changed! I absolutelly love this guitar through my Mesa MK3 and it's definitelly the one I play the most out of my collection. I'd definitly take it out to play shows with, if I had a band and the opportunity. As Henning mentioned, buy one and see for yourself, you won't be diasppointed!
Great to see you reviewing some HB guitars again! I am seriously looking for a 335-esque and the HB guitars are so tempting right now! Any updates incoming on these? SS frets maybe? 🙂
It already has SS frets
@@CJLB28 None of the HB 335 type guitars have ss frets 🤣
I bought a CST 24 T for just 209 € at the Harley Benton 25th Anniversary sales. I didn't like the Roswell humbuckers, so i changed them to P94 PUs (P90 in Humbucker size). I looove that guitar, in the meantime i play the CST rather than my Player Strat. Sound is awesome with the P94s!
I recently bought the paradise flame one without tremelo. I was wondering did you make any changes to it. I thinking of changing bridge to
correct action properly. a bit limited with this bridge. I will like to cheng bridge pick up in the near future too.
I bought one about five years ago, and it's a decent guitar. I was not set up well when it arrived, in fact NONE of my four Harley Benton guitars have been set up particularly well from Thomann, so it's always a bit weird to hear so many reviewers saying they always get perfectly set up Harley Bentons, even when ordering anonymously. Just a reflection based on personal experience - not criticism aimed at anyone specific. I do like the guitar well enough though, and it probably deserves a proper setup, but I'm not skilled enough to do it myself so that will add close to (or possibly more than) half the cost of what I originally paid for it. Had it arrived with a great setup I probably would call it one of the best guitar bargains I've encountered, but the one sent to me sadly wasn't, and therefore isn't. With that said, it IS amazing how much guitar you get for very little money these days.
Lovely looking guitar but I have trust issues regarding HB guitars. Got a few of them over past years and eventually got rid of them all (except the "violin" beatbass). The thing is they all were fun for a while but started showing many annoying minor problems quite soon (switches, knobs, loose jack sockets etc.). In comparison my cheap ibanez and squiers work quite flawlessly so far... of course ymmv. Anyhow thanks for another review.
The MY2CENTS section was unhinged in the perfect way XD You're NOT wrong!
Don't complain about neck binding on a HB. I got myself a modern MR on whatever-colour-Friday and that was the first guitar that actually tried to hurt me. My fingers got actually _hurt_ by the frets. And, being stainless steel, the usual nail file didn't cut it.
Apart from that, and the just-barely-good-enough setup, that is a very, utterly cool guitar, but I really wish it had a hand-protection binding on the neck.
At the start of April I had the chance to get one for very, very little money. I'm not a collector and had already two guitars, so I just bought it with the intention to resell it after doing some maintenance. It was the older version made in Indonesia (*) with a mahagony body and Wilkemson pick ups in emerald green. Initially I didn't like the somewhat pircing and astonishingly close to PRSs signature sound. This last bit quickly changed after hearing it in a mix and the single coil split also works very well, which makes it extremely versatile. More and more there was less and less of a chance I'd sell it. Until I chipped it and said to myself I cannot in good conciouns sell this ;-) Which was 100% making excuses for what I already decided. I roughed up the back of the neck a bit, but that was the only modification so far.
Everytime I'm somewhere with experienced players around they try it and love it. And not as in "... for it's price tag". Fun thing is that extension it made me a big PRS fan, and there is one thing though that rings a bit in my ears from the first review. The pickups of a core cost more then this whole guitar. And while I wouldn't change the PUs for anything, ta limited set of 85/15 TCI would darn to heck sexy - and I really am wondering if I install this pickups that are twice it's current price tag. That is just how much I value it.
While I love the pattern of mahagony shining through the somewhat translucent color the current meranti does not make a difference in sound and feel (I have a Custom II in meranti). but as a trade in the new line comes with steel frets which is quite an upgrade.
(*) I bet the factory in Indonesia was the one now producing PRS SEs and they couldn't built repliques any more to get / keep PRS as customer and that was the reason that it is produced in Vietnam now.
That guitar really did sound good. Seemed to stay in tune pretty well too. Did it?
I think it is actually a maple TOP, right? If you pull the neck pickup out, you can see 5-10mm of maple over the body... Can anyone confirm?
Man If that fretboard was darker i would buy this in a heartbeat....
I darkened mine with dark rifle stock oil. 😊
There are PRS clones with "ugly" dot inlays that retail for 4 to 5 times what these cost - *cough*Fame*cough* - so 🤷♂
My main concern with this shade of purple, is that it tends to look like brown in any but the brightest light. Still, with most HB prices, the threshold isn't just low, it's pretty much non-existent. Anyone with a steady job can own 30 guitars.
I bought a B stock CST 24t back in 2018 it was the black flamed top. I wish I would have bought either Black Cherry or the Paradise Flame.. It was a weird quick decision to get the black. But got it for 179, since it was B stock, at the time they were going for around 215 and 35 usd for shipping to the states up to 100 pounds.. Boy do I miss those days. Anyway, When i first got it i put in a set of dragonfire pickups cause at the time those were really getting a lot of reivews on youtube as a good cheaper alternative to the named pickup brands. They're still in it. I also installed locking tuners on it. It's been in a guitar rack all these years and occasionally I'll grab it and plug it in and I still really love the feel of the neck. and it plays great. I'm thinking of putting in a better set of pickups soon. But really it's been more of the guitar I let my kids use when they showed interest in learning. But, doesn't have a scratch on it. Very solid guitar.
Based on your integrity..I would buy one of these if I had the money ..Great Review thank you
looks quite close to the crimson scion. sounds a little thin on the bridge pickup or did you have the treble up to much
I wish I had place in my life for another guitar, because it looks and sounds amazing and would be a great companion to my more "classic" guitar.
Man, great vid as always. But I gotta tell ya, the revv totally stole the show.
I mean com on, it looks RIDICULOUSLY good. 😅
I’m considering to get CST-24T P90 version. Do you have any opinions on it if you had played it before? I’m just a beginner. And i’ considering this or get Sire s3 because i know the workmanship is there
I have 7 HB’s now. Most from your recommendation. Not been wrong yet Henning 🙌🙌
I love my CST-24 Paradise Flame
I tried the CST24 P90 version a few years ago. I really, really wanted to like it! I didn´t! It went back. It was totally uninspiring and had finish flaws that were beynd what I could find acceptable, and I´m not that fussy! Maybe I should revisit the CST24? Trouble is, since that time, I have become to dislike PRS guitars lol I just do not like the tones that come out of PRS pickups.
I have the black flame lefty, and I’m getting another one in a different colour👌⚡️♥️
I have the CST-24T emerald green for a few years now, and as most say it is great value for money, sounds good, playability great and looks great. Why HB can do proper violin carve on these at this price point and PRS dont do a proper violin carve until the Core series (many thousands €) is baffling, its just a programme on the CNC, no skilled carving required. I thought about getting a PRS SE but it would be a downgrade from this in terms of value for money and looks and sound is personal. As Glen says, the PUs dont matter when you crank the gain. For less than €300 it is a defo good option for anyone.
Just learning love your video.
How about testing guitars also against the NI Guitar Rig LE instead of a physical amp?
a) That is an inexpensive solution some beginner guitarists might use and
b) that was a giveaway on Black Friday at Thomann's and
c) I like and use it
Hey Henning, except from being a great guitar, does it feels like a PRS (neck/board/weight/feel) or it's just the looks?
It’s the looks
Do more Harley Bentons
I think they added stainless steel frets without anyone noticing
These new ones don't have the deep top carve a la PRS core that the oldest ones had! They look more like the SE series now....too bad!
But they have stainless steel frets and a graphite nut now which is imho more important than a deep top carve.
I own 4 HBs including this one in Amber stripes, great instruments, no matter the price
Hello Friend, if you had to choose between the Cst 24 and the Cst 24 T P90, which one would you choose?
Pd: ¡Thanks for you reviews! 🙌🏻
Both great… depends on what you need
For blues, which one do you recommend between the two?
The p90 version
@@EytschPi42 Thanks bro! 😉
I have 2 of them, just the color is different 😊 Very nice guitars, but the 25th ST anniversary is for me the best.
Sorry if I missed it, but can you tell me how much it weighs? Thank you!
Mine is around 3,4 kg.
Honestly not super into the birds inlays, though they are nice. Dots are fine.
I’m totally with you, 👍
After you said round sound it sounded very jazz guitar over all it's a. Very versatile thing I'd need one with a trem I think 😂
Die Purple Burst ist einfach eine Schönheit, ich bin seit 2 Wochen verliebt xD
Yesterday I received my HB Amarok 7 String ... and today my fingers hurt 😂😂😂😂
I'm not really a good guitar player, but I don't care. The guitar is really cool. One of the best. And I have tried a lot of really expensive guitars.
Let's see, there can always be some inconveniences in a production and some guitars can have mistakes, but if I pay let's say 1500 euro the mistakes really hurt a lot more. And I have the conviction that if a guitar like mine now, for only 500 euro or so, can be so good, a more expensive guitar, for more money, if it gives ONLY the same as that relatively cheap guitar, the more expensive one would only be more bad for more money.
call me stupid if want but I sold all my high end guitars and have now 10 HBs. My only insight here is the very cheapest ones do have crap tuners. To me I would say put locking tuners on all of them, they are missing a completely roasted neck/board strat and tele in the 22 fret variety. And lastly I am not a binding fan nor gloss necks. I have had to do a couple truss adjustments and oil boards which take away some slight scratchiness in frets. And believe it or not love the HP42 best and the pickup variety/sounds it makes. Otherwise totally a tele guy with HB. The model with FLT Filtertrons is amazing but worst tuners on earth. Thanks for playing (ps. I am 63)
Awesome. So it's like a PRS without the disgusting bird inlays. I'm sorry Paul but if that's pretty much the only way to get a PRS with dots (outside a few PRS models here and there) then I'd take the copies and knock offs any day.
Cool guitar! Are the frets rounded up smoothly ?
Yes...the frets are top notch....at least on my copy.
At mine too.
Nice guitar and review. Do you think people buy it as a gateway to PRS?
Yes
Pretty nice guitar as is but definitely aspirational to get those bird inlays :) Cheers
I bought this guitar 6 months ago. It is an absolutely amazing guitar for the price. Amazing at three times the price. hOWEVER...now I want a genuine PRS just to know.
Ive heard the genuine PRS' are actually pretty good, too.
Putting everywhere the same low/middle output Roswells ain't doing any service.
Its kinda lame for HB to have such a portfolio of guitars with nearly the same pickups among them, tbh.
IMHO, it would be more interesting to have at least some variety. Like different colors having different pickups for example.
Great price thought
I agree, the pickups in the Harley Benton SC-550 II are pretty good though.
I have found that the Roswells without covers sound a bit better. I think bridge humbucker is the weakest. The Tesla bridge in the sc550 2 sounds awesome
It seems that therd's some inconsistency with roswell's....at least im my case. I have 4 cst24t and i've changed pickups on 3 of them, just to have some tonal options. Now one has hb sized p90's (just becouse i had a pair on my draw), other one with minihums. Ant tho othe with slnico 2 pups. The fact is that one of the guitars sounded in between perfect and awesome with the stock pups!!!,i was impressed. But the others sounded just too muddy on the nech and/or harsh on the bridge ( not saying unusables but not my taste)....
But hey....for the money 😊
Is anyone really using these for clean tones? With any dirt at all the pickups are fine. Ya'll need to watch Glen Fricker's tests. These import pickups have nearly zero discernable difference from pricey pickups. Fine throw a Tonerider A2 set in there if you need better clean tone.
@@grayman7914
They sound good....even clean.
Hallo HP, ich will was du auf deinem Desk hast, wie heißt das und wie wird es angeschlossen. Bitte komm auf mich zurück dies bezüglich.
UA Lion und TC 2290p
@@EytschPi42Thanks HP for your fast answer about your gear. Your videos are so interesting and instructive. As a long time follower i'm really jalous about your studio😊. Stay fine and healthly. Have a great christmas time, hopefully Santa brings nice gifts to you and your family. See you in the next vids😊
LOL ' You have EARS . . .' ! Exactly! Cheers, another great video!
Henning's 2 cents in this video reminden me of Glenn from SSS lol, do a collab XD
ahm.. we have done many videos together!
I bought the blue one 4 years ago and characteristics still the same. Only doubt are pickups, honestly great in distortion, but cleans are awful. But luthiery for this price is unbelievable
Sounds good!
I have onley changed the pick-ups, the rest was better than good! Also look at the prices before 🤢
Reality is that there is no inspection pre shipping. Only youtubers get this inspection notice. I asked for. And they said I can not get ...inspection...🤔🤔👎
Yes and no… they inspect 600 a day, but ship 900 guitars a day.
We don’t get preferential treatment, I made sure of that.
hört sich ned schlecht an (sorry, bin Schwabe) und schaut schon phänomenal aus. Würd mich mal interessieren wie das klingt wenn Pickups von Herr Andreas Kloppmann drin sind 🤔
Das hat Gregor Hilden schon mit einer Billigst-LP aus gleichem Hause gemacht: ua-cam.com/video/1hOQheJQYQI/v-deo.html - Hoppsa ...!
@@spinelldete uuuhh…habs angeschaut - leider geil 🤩
I name all my guitars if that guitar were mine, I would call it Celie Johnson. Then I’d climb on it’s fret board and do my business. Wait what ?
21:22 we’re friends, and I’m not a paid shill, not for lack of trying . I mean I’ll take money from anybody just ain’t nobody’s sending me none. 😖
Single coil mode sounded like a strait.
Are these heavy as shit? I think I read they're about 9 lbs.