It's a good brand to start on, or just stay with if you don't want to pay to play a big bucks guitar. The only bad guitar is the one that isn't played. Salud.
I like how the title is 5 reasons not to buy a Harley Benton but the not so subtle undercurrent is just "get over yourself and consider buying one" haha. I approve of this sentiment 👍
Bought one: TOTAL POS ! VERY expensive at 170€. The guitars these guys rave about, just couldn't be that much better. I suspect they get carefully selected and tuned specimens.
Especially Gibson, they just had the bankruptcy, the quality of them has really gone down for a long time, yet the prices have gone way up every year for a while.
agreed, n China pumps out more than usa on fender, Gibson's shit the bed, I wouldn't own a Gibson 68" down...n nowadays untouchable &?$$$$$ haha. I play,play n play as much as I can since 12-13 yrs old pushing 60yrs, I got a Harley Benton,**it showed up in the states in timely manner, n then I saw I got a dud out the box,tail piece studs,way big,studs up pulled,bridge same,***I took photos n sentbto thomman asking I got a second???** so they refunded my money n said keep item***is a sc450 bk(black lp copy w aged binding(kinda bone color n creme pickup rings ,guard,well*** I installed mini Humbucker s, redid holes proper for tail piece n bridge,leveled few frets at closest to body, put some mini bean Schaller tuners,made a bone nut soaked in coffee grounds for weeks n set up, this thing will shred n play hvy rock to blues to country twang,warm jazz,punk, all or about $128$ us dollars n boring winter time few hours passed I get ton compliments in the tone n.looks of this guitar, plus I know how to play in.my own style so snobbery is just that,when I piss on there $4000 guitars the snobbery turns to jealousy n I can make good old cheap guitars sound good,but I like your comments makes much sense, if ya have $ to piss get a vintage ***you can play in person,i know my headstock won't fly off on this HB n if stolen one of akind gone but only $128, of it not $4000,i sold all my vintage cause thieves n worrying about them,i like to grab play,nick n chip it,ect no worries n sure sounds splendid n huge, it says lemon wood???sure solid n very resonate un amped.....good honest advice..the sc450 is a good line for a platform to fiddle w for xlt guitar for about $200 if handy w guitars...can't go wrong that way.. thanks for your input...I really like the mini Humbucker s in mine(I made adapter plates)..I can't touch a 70,s Lp w minis for cheap ,n this sounds just as well, joined proved me wrong yet,all failed the blind test on my set up, all go damn I'm gonna get one...there ya go....hope this helps as well...mine weighs 8 lbs not boat anchor or featherweight n full orig lespauls thickness of like 2" I believe...
I'm glad you touched on the "issue" of branding. I've been playing for over 35 years and have a decent-sized collection (just over 20 electric guitars) of many styles and price points. I've never been one to worry that much about having the most expensive or newest thing out there but I can say, from personal experience, that your face is the best gauge of whether a guitar is quality or not. If playing it makes you smile uncontrollably then it's a quality instrument. I have an LTD EC-256P (Les Paul style) that I picked up for $200 and that guitar plays, sounds and makes me feel better than the "actual" Gibson Les Paul that cost me nearly $5,000. Trust your smile and you can't go wrong. Great post. Cheers.
Justin Fisher not to mention if you wanted to you can always upgrade electronics, bridge et. I have a strat copy I paid $45 for. It's beautiful. And I am upgrading everything. So for around$200 I have a gorgeous strat. It's unbranded, but it's a strat
@@mikeyboyrocks123 that's fine and I'm glad you enjoy it. I have a telecaster which is a custom copy and I'm happy with it. The 335 Gibson is a true blues monster.!!
I kinda enjoy buying a dirt cheap guitar and making it Play and sound great, upgrading pickups over time, polishing and leveling frets, all that jazz. It makes that guitar more of a personal tool to me
I own 2 HBs and love them. I’m old enough to remember when the only affordable guitars for British kids with little money way back were unspeakable planks made by brands like Kay and Satellite that you’d order from your mum’s Freeman’s catalogue. We’ve come a long way for decent budget guitars since those dark days!
Gibson have done Fender-like guitars, Fender have done Gibson style guitars, PRS has copied both. Harley Benton shouldn't excluded. A great brand. If I see someone playing one I usually assume that they are smart and prefer a good instrument that has no ego over a shitty made one with a good brand that blinds the idiots to the faults (I'm looking at YOU, Gibson) Play with your hands and ears. not your ego EDIT: A word of warning about getting a cheap guitar to experiment on... I tried that with a Squier Affinity Tele. It's now my No.1 guitar,
Lol...you are absolutely right! This happened to me with a 80 € fleamarket Squire Strat 😊 I love it not an inch less than my 2000 € Gibsons and Fenders!
wesmatron I was at my local big chain music store today and tried a Les Paul Tribute. The fret ends were sharp and I personally wouldn’t pay $1100 for it just because it says “Gibson” on it. I’ve got an HB SC550 on the way from Germany. Just got an alert that it’s made it here to the United States.
Surely, if playing a Harley Benton will make me feel dirty ........... that's a bloody good reason for me to buy one, eh? Pass the whipped cream John!!!
The snobbery part was spot on. I have never played harly benton But I have a lot of experience with cheap guitars and if a guitar is cheap it’s considered a knockoff but if a guitar is expensive it’s considered boutique.
They are both copies, and both are ok as long as they are not trying to pass themselves off as another brand (which is not a copy at all, but a forgery).
I ordered a HB-35 vintage on a whim and am blown away. The body and finish were near perfect. The intonation was good. The neck set up not so much. The neck was straight but without enough relief, some sharp fret ends, a couple of high frets, and to high of action. I addressed all of the set up issues and now this guitar plays and sounds great.
I can't try before I buy, because I'm a lefty. And guitar stores only have a dusty Jaguar in a store cupboard specially for people like me. So yeh, rightys, welcome to my world.
The only guitar that sounds good is a practiced one. A student of mine, who has been playing a few months, sports a Gibson les paul standard - not cheap. However, he is still learning and the Gibson brand doesn't make him any better than if he used an affordable one. This is not to say that good craftsmanship doesn't help regarding feel, weight, ergonomics etc but a branded guitar isn't imperative nor is it a shortcut to practiced success. HB's are a great avenue to go down in my opinion and would recommend over a Gibson any day. Set it up, play it and enjoy it.
@@AmperahGaming not at all and for the same reasons why it wouldn't matter if someone's first car was a Lamborghini; more power to you! I do think though that there's an expectation, not just in new players, that an expensive guitar is the answer. A well set-up guitar is a more affordable starting point.
Agreed 100%. Although i also gotta add that, for some people, knowing that you are playing the same exact guitar as X artist you love, can inspire you and make you wanna practice more. At least, that's one of the main reasons why i wanna get an actual Fender (albeit, a mexican one).
After seeing this I just ordered a Harley Benton Gold Top Les Paul with PAFs. I am having it shipped to India so will see how much import duty is charged & how they pack it. Am Vlogging the process for my show - Guitar Gear Gyan which is the the 1st English Guitar Gear Show in India. Love your videos and insight.
Re-sale value is a concern for any brand and Harley Benton do not fare as badly as one might think, precisely because they are cheap to start with. Statistics taken from German ebay on over 100 sales last year showed that people would pay 74% of their new price on average for a Harley Benton, which is more than what they spend for a Squier or an Ibanez.
Insane value for the money. I bought ten HB's last fall, and am thinking of buying a D-120CE and a 3/4 Nylon guitar now. Though, "Harley Benton" is the worst brand name ever! xP
@@SmugSuspenders right harley benton is à shitty brand for you i recomend To Not buy an harley benton but à ibanez it will be better for the same price
Fret-leveling is NOT something the usual electric guitar player, however, the other setup details, like intonation and truss rod adjustment are skills for the musicians. So, if they need fret leveling, you should consider that as a buyer.
Some people are snobby about guitars and gear. I have a PRS SE and some people don't consider that a 'proper' PRS as it isn't a fancy £5K wood library model! I might do some upgrades to it at some point to maximise my investment, but I'm pretty happy with it, and yes, it played perfectly out of the box. I like to play before I buy, but I bought the PRS when we were all in full on Covid lock down so it wasn't possible and the store had a very nice returns policy so I wasn't concerned. The quality of lower priced instruments these days is pretty amazing. Two of my newest students both bought Squires, one bought a strat and another a tele and they are brilliant guitars for the money. Cheap gear used to be expensive firewood a couple of decades ago, now you can have a brilliant entry level guitar and amp for well under £300! OK the resale value won't be much, but as long as you have the space to keep them you might as well hang onto them or give them to someone. I like tube amps, but you can buy (and I own) a Roland Micro Cube that I actually use more than my Marshall + Blackstar + Vox fancy pants stuff. Blackstar, Roland, Yamaha, Harley Benton, Squire. New guitarists have never had it so good!
Quite honestly the set up out the box unless you bought a guitar at the shop or second hand is very likely not going to be set up right anyway. It may have been sitting in a warehouse somewhere for months and may have been shipped from a different climate. This is something common from Harley Benton to a custom hand crafted multi thousand pound guitar. It should be in the ball park so to speak and the frets should be leveled properly at higher price ranges though.
Agreed - I've never bought a new Gibson (2 les Pauls & 1 CS339 over the years) and two MusicMan Silhouettes that didn't require nothing less than a fret level and crowning, truss rod adjustment and rolling of the fretboard edges, tp play "right" for ME. I have, in the past, changed tuners and pickups on those too, and changed the p/us again!! I haven't played an Epiphone that couldn't be classed as a very close second or equal apart from finish and materials used. I now lust after a CST24. I started playing on a Columbus Les Paul Custom bolt on neck, single coil "humbucker" finger grater, which was not cheap at the time, oh and a Hohner Club (no truss rod and one big screw holding the neck on) - I used to lust after Audition guitars in Woolworths - these Harley Bentons are an effing no brainer for a beginner or experienced guitarist alike, they would have been dream guitars for me - folks spoiled for choice these days? and then finding things to whinge about? I never said that!!! I have seen many a crap guitarist with "all the gear" and quite a few great guitarists with rubbish stuff - Scott Gorham auditioned for TL with a copy Les Paul, and a lesser known guitarist Robin George (nee Sidebotham) who coincidentally was to play with TL just before Phill Lynott died - I have played two of Robin's "custom" bitsa guitars (Shergold/Hayman necks??) in the early 80s, awful to look at by today's standards and I couldn't get on with them, but he played like a demon.
"they get the job done " . Exactly right - as any real guitarist knows it's their skills that produces great music not the brand on the headstock. I have an expensive brand guitar but can play it no better and get no better results than all of my "cheapos" . Fact is that there are loads of great value low cost guitars around these days compared to when I started playing in the 1970's .
I play a squier pretty good. Actually, I play guitar pretty good. I have a $1,800 PRS and a $200 squier. I feel the difference...I hear the difference...
My son wanted a bass guitar for Christmas and he's been used to playing his music teacher's really nice older Fender P-bass. I know I couldn't afford one of those as well as an amp for him, so I found a Harley Benton JB-75 jazz bass and he absolutely loves that guitar, more so than one of the Yamaha bass guitars he's played before. Like I told him, work on learning, getting technique, etc. and he's had a blast with it since he got it.
There's a HB Fusion II - HSH coming my way from Germany. It's a bit more expensive than that one, what I like about Thomann is they listen to criticism and implement the necessary modifications. The trip from Germany to Australia is long and perilous, I hope it arrives in one piece.
can you please do a long term ownership, of a harley benton and any problems that have cropped up.are they still good after a few years.thanks for all the tips on your channel.
I have found a bit of movement in the necks of my two HBs. My ST-70 BP settled down in about three months; my CST-24HB is still settling after over six months. It does make me a bit concerned for the long term
Update to my previous comment. My Fusion-II has arrived from Germany to Australia, in one piece despite DHL. My initial impression was: "It's bloody beautiful". After having spent the best part of 3 minutes to set it up, I played it, and played it, and played it....... you know what I mean. No adjustment needed, no intonation needed, it was even in tune out of the box. I mean, Matched headstock, great staggered locking tuners, canadian maple neck (gloss finish fretboard, satin neck, jumbo stainless steel 24 frets) mahogany body, HSH config, Roswell AlnicoV, coil split, Wilkinson tremolo bridge, beautiful flame maple veneer top, natural wood binding, great tones, lots of combinations. Also, impeccable finish, no blemish, no flaws. I mean, nothing at all. Attention to details and QC 10/10. It's not Chinese. It's made in Indonesia. Now, all this for € 253, or £ 226, or US$ 274, or in my case AU$ 404. Is it a cheap guitar, or inexpensive? This is the best value for money EVER imho. No need to look anywhere else.
I have three HB guitars, and I love mine. I have learned about setting up a guitar, dressing fret ends, and general maintenance, and enjoy the process immensely. These guitars allow someone like me (relatively poor) to have a guitar collection and enjoy the variety I have to play on. And like you, I won't be selling them, so I have no reason to not buy them. I don't think the company does anything wrong, and produce perfectly usable and pleasing instruments for us financially challenged guitar lovers.
I got a 'brand name' electric guitar a few years ago. This was going to be my move from acoustic. Plugging it in, it sounded horrible. I began to doubt my talent, thinking it was amplifying my bad playing. Looking closer, there was absolutely no setup done on this electric. All the intonations were level and in the middle. The truss rod was so loose I could spin the wrench with my finger. Having talked to several techs, the best answer I got was where to find the setup online, and try it myself. I always had mixed feelings about this experience - bummed that it came to me in that state (if I was that 15 year old that first starting playing, I probably would have thought it was me that couldn't stay in tune, and given up), bummed that most manufactures don't guarantee setup. As you stated, what a better place to learn - I suggest this to all new players with entry level guitars - try to set it up yourself - you'll learn a lot in the process. I sure did, and would recommend every player learn at least the basics of setup. So I don't count that as a negative. Your other points all border on 'snobbery', so I hear you essentially telling me I should probably have at least one HB in my inventory?
Question - Purchase $2000 American Stratocaster? OR 1 HB Telecaster 1 HB Strat 1 HB 335 1 HB PRS 1 HB Les Paul 1 HB Ibanez 6 Different guitars or 1? I'll take 6 please.
First!!!!! I bought a sc custom b stock with roswell p90s a few months back. Fit and finish were flawless I just stared at it and caressed the curves for a good bit. 50 bucks on set up later the thing is wonderful and compares favorably to an epiphone standard. The tech was even impressed by the pups. I love the thing, you can't knock it out of tune with a hammer, the neck feels really nice after treatment. I'm agonizing, because I am poor and 250$ is a lot for me to lose on a bad instrument, over getting the cst 24.
I've never played a bad CST 24. A good modding platform & with a few upgrades (you might need to swap the tuners for some Vansons for example) you'll have something that's on a par with a PRS SE. Don't forget if you get a defective one, Thomann will pay for the return shipping.
I have the CST-24T that John reviewed on his channel with the Roswell pickups, flawless instrument, nothing to dislike and came almost perfectly set up, joint favourite guitar in my collection.
😂😂😂 Gibson! Why do people spend that sort of cash. Time and again on UA-cam people are having problems with them.They should! work out of the box for that money.Oh well To each his own.
I've recently brought two Harley Bentons and very impressed with what you get for the money and extremely playable right out the box really happy with them. I've been playing for dare I say 30+ years a well made guitar for the money.
My experience exactly I have a DC60 Junior in Pelham blue and an SC Custom ll, both played brilliantly out of the box and the quality is amazing for the prices. Wilkinson/WSC/Grover hardware, great fit and finish. Both are keepers
I truthfully don't care about the name on the headstock. I care about playability, tone, and how much I enjoy the instrument. If it's comfortable to play (or can be made so), stays in tune relatively well, and has a tone I'm looking for, then I'm good. I've come across Gibsons that were absolutely horrible, and early 80's Harmony or Kay guitars that were buttery smooth. As long as it's set up well, then it's good, and if one of these can get me a similar tone and feel to a PRS at a fraction of the cost, I'm good with that.
@@billydotleeds If the reviews are good, I can at least hear some sort of tone sample from an example of one, and the price is right, I'm willing to take a leap of faith. Which I did. I've been the proud owner of a Harley Benton CST-24T for almost a year, bought sight unseen, and after a few adjustments (saddle height, truss rod, intonation), I genuinely couldn't be happier with it. It's become my current favorite.
I once played in a band whose bassist was exactly one of those people who think "cheap = rubbish" and used to make fun of me because I played some songs with my cheap Strat copy (which I love nonetheless) instead of my actual American Standard Strat... The fact that the copy had a humbucker bridge pick-up and I wanted a humbucking sound for those songs wasn't enough for him to leave me alone, I should have played single coil anyway because of the brand and the value, no metter what. One reason why I don't play in bands anymore is that I don't want to waste my time and patience with such mythomaniacs. The people who you describe in point 2 and 3 want everyone to play with high-end instruments even though you play once in a month in small venues in front of twenty people for a paltry compensation, no matter if you'll never be able to make up your investments. They can go their own way.
Hello John, thanks for your video. What about the hardware ..for example, do the machines keep the strings in tune, does the bridge have a lot of slack, are the frets made of a cheaper metal that wear quickly if one bends strings alot...etc..zou mentioned that if you ubgrade..then is it really worth it since one will probably paz much higher total price for the upgraded components than if one buys a new guitar that contains those better components in the first place..I bought one used harley benton,with a beautiful flame maple cap..i didnt like the paint color however and tried to sand down the stain..i burned through the cap that was only one milimeter thick..so i ended up having to paint it a solid color which added to the cheapness of the guitar..
another question..how do the necks hold up..is the wood properly cured..or does each instrument need to have the frets filed after a year or two of acclimation to the humidity level of the area where the guitar is kept
@@mikkosutube I often hear that question "isn't it just as expensive once you've factored in the upgrades?" The answer is no, it's not. My CST24 needed new tuners (less than £20), a new bridge (around £30) and I replaced to rather hot A5 pups with some A2 magnet versions (less than £40). If you can find good quality hardware at reasonable prices (Vanson, Wilkinson, Iron Gear etc) it's still MUCH cheaper than a PRS SE or similar. As for the stability of the timber, it's on a par with any other import guitar (Epiphone/PRS SE/LTD etc.) I've had the CST 24 a couple of years now & it's not needed any fret work or drastic truss rod adjustment.
Recently bought my first Harley Benton a B grade Fusion 2 Pro. I love the playability and the range of sounds. It came ready to play straight out of the box. Where as the Gibson SG I bought I am constantly fettling to suit me. My favourite guitars are a Squier Strat that I had to do a lot of work on, but well worth it. A Squier Telecaster CV which was perfect straight away and a Washburn HB 35 which had the highest action I have ever had on a guitar but now sorted and plays great. Hopefully it won't be my last Harley as they have a great range available, but storage space is at a premium. Love your videos, Thank you.
6:30 is how i learned how to repair almost any guitar issue myself. My harley benton may or may not be a good guitar - anyhow i like mine and it teached me how to solder, measure resistance, set low action, readjusting intonation etc. And since i changed my bridge pickup for a bare knuckle black hawk it sounds better than all the other guitars i got since i started playing (including my fender modern player telecaster with a tv jones humbucker in the bridge).
Speaking personally, I’m quite happy to set the action, intonation and truss rod, but fret levelling is a totally different ball game, you could ruin the frets to the point of needing a refret, which would cost more than the guitar, so personally I wouldn’t recommend starting to take metal off the frets unless you know what you’re doing - John is probably experienced/confident in doing it, but it does take skill acquired by (sometimes expensive) experience
Not really. Everybody can learn to refret a guitar. It really isn't rocket science. Now building an acoustic guitar from scratch, yes. That's really difficult. Thankfully Harley Benton don't usually have this problem anymore in 2022.
I bought two HB guitars. Both B-stock refurbished. Saved a few dollars and they seemed to have more time on the bench being set-up. Happy with both as they arrived-only changed the strings.
Great video John! Living in the USA I came late to Harley Benton. I have a number of high end guitars that truly inspire. I still love them. But honestly, I play my 2 Harley Bentons just as much today. Are they quite as good? No. But they're perfectly giggable and fun.
Good evening! I have a question, and I would like your opinion, with arguments. I just bought a Harley Benton bundle on a budget from Thomann and I expect it to arrive shortly (hopefully), should I be disappointed, given your remarks? I am not a professional guitarist, I did not even take classes. I am just an enthusiast, trying to play for my own amusement.
I LOVE HB guitars. The point of this video was to satirise the opinions of many people who declare they'd NEVER buy one for all the reasons outlined. If the reasons I state sound a bit weak... They are meant to 😄👍
I totally agree! Mind you, I ventured in getting a Vintage Brand tobacco burst L.P. type guitar which I STILL am playing!! The quality build and sound is just incredible! I have never played a Harley Benton guitar but would not hesitate at all in trying one out, as I have no problems what so ever in having a budget guitar... I can swear that the Vintage sounds better than the real deal!!! I was lucky, there were two of the same hanging in the store, tried one, Na... didn't sound or feel right, But the other one threw me for a loop!!!! Good thing I got to play it before buying, and I took 3-4hours of testing it, and the shop keeper was doubting my intentions of an actual purchase! When I finished, I remember saying, "damn thing feels like a third arm, the set up was a dream, and didn't come out of tune at after all after all that playing!! Sounds like a winner to me, I will take it with out a doubt", as he just smiled and said, you see that guy behind you, he's been waiting all this time, he's not a happy camper right now, as he really wanted it. Came here yesterday tried it loved it, but he didn't reserve or put money down. So I was lucky to get there 10minutes earlier before the other guitarist. I felt terrible, but... The feel, the sound, and the set-up is what's most important, in my humble opinion...not going to sound better because you paid more money in most cases, lol Damn thing just sounds and feels incredible really! I will give Harley Benton a shot though, thx great video :-)
Changed my comment to take off caps ! sorry guys, but I like my Harley benton got it for 200 buck I use it for a back up. good pick ups straight neck .. it plays well
Always good to hear you John, with your dry wit and no-nonsense, down-to-earth comments ... you are the kind of friend everybody should wish, on top of being a fine teacher/musician and generous, concerned human being... I've uncovered you my friend !!!
...The day you'll be auctioning one of your 335 type HB guitar (or else) I'll bid - That way, on top of taking part in a good deed, I'll get a professionally set-up instrument !!! ...if that isn't a smart purchase...
The surprising thing is that they feel good in your hands. Not like toy guitars. Or cheapish guitars in the eighties. And the necks are good too. You can set them up nice. They are just well-playing guitars. They don't just resemble guitars from afar. The finish on mine is not spectacular, and the pickups are usually not that great, but there are exceptions.
I don't really agree with your 'set up' reason. In this month, I bought two harley benton from thomann and the necks and the octaves of the guitars had perfectly setted up. My only task was to tune it and I could start to play. Maybe it changed positively, I don't know. I think this is really depends on the location you order your instrument cause of travelling.
Meh, my brand new Fender needed some setup too. Truss rod, intonation, action, trem... Isn't it common? I heard only top PRS guitars are perfectly set up out of the box.
I know it's a late reply, I have 2 HB guitars. One being the big tone, with the Bigsby. Paid less than half new price, so I would expect it to be worth what I paid. Took it to a guitarist I know, not a tech but an experienced guitarist. Changed string direction over the front roller ( the strings put a lot of pressure on the roller) changed strings to nickel. Simple changes, beautiful guitar to play. Only criticism I have with my HBs, The flying Vs cable output is in an uncomfortable place when sitting, not sure if it's possible to change that. My next guitar? Gonna be another HB.
"Budget conscious" could also apply to a Gibson Les Paul, compared to the arch tops or exotic (Citation) guitars that Gibson produce. People that turn their noses up at cheaper instruments are usually those with (very) limited talent, or ability.
Excellent video! I am a fan of budget guitars. People often to confuses "budget" with "bad". The only thing in common is that both words starts with a "B". Nothing else. I have had several budget guitars in my life. Currently I only ONE guitar and guess what, yeah, it's a budget one (a beautiful black Les Paul branded as "Strinberg") and it's a wonderful instrument; by the way too much better than an Epiphone G400 I owned in the past. I indeed have a lot of curiosity about Harley Bentons and I'll certainly will buy one the soonest I can!
Even branded guitars costing thousands often need a propper set up, as you clearly know. That guitar sat on your lap looks awesome what a finish on top. Which model is that please?
@@JRobsonGuitar Yeah wow! Just been checking them out they look crazy good for nowt really . Even of ypu had to throw some money on set up . Thanks for reply John.
I own several guitars, including Gibson & Fender, and I am glad I have them. I once owned an early 60's Fender Jazzmaster, but I sold it some years ago so we could remodel our kitchen. I have regretted selling that guitar ever since. I came across a video of someone playing the Harley Benton JA60, and it listed the Thomann wed address. I went onto the website, and placed an order for an olympic white JA60, with Roswell pickups. Like you said, when it arrived, I found it needed a little work. There were a couple of high frets, and the tuners were just ok. I leveled and polished the high frets, and replaced the tuners, While I was at it, I ordered a roller bridge to put on it. That is when I discovered what I believe is the worst issue I found. The holes for the bridge posts were drilled too big, and when the strings were off I could lift them out without any resistance. I used some of the gold shielding tape and cut some semi-circles to stick on the wall of the hole, and that worked to hold them in. But, I can't help believing that someone should have noticed they were just sitting inside the holes during the course of finishing the assembly. After completing everything, and putting new strings on it, I must say that the frets were installed almost perfectly so the guitar stays in pitch all over the neck, it tunes more true to pitch than my Gibson Les Paul. I really like the sound from the Roswell Jazzmaster style single coil pickups, and after my setup the string height is sweet, with no fret buzz. So, would I encourage anyone to buy a Harley Benton? I can only speak about the one I have, but if their other models are similar to mine, then yes, I would highly recommend buying one. Even if you spend another $100 getting a tech to set it up, and make some adjustments, I believe it is still a good buy.
John , talking about " to buy without trying " do you have any experience with Eastwood products? I can't find any store in Italy where this brand is exposed to the customers, i've read positive and negative comments ( junk, regret, trash, etc. ) , but what attracts me is the fact that they have mandolas, tenors and 4 strings baritone for left handed!! I would really appreciate your opinion. If you like to watch my tenor guitar ( hand made) ,you will see it ,i've made a short video ,Italian / English languages. Thanx a lot for your kind reply, Patrick from Italy
Great video! Jack Pearson is a good example of a great player that doesn’t gaf what the headstock says. If it resonates well, and you like the way it looks, who should care what brand. I’m more impressed with a great player than an expensive guitar. I find it even more exciting when a great player is playing a more affordable guitar, opposed to them playing the obvious expensive guitars. Again, great video and you’re a good dude.
I'm a touring musician that owns 3 Harley Benton guitars. I'm getting ready to buy my fourth one. Tunable and playable with some good looks is all I need.
Im gonna buy it i decided.. Should i buy? Harley benton te70 delux? I love distration lead solo with sweet delay.. It would be possible to play this type of things?
I don’t know how I feel about the concept of resale value. I sold a Les Paul classic three years ago for $850. That was the most I could get. The guitar cost $2000 brand new. I lost close to 60% on that. So I don’t know if Expensive guitars truly hold their value.
Bought the LP gold top P 90 model. Knew in advance I was going to upgrade it. Came with a broken 3 way switch ( Thoman wasn’t much help and didn’t want to wait 1-2 months for a replacement so I fixed it ). Needed a setup. A little bit of fret dressing. Changed the pickups and now it plays as good as my Epi les Paul. Resale ? Really That’s not something to consider lol
I'm a left handed player and the cheapest PRS SE that I can use is £700. The equivailent HB is just over £200. Is one really three and a half times better than the other one? Do they even come from different factories?
What new guitar comes out of the box set up perfectly ? My HB strat is gigged and I don't get stressed out always looking to see if someone's nicked it or knocked it over !
That's a bit of an issue for me as well. I've had really expensive guitars, but I'm clumsy as hell and they terrified me. It's why I like customising old stuff now. If it breaks I don't have to have a nervous breakdown, and most of my guitars come prescratched. I was in a Cash Converters the other day and it's really hard not to leave with a couple of guitars - Aria and a Squier, £60 each. Setup, polish, set of decent pickups and a fret dress and two great guitars. This, of course, is why I'm back up to 20+ guitars
Schecter, Kiesel, Ormsby, Mayones, Ibanez (over $1500 and if you are lucky), also, some retailers might setup the guitar when they get it (obviously just in the higher end)
i once received a J-bass purchased directly from fender that was fairly unplayable until i gave it a quick and dirty set up. is there any company that really sets guitars up before shipping them?
I’ve been saving for a line 6 catalyst, depending on what’s left over I might grab one of these. Cameron cooper done a video on a Harley Benton shred machine
My new $200 Ibanez guitar was ready to go straight from the box. Big GIO on the headstock doesn't bother me one bit. After import fees, it's almost better to shop local at least for me.good points though.
Can’t wait to purchase a Harley Benton Guitar!!!! 😎👍 Seriously...... I’ve been wanting one since I saw the Guitar Max review. This settled it! I’m gonna get one for sure now!!! Hope they can ship to Alaska 😲
I’m learning to play the guitar. I bought a Harley Benton acoustic. Some of the frets need to be levelled, and some work done on the action and intonation. The difference between the HB and something like a Martin or Gibson acoustic is that the HB is cheap and I’m not worried about attempting to do the work on the HB myself. Because it’s cheap, it’s a good purchase to learn both how to play, and learn how to fix and maintain your own guitars.
I'm 53 years young. I've been playing guitar for 108 years now. I ordered my first HB guitar last week. Every guitar that I currently own cost me less than $500.00 and I own 16 electric guitars. I've owned American made guitars from Fender, Jackson, Gibson. I sold all of them. It's NOT the brand OR the price that you should be buying a guitar. Its what FEELS GOOD to your HANDS. With that being said, you need to know about NECK SHAPES. That's THE MOST important thing that you need to know when buying a guitar. There's SEVERAL neck shapes. Find the shape THAT's MOST comfortable TO YOU. You can even buy a guitar body and put the NECK ON IT that you like. Next is the versatility of the guitar. A traditional telecaster has its own unique sound. Of course, changing the pickups completely changes the sound of a traditional telecaster. One of the most versatile guitars I own is a Washburn Parallaxe PS10. It has dual coil splitting Seymour Duncan humbuckers. Because its dual splitting, it can cover a WIDE RANGE OF MUSIC GENRES from rock. to country, to jazz, blues, metal, - all from one guitar. It's so good, I bought the PS20 neck thru model. A lot of people don't realize this, but Jimmy Paige of Led Zeppelin played the lead to "Stairway to Heaven" using a Telecaster guitar - not a Les Paul that he's famous for playing. After you've got right "feeling" neck shape, then you can concentrate on the SOUND of the guitar. Let's face it, playing a good sounding guitar that's difficult for you to play because of the neck's "feel" (shape) isn't going to be much fun, and it'll sit in the corner more than its played. But after you've discovered what neck shape is most comfortable to you, now you can move on to what you're actually going to be playing the most with the guitar. Country, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Polka - all of the above? Now you're getting into the area of what pickups you need. Then comes the amp and with amps, 1 watt of solid state is the same as 1 watt of tube. Don't any fool try to convince you otherwise. 1 watt is 1 watt. It's what you put that 1 watt through that makes the difference. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, HB guitars are a great quality instrument, but if you don't already know what you're looking for, always play a guitar before you buy it if you can.
Very good and informative video, and I agree with the points you make, I bought a HB TE52, very good guitar but if I had tried it before I bought it (one of your points) I would not have bought it as it weighed a ton!! as much as a Gibson Les Paul!! I managed to sell it OK as it was one of the last ones made in China (I believe they are now made in Vietnam and some people say they are not so good). I am thinking about getting one of their TE 20's, have you tried one? if so are they good and not too heavy? and have you done a video on one?
"They may think i'm a poor person!" Great line! I'm not quite convinced about your "immoral" argument (I kinda think a rip-off is a rip-off) but you definitely had me chuckling... Good video
@Greg: I think if Paul Reed Smith thought he was being ripped off I'm pretty sure he'd of said so by now don't you think! Just because something "looks" like something else doesn't automatically mean it's a copy, if that was the worldwide majority thinking we'd never move on would we & take modern computer designed cars for instance they all look pretty much the same so where are all the lawsuits about company X's car looking remarkably like company Y's car ?
As a guitar player i bought a used Harley Benton Bass for 60€ used with new strings and i am very happy with it for recording. It did need a proper setup. So bare that in mind.
Thats not really the same though, is it, as trying several guitars at a shop and finding the one just right for you... unless you want to ship back and forth several guitars
@@GroovingPict Well, either you're a beginner and you don't really need to try as you won't notice any real difference between St, TL or Sc or any other shape, either you know what you're looking for, have already figured it out by trying guitars from famous brands that you can't afford Plus the great return policy from thomann So well, here they go... (In my personnal case, I'd like a lefty LP junior, which is something I can't afford. They don't make them new, and a second hand model would trade for about 900€ where I live. Plus harley benton is planning on doing a model that closely resemble the original, with the lovely fat neck)
Earth to Lionel and the 27 other goofballs that upvoted lol - - - What part of the word _before_ eludes your comprehension? - - - The entire screen @0:42 reads: "you can't try *BEFORE* you buy' ....and then he *says it twice* for the benefit of the legally blind.
I like your videos John. HB has really stepped up their game and the recently released Harley Benton Fusion-II HSH Roasted FNT is just fantastic and came well packaged and pretty well setup. I absolutely LOVE this guitar! It has stainless frets which I chose to polish because there were a few that had some spots and now they are beautiful. It also had a couple of tiny black specks under the top finish but am I going to whine about any of that? Hell no! When you consider what you're getting for the money this model is beyond an amazing value. It plays great, looks great and sounds great. There is nothing about it that I feel the need to change. I recently purchased a Classic Vibe Squier and this guitar just blows it away and it even cost less! The unfinished flamed roasted maple neck is gorgeous and feels great and SO smooth. It's a joy to play on and is a modern C shape and not real skinny or thin (talking depth wise) like some have said about the previous model. It is actually a tiny bit thicker than my Squier. You probably shouldn't ever have to worry about fret sprout or worn frets with that neck. No crackling noise from the controls like on the Squier. You should consider getting one if you haven't already. I mean c'mon...roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, beautiful flamed maple top, Wilkinson trem, Graph Tech nut and STAGGERED LOCKING tuners for less than $400! Talk about bang for your buck! Great job on this model HB!
Really ? Just bought the same guitar (bangle amber). Awesome guitar for sure. The setup was perfect on mine. The only thing I’m going to do is replace the bridge pickup. Just ordered another one telecaster deluxe style.
I bought a Fender American that needed multiple adjustments. My most expensive guitar and it's the only one that the rocker rocked on out of the box. 2nd worst from factory tied were sub brands of the big 2. They were decent enough, a Squier CV and a Steinberger Spirit. The best set up out of the box have been my Chinese composite guitars. And my Japanese Fender. I don't have 50 or anything. I like working on them and learning about them almost as much as playing them. Not quite, but i cant stop thinking about one or the other. Some day Id like to build some myself and I'm slowly working towards it.
When I first saw that title from you I was like - "He likes HB so I wonder what this is about?" Does that title qualify as click bait from you? Thanks for your content!
Hi John... Quick question... Do you know of anyone local that sets up guitars other than guitar shop in Saltburn? I live in Brotton... I seem to be struggling to find anyone that does it these days 🤷🏻♂️🎸.. Cheers Dan
I know someone who owns 20 custom strats valued at $5000.00 each and only know 3 chords,I also know a guy who plays a cheap Squier and sounds like Hendrix
My SC-Custom II arrived all the way from Germany to the UK perfectly setup and in tune. I also have a HB Modern Bass that I am extremely happy with. Both look great and sound great. Both are fantastic value for money. I will be buying another. Unless you are a pro guitar player why spend all your money on Fender or a Gibson.
Hi John just got my HB gibson paradise flame through the door looking down the guitar from the top, the nut is wonky and when you turn the volume off you can hear the strings rub on the frets is that something that can be sorted, seems to me like it needs a little setup, ive not even played it yet its just arrived ill plug it in later i bet she growls but would be really great if i can make the playability as good as my other guitars. That i would have to have
I am a bass player and got very curious about the Harley Benton basses. I ordered a Enhanced MP-4EB in Lake Blue. I have an extensive collection of basses and the HB bass is loaded with great features only found on top knotch basses the only problem is the pickups and preamp that hold this bass back, but for the money it is a thing of beauty with amazing appointments. I will be modding the electrics which will cost more than the entire bass but after that it will be as good as any $2000 + dollar bass. I payed 270 pounds including shipping. And yes I did get some funny looks from the gear snobs when I played it out....hahahahahah
Spat me tea out laughing at about 2:45! I had just sent off for two HB basses when this popped up... If I feel soiled at any point I'll let everyone know.
I bought a left handed PB50 FR about a year ago. If Squier did a lefty style early style precision I would probably have bought one instead. The quality I got for £95 new is ridiculous. I had the headstock reshaped to the skinny fender headstock shape, replaced the pots (I've yet to receive a lefty guitar with reverse audio pots from the factory) and output jack and a proper setup for an extra £80. I love this bass. The next cheapest lefty early style precision bass is a schecter in the £700 region. After that it's fender custom shop territory. The red finish on the body is flawless, the neck is solid with frets smooth and level. The bridge, nut and tuners are actually decent and the pickup is excellent. I'm not sure how they do it. My advice is whenever you buy a guitar to factor in the price of a professional setup. The chap doing the setup did identify a couple of minor issues that he resolved. In fact he bought one himself.
Awesome video! I personally can't wait for my Harley Benton Custom Active VB to arrive. I've ALWAYS had to custom set up my guitars because I play in chunky drop tunings with mammoth strings. I never get an accurate assessment from having a jam in guitar shops because of this. I've also never owned a guitar more expensive than my Vintage V100, but it has turned a producers head more than once in a studio and that's the best feeling of all! I'll never bow to the snobs, if Joe Satriani can shred a catelogue starters guitar then I can manage 4 power chords and some chugging on a £200 "Budget conscious" guitar that some how has grover tuners and active pickups!
It's a good brand to start on, or just stay with if you don't want to pay to play a big bucks guitar. The only bad guitar is the one that isn't played. Salud.
Exactly. Well put Mr 👏
Very good point!
Testifyyyyy
Doolie Ainsworth excellent mindset, sir!!
Agree with these other fine folks. I couldn't have said it better
I like how the title is 5 reasons not to buy a Harley Benton but the not so subtle undercurrent is just "get over yourself and consider buying one" haha. I approve of this sentiment 👍
Cheers... A few people missed that point 😀
Hahaha! Its basically an ingenius sales talk. Spot-on all 5 points and totally agree.
@@JRobsonGuitar I got it. Good vid, friend.
I like the terms budget friendly or inexpensive as opposed to cheap.😀
Bought one: TOTAL POS ! VERY expensive at 170€. The guitars these guys rave about, just couldn't be that much better. I suspect they get carefully selected and tuned specimens.
Whats immoral is Fender and Gibson charging what they do for guitars now!!!
Johnny rowland good point. i bought a jazz bass from thomann and i swear its was out of the same factory as squire
They do it because they can
They change it because pay it.
Especially Gibson, they just had the bankruptcy, the quality of them has really gone down for a long time, yet the prices have gone way up every year for a while.
agreed, n China pumps out more than usa on fender, Gibson's shit the bed, I wouldn't own a Gibson 68" down...n nowadays untouchable &?$$$$$ haha. I play,play n play as much as I can since 12-13 yrs old pushing 60yrs, I got a Harley Benton,**it showed up in the states in timely manner, n then I saw I got a dud out the box,tail piece studs,way big,studs up pulled,bridge same,***I took photos n sentbto thomman asking I got a second???** so they refunded my money n said keep item***is a sc450 bk(black lp copy w aged binding(kinda bone color n creme pickup rings ,guard,well*** I installed mini Humbucker s, redid holes proper for tail piece n bridge,leveled few frets at closest to body, put some mini bean Schaller tuners,made a bone nut soaked in coffee grounds for weeks n set up, this thing will shred n play hvy rock to blues to country twang,warm jazz,punk, all or about $128$ us dollars n boring winter time few hours passed I get ton compliments in the tone n.looks of this guitar, plus I know how to play in.my own style so snobbery is just that,when I piss on there $4000 guitars the snobbery turns to jealousy n I can make good old cheap guitars sound good,but I like your comments makes much sense, if ya have $ to piss get a vintage ***you can play in person,i know my headstock won't fly off on this HB n if stolen one of akind gone but only $128, of it not $4000,i sold all my vintage cause thieves n worrying about them,i like to grab play,nick n chip it,ect no worries n sure sounds splendid n huge, it says lemon wood???sure solid n very resonate un amped.....good honest advice..the sc450 is a good line for a platform to fiddle w for xlt guitar for about $200 if handy w guitars...can't go wrong that way.. thanks for your input...I really like the mini Humbucker s in mine(I made adapter plates)..I can't touch a 70,s Lp w minis for cheap ,n this sounds just as well, joined proved me wrong yet,all failed the blind test on my set up, all go damn I'm gonna get one...there ya go....hope this helps as well...mine weighs 8 lbs not boat anchor or featherweight n full orig lespauls thickness of like 2" I believe...
I'm glad you touched on the "issue" of branding. I've been playing for over 35 years and have a decent-sized collection (just over 20 electric guitars) of many styles and price points. I've never been one to worry that much about having the most expensive or newest thing out there but I can say, from personal experience, that your face is the best gauge of whether a guitar is quality or not. If playing it makes you smile uncontrollably then it's a quality instrument. I have an LTD EC-256P (Les Paul style) that I picked up for $200 and that guitar plays, sounds and makes me feel better than the "actual" Gibson Les Paul that cost me nearly $5,000. Trust your smile and you can't go wrong. Great post. Cheers.
I have a Kay that Luthiers laugh at when they see the logo. but they always wind up saying "This is one of the nicest guitars I have played"
I love mt HB's.Espescially my Tele V series..Got it with a TKL case for $120 on marketplace. The guitar is brand new..Plays great stock.
Well said.
5 more reasons to buy Harley Benton Guitars
I'm common as muck, me. I have no issue with buying low-cost guitars if they're decent and sound good.
Justin Fisher not to mention if you wanted to you can always upgrade electronics, bridge et. I have a strat copy I paid $45 for. It's beautiful. And I am upgrading everything. So for around$200 I have a gorgeous strat. It's unbranded, but it's a strat
@@mikeyboyrocks123 enjoy your strat copy.
Harry S. I do very much!! I definitely would find it comparable to any of my American strats or any of my Gibson 335's. It's gorgeous
@@mikeyboyrocks123 that's fine and I'm glad you enjoy it. I have a telecaster which is a custom copy and I'm happy with it. The 335 Gibson is a true blues monster.!!
Harry S. I agree!! Love my 335's
I kinda enjoy buying a dirt cheap guitar and making it Play and sound great, upgrading pickups over time, polishing and leveling frets, all that jazz. It makes that guitar more of a personal tool to me
agree
@@StankoAx Likewise.
Yeah, I lie to myself too.
actually harley benton are good out of the box
but you can make it a high end guitar
BBL97 Bl yea I need to stop watching videos of dudes building kit guitars. Looks fun as hell
I own 2 HBs and love them. I’m old enough to remember when the only affordable guitars for British kids with little money way back were unspeakable planks made by brands like Kay and Satellite that you’d order from your mum’s Freeman’s catalogue. We’ve come a long way for decent budget guitars since those dark days!
I’m cheap and poor. Dirty too.
*bites lip*
Also was Kurt...
Welcome to the club!
Harley Benton’s are dirty and immoral?
I’ll take two
Random Dude I’ll double that
Right! lol
Not unlike some of my favorite gals 😄
Aren’t we all in varying degrees?
UNDER CAPITALISM ALL IS INMORAL, I'M NOT DEFENDING COMMUNISM BTW
Gibson have done Fender-like guitars, Fender have done Gibson style guitars, PRS has copied both.
Harley Benton shouldn't excluded. A great brand.
If I see someone playing one I usually assume that they are smart and prefer a good instrument that has no ego over a shitty made one with a good brand that blinds the idiots to the faults (I'm looking at YOU, Gibson)
Play with your hands and ears. not your ego
EDIT: A word of warning about getting a cheap guitar to experiment on... I tried that with a Squier Affinity Tele. It's now my No.1 guitar,
wesmatron Someone once told me, a bad note on a $1000.00 guitar, is still a bad note.
Lol...you are absolutely right! This happened to me with a 80 € fleamarket Squire Strat 😊 I love it not an inch less than my 2000 € Gibsons and Fenders!
wesmatron I was at my local big chain music store today and tried a Les Paul Tribute. The fret ends were sharp and I personally wouldn’t pay $1100 for it just because it says “Gibson” on it. I’ve got an HB SC550 on the way from Germany. Just got an alert that it’s made it here to the United States.
You can buy a gibson scale and radius neck from the fender custom shop...
Agreed re: Squier affinty teles. I have one and it’s my favourite.
Surely, if playing a Harley Benton will make me feel dirty ........... that's a bloody good reason for me to buy one, eh? Pass the whipped cream John!!!
Whippit!!!!
Whippit ..... good!
Why will I avoid a 7 string with emgs for $250
@@manbird2184 Dunno ........ I give in ...... tell me.
@@stuarthossack7906 I didn't give it . I'm a broke child
The snobbery part was spot on. I have never played harly benton But I have a lot of experience with cheap guitars and if a guitar is cheap it’s considered a knockoff but if a guitar is expensive it’s considered boutique.
They are both copies, and both are ok as long as they are not trying to pass themselves off as another brand (which is not a copy at all, but a forgery).
I ordered a HB-35 vintage on a whim and am blown away. The body and finish were near perfect. The intonation was good. The neck set up not so much. The neck was straight but without enough relief, some sharp fret ends, a couple of high frets, and to high of action. I addressed all of the set up issues and now this guitar plays and sounds great.
Reason #6 Once you have one HB you'll buy another one, then another one ..
‘...or a Gibson!’ Well played sir, spat my coffee everywhere!
Indeed! Almost pissed myself laughing too🤣
I can't try before I buy, because I'm a lefty. And guitar stores only have a dusty Jaguar in a store cupboard specially for people like me.
So yeh, rightys, welcome to my world.
I’m a lefty who plays righty, don’t think I could handle only having two guitars in a shop that you can play
jacko717 play right then
Buy an SG or Flying V style, they work both ways :)
way to go Jacko717! I have a Lefty HB Sc450 and never planned it before buying and love it.Around $150.00
The guitar was invented by a left handed person. Us right handers had to learn to make chords with our left. Fun Fact. Look it up
The only guitar that sounds good is a practiced one. A student of mine, who has been playing a few months, sports a Gibson les paul standard - not cheap. However, he is still learning and the Gibson brand doesn't make him any better than if he used an affordable one. This is not to say that good craftsmanship doesn't help regarding feel, weight, ergonomics etc but a branded guitar isn't imperative nor is it a shortcut to practiced success. HB's are a great avenue to go down in my opinion and would recommend over a Gibson any day. Set it up, play it and enjoy it.
Weird question but do you judge new guitar students if they buy an expensive guitar even tho they’re really new to playing?
@@AmperahGaming not at all and for the same reasons why it wouldn't matter if someone's first car was a Lamborghini; more power to you! I do think though that there's an expectation, not just in new players, that an expensive guitar is the answer. A well set-up guitar is a more affordable starting point.
Agreed 100%.
Although i also gotta add that, for some people, knowing that you are playing the same exact guitar as X artist you love, can inspire you and make you wanna practice more.
At least, that's one of the main reasons why i wanna get an actual Fender (albeit, a mexican one).
After seeing this I just ordered a Harley Benton Gold Top Les Paul with PAFs. I am having it shipped to India so will see how much import duty is charged & how they pack it. Am Vlogging the process for my show - Guitar Gear Gyan which is the the 1st English Guitar Gear Show in India. Love your videos and insight.
Re-sale value is a concern for any brand and Harley Benton do not fare as badly as one might think, precisely because they are cheap to start with. Statistics taken from German ebay on over 100 sales last year showed that people would pay 74% of their new price on average for a Harley Benton, which is more than what they spend for a Squier or an Ibanez.
I wouldn't say Harley Benton guitar's are cheap but inexpensive.
Insane value for the money. I bought ten HB's last fall, and am thinking of buying a D-120CE and a 3/4 Nylon guitar now. Though, "Harley Benton" is the worst brand name ever! xP
@@SmugSuspenders right harley benton is à shitty brand for you i recomend To Not buy an harley benton but à ibanez it will be better for the same price
70% of the time they work every time
Mark SD affordable is even better.
£116 for a 8 string is very cheap.
Fret-leveling is NOT something the usual electric guitar player, however, the other setup details, like intonation and truss rod adjustment are skills for the musicians. So, if they need fret leveling, you should consider that as a buyer.
Some people are snobby about guitars and gear. I have a PRS SE and some people don't consider that a 'proper' PRS as it isn't a fancy £5K wood library model! I might do some upgrades to it at some point to maximise my investment, but I'm pretty happy with it, and yes, it played perfectly out of the box. I like to play before I buy, but I bought the PRS when we were all in full on Covid lock down so it wasn't possible and the store had a very nice returns policy so I wasn't concerned.
The quality of lower priced instruments these days is pretty amazing. Two of my newest students both bought Squires, one bought a strat and another a tele and they are brilliant guitars for the money. Cheap gear used to be expensive firewood a couple of decades ago, now you can have a brilliant entry level guitar and amp for well under £300! OK the resale value won't be much, but as long as you have the space to keep them you might as well hang onto them or give them to someone.
I like tube amps, but you can buy (and I own) a Roland Micro Cube that I actually use more than my Marshall + Blackstar + Vox fancy pants stuff. Blackstar, Roland, Yamaha, Harley Benton, Squire. New guitarists have never had it so good!
Quite honestly the set up out the box unless you bought a guitar at the shop or second hand is very likely not going to be set up right anyway. It may have been sitting in a warehouse somewhere for months and may have been shipped from a different climate. This is something common from Harley Benton to a custom hand crafted multi thousand pound guitar. It should be in the ball park so to speak and the frets should be leveled properly at higher price ranges though.
Agreed - I've never bought a new Gibson (2 les Pauls & 1 CS339 over the years) and two MusicMan Silhouettes that didn't require nothing less than a fret level and crowning, truss rod adjustment and rolling of the fretboard edges, tp play "right" for ME. I have, in the past, changed tuners and pickups on those too, and changed the p/us again!! I haven't played an Epiphone that couldn't be classed as a very close second or equal apart from finish and materials used. I now lust after a CST24. I started playing on a Columbus Les Paul Custom bolt on neck, single coil "humbucker" finger grater, which was not cheap at the time, oh and a Hohner Club (no truss rod and one big screw holding the neck on) - I used to lust after Audition guitars in Woolworths - these Harley Bentons are an effing no brainer for a beginner or experienced guitarist alike, they would have been dream guitars for me - folks spoiled for choice these days? and then finding things to whinge about? I never said that!!! I have seen many a crap guitarist with "all the gear" and quite a few great guitarists with rubbish stuff - Scott Gorham auditioned for TL with a copy Les Paul, and a lesser known guitarist Robin George (nee Sidebotham) who coincidentally was to play with TL just before Phill Lynott died - I have played two of Robin's "custom" bitsa guitars (Shergold/Hayman necks??) in the early 80s, awful to look at by today's standards and I couldn't get on with them, but he played like a demon.
"they get the job done " . Exactly right - as any real guitarist knows it's their skills that produces great music not the brand on the headstock. I have an expensive brand guitar but can play it no better and get no better results than all of my "cheapos" . Fact is that there are loads of great value low cost guitars around these days compared to when I started playing in the 1970's .
I play a squier pretty good. Actually, I play guitar pretty good. I have a $1,800 PRS and a $200 squier. I feel the difference...I hear the difference...
@@xzysyndrome Then Mod the squier. If it's not 'worth it' why bother with the comment?
My son wanted a bass guitar for Christmas and he's been used to playing his music teacher's really nice older Fender P-bass. I know I couldn't afford one of those as well as an amp for him, so I found a Harley Benton JB-75 jazz bass and he absolutely loves that guitar, more so than one of the Yamaha bass guitars he's played before. Like I told him, work on learning, getting technique, etc. and he's had a blast with it since he got it.
There's a HB Fusion II - HSH coming my way from Germany. It's a bit more expensive than that one, what I like about Thomann is they listen to criticism and implement the necessary modifications. The trip from Germany to Australia is long and perilous, I hope it arrives in one piece.
can you please do a long term ownership, of a harley benton and any problems that have cropped up.are they still good after a few years.thanks for all the tips on your channel.
Great idea about long term view of the guitars. Consider it on the list of upcoming topics. Cheers 👍
I have found a bit of movement in the necks of my two HBs. My ST-70 BP settled down in about three months; my CST-24HB is still settling after over six months. It does make me a bit concerned for the long term
Update to my previous comment. My Fusion-II has arrived from Germany to Australia, in one piece despite DHL.
My initial impression was: "It's bloody beautiful".
After having spent the best part of 3 minutes to set it up, I played it, and played it, and played it....... you know what I mean. No adjustment needed, no intonation needed, it was even in tune out of the box.
I mean, Matched headstock, great staggered locking tuners, canadian maple neck (gloss finish fretboard, satin neck, jumbo stainless steel 24 frets) mahogany body, HSH config, Roswell AlnicoV, coil split, Wilkinson tremolo bridge, beautiful flame maple veneer top, natural wood binding, great tones, lots of combinations.
Also, impeccable finish, no blemish, no flaws. I mean, nothing at all. Attention to details and QC 10/10.
It's not Chinese. It's made in Indonesia.
Now, all this for € 253, or £ 226, or US$ 274, or in my case AU$ 404.
Is it a cheap guitar, or inexpensive? This is the best value for money EVER imho. No need to look anywhere else.
If I lived near it, I’d have tonnes of gear but I’d be homeless....
@@teeniemcnee true. Im living in germany and my wallet is literally burning up lol
I have three HB guitars, and I love mine. I have learned about setting up a guitar, dressing fret ends, and general maintenance, and enjoy the process immensely. These guitars allow someone like me (relatively poor) to have a guitar collection and enjoy the variety I have to play on. And like you, I won't be selling them, so I have no reason to not buy them. I don't think the company does anything wrong, and produce perfectly usable and pleasing instruments for us financially challenged guitar lovers.
i was expecting you to say - "because you cant have just one, always buy anther model" - ha ha
I got a 'brand name' electric guitar a few years ago.
This was going to be my move from acoustic.
Plugging it in, it sounded horrible.
I began to doubt my talent, thinking it was amplifying my bad playing.
Looking closer, there was absolutely no setup done on this electric.
All the intonations were level and in the middle.
The truss rod was so loose I could spin the wrench with my finger.
Having talked to several techs, the best answer I got was where to find the setup online, and try it myself.
I always had mixed feelings about this experience - bummed that it came to me in that state (if I was that 15 year old that first starting playing, I probably would have thought it was me that couldn't stay in tune, and given up), bummed that most manufactures don't guarantee setup.
As you stated, what a better place to learn - I suggest this to all new players with entry level guitars - try to set it up yourself - you'll learn a lot in the process.
I sure did, and would recommend every player learn at least the basics of setup.
So I don't count that as a negative.
Your other points all border on 'snobbery', so I hear you essentially telling me I should probably have at least one HB in my inventory?
Legend tells of a legendary guitar brand who's low cost was the stuff of legend!
Question - Purchase $2000 American Stratocaster?
OR
1 HB Telecaster
1 HB Strat
1 HB 335
1 HB PRS
1 HB Les Paul
1 HB Ibanez
6 Different guitars or 1?
I'll take 6 please.
First!!!!! I bought a sc custom b stock with roswell p90s a few months back. Fit and finish were flawless I just stared at it and caressed the curves for a good bit. 50 bucks on set up later the thing is wonderful and compares favorably to an epiphone standard. The tech was even impressed by the pups. I love the thing, you can't knock it out of tune with a hammer, the neck feels really nice after treatment. I'm agonizing, because I am poor and 250$ is a lot for me to lose on a bad instrument, over getting the cst 24.
I've never played a bad CST 24. A good modding platform & with a few upgrades (you might need to swap the tuners for some Vansons for example) you'll have something that's on a par with a PRS SE. Don't forget if you get a defective one, Thomann will pay for the return shipping.
I have the CST-24T that John reviewed on his channel with the Roswell pickups, flawless instrument, nothing to dislike and came almost perfectly set up, joint favourite guitar in my collection.
Do your own setups and save yourself the 50 bucks
"Don't buy a Harley Benton... Or a Gibson." 😂😂😂
MobileDecay, so true, when it comes to a set up! My experience is most new Gibsons are sent to stores with poor to no set up.
😂😂😂 Gibson! Why do people spend that sort of cash. Time and again on UA-cam people are having problems with them.They should! work out of the box for that money.Oh well To each his own.
@@donlunn792 I am interested in the Carvin/Kiesel CS series as an affordable and high quality alternative to the Gibson LP.
@@nealixd.3011 I have two Kiesels... amazing for the price
@@beefnacos6258 thanks. I'm thinking about a CS624 at this point.
I've recently brought two Harley Bentons and very impressed with what you get for the money and extremely playable right out the box really happy with them. I've been playing for dare I say 30+ years a well made guitar for the money.
My experience exactly I have a DC60 Junior in Pelham blue and an SC Custom ll, both played brilliantly out of the box and the quality is amazing for the prices. Wilkinson/WSC/Grover hardware, great fit and finish. Both are keepers
They improved quite a lot since this video was done.
I truthfully don't care about the name on the headstock. I care about playability, tone, and how much I enjoy the instrument. If it's comfortable to play (or can be made so), stays in tune relatively well, and has a tone I'm looking for, then I'm good. I've come across Gibsons that were absolutely horrible, and early 80's Harmony or Kay guitars that were buttery smooth. As long as it's set up well, then it's good, and if one of these can get me a similar tone and feel to a PRS at a fraction of the cost, I'm good with that.
but you want to TRY it first - yes???
@@billydotleeds If the reviews are good, I can at least hear some sort of tone sample from an example of one, and the price is right, I'm willing to take a leap of faith. Which I did. I've been the proud owner of a Harley Benton CST-24T for almost a year, bought sight unseen, and after a few adjustments (saddle height, truss rod, intonation), I genuinely couldn't be happier with it. It's become my current favorite.
I once played in a band whose bassist was exactly one of those people who think "cheap = rubbish" and used to make fun of me because I played some songs with my cheap Strat copy (which I love nonetheless) instead of my actual American Standard Strat... The fact that the copy had a humbucker bridge pick-up and I wanted a humbucking sound for those songs wasn't enough for him to leave me alone, I should have played single coil anyway because of the brand and the value, no metter what. One reason why I don't play in bands anymore is that I don't want to waste my time and patience with such mythomaniacs. The people who you describe in point 2 and 3 want everyone to play with high-end instruments even though you play once in a month in small venues in front of twenty people for a paltry compensation, no matter if you'll never be able to make up your investments. They can go their own way.
You let the person who plays bass to make fun of you? Well that is just your fault hahaha
Well, you're right because at the beginning I just let it go, but after some time still he wouldn't stop so I told him I had enough :)
Hello John, thanks for your video. What about the hardware ..for example, do the machines keep the strings in tune, does the bridge have a lot of slack, are the frets made of a cheaper metal that wear quickly if one bends strings alot...etc..zou mentioned that if you ubgrade..then is it really worth it since one will probably paz much higher total price for the upgraded components than if one buys a new guitar that contains those better components in the first place..I bought one used harley benton,with a beautiful flame maple cap..i didnt like the paint color however and tried to sand down the stain..i burned through the cap that was only one milimeter thick..so i ended up having to paint it a solid color which added to the cheapness of the guitar..
another question..how do the necks hold up..is the wood properly cured..or does each instrument need to have the frets filed after a year or two of acclimation to the humidity level of the area where the guitar is kept
@@mikkosutube I often hear that question "isn't it just as expensive once you've factored in the upgrades?" The answer is no, it's not. My CST24 needed new tuners (less than £20), a new bridge (around £30) and I replaced to rather hot A5 pups with some A2 magnet versions (less than £40). If you can find good quality hardware at reasonable prices (Vanson, Wilkinson, Iron Gear etc) it's still MUCH cheaper than a PRS SE or similar. As for the stability of the timber, it's on a par with any other import guitar (Epiphone/PRS SE/LTD etc.) I've had the CST 24 a couple of years now & it's not needed any fret work or drastic truss rod adjustment.
Recently bought my first Harley Benton a B grade Fusion 2 Pro. I love the playability and the range of sounds. It came ready to play straight out of the box. Where as the Gibson SG I bought I am constantly fettling to suit me. My favourite guitars are a Squier Strat that I had to do a lot of work on, but well worth it. A Squier Telecaster CV which was perfect straight away and a Washburn HB 35 which had the highest action I have ever had on a guitar but now sorted and plays great. Hopefully it won't be my last Harley as they have a great range available, but storage space is at a premium. Love your videos, Thank you.
6:30 is how i learned how to repair almost any guitar issue myself. My harley benton may or may not be a good guitar - anyhow i like mine and it teached me how to solder, measure resistance, set low action, readjusting intonation etc. And since i changed my bridge pickup for a bare knuckle black hawk it sounds better than all the other guitars i got since i started playing (including my fender modern player telecaster with a tv jones humbucker in the bridge).
Speaking personally, I’m quite happy to set the action, intonation and truss rod, but fret levelling is a totally different ball game, you could ruin the frets to the point of needing a refret, which would cost more than the guitar, so personally I wouldn’t recommend starting to take metal off the frets unless you know what you’re doing - John is probably experienced/confident in doing it, but it does take skill acquired by (sometimes expensive) experience
Not really. Everybody can learn to refret a guitar. It really isn't rocket science. Now building an acoustic guitar from scratch, yes. That's really difficult.
Thankfully Harley Benton don't usually have this problem anymore in 2022.
I bought two HB guitars. Both B-stock refurbished. Saved a few dollars and they seemed to have more time on the bench being set-up. Happy with both as they arrived-only changed the strings.
Great video John! Living in the USA I came late to Harley Benton. I have a number of high end guitars that truly inspire. I still love them. But honestly, I play my 2 Harley Bentons just as much today. Are they quite as good? No. But they're perfectly giggable and fun.
Good evening! I have a question, and I would like your opinion, with arguments. I just bought a Harley Benton bundle on a budget from Thomann and I expect it to arrive shortly (hopefully), should I be disappointed, given your remarks? I am not a professional guitarist, I did not even take classes. I am just an enthusiast, trying to play for my own amusement.
I LOVE HB guitars. The point of this video was to satirise the opinions of many people who declare they'd NEVER buy one for all the reasons outlined. If the reasons I state sound a bit weak... They are meant to 😄👍
I’m down with any guitar that cuts the gig, at any price.
I totally agree! Mind you, I ventured in getting a Vintage Brand tobacco burst L.P. type guitar which I STILL am playing!! The quality build and sound is just incredible! I have never played a Harley Benton guitar but would not hesitate at all in trying one out, as I have no problems what so ever in having a budget guitar... I can swear that the Vintage sounds better than the real deal!!! I was lucky, there were two of the same hanging in the store, tried one, Na... didn't sound or feel right, But the other one threw me for a loop!!!! Good thing I got to play it before buying, and I took 3-4hours of testing it, and the shop keeper was doubting my intentions of an actual purchase! When I finished, I remember saying, "damn thing feels like a third arm, the set up was a dream, and didn't come out of tune at after all after all that playing!! Sounds like a winner to me, I will take it with out a doubt", as he just smiled and said, you see that guy behind you, he's been waiting all this time, he's not a happy camper right now, as he really wanted it. Came here yesterday tried it loved it, but he didn't reserve or put money down. So I was lucky to get there 10minutes earlier before the other guitarist. I felt terrible, but...
The feel, the sound, and the set-up is what's most important, in my humble opinion...not going to sound better because you paid more money in most cases, lol
Damn thing just sounds and feels incredible really!
I will give Harley Benton a shot though, thx great video :-)
True that Vintage brand makes top notch gear I have a PGLP pretty nice but a little heavy but not bad
Changed my comment to take off caps ! sorry guys, but I like my Harley benton got it for 200 buck I use it for a back up. good pick ups straight neck .. it plays well
hey calm down, you don't have to scream like that
which Harley benton do you have?
@@nimamoradi6857 Pro series bought for 240 bucks its one my main gigging guitar but will be changing the pups soon.
Dad you left the caps lock on again
@@GargeBarge 🤣. my bad
Always good to hear you John, with your dry wit and no-nonsense, down-to-earth comments ... you are the kind of friend everybody should wish, on top of being a fine teacher/musician and generous, concerned human being... I've uncovered you my friend !!!
...The day you'll be auctioning one of your 335 type HB guitar (or else) I'll bid - That way, on top of taking part in a good deed, I'll get a professionally set-up instrument !!! ...if that isn't a smart purchase...
I have not played a HB as yet, but if they provide value for money, that has to be a good thing in my book.
The surprising thing is that they feel good in your hands. Not like toy guitars. Or cheapish guitars in the eighties. And the necks are good too. You can set them up nice. They are just well-playing guitars. They don't just resemble guitars from afar. The finish on mine is not spectacular, and the pickups are usually not that great, but there are exceptions.
I don't really agree with your 'set up' reason. In this month, I bought two harley benton from thomann and the necks and the octaves of the guitars had perfectly setted up. My only task was to tune it and I could start to play. Maybe it changed positively, I don't know. I think this is really depends on the location you order your instrument cause of travelling.
Meh, my brand new Fender needed some setup too. Truss rod, intonation, action, trem... Isn't it common? I heard only top PRS guitars are perfectly set up out of the box.
I've never bought a guitar (new or used) that didnt need set up. That's what made me learn to do all of my own work.
Sweetwater setup all of their guitars before they send them.
@@ianwirtz6512 that's good to know in the future. That's one company I havent bought a guitar from.
I know it's a late reply, I have 2 HB guitars. One being the big tone, with the Bigsby. Paid less than half new price, so I would expect it to be worth what I paid. Took it to a guitarist I know, not a tech but an experienced guitarist. Changed string direction over the front roller ( the strings put a lot of pressure on the roller) changed strings to nickel. Simple changes, beautiful guitar to play. Only criticism I have with my HBs, The flying Vs cable output is in an uncomfortable place when sitting, not sure if it's possible to change that. My next guitar? Gonna be another HB.
"Budget conscious" could also apply to a Gibson Les Paul, compared to the arch tops or exotic (Citation) guitars that Gibson produce.
People that turn their noses up at cheaper instruments are usually those with (very) limited talent, or ability.
This 👍
Exactly!
Thank you
Excellent video! I am a fan of budget guitars. People often to confuses "budget" with "bad". The only thing in common is that both words starts with a "B". Nothing else. I have had several budget guitars in my life. Currently I only ONE guitar and guess what, yeah, it's a budget one (a beautiful black Les Paul branded as "Strinberg") and it's a wonderful instrument; by the way too much better than an Epiphone G400 I owned in the past. I indeed have a lot of curiosity about Harley Bentons and I'll certainly will buy one the soonest I can!
I'll buy some HB Tele and put seymour duncan on the bridge. It'll be a lot of fun.
Even branded guitars costing thousands often need a propper set up, as you clearly know. That guitar sat on your lap looks awesome what a finish on top. Which model is that please?
I think it was the CST24 I had in that video 👍
@@JRobsonGuitar Yeah wow! Just been checking them out they look crazy good for nowt really . Even of ypu had to throw some money on set up . Thanks for reply John.
I own several guitars, including Gibson & Fender, and I am glad I have them. I once owned an early 60's Fender Jazzmaster, but I sold it some years ago so we could remodel our kitchen. I have regretted selling that guitar ever since. I came across a video of someone playing the Harley Benton JA60, and it listed the Thomann wed address. I went onto the website, and placed an order for an olympic white JA60, with Roswell pickups. Like you said, when it arrived, I found it needed a little work. There were a couple of high frets, and the tuners were just ok. I leveled and polished the high frets, and replaced the tuners, While I was at it, I ordered a roller bridge to put on it. That is when I discovered what I believe is the worst issue I found. The holes for the bridge posts were drilled too big, and when the strings were off I could lift them out without any resistance. I used some of the gold shielding tape and cut some semi-circles to stick on the wall of the hole, and that worked to hold them in. But, I can't help believing that someone should have noticed they were just sitting inside the holes during the course of finishing the assembly. After completing everything, and putting new strings on it, I must say that the frets were installed almost perfectly so the guitar stays in pitch all over the neck, it tunes more true to pitch than my Gibson Les Paul. I really like the sound from the Roswell Jazzmaster style single coil pickups, and after my setup the string height is sweet, with no fret buzz. So, would I encourage anyone to buy a Harley Benton? I can only speak about the one I have, but if their other models are similar to mine, then yes, I would highly recommend buying one. Even if you spend another $100 getting a tech to set it up, and make some adjustments, I believe it is still a good buy.
John , talking about " to buy without trying " do you have any experience with Eastwood products? I can't find any store in Italy where this brand is exposed to the customers, i've read positive and negative comments ( junk, regret, trash, etc. ) , but what attracts me is the fact that they have mandolas, tenors and 4 strings baritone for left handed!! I would really appreciate your opinion. If you like to watch my tenor guitar ( hand made) ,you will see it ,i've made a short video ,Italian / English languages. Thanx a lot for your kind reply, Patrick from Italy
Great video! Jack Pearson is a good example of a great player that doesn’t gaf what the headstock says. If it resonates well, and you like the way it looks, who should care what brand. I’m more impressed with a great player than an expensive guitar. I find it even more exciting when a great player is playing a more affordable guitar, opposed to them playing the obvious expensive guitars. Again, great video and you’re a good dude.
I'm a touring musician that owns 3 Harley Benton guitars. I'm getting ready to buy my fourth one. Tunable and playable with some good looks is all I need.
Im looking for something for my wife and I to learn on.we dont care what anybody thinks.
Thomann just shipped out order. My wife's left hand sc400 and my hb pro 55 5 string banjo
Im gonna buy it i decided.. Should i buy? Harley benton te70 delux? I love distration lead solo with sweet delay.. It would be possible to play this type of things?
I don’t know how I feel about the concept of resale value. I sold a Les Paul classic three years ago for $850. That was the most I could get. The guitar cost $2000 brand new. I lost close to 60% on that. So I don’t know if Expensive guitars truly hold their value.
What is that beautiful coral pink tele behind? It looks amazing.
Bought the LP gold top P 90 model. Knew in advance I was going to upgrade it. Came with a broken 3 way switch ( Thoman wasn’t much help and didn’t want to wait 1-2 months for a replacement so I fixed it ). Needed a setup. A little bit of fret dressing. Changed the pickups and now it plays as good as my Epi les Paul.
Resale ? Really That’s not something to consider lol
I'm a left handed player and the cheapest PRS SE that I can use is £700. The equivailent HB is just over £200. Is one really three and a half times better than the other one? Do they even come from different factories?
What new guitar comes out of the box set up perfectly ? My HB strat is gigged and I don't get stressed out always looking to see if someone's nicked it or knocked it over !
That's a bit of an issue for me as well. I've had really expensive guitars, but I'm clumsy as hell and they terrified me. It's why I like customising old stuff now. If it breaks I don't have to have a nervous breakdown, and most of my guitars come prescratched. I was in a Cash Converters the other day and it's really hard not to leave with a couple of guitars - Aria and a Squier, £60 each. Setup, polish, set of decent pickups and a fret dress and two great guitars. This, of course, is why I'm back up to 20+ guitars
Schecter, Kiesel, Ormsby, Mayones, Ibanez (over $1500 and if you are lucky), also, some retailers might setup the guitar when they get it (obviously just in the higher end)
i once received a J-bass purchased directly from fender that was fairly unplayable until i gave it a quick and dirty set up. is there any company that really sets guitars up before shipping them?
reason 5: false. ALL guitars need to be set up and adjusted after buying, including expensive ones...
Except my new GS - arrived perfectly set up 😀
Thomann 's got a plek machine to set up gears. 1st to be sat up? harley benton's ones :D
Somebody dosent know how the irony and sarcasm works... hahahahaha
@@JRobsonGuitar Well goody for you. I've bought Fender Strats that need a full setup costing me $80 more then the $1000 I already spent.
I’ve been saving for a line 6 catalyst, depending on what’s left over I might grab one of these. Cameron cooper done a video on a Harley Benton shred machine
I am immoral and dirty and my guitar too.It's a great combination
My new $200 Ibanez guitar was ready to go straight from the box. Big GIO on the headstock doesn't bother me one bit. After import fees, it's almost better to shop local at least for me.good points though.
Can’t wait to purchase a Harley Benton Guitar!!!! 😎👍
Seriously...... I’ve been wanting one since I saw the Guitar Max review.
This settled it! I’m gonna get one for sure now!!!
Hope they can ship to Alaska 😲
They ship worldwide :D but well.. it will take a while and you most likely need to do a set-up (because of air humidity and temperature differences)
I’m learning to play the guitar. I bought a Harley Benton acoustic. Some of the frets need to be levelled, and some work done on the action and intonation. The difference between the HB and something like a Martin or Gibson acoustic is that the HB is cheap and I’m not worried about attempting to do the work on the HB myself.
Because it’s cheap, it’s a good purchase to learn both how to play, and learn how to fix and maintain your own guitars.
I'm 53 years young. I've been playing guitar for 108 years now. I ordered my first HB guitar last week. Every guitar that I currently own cost me less than $500.00 and I own 16 electric guitars. I've owned American made guitars from Fender, Jackson, Gibson. I sold all of them. It's NOT the brand OR the price that you should be buying a guitar. Its what FEELS GOOD to your HANDS. With that being said, you need to know about NECK SHAPES. That's THE MOST important thing that you need to know when buying a guitar. There's SEVERAL neck shapes. Find the shape THAT's MOST comfortable TO YOU. You can even buy a guitar body and put the NECK ON IT that you like. Next is the versatility of the guitar. A traditional telecaster has its own unique sound. Of course, changing the pickups completely changes the sound of a traditional telecaster. One of the most versatile guitars I own is a Washburn Parallaxe PS10. It has dual coil splitting Seymour Duncan humbuckers. Because its dual splitting, it can cover a WIDE RANGE OF MUSIC GENRES from rock. to country, to jazz, blues, metal, - all from one guitar. It's so good, I bought the PS20 neck thru model. A lot of people don't realize this, but Jimmy Paige of Led Zeppelin played the lead to "Stairway to Heaven" using a Telecaster guitar - not a Les Paul that he's famous for playing. After you've got right "feeling" neck shape, then you can concentrate on the SOUND of the guitar. Let's face it, playing a good sounding guitar that's difficult for you to play because of the neck's "feel" (shape) isn't going to be much fun, and it'll sit in the corner more than its played. But after you've discovered what neck shape is most comfortable to you, now you can move on to what you're actually going to be playing the most with the guitar. Country, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Polka - all of the above? Now you're getting into the area of what pickups you need. Then comes the amp and with amps, 1 watt of solid state is the same as 1 watt of tube. Don't any fool try to convince you otherwise. 1 watt is 1 watt. It's what you put that 1 watt through that makes the difference. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, HB guitars are a great quality instrument, but if you don't already know what you're looking for, always play a guitar before you buy it if you can.
i have 6 Harley Benton and they are great for value, i love my TE-40, I have fender, jackson, ibanez and epiphone too ( i play for 25years)
Just bought my cheap cheap Harley Benton SC-400 Sgt classic series so I'm very dirty now. But thank goodness that I didn't bought Gibson.
Very good and informative video, and I agree with the points you make, I bought a HB TE52, very good guitar but if I had tried it before I bought it (one of your points) I would not have bought it as it weighed a ton!! as much as a Gibson Les Paul!! I managed to sell it OK as it was one of the last ones made in China (I believe they are now made in Vietnam and some people say they are not so good). I am thinking about getting one of their TE 20's, have you tried one? if so are they good and not too heavy? and have you done a video on one?
"They may think i'm a poor person!" Great line! I'm not quite convinced about your "immoral" argument (I kinda think a rip-off is a rip-off) but you definitely had me chuckling... Good video
@Greg: I think if Paul Reed Smith thought he was being ripped off I'm pretty sure he'd of said so by now don't you think!
Just because something "looks" like something else doesn't automatically mean it's a copy, if that was the worldwide majority thinking we'd never move on would we & take modern computer designed cars for instance they all look pretty much the same so where are all the lawsuits about company X's car looking remarkably like company Y's car ?
As a guitar player i bought a used Harley Benton Bass for 60€ used with new strings and i am very happy with it for recording. It did need a proper setup. So bare that in mind.
Reason 1: false. you have 14 days to try at home and ship it back and get a FULL refund, including shipping (prepayed by them)
Thats not really the same though, is it, as trying several guitars at a shop and finding the one just right for you... unless you want to ship back and forth several guitars
@@GroovingPict agreed!
@@GroovingPict Well, either you're a beginner and you don't really need to try as you won't notice any real difference between St, TL or Sc or any other shape, either you know what you're looking for, have already figured it out by trying guitars from famous brands that you can't afford
Plus the great return policy from thomann
So well, here they go... (In my personnal case, I'd like a lefty LP junior, which is something I can't afford. They don't make them new, and a second hand model would trade for about 900€ where I live. Plus harley benton is planning on doing a model that closely resemble the original, with the lovely fat neck)
Earth to Lionel and the 27 other goofballs that upvoted lol - - - What part of the word _before_ eludes your comprehension? - - -
The entire screen @0:42 reads: "you can't try *BEFORE* you buy' ....and then he *says it twice* for the benefit of the legally blind.
I just bought a HB 12 string acoustic. Just need the frets rounded and it plays as well as any of my other guitars.
I like your videos John. HB has really stepped up their game and the recently released Harley Benton Fusion-II HSH Roasted FNT is just fantastic and came well packaged and pretty well setup. I absolutely LOVE this guitar! It has stainless frets which I chose to polish because there were a few that had some spots and now they are beautiful. It also had a couple of tiny black specks under the top finish but am I going to whine about any of that? Hell no! When you consider what you're getting for the money this model is beyond an amazing value. It plays great, looks great and sounds great. There is nothing about it that I feel the need to change.
I recently purchased a Classic Vibe Squier and this guitar just blows it away and it even cost less! The unfinished flamed roasted maple neck is gorgeous and feels great and SO smooth. It's a joy to play on and is a modern C shape and not real skinny or thin (talking depth wise) like some have said about the previous model. It is actually a tiny bit thicker than my Squier. You probably shouldn't ever have to worry about fret sprout or worn frets with that neck. No crackling noise from the controls like on the Squier. You should consider getting one if you haven't already. I mean c'mon...roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, beautiful flamed maple top, Wilkinson trem, Graph Tech nut and STAGGERED LOCKING tuners for less than $400! Talk about bang for your buck! Great job on this model HB!
that model probably is the best guitar HB have released so far.
Really ? Just bought the same guitar (bangle amber). Awesome guitar for sure. The setup was perfect on mine. The only thing I’m going to do is replace the bridge pickup.
Just ordered another one telecaster deluxe style.
I bought a Fender American that needed multiple adjustments. My most expensive guitar and it's the only one that the rocker rocked on out of the box. 2nd worst from factory tied were sub brands of the big 2. They were decent enough, a Squier CV and a Steinberger Spirit. The best set up out of the box have been my Chinese composite guitars. And my Japanese Fender. I don't have 50 or anything. I like working on them and learning about them almost as much as playing them. Not quite, but i cant stop thinking about one or the other. Some day Id like to build some myself and I'm slowly working towards it.
When I first saw that title from you I was like - "He likes HB so I wonder what this is about?" Does that title qualify as click bait from you?
Thanks for your content!
Hi John...
Quick question...
Do you know of anyone local that sets up guitars other than guitar shop in Saltburn?
I live in Brotton...
I seem to be struggling to find anyone that does it these days 🤷🏻♂️🎸..
Cheers
Dan
This chap is excellent...
addr.ws/james-bragg-guitars-store--middlesbrough-uk.html
@@JRobsonGuitar That's excellent John... Thank you 👌🙏
I know someone who owns 20 custom strats valued at $5000.00 each and only know 3 chords,I also know a guy who plays a cheap Squier and sounds like Hendrix
Why would anyone need 20 strats?
@@AmperahGaming well 19 is not enough and 21 is just a tad too much,I hope that answers your redundant question
My SC-Custom II arrived all the way from Germany to the UK perfectly setup and in tune. I also have a HB Modern Bass that I am extremely happy with. Both look great and sound great. Both are fantastic value for money. I will be buying another. Unless you are a pro guitar player why spend all your money on Fender or a Gibson.
I love your observation s ..I've owed every guitar under the sun...and you speak the truth...the hell with snobs
Hi John
just got my HB gibson paradise flame through the door
looking down the guitar from the top, the nut is wonky and when you turn the volume off you can hear the strings rub on the frets
is that something that can be sorted, seems to me like it needs a little setup, ive not even played it yet its just arrived ill plug it in later
i bet she growls but would be really great if i can make the playability as good as my other guitars. That i would have to have
@@chrisheath9736 Thanks mate
Now do a video of reasons to buy a Harley Benton. I think there are more pro's than Kahn's.
I am a bass player and got very curious about the Harley Benton basses. I ordered a Enhanced MP-4EB in Lake Blue. I have an extensive collection of basses and the HB bass is loaded with great features only found on top knotch basses the only problem is the pickups and preamp that hold this bass back, but for the money it is a thing of beauty with amazing appointments. I will be modding the electrics which will cost more than the entire bass but after that it will be as good as any $2000 + dollar bass. I payed 270 pounds including shipping. And yes I did get some funny looks from the gear snobs when I played it out....hahahahahah
Spat me tea out laughing at about 2:45! I had just sent off for two HB basses when this popped up... If I feel soiled at any point I'll let everyone know.
I bought a left handed PB50 FR about a year ago. If Squier did a lefty style early style precision I would probably have bought one instead. The quality I got for £95 new is ridiculous. I had the headstock reshaped to the skinny fender headstock shape, replaced the pots (I've yet to receive a lefty guitar with reverse audio pots from the factory) and output jack and a proper setup for an extra £80.
I love this bass. The next cheapest lefty early style precision bass is a schecter in the £700 region. After that it's fender custom shop territory.
The red finish on the body is flawless, the neck is solid with frets smooth and level. The bridge, nut and tuners are actually decent and the pickup is excellent. I'm not sure how they do it.
My advice is whenever you buy a guitar to factor in the price of a professional setup. The chap doing the setup did identify a couple of minor issues that he resolved. In fact he bought one himself.
I live 20 minutes away from Thomann, so number one is not for me :-)
I plan on getting a HB guitar for one of the exact reasons you mention, to learn setup on guitars. Great video! Thanks!
reason 1 : you can allways send it back for free!.
Awesome video! I personally can't wait for my Harley Benton Custom Active VB to arrive. I've ALWAYS had to custom set up my guitars because I play in chunky drop tunings with mammoth strings. I never get an accurate assessment from having a jam in guitar shops because of this. I've also never owned a guitar more expensive than my Vintage V100, but it has turned a producers head more than once in a studio and that's the best feeling of all! I'll never bow to the snobs, if Joe Satriani can shred a catelogue starters guitar then I can manage 4 power chords and some chugging on a £200 "Budget conscious" guitar that some how has grover tuners and active pickups!