I still agree with all your feedback from the prior HB videos you’ve posted. I hope we will see some of those ideas come to life - I’d say a 9.5” to 12” radius would make a lot more types of players happy over just a 9.5”, but they really need 9.5” included somewhere and somehow. Offering just a 12” radius is like just serving vanilla ice cream at a kid’s birthday party! I also agree that getting rid of flame maple and trading it for regular roasted would be more beneficial. People buying affordable guitars are generally wanting a well designed instrument that is high quality without looking pretty beyond that. I’d love to see HB offer a robust guitar build that includes a roasted CF reinforced neck, much better pickups and hardware instead of having non-functional extras like flame maple necks, fancy veneers, glowing inlays, etc. The nitro thing would be a game changer. With the CNC machines stepping up the game, I’ve often wondered when nitro application and drying techniques would also get an upgrade. If one budget brand finds a way, we can expect the rest to follow suit. I hope HB will make a non-relic version with nitro. It’s seems silly to pre-relic a guitar that will start to wear with time anyway.
ha! yeah completely agree about a pre-worn, ready for wear guitar 😂👍 Really interested to see what happens with these and what the cost will be. If it's the traditional Nitro process, then that's a guarenteed upcharge - which is fair enough given the extra time etc
I bought used Harley Benton ja 60 and it's freaking good for the money. I've spent around 100 euro and plan to modify it a bit but it's really good in my opinion. Guys, buy them, mess with them, break them, fix them, than modify again until you are happy with the outcome. It's cheap but playability is on a acceptable level. If they put nitro and update their offset guitar models I'd be more than happy to buy inew one
Same here mate - But there's something about these for me 😬 Love the blue over sunburst bass. A strat version in that colour would be preferable tho 😎👍 Although I might go Tele 🤔 if they can get the neck "right" 😜
4 videos in 4days you are spoiling us. I have been looking at a Harley Benton parlor guitar that seems great value for money. Anyway another great instalment as always. Keep up the great work Steve!!
If I were in Europe, I'd likely pick up a bunch of HB guitars to mess with. Unfortunately, by the time you tack on shipping and customs charges, it's cheaper to buy a more expensive guitar local.
If you're in the US - they just announced a new Harley Benton US Reverb store - apparently they have stock in the US, now making it quicker and cheaper to get to you . You'll have to fact check all that though 😜👍
I can't think of anything better than opening a box with a new guitar inside that looks amazing, plays amazing, costed barely anything (compared to gibson) AND has that amazing nitro smell! It just shows that maybe it's not too hard to put nitro on relatively affordable guitar..... looking at you Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Range lol😂😂 great vid and channel! Cheers :)
Thank ya kindly mate! It will be interesting to see how much these go for. Relicing takes longer, It'll have to cost more, which is fair enough. Will also be interesting to see other brands trying to follow suit 😁
There’s no excuse for a bad guitar at almost any price point nowadays - some of those HBs are pretty insane for the dollars. Disappointed there was no iron bru on this video.
You're spot on mate. This has got to be the best it's ever been. Harley Benton should get some credit for that too, continually raising the bar for their prices is mental. Note to self - Bring back the BRU! 😂👍
Thank you so much mate! Hugely appreciated 😀🙏 I've heard the have a Reverb store for US, but I don't know if it's any cheaper soz. I do know they're always trying to find ways of making it cheaper and easier to get HB's to the US though
I was pumped for the modern plus, but was on the same boat for the babisch and the flamed neck. Not a very compound radius guy but this stripped down version is still calling me. A bummer they won't have stainless steel frets
Agreed mate, I'd like the Stainless Steel frets too, but it sounds like it is gonna be the 12-16" compound radius, So that'll be a no-go for me unfortunately ☹️ But I do think Harley Benton are great at listening to their customers and making changes. Obviously they can't please everyone, but I like that they're always improving and tweaking their models 👍
I like to earn the battle scars on the guitar. I owned one relic'd guitar and it actually felt awkward to me. Knowing its a brand new guitar, but beat just feels weird.
I've never owned one but played a couple. I kinda get both sides, If done right, the necks can feel amazing! But I've never really been a fan of the faux relicing either. But there is something about these Bentons that is calling to me 😂🙈
A few weeks back I spotted entries for ST-Modern HH & Plus versions on the Thomann website, maybe a glitch in the matrix. 🙃 Availability was 25 weeks, prices EUR 168 & EUR 348, so maybe....we'll see these models.
I've been hearing about these "leaks" on the Thomann site via facebook etc. Interesting times! 😀👍 Can you remember which models are 168 and 348? 168Eur for the new ST Modern will be a total steal! 🤯
@@stevecassidyguitar I think those "leaks" also happened with the 25th models if I remember correctly, not sure if they are on purpose to get more buzz. 168 EUR for the ST Modern HH, 348 EUR for the ST-Modern Plus HH model.
9.5" radius, SS frets, fat C neck profile (at least 0.88" depth at nut and 1.0"+ at 12th fret), HSH pickup route, deep body contours, Wilkinson 2pt trem, ...those are on my wish list.
Thanks for sharing mate! I was aware Artist did relics but didn't know it was Nitro too. Had to double check the pricing there - That's actually really impressive! 😀👍 "Vintage" guitars also do Relics - But they don't look very authentic imo. I wouldn't be surprised if Artist and HB are using the same factories for these - look pretty close
@@stevecassidyguitar I have a number of HBs and Artists, but the Artists always seem to be a cut above, spec wise. Probably made in the same factories, though.
I bought a Vintage V59 relic a couple of months ago but sent it back as the fret job had too many issues and the relicing job on the hardware was all rusty and too overdone for my taste ….sounded great though. I contacted Artist UK and was told they would be releasing non relic version teles soon and to keep checking back to their site.👍
Cheers mate! 🤓👍 I get a lot of comments on them so had to make an explanation vid: ua-cam.com/video/LKLu7dve2gc/v-deo.html Seems they're a love/hate thing 😂👍
Hi Steve Have to agree the jet profile is great but can't warrant paying that kind of money for a wilkinson trem when harley are offering an fr1000 but a great time for budget axes
@@eoinjames4018 I did get to try out the JS 600's Wilkinson trem at Birmingham guitar show - Stayed in tune after a fair amount of abuse. But That was only for a couple of mins, dunno about long term. I can't use these double locking floating style trems anyway, so I'll just shut up 😂👍
Hi Steve, you've been busy during the last few days. I'm not usually one for checking out guitar specs, for me, apart from my next purchase, it's usually a case of how much does it cost and what does it sound like. If I can I like to go to the local guitar emporium and give something a try then get the best deal online. You can't really do that with an HB guitar so when I got mine I just watched all the reviews I could find and went for it.
Normal service is resumed from now on 😅👍 Yeah Mate Thomann is the only show in town for the HB stuff (except for used of course). Harley Benton isn't know for having the best QC in the world, but lthankfully Thomann have a fairly hassle free (and Free) returns policy. Unlike one of the biggest UK retailers (Yeah that one with the big UA-cam presence) which is dissapointing as I would much rather buy more locally when possible.
Me too mate! Which is a surprise to me - I usually don't care for relics 🤷♂️ Really like the blue over sunburst on the bass 😎👌 (with maple board of course)
@@vexxiv To be honest, I've not had loads of experience on 7.25" - Maybe i'd like that better 😂 It would be a crime for HB to offer 12" and 7.25" and completely skip 9.5" tho! 😂
Nitro finish is the last thing that allows the Gibson and Fender USA snobs to claim superiority over import guitars. It is, as you say, a game changer.
I reckon so mate 👍 A Harley Benton will likely never carry over that same Iconism that Fender and Gibson has with Guitar legends being associated with them - Fender & Gibson will always be able to hold on to that. But they've still gotta keep making decent guitars at least. Harley Benton are forcing "almost" everyone else that aren't in the big 5 - to raise thier games 👍
That nitro finish tele is wonderful. Would love to see some additional colours. Even if the rest of the guitar is shite (it won't be) it'll probably be worth buying purely for the nitro finish body itself. I'm sold. With the ST Modern Plus, you're right, it WAS NOT always listed as the HSS. Good spot. I wonder: with the new ST Modern, is it partially to address the quality control issues with the Modern Plus batch? Like was the 'original' just a bit too complex, and much, for the manufacturing price point? Only speculating. Either way, seems like a massive improvement. Oh, and the Dave Grohl one is a bit meh. I wonder how it'll sell (if it's made) given the recent, erm, let's say 'escapades'...
Some people have since chimed in here... apparently there have already been sightings of a HB ST Modern plus HH with what looks like invader style pickups. Intersting times! The Davie Grohl isn't really my kind of thing either, but apprently it has coil splits, lockig tuners and possibly SS frets, So it might sell very well. 2 crowds, the DG/FF fans and just people who like the specs 🤷♂️ Speculating is braw fun 😂👍
Good video amigo! The guitars look good, I am not a stickler on changing aspects of a guitar, because I play with slightly higher action and heavier gauged strings (11s on solid bodies) it takes the guitars a bit of time until they feel right. So a 9.5 inch radius and a 12 inch radius feel fine to me. I have to admit that I am pretty happy with what I already have. I would love to play some HB guitars but they are pretty rare in Arizona but as far as concepts go, I definitely keep little details that HB do as possible upgrades on the cheapos I find and mod over here. For reliced guitars, again I have to play them. I don't think that a nitrocellulose finish is superior to other finishes, I can tell there is a difference feel wise but past that, not much. For most players I don't think a finish really makes a huge difference to their tone over all. A great player can make an average guitar sound great, an average player cannot do this. Still, cool stuff over there.😎👍✨
Fantastic points well made as always sir 😀👍 The Nitro thing on newer guitars is one of these things that has become like a desireable (almost fashionable) thing in the past say 10 years - Even though the process is way older than that 😂👍 Like you, I've tried nitro finished necks, it's not a deal breaker for me either way. But I know it is for some 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Nitrocellulose used to be used on Model T Fords as a finish. If you really drill down to guitar fads and guitar players as a whole, we are more emotionally driven by things rather than scientifically driven. The guitar player identity/vibe is a fantasy that this thing will make you "cooler with a guitar" than without. The reason nitrocellulose was phased out was because it flaked off and looked older sooner back in the day. Once manufacturing moved on, all of a sudden the guitar players started to want it back. I will say again what I said before, buy gear you think is sexy. Buy gear which increases your confidence when you play. Also if you play out (as you and I both know) you also have to factor in wardrobe and other things that go past just gear. Keep in mind most player do not play out, so there is that aspect to what they want, think, believe, or like. 🤔
Yeah mate, I'm starting to hear the rumours of the ST Modern HH piling in now - Cheers! 😀👍 Not sure about swapping the bridges mate. It might just be a case of changing the saddles, but don't quote me on that 😬👍
I’ve been hearing for a while when will Squire and Epiphone do a relic? And if epiphone does a relic will it be over 1k? What we now know is Harley Benton is working on them and I agree they look nice and coming in on a HB price point I think this will put HB on a new level and the Blue semi with lightning bolt F holes has got my attention thank you for another good informative vid
Cheers mate! 😀🙏 1k Epiphones seems to be just normal now (although I don't think I'll ever get used to that 😂) An Epi Relic would be guarenteed to be over 1k. Maybe even near 2k if they did an Epiphone "Murphy Lab" line. Stranger things have happened 😂
Not a massive fan of newly made relics, but the specific problem I have with newer brands making them, is really one of logic more than anything else. If people buy them that's up to them, but the faulty premise just irks me: If a new Gibson, Fender or Rickenbacker etc is produced with a relic finish, this at least makes sense from the feasibility standpoint that it could genuinely be the old guitar which it is pretending to be, since those brands and models were around many decades ago. But trying to make a guitar of a brand which has only been around for a few years, look like it was set fire to by Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969 whilst he was rocking out Purple Haze, when we know it could not possibly have been, just makes it look stupid, cheesy and fake, which kind of defeats the object of the whole exercise. Harley Bentons are for the most part great guitars, and in time there will be some which genuinely have been gigged for years and will look it, but when you know a guitar is only three years old and it looks shagged, all it does is make it look like you mistreated it badly, and that's not in any way 'cool' or 'cred' it just makes you look like an arsehole who can't look after stuff. They might as well call it the clumsy twat range.
Ha! Never thought of it like that before Re the younger brands producing "impossible" relics. Good point actually 😂👍 The Guitar brand "Vintage" does relics, they look really unauthentic. Not because they're a younger brand, it's just a poor relic Job imo. Like I said, I've never been into relics at all really - But something about these Benton's has piqued my interest 😬
I like the idea of a nitro finished guitar, but I don’t like the relic on that one… who is that clumsy around the intonation screws? 🤔 also, it looked like there was lacquer over the bare wood. The ST-80 is my favorite of the prototypes 🤘
A lot of people saying the same thing here - Preferring nitro but without the relic. I don't see any reason why they couldn't do that - Would probably be easier and quicker too 🤷♂️
Love your videos. May I get the link to where you got your glasses please? I am a fashion photographer and it would be great for my image. I have a German brand called "Kuboraum that are great in black, but yours are so 2 dimensional looking. Looks great on you!
Cheers mate! 🤓👍 I got them from either Ali Express or Temu (I don't have a link soz - but there's multiple sellers of the same thing). In almost all of my vids - these glasses are just fake constume glasses and I pop the lenses out - long story: ua-cam.com/video/LKLu7dve2gc/v-deo.html But I recently got back from China and had my new real prescription lenses put in these frames 🤓👍
You mean like buying one and changing the neck? I would consider it, if it was a great body etc, but worry about neck heels, neck pockets, screw alignment not being compatible. It would be beyond my skill level to solve, so then would probably have to pay a tech, plus the neck, then it ends up in a different price range, better looking elsewhere. Although I've pretty much already did all that daft stuff to a Jet 😂🙈
I did see a video where they are coming out with a ST Modren Plus HH configuration. I'm looking forward to the ST Modern Plus HH . I hope they have it in Graffiti Yellow like they showed. It's a hard tail also.I think it will have the 12-16 radius like the HSS .I world prefer a 9 1/2 radius but, I have been waiting for sooooo looooog for a ST in a HH configuration and in Graffiti Yellow that if they come out with a Graffiti Yellow HH I will be getting one. I like that they are coming out with just a ST Modern . It is maybe one I will consider getting also . I think Harley Benton is watching your channel. Keep up the suggestions you may convince them to do the specs you described that I also would like to see in a ST model. The nitro is nice but I'm not a fan of relic guitars. I would prefer just a regular nitro paint and not a relic paint job.🎸🤘🏻
Ah cool! I'm sure those ST Variations would sell very well! Might even out sell the fusions eventually! 🤯 HB did comment on one of my vids before so that's a good sign 😀👍 You're the 3rd person to mention prefering nitro without relic too. Seems that's a popular choice. I think Harley Benton are pretty great at taking on board peoples suggestions, so we might see a non-reliced nitro one day 😀👍
I would like a Harley Benton Strat but with a thicker neck. Like a thick soft V. I can wait a while I think … All the slim C shape necks are not possible for me.
Yeah, I'd love to see some different neck options too. The D shaped 12" necks aren't comfortable for me either. It's the only thing that puts me off thier other models. That's maybe a good thig though - otherwise I'd probably have about 20 HB's 😂
Cool vid. 👍 Ive been interested in HB but I prefer to try before I buy and I am n Canada so importing HB sight unseen with extra duty fees has been a bit of a turn off for me. I tried a used HB Les Paul in a local store a few mths back and really liked it. Im all for quality inexpensive guitars. I recently bought a Squier Affinity Tele that’s just fantastic, fun to play, stays in tune, sounds great, what more can u ask for ?
I do feel for you guys in Canada with the higher fees - bit of a bummer like 🫤 Speaking off Squier Affinities though... I recently got one - It might be my new favourite neck 😀👌
If the big F is stopping peoples from making copies well that is understandable. If the big F is stopping peoples from making excellent guitars based on the S model but at lower prices that are NOT copies well ... that is very very not good
Totally agree mate! But yeah just speculation, I don't know if it's true. But it could be a slightly more complicated scenario with it being a Fender signature model, maybe it's TDL, that's not happy people might buy these and he won't get his cut 🤷♂️ (That was just more speculation tho 😂🙈)
@@stevecassidyguitar Everything seems to go by intellectual property now. This new wave of kit China-Indonesia is far superior in my opinion than MIM US kit. But intellectual property works two ways. The big F will be bound to register anything that hits IP going the other way. I think that is where Alan Entwistle designs have some clout. And who knows? All those non-USA designs will have IP belonging to someone else. The big F played memorabilia card years ago and seems to be stuck in it 😎
It sounds like a Customizing Version towards your wishes. Those new models don't caught my Interest. I'd rather have them Design a shortscale bass with a Split Coil Alnico V Pickup and a maple fretboard.
A short Scale Bass with a Maple board shouldn't be too much of a big ask - That should totally exist! 😀 Hope it happens for ya mate - I'd possibly consider one too 😁👍
Not many nitro options out there, if your budget < ££££. The closest you can get is a dodgy relicked nitro, e.g a road worn fender. Wish there were some unrelicked nitro options built outside the states, that would be a game changer for me
Not a lot of comments here so far, but your'e already the 2nd person to say you'd prefer an unreliced nitro option. Looks like that might be a popular choice. 😀👍 "Vintage" brand guitars have a Relic series, but they look far from authentic imo. Someone else just pointed out Artist Guitars already do reliced Nitro for like less than £300. They look decent - Wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being the same factory as these "new" HB's
@@stevecassidyguitar I like nitro cause I like the thin layer of paint that lets you feel the wood surface, and I like the way it ages. Not into wood breathing etc lol. Gimme a nitro guitar and let me own my relicing, cheers!
Well... "I heard" that they pretty much ceased production on the ST Modern plus, to iron out some QC issues from the first batch. Can't confirm if it's true though - 2nd hand info
nitro finish, you say...? Satin nitro finish is the best, imo HSS nitro relic with SS fret, 9.5 neck radius, and a 2 point push-arm trem, locking tuners, and choice between maple or rosewood fretboard. I couldn't be compelled to buy anything else.
Yeah, I think that was a bit of a fail. Otherwise looks pretty impressive, also has coils splits, locking tuners and possibly SS frets! 😀 I reckon they'll still sell well tho
@@Markleford I do like F holes tho. My Active Starcaster is smei hollow without F holes. I had to put an F hole decal, because I thought it looked too fat 😂🙈
Totally valid take mate! 😎👍 I had the same concerns when getting my Jet JS400 refretted with SS frets. Had in the back of my mind, all the Guitars I'd had with SS frets (4 harley Bentons, 2 Solokings and 3 Earts) I'd sold or returned, thinking it was the neck profile and fretboard radius - But maybe it was the frets size!?!? 🤯 So I made sure the tech (AGRAJAG) used the same size fretwire as was already on there, (medium Jumbo) - Love it! 😅 It could be the SS ones you've tried all use bigger and taller fret wire, (Harley Benton say it's medium jumbo, but it's closer to Jumbo imo) Soloking are the same, whereas EART are the opposite end of the spectrum, they're fret wire is too low/short. For me it turned out the fret size mattered more than the material 😀👍
4:46 soon well remember people it’s 86 sleeps till Christmas 🎅🏼 could be someone’s present 🎁 I’m no keen on the Bento’s great guitar but poor resale value if it’s not a keeper.
Thanks for the Xmas reminder mate! 😅👍 I've actually did not too bad on resale with the Bentons. I think the newer ones from the past 3 years or anything that's still in the current line does not too bad. The older ones (before they got really good) don't sell too well though. Reminds me of the CST24 I bought used locally for £160 and sold about a year later for the same. Bonkers you can get a guitar that quality with Stainless Steel frets on the used market for that price🤯
So I’m desperately trying to find some Jet footage from Guitar Summit and of course my Number 1 place to check is The Main Jet Guy Steve Cassidy. And what’s he doing? Talking about acoustics and HB’s at home in Scotland?? Dude 🤦♂️🤣🤣🤣. We need a stand in. An AI Steve Cassidy to go in your place
Ha! Sorry to dissapoint mate! 😂👍 I couldn't afford Guitar Summit this year after Gear Street and I'm off to China in a couple of weeks too 🤯 But... As fas I know... we've seen all the new Jet releases. They're going hard promoting the sister brand Spira Guitars now. KDH had a bit about them on his Vlog the other day. I reckon Andy Guitar Geek will have some out too soon - He's another Jet pal 😀👍
Harley Benton is late to the "Relic" party. Relics have been built for years by both big and by small manufacturers. Gear4music makes inexpensive Knoxville legacy relics that have big fretwire, level frets and great hardware. The Harley Bentons I've owned had fretwire that wasn't level and I sold all of them. I'd be interested in these new relics if HB would use bigger fretwire and get better quality control on their fret levelling etc!
Yeah they're certainly not the first to Relic 👍 The more affordable brands i've seen that do Relics like "G4M" and "Vintage" don't look that great to me. The Relic looks very unauthentic (and just kinda... bad 😬 especially the "Vintage" brand ones) when using poly finish (imo). I thought Harley Benton would be the first (affordable brand) to do Relics in Nitro - but it's been pointed out to me that "Artist" guitars got there first - good prices too. But HB have more clout imo.
Hey Steve, how are you mate? Davie Growl?🤣🤣🤣 I just spit my coffee....but i really like the guitar....😳 Personally i find the ST-182 the least desirable as my Jet JS-800 will Tom de 'all day' longe....😉Have agreat week🎸🤘🏼🎸👊🏼
I have bought 7 Harley Bentons- from December2021 to March 2023. Lefties in the guitar market don't have many options and Thomann filled that gap nicely. Unfortunatly, shipping and import duties have priced their guitars into the intermediate range- new Classic Vibe prices. Their latest LP (or SC) style end up being too expensive to take a chance on, especially when UPS routinely kicks the ever living crap out of their guitars. I've paid import duties and taxes twice on a gold top because Thomann pretends to not know how to ship internationally. So, yeah, they've become a hard pass. Huge mulinationals like Thomann should treat their foreign customers better. We take a BIG chance buying without trying and they don't think it's worth thier while to fix their logistics problems.
Relic guitars make me cry, who in their right frame of mind would make a pristine instrument then throw it down the stairs ? If there is the slightest imperfection on a guitar that is supposed to be new, i don't want it. Come on HB, where is the Fusion 4 ? Never mind showcasing guitars that look like they should never have left the factory, you sell too many B grades as it is.
@@stevecassidyguitar I try my best, what a great way to sell the rejects without having to refinish them. Fender have taken it a step further and are now offering their B grades as refurbished , to what standard i dread to think.
@@stevecassidyguitar nitro finishes take longer to do than poly. if they can keep the prices low it'll push the big boys to do this on squire, epiphone and prs se
@@jroobz Yeah I'm keen to see the prices on these new HB Nitros. But I don't think it will push the big boys to follow suit. That's why we still can't get stainless steel frets on a Fender for less than 2.5k. If they started putting SS frets and Nitro finishes on Squiers, Epiphones etc.. then it would hurt the sales (and "percieved" value) of thier high end offerings. (IMO 😜)
I still agree with all your feedback from the prior HB videos you’ve posted. I hope we will see some of those ideas come to life - I’d say a 9.5” to 12” radius would make a lot more types of players happy over just a 9.5”, but they really need 9.5” included somewhere and somehow. Offering just a 12” radius is like just serving vanilla ice cream at a kid’s birthday party!
I also agree that getting rid of flame maple and trading it for regular roasted would be more beneficial. People buying affordable guitars are generally wanting a well designed instrument that is high quality without looking pretty beyond that. I’d love to see HB offer a robust guitar build that includes a roasted CF reinforced neck, much better pickups and hardware instead of having non-functional extras like flame maple necks, fancy veneers, glowing inlays, etc.
The nitro thing would be a game changer. With the CNC machines stepping up the game, I’ve often wondered when nitro application and drying techniques would also get an upgrade. If one budget brand finds a way, we can expect the rest to follow suit. I hope HB will make a non-relic version with nitro. It’s seems silly to pre-relic a guitar that will start to wear with time anyway.
ha! yeah completely agree about a pre-worn, ready for wear guitar 😂👍
Really interested to see what happens with these and what the cost will be. If it's the traditional Nitro process, then that's a guarenteed upcharge - which is fair enough given the extra time etc
I want the blue ones
I want you to have the blue ones too 😎👍
I'd love to try em out too - HB defo got some cool stuff coming
Dual humbucker tele with sunburst finish and relic .. buy tomorrow!!! Defo ....
Ooooh! Could happen 😀👍
I bought used Harley Benton ja 60 and it's freaking good for the money. I've spent around 100 euro and plan to modify it a bit but it's really good in my opinion. Guys, buy them, mess with them, break them, fix them, than modify again until you are happy with the outcome. It's cheap but playability is on a acceptable level. If they put nitro and update their offset guitar models I'd be more than happy to buy inew one
Totally agree mate - excellent mod platforms in their mid-tier stuff and some of their top-tier stuff is just bonkers for the money 😃👍
I've never been interested in buying a 'new' reliced, but Nitro Finish would be great. Hope they do a good range of colours too.👍
Your affiliate link on this video looks good too.
Same here mate - But there's something about these for me 😬 Love the blue over sunburst bass. A strat version in that colour would be preferable tho 😎👍
Although I might go Tele 🤔 if they can get the neck "right" 😜
Oh! Thanks for the feedback with this mate - I've still not quite sussed this part out yet 😂🙈
4 videos in 4days you are spoiling us. I have been looking at a Harley Benton parlor guitar that seems great value for money. Anyway another great instalment as always. Keep up the great work Steve!!
Thank ya kindly mate! Back to normal service from now on 😅👍
If I were in Europe, I'd likely pick up a bunch of HB guitars to mess with. Unfortunately, by the time you tack on shipping and customs charges, it's cheaper to buy a more expensive guitar local.
If you're in the US - they just announced a new Harley Benton US Reverb store - apparently they have stock in the US, now making it quicker and cheaper to get to you . You'll have to fact check all that though 😜👍
I can't think of anything better than opening a box with a new guitar inside that looks amazing, plays amazing, costed barely anything (compared to gibson) AND has that amazing nitro smell! It just shows that maybe it's not too hard to put nitro on relatively affordable guitar..... looking at you Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Range lol😂😂 great vid and channel! Cheers :)
Thank ya kindly mate!
It will be interesting to see how much these go for. Relicing takes longer, It'll have to cost more, which is fair enough.
Will also be interesting to see other brands trying to follow suit 😁
If I'm spending money on a guitar I want that bad boy to look brand spanking new.
That's always made sense to me 👍
There’s no excuse for a bad guitar at almost any price point nowadays - some of those HBs are pretty insane for the dollars. Disappointed there was no iron bru on this video.
You're spot on mate. This has got to be the best it's ever been. Harley Benton should get some credit for that too, continually raising the bar for their prices is mental.
Note to self - Bring back the BRU! 😂👍
Informative vid nice one Mr C!.. my suggestion for Harley Benton is mini humbuckers on the ST modern maybe!?..🤔
Cheers mate! 😀👍
Mini-Hums! I'm very interested in those at the moment too 😁👍 Never had them before
@@stevecassidyguitar same here never had mini hub’s just don’t understand why guitar brands don’t use them much!?
i have seen a pic of the HH version of the st plus, had invader looking pickups
Ah! That rings a bell! I think I might have saw a facebook post of them leaked on Thomann 🤔 wasn't sure if it was legit tho. Mekes sense though 😀👍
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Steve also happy first day of October and also happy last day of September ❤😊
Thank ya kindly mate! Happy October to you too sir! 😀👍
Love you channel and your insights. Good luck on the HB reading the posts. I wish they were cheaper in America!
Thank you so much mate! Hugely appreciated 😀🙏
I've heard the have a Reverb store for US, but I don't know if it's any cheaper soz. I do know they're always trying to find ways of making it cheaper and easier to get HB's to the US though
I was pumped for the modern plus, but was on the same boat for the babisch and the flamed neck. Not a very compound radius guy but this stripped down version is still calling me. A bummer they won't have stainless steel frets
Agreed mate, I'd like the Stainless Steel frets too, but it sounds like it is gonna be the 12-16" compound radius, So that'll be a no-go for me unfortunately ☹️ But I do think Harley Benton are great at listening to their customers and making changes. Obviously they can't please everyone, but I like that they're always improving and tweaking their models 👍
I like to earn the battle scars on the guitar. I owned one relic'd guitar and it actually felt awkward to me. Knowing its a brand new guitar, but beat just feels weird.
I've never owned one but played a couple. I kinda get both sides, If done right, the necks can feel amazing! But I've never really been a fan of the faux relicing either. But there is something about these Bentons that is calling to me 😂🙈
A few weeks back I spotted entries for ST-Modern HH & Plus versions on the Thomann website, maybe a glitch in the matrix. 🙃 Availability was 25 weeks, prices EUR 168 & EUR 348, so maybe....we'll see these models.
I've been hearing about these "leaks" on the Thomann site via facebook etc.
Interesting times! 😀👍
Can you remember which models are 168 and 348?
168Eur for the new ST Modern will be a total steal! 🤯
@@stevecassidyguitar I think those "leaks" also happened with the 25th models if I remember correctly, not sure if they are on purpose to get more buzz. 168 EUR for the ST Modern HH, 348 EUR for the ST-Modern Plus HH model.
@@gunter5483 Intentional leeks!! Could be! 😁
168 for the Modern HH!?! That's gonna sell very well!
@@stevecassidyguitar Have you seen, the HB ST-Modern HSS is available 178 EUR / £150, but D Shape neck with 12"-16" comp. radius
9.5" radius, SS frets, fat C neck profile (at least 0.88" depth at nut and 1.0"+ at 12th fret), HSH pickup route, deep body contours, Wilkinson 2pt trem, ...those are on my wish list.
Glad I'm not the only one - this is very similar to my wish list too! 😀👍
I prefer very light relic jobs but the fretboard on that HB tele looks great.
Totally agree! Looks awesome, and I'm not really a fan of relics at all.
DAMN YOU MR BENTON!!!!! 🤣
HB always put out some interesting new guitars 🎸😄
They're leading the pack imo, at least when it comes to the "younger" brands 👍
Artist Australia have already produced relics with nitro, FYI. No vintage radius, though :(
Thanks for sharing mate! I was aware Artist did relics but didn't know it was Nitro too. Had to double check the pricing there - That's actually really impressive! 😀👍
"Vintage" guitars also do Relics - But they don't look very authentic imo.
I wouldn't be surprised if Artist and HB are using the same factories for these - look pretty close
@@stevecassidyguitar I have a number of HBs and Artists, but the Artists always seem to be a cut above, spec wise. Probably made in the same factories, though.
I bought a Vintage V59 relic a couple of months ago but sent it back as the fret job had too many issues and the relicing job on the hardware was all rusty and too overdone for my taste ….sounded great though. I contacted Artist UK and was told they would be releasing non relic version teles soon and to keep checking back to their site.👍
@@djangle67 Great info! Cheers mate! 😀👍
Artist guitars are great bang for buck but not that accessible outside Australia. 😢
Love your glasses my man!
Cheers mate! 🤓👍
I get a lot of comments on them so had to make an explanation vid:
ua-cam.com/video/LKLu7dve2gc/v-deo.html
Seems they're a love/hate thing 😂👍
If they bring out an HSS strat with that blue over sunburst bass relic finish I would definitely be sold! 🙂
I'll be right behind you in the Queue mate! 😀👍
If it's a C shape neck with a 9.5" radius fretboard 😜
I would do some unspeakable things for a shell pink HB Modern HH with tort pickguard... (Maybe even 24 frets👀)
😂👍
It would be nice if they sold pickguards that fit seperately too tho 😁👍
The tele looks great
ToTele! 😀👍 I kinda fancy one... a lot 😬🙈
Love the st80 and while similar to the jet version rest assured the specs on the benton and price will be a way better deal 😀
You're right mate 😀👍
It probably will be higher specced and cheaper. But personally, I way prefer the Jet Neck profile 😁
Hi Steve
Have to agree the jet profile is great but can't warrant paying that kind of money for a wilkinson trem when harley are offering an fr1000 but a great time for budget axes
@@eoinjames4018 I did get to try out the JS 600's Wilkinson trem at Birmingham guitar show - Stayed in tune after a fair amount of abuse. But That was only for a couple of mins, dunno about long term.
I can't use these double locking floating style trems anyway, so I'll just shut up 😂👍
😅 tbh I only like the tuning stability of the floyd my wiggling days are long behind me
Hi Steve, you've been busy during the last few days. I'm not usually one for checking out guitar specs, for me, apart from my next purchase, it's usually a case of how much does it cost and what does it sound like. If I can I like to go to the local guitar emporium and give something a try then get the best deal online. You can't really do that with an HB guitar so when I got mine I just watched all the reviews I could find and went for it.
Normal service is resumed from now on 😅👍
Yeah Mate Thomann is the only show in town for the HB stuff (except for used of course). Harley Benton isn't know for having the best QC in the world, but lthankfully Thomann have a fairly hassle free (and Free) returns policy.
Unlike one of the biggest UK retailers (Yeah that one with the big UA-cam presence) which is dissapointing as I would much rather buy more locally when possible.
I guess we should all have seen this coming. I'm not aware of anyone making this prediction.
I was expecting the Fusion IV 😂🙈
I didn't expect this, but even more surprising I didn't expect I'd like it 😬
I am incredibly excited about the nitro strat, hoping they got some good colors coming
On top of that, it has to be 9.5
Me too mate! Which is a surprise to me - I usually don't care for relics 🤷♂️
Really like the blue over sunburst on the bass 😎👌 (with maple board of course)
That would be my hope too! 🤞 Although they might go the whole hog at 7.25" 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar id be interested in seeing the difference between a 9.5 and 7.25!
@@vexxiv To be honest, I've not had loads of experience on 7.25" - Maybe i'd like that better 😂
It would be a crime for HB to offer 12" and 7.25" and completely skip 9.5" tho! 😂
Nitro finish is the last thing that allows the Gibson and Fender USA snobs to claim superiority over import guitars. It is, as you say, a game changer.
I reckon so mate 👍
A Harley Benton will likely never carry over that same Iconism that Fender and Gibson has with Guitar legends being associated with them - Fender & Gibson will always be able to hold on to that. But they've still gotta keep making decent guitars at least. Harley Benton are forcing "almost" everyone else that aren't in the big 5 - to raise thier games 👍
That nitro finish tele is wonderful. Would love to see some additional colours. Even if the rest of the guitar is shite (it won't be) it'll probably be worth buying purely for the nitro finish body itself. I'm sold.
With the ST Modern Plus, you're right, it WAS NOT always listed as the HSS. Good spot. I wonder: with the new ST Modern, is it partially to address the quality control issues with the Modern Plus batch? Like was the 'original' just a bit too complex, and much, for the manufacturing price point? Only speculating. Either way, seems like a massive improvement.
Oh, and the Dave Grohl one is a bit meh. I wonder how it'll sell (if it's made) given the recent, erm, let's say 'escapades'...
Some people have since chimed in here... apparently there have already been sightings of a HB ST Modern plus HH with what looks like invader style pickups. Intersting times!
The Davie Grohl isn't really my kind of thing either, but apprently it has coil splits, lockig tuners and possibly SS frets, So it might sell very well. 2 crowds, the DG/FF fans and just people who like the specs 🤷♂️
Speculating is braw fun 😂👍
The new fantastic kid on the block! Steve, you have taste...... 😊
Woohoo! I'll take it ! Cheers mate 😀🙏
I like that Davey Growl thing, despite the name. Lighter is grighter, urfter owl....
I can see that one selling very well! Has coil splits, locking tuners and psosible stainless steel frets too 😀👍
Single humbucker with a locking trem are going to take off soon , love them 👍
That one's not really my kind of thing,but I agree - they're gonna be massively popular 😎👌
Good video amigo! The guitars look good, I am not a stickler on changing aspects of a guitar, because I play with slightly higher action and heavier gauged strings (11s on solid bodies) it takes the guitars a bit of time until they feel right. So a 9.5 inch radius and a 12 inch radius feel fine to me. I have to admit that I am pretty happy with what I already have.
I would love to play some HB guitars but they are pretty rare in Arizona but as far as concepts go, I definitely keep little details that HB do as possible upgrades on the cheapos I find and mod over here.
For reliced guitars, again I have to play them. I don't think that a nitrocellulose finish is superior to other finishes, I can tell there is a difference feel wise but past that, not much. For most players I don't think a finish really makes a huge difference to their tone over all. A great player can make an average guitar sound great, an average player cannot do this.
Still, cool stuff over there.😎👍✨
Fantastic points well made as always sir 😀👍
The Nitro thing on newer guitars is one of these things that has become like a desireable (almost fashionable) thing in the past say 10 years - Even though the process is way older than that 😂👍
Like you, I've tried nitro finished necks, it's not a deal breaker for me either way. But I know it is for some 👍
@@stevecassidyguitar
Nitrocellulose used to be used on Model T Fords as a finish. If you really drill down to guitar fads and guitar players as a whole, we are more emotionally driven by things rather than scientifically driven. The guitar player identity/vibe is a fantasy that this thing will make you "cooler with a guitar" than without. The reason nitrocellulose was phased out was because it flaked off and looked older sooner back in the day. Once manufacturing moved on, all of a sudden the guitar players started to want it back.
I will say again what I said before, buy gear you think is sexy. Buy gear which increases your confidence when you play. Also if you play out (as you and I both know) you also have to factor in wardrobe and other things that go past just gear. Keep in mind most player do not play out, so there is that aspect to what they want, think, believe, or like. 🤔
Theres a hardtail hh coming, and im all for it, but i was wondering if i didnt like tge babicz hardtail, could it be easily swapped for a hipshot.
Yeah mate, I'm starting to hear the rumours of the ST Modern HH piling in now - Cheers! 😀👍
Not sure about swapping the bridges mate. It might just be a case of changing the saddles, but don't quote me on that 😬👍
I’ve been hearing for a while when will Squire and Epiphone do a relic? And if epiphone does a relic will it be over 1k? What we now know is Harley Benton is working on them and I agree they look nice and coming in on a HB price point I think this will put HB on a new level and the Blue semi with lightning bolt F holes has got my attention thank you for another good informative vid
Cheers mate! 😀🙏
1k Epiphones seems to be just normal now (although I don't think I'll ever get used to that 😂)
An Epi Relic would be guarenteed to be over 1k. Maybe even near 2k if they did an Epiphone "Murphy Lab" line. Stranger things have happened 😂
Not a massive fan of newly made relics, but the specific problem I have with newer brands making them, is really one of logic more than anything else. If people buy them that's up to them, but the faulty premise just irks me: If a new Gibson, Fender or Rickenbacker etc is produced with a relic finish, this at least makes sense from the feasibility standpoint that it could genuinely be the old guitar which it is pretending to be, since those brands and models were around many decades ago. But trying to make a guitar of a brand which has only been around for a few years, look like it was set fire to by Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969 whilst he was rocking out Purple Haze, when we know it could not possibly have been, just makes it look stupid, cheesy and fake, which kind of defeats the object of the whole exercise.
Harley Bentons are for the most part great guitars, and in time there will be some which genuinely have been gigged for years and will look it, but when you know a guitar is only three years old and it looks shagged, all it does is make it look like you mistreated it badly, and that's not in any way 'cool' or 'cred' it just makes you look like an arsehole who can't look after stuff. They might as well call it the clumsy twat range.
Ha! Never thought of it like that before Re the younger brands producing "impossible" relics. Good point actually 😂👍
The Guitar brand "Vintage" does relics, they look really unauthentic. Not because they're a younger brand, it's just a poor relic Job imo.
Like I said, I've never been into relics at all really - But something about these Benton's has piqued my interest 😬
I like the idea of a nitro finished guitar, but I don’t like the relic on that one… who is that clumsy around the intonation screws? 🤔 also, it looked like there was lacquer over the bare wood.
The ST-80 is my favorite of the prototypes 🤘
A lot of people saying the same thing here - Preferring nitro but without the relic. I don't see any reason why they couldn't do that - Would probably be easier and quicker too 🤷♂️
Love your videos. May I get the link to where you got your glasses please? I am a fashion photographer and it would be great for my image. I have a German brand called "Kuboraum that are great in black, but yours are so 2 dimensional looking. Looks great on you!
Cheers mate! 🤓👍 I got them from either Ali Express or Temu (I don't have a link soz - but there's multiple sellers of the same thing). In almost all of my vids - these glasses are just fake constume glasses and I pop the lenses out - long story:
ua-cam.com/video/LKLu7dve2gc/v-deo.html
But I recently got back from China and had my new real prescription lenses put in these frames 🤓👍
“Let’s speculate” haha grabs popcorn 🍿 😂
Totally wish I went to Guitar Summit! 😂
Could only speculate from home 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar I have the same situation 😂 let us sit in our corners of the world and communally speculate on gear hypotheticals together haha!
@@PedalPlayhouse We should just start rumours! 😂👍
The 12” radius ‘D’ shape neck is very Gibson/Epiphone - have you considered changing necks to 9.5” ‘C’ 🤔
You mean like buying one and changing the neck?
I would consider it, if it was a great body etc, but worry about neck heels, neck pockets, screw alignment not being compatible. It would be beyond my skill level to solve, so then would probably have to pay a tech, plus the neck, then it ends up in a different price range, better looking elsewhere.
Although I've pretty much already did all that daft stuff to a Jet 😂🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar It may not be entirely straightforward but in my experience, a shim might be all that’s needed to make it playable 👍
I did see a video where they are coming out with a ST Modren Plus HH configuration. I'm looking forward to the ST Modern Plus HH . I hope they have it in Graffiti Yellow like they showed. It's a hard tail also.I think it will have the 12-16 radius like the HSS .I world prefer a 9 1/2 radius but, I have been waiting for sooooo looooog for a ST in a HH configuration and in Graffiti Yellow that if they come out with a Graffiti Yellow HH I will be getting one. I like that they are coming out with just a ST Modern . It is maybe one I will consider getting also . I think Harley Benton is watching your channel. Keep up the suggestions you may convince them to do the specs you described that I also would like to see in a ST model. The nitro is nice but I'm not a fan of relic guitars. I would prefer just a regular nitro paint and not a relic paint job.🎸🤘🏻
Ah cool! I'm sure those ST Variations would sell very well! Might even out sell the fusions eventually! 🤯
HB did comment on one of my vids before so that's a good sign 😀👍
You're the 3rd person to mention prefering nitro without relic too. Seems that's a popular choice.
I think Harley Benton are pretty great at taking on board peoples suggestions, so we might see a non-reliced nitro one day 😀👍
I would like a Harley Benton Strat but with a thicker neck. Like a thick soft V. I can wait a while I think … All the slim C shape necks are not possible for me.
Yeah, I'd love to see some different neck options too. The D shaped 12" necks aren't comfortable for me either. It's the only thing that puts me off thier other models. That's maybe a good thig though - otherwise I'd probably have about 20 HB's 😂
Cool vid. 👍 Ive been interested in HB but I prefer to try before I buy and I am n Canada so importing HB sight unseen with extra duty fees has been a bit of a turn off for me. I tried a used HB Les Paul in a local store a few mths back and really liked it. Im all for quality inexpensive guitars. I recently bought a Squier Affinity Tele that’s just fantastic, fun to play, stays in tune, sounds great, what more can u ask for ?
I do feel for you guys in Canada with the higher fees - bit of a bummer like 🫤
Speaking off Squier Affinities though... I recently got one - It might be my new favourite neck 😀👌
@@stevecassidyguitar the new Squier necks are great 👍
If the big F is stopping peoples from making copies well that is understandable.
If the big F is stopping peoples from making excellent guitars based on the S model but at lower prices that are NOT copies well ... that is very very not good
Totally agree mate! But yeah just speculation, I don't know if it's true. But it could be a slightly more complicated scenario with it being a Fender signature model, maybe it's TDL, that's not happy people might buy these and he won't get his cut 🤷♂️
(That was just more speculation tho 😂🙈)
@@stevecassidyguitar Everything seems to go by intellectual property now.
This new wave of kit China-Indonesia is far superior in my opinion than MIM US kit.
But intellectual property works two ways. The big F will be bound to register anything that hits IP going the other way.
I think that is where Alan Entwistle designs have some clout. And who knows?
All those non-USA designs will have IP belonging to someone else.
The big F played memorabilia card years ago and seems to be stuck in it 😎
It sounds like a Customizing Version towards your wishes. Those new models don't caught my Interest. I'd rather have them Design a shortscale bass with a Split Coil Alnico V Pickup and a maple fretboard.
A short Scale Bass with a Maple board shouldn't be too much of a big ask - That should totally exist! 😀
Hope it happens for ya mate - I'd possibly consider one too 😁👍
Not many nitro options out there, if your budget < ££££. The closest you can get is a dodgy relicked nitro, e.g a road worn fender. Wish there were some unrelicked nitro options built outside the states, that would be a game changer for me
Not a lot of comments here so far, but your'e already the 2nd person to say you'd prefer an unreliced nitro option. Looks like that might be a popular choice. 😀👍
"Vintage" brand guitars have a Relic series, but they look far from authentic imo.
Someone else just pointed out Artist Guitars already do reliced Nitro for like less than £300. They look decent - Wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being the same factory as these "new" HB's
@@stevecassidyguitar I like nitro cause I like the thin layer of paint that lets you feel the wood surface, and I like the way it ages. Not into wood breathing etc lol. Gimme a nitro guitar and let me own my relicing, cheers!
So 8-9 months wait time for again
Well... "I heard" that they pretty much ceased production on the ST Modern plus, to iron out some QC issues from the first batch.
Can't confirm if it's true though - 2nd hand info
I thought the relic Tele looked good in my opinion. 🎸🎸
Me too mate! 😀👍 Surprising for me 🤷♂️
They keep putting D profiles on the tele 62’s and the shoulders feel really harsh to my not so big hands. C shape, for the love of god…C shape.
100% agree! It's the only stopping me from having like... 20 Harley Bentons! 😂👍
nitro finish, you say...?
Satin nitro finish is the best, imo
HSS nitro relic with SS fret, 9.5 neck radius, and a 2 point push-arm trem, locking tuners, and choice between maple or rosewood fretboard. I couldn't be compelled to buy anything else.
That sounds ideal mate 😁👌
Funny thing is... those are supposed to replicate 60+ year old HB guitars... and there's no such thing, LOL.
Great point! 😂👍
Someone else just said a similar thing - I'd never thought about it like that before. Now I can't "unthink" it - Cheers 😂👍
Same applies to reliced Friedman guitars costing 3knand more.
@@andrezcabara2774 Yup! Same deal
Lightning bolt holes? MEEEHHHHHHH.
Yeah, I think that was a bit of a fail. Otherwise looks pretty impressive, also has coils splits, locking tuners and possibly SS frets! 😀
I reckon they'll still sell well tho
@@stevecassidyguitar I don't even like diamond shaped sound holes, like on the Grohl! But I imagine I'll get me a "jazz box" at some point...
@@Markleford I do like F holes tho. My Active Starcaster is smei hollow without F holes. I had to put an F hole decal, because I thought it looked too fat 😂🙈
I’m in the minority but I don’t like ss frets. They’re generally too round and big for me. Much prefer a regular medium nickel polished up well
Totally valid take mate! 😎👍
I had the same concerns when getting my Jet JS400 refretted with SS frets. Had in the back of my mind, all the Guitars I'd had with SS frets (4 harley Bentons, 2 Solokings and 3 Earts) I'd sold or returned, thinking it was the neck profile and fretboard radius - But maybe it was the frets size!?!? 🤯
So I made sure the tech (AGRAJAG) used the same size fretwire as was already on there, (medium Jumbo) - Love it! 😅
It could be the SS ones you've tried all use bigger and taller fret wire, (Harley Benton say it's medium jumbo, but it's closer to Jumbo imo) Soloking are the same, whereas EART are the opposite end of the spectrum, they're fret wire is too low/short.
For me it turned out the fret size mattered more than the material 😀👍
Gee me that Davie Growlllll!
Rrrraaaaaaaarrrgh!!!!!! 🐯
Soz.. I may have misunderstood the request
@@stevecassidyguitar perhaps 😄
4:46 soon well remember people it’s 86 sleeps till Christmas 🎅🏼 could be someone’s present 🎁 I’m no keen on the Bento’s great guitar but poor resale value if it’s not a keeper.
Thanks for the Xmas reminder mate! 😅👍
I've actually did not too bad on resale with the Bentons. I think the newer ones from the past 3 years or anything that's still in the current line does not too bad. The older ones (before they got really good) don't sell too well though.
Reminds me of the CST24 I bought used locally for £160 and sold about a year later for the same. Bonkers you can get a guitar that quality with Stainless Steel frets on the used market for that price🤯
So I’m desperately trying to find some Jet footage from Guitar Summit and of course my Number 1 place to check is The Main Jet Guy Steve Cassidy. And what’s he doing? Talking about acoustics and HB’s at home in Scotland?? Dude 🤦♂️🤣🤣🤣. We need a stand in. An AI Steve Cassidy to go in your place
Ha! Sorry to dissapoint mate! 😂👍
I couldn't afford Guitar Summit this year after Gear Street and I'm off to China in a couple of weeks too 🤯
But... As fas I know... we've seen all the new Jet releases. They're going hard promoting the sister brand Spira Guitars now. KDH had a bit about them on his Vlog the other day. I reckon Andy Guitar Geek will have some out too soon - He's another Jet pal 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I understand mate, only rippin ya dude 😝. I’ll check that out on KDH’s channel so man. Cheers 👍
@@thelolguy007 😁👍
🙏
Harley Benton is late to the "Relic" party. Relics have been built for years by both big and by small manufacturers. Gear4music makes inexpensive Knoxville legacy relics that have big fretwire, level frets and great hardware. The Harley Bentons I've owned had fretwire that wasn't level and I sold all of them. I'd be interested in these new relics if HB would use bigger fretwire and get better quality control on their fret levelling etc!
Yeah they're certainly not the first to Relic 👍
The more affordable brands i've seen that do Relics like "G4M" and "Vintage" don't look that great to me. The Relic looks very unauthentic (and just kinda... bad 😬 especially the "Vintage" brand ones) when using poly finish (imo).
I thought Harley Benton would be the first (affordable brand) to do Relics in Nitro - but it's been pointed out to me that "Artist" guitars got there first - good prices too. But HB have more clout imo.
Like the look of that Tele and this is from someone who isn't the biggest fan of them.
Same here mate - Something about these. I think they might be on to a complete winner!
Hey Steve, how are you mate? Davie Growl?🤣🤣🤣 I just spit my coffee....but i really like the guitar....😳 Personally i find the ST-182 the least desirable as my Jet JS-800 will Tom de 'all day' longe....😉Have agreat week🎸🤘🏼🎸👊🏼
Hullo mate! 😀 "all day longe" 😂👌
EVen though the ST 182 isn't really to my taste, I'm still very interested to see what the changes they make are👍
Jesus you could lose an arm in that Dave Grohl knock off
😂🤣
I have bought 7 Harley Bentons- from December2021 to March 2023. Lefties in the guitar market don't have many options and Thomann filled that gap nicely. Unfortunatly, shipping and import duties have priced their guitars into the intermediate range- new Classic Vibe prices. Their latest LP (or SC) style end up being too expensive to take a chance on, especially when UPS routinely kicks the ever living crap out of their guitars. I've paid import duties and taxes twice on a gold top because Thomann pretends to not know how to ship internationally. So, yeah, they've become a hard pass. Huge mulinationals like Thomann should treat their foreign customers better. We take a BIG chance buying without trying and they don't think it's worth thier while to fix their logistics problems.
Great points well made mate. Sounds like a problem they need to address that's well worth fixing too. Hope it gets better 🤞
Relic guitars make me cry, who in their right frame of mind would make a pristine instrument
then throw it down the stairs ?
If there is the slightest imperfection on a guitar that is supposed to be new, i don't want it.
Come on HB, where is the Fusion 4 ?
Never mind showcasing guitars that look like they should never have left the factory, you sell
too many B grades as it is.
Booom! You tell em Barbara! 💪😎
@@stevecassidyguitar I try my best, what a great way to sell the rejects without having to refinish them.
Fender have taken it a step further and are now offering their B grades as refurbished , to what standard
i dread to think.
agree. gamechanger
Very interesting times 😀
@@stevecassidyguitar nitro finishes take longer to do than poly. if they can keep the prices low it'll push the big boys to do this on squire, epiphone and prs se
@@jroobz Yeah I'm keen to see the prices on these new HB Nitros.
But I don't think it will push the big boys to follow suit. That's why we still can't get stainless steel frets on a Fender for less than 2.5k. If they started putting SS frets and Nitro finishes on Squiers, Epiphones etc.. then it would hurt the sales (and "percieved" value) of thier high end offerings. (IMO 😜)