The 7 BEST Beginner Guitars (Seriously Good)
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- The 7 BEST Beginner Guitars (Seriously Good)
Today were taking a look at some great cheap guitars for beginners. This is not a review as such, but you can find the full length reviews below.
I hope you enjoy!
Cort G110: • Cort G110 (Cheap AND G...
Harley Benton HB-35: • Harley Benton HB-35Plu...
Ibanez GRG121: • Game Changing Budget G...
Indio Classic Strat: • This $100 Guitar Is Su...
Harley Benton SC-550 II: • GREAT Budget Les Paul ...
Harley Benton TE-62: • Harley Benton Telecast...
Jet JS-400: • Jet JS-400 (More Than ... or 300: • BEST Cheap Strat Out T...
Sire T3: • Sire T3 (Cheap And GOO...
Sire S3: • Sire S3 Stratocaster (...
Ibanez GRX40: • Ibanez GRX40 (Is The G...
Eart Strat: • Best Cheap Guitar I've...
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0:00 Guitars and criteria
0:55 Guitar 1
4:07 Guitar 2
7:17 Guitar 3
11:39 Guitar 4
15:35 Guitar 5
20:08 Guitar 6
25:20 Honorable mentions
27:25 Guitar 7
Check out my lesson channel: www.youtube.com/@ElmoKarjalainensGuitarLe-rd5tb
This is the BEST budget gear channel on UA-cam - I always enjoy your reviews and you don’t pull any punches.
Absolutely! One of the very few guitar reviewers I trust to tell me the truth. The channel deserves a lot more subs and views.
@@jezza8558 My thoughts as well.
Glad you like them!
1st time viewer. Enjoyed watching you play as much as I loved listening. You make playing guitar look fun (and easy). The little "Elmo" mascot sitting up on your Vox really sets a friendly, playful stage, and must make beginners feel a little less intimidated.
Thanks for creating such helpful content for the next generation of guitarists. I bet you're a fun, non-intimidating teacher. Subscribed to help boost your content in the YT algorithm.
I’ve been a subscriber since the beginning of my guitar journey. I love watching these beginner type segments a lot. Because I think you can never have too much of a solid foundation. Thanks for the great content, professor!
And thank you :)
I have an Eart Strat. Beautiful roasted neck and mahongany body. I have zero fret issues either being high or catching the high E string. I fell in love at first sight and the feel is exactly what I was looking for. Eart covers some serious detail for a budget guitar; bone nut, staggered pick ups, compound radius, stainless steel frets......down to an embossed logo on the injection molded foam case the guitar is shipped in. That alone is extremely high class. I hope Eart eventually gets the recognition they deserve. In my opinion, they are doing one heck of a job offering such a great guitar to beginners.
Fiendishly great reviews, Elmo. I love your videos. You make them very entertaining and fun with honesty, sincerity and thought. Thanks!!
Glad you like it :)
Wow, you really loved that HB Tele! There are obviously a lot of good value instruments out there. Many thanks.
Thanks for the review EJK🎉🙏✌️❤️
And thank you Rick :)
I like your tests an recommandations. Keep on! Maybe the new Squier Sonic Strat HSS as a budget strat is worth to have a look on it. Just a proposal for a new test!
Thank you very much for this interesting and detailled video 😊
And thank you :)
Thanks Elmo. This video shows that a great player can make a budget guitar sound like a pro-grade instrument.
Nice review and demo
Thanks!
Great List & Advice! Nice job mate😎👍
So glad to see the Jet JS400 at the top of the heap - I couldn't agree more 😀👌
(Even though I've not tried "all" of the others you mentioned 🙈)
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@MrPolevaulter Always! 😀👍
Can I play metal on it and stuff similar to arctic monkeys?
Great advice and a good selection of guitars if you can find a good sample.
In this price range it is esential to try before you buy and go to a good store
that will setup the guitar so that it is easy to play.
The mistake i made with my first guitar was not taking a guitar player with me
and the store sold me a very bad sample.
The only other advice i would like to add is avoid the cheapest entry level ones
they are not easy to play and tend to sound thin and harsh, buy the best you can
afford.
Cheers!
Came to the right place, great video.
I own a very vast guitar collection with 40% being older guitars made in the 50's 60's and some 70's and that should make me a vintage snob...and yet I just LOVE affordable guitars 🙂🙂
It's amazing what you can find these days for not too much money, quality and sound are easily as good as anything that would have cost 5 times the price many years ago, and if you upgrade hardware and pickups/wiring you'll end up with something unique and really nice...
I won't tell how many guitars are in my collection but it's getting really big at this point...
It's not my fault 😄😄 these affordable guitars are so good I just can't resist...
Excellent video, very helpful and informative...
My latest acquisition is a Harley Benton DC-60 ( SG Junior ) in Polaris white...
Cheers!
Can u do a Jackson js32t randy roads review, it's cheap and haven't heard of any bad reviews about it....e.g fret sprouts or bad workmanship. Maybe u can find some fault in it like Yngwie would. BTW love ur facial expression, when on purpose u play the wrong notes on popular song! In my books ur much better guitar player than most of the bands today even the oldies like kirk hammet or slash and all the the other rubbish we get today hiding in heavy distortion and editing. Thank u so much for the ur time & money u spend on every video!!! Really appreciate it elmo. Keep up the good the work!!!!!!!
Hi Elmo,thanks for your honest share!I enjoy it so much and I keep looping your video since I am an acoustic guitarist around 7 years and now I want to start learning the electric guitar.I feel struggle between choosing thr Ibanez grg121sp or the Jet js-400.Which one you will prefer more if play the style is tend to Djent,polyphia ?Hope you can give me some suggestions:)
I picked up an Indio HSS Strat on sale for $80 from Amazon US, partially based on your earlier review, and have never regretted it. Swapped the bridge for a Guyker that has a push-in arm. It really sings, and stays quite well in tune, even with trem use. I think it could give the original 1950s Fenders a run for their money! Thanks for your comprehensive and honest reviews!
Not sure if you mentioned in your review that the HB SC-550II has SS frets; that is a real plus at this price point. I have the Black Cherry version in my sights - really wished I could get the European prices here in the US!
Glad to hear I could help :)
@@MrPolevaulter I am truly amazed at how many guitar products you are able to appraise!
Did you have any issues with it? I'm new to learning guitar but I have had a squire bullet since covid, got this because the bullet can never stay in tune or even sound in tune and I only have guitar centers near me which Many people say to avoid. Anyway just picked this up and it sounds good but for some reason it won't stay in tune for long after a couple notes I can feel the strings getting loose and I have to tune it again
@@chrisguzman7926 The Squier (and Bullet), and Indio Strat are mass produced guitars that are generally well-made - but due to their high production volume, sometimes don’t have the level of quality checks of higher end ones. I tried two of the Indios and kept the better one, while returning the other (I’m an Amazon Prime member which makes this fairly easy). It takes some experience to know when a particular guitar is not worth the time and effort (or $ if you’re bringing it to a luthier to do the work). Bring
If you’re a beginner, this might be a good opportunity for you to get familiar with checking and adjusting a guitar’s setup.
Any guitar with a tremolo bridge is going to be harder to stay in tune as compared to one with a fixed bridge.
Some things to try to stabilize your guitar’s ability to stay in tune:
* Tighten all screws and nuts on the tuners
* Make sure the strings have enough turns on them to avoid slippage.
* Check the nut to see if the slots are cut too tight; this can cause binding.
* Lubricate the nut slots, and any points where the strings touch any other component - string trees, bridge saddles, etc.; also any moving parts on the bridge.
* Try not using or even blocking the bridge to remove it from the tuning stability equation.
* When tuning, tune up to pitch vs down, and stretch the strings thoroughly.
* Try putting on new strings.
You might find that some of these procedures will fix your Squier's tuning stability as well.
Good luck!
Great & honest review! I got myself js 400 too. Whammy bar seems to be very tight. I wonder is there a screw somewhere to adjust the tightness?
You mean tight when pushing down? Loosen the screws on the back, under the back plate.
Really good!! Please another video under €600!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Thanks! Maybe at some point.
To start from 0 I decided for a hb st-20 €99 and mobile gear(apartment). If it goes well I am willing to afford an Ibanez next. Yet, regarding the first guitar the cord g110 looks so good. Thank you Elmo
Nice thing about the Indio is a full block tremolo will fit it. It just barely fits but still fits. That and some locking tuners and you got a little weight on that thing. My big problem with lite guitars is that they feel cheap. But something about that Indio is easy and fun to play.
I was beginning to think you'd missed my guitar out before you got to it last,the Jet JS400. An absolutely brilliant guitar and one which even amazed my tech when I got it set up by him,as I do with any guitar I buy. Even with a thinner neck,which I dont usually like as I'm more of an acoustic player,it is still a superb guitar. You didnt mention the Jet Tele version and I have that too,but I want to love it but just cant. It's a beautiful guitar but I find the neck far too skinny personally for my tastes. I do fancy the HB 35 as I've always wanted a semi hollow in that style but I am a bit put off by a cheap acoustic I bought from Harley Benton which was a really cheap and nasty thing. Thanks for the reviews Elmo. I think you are a great guitar player but I don't share your love of that heavy stuff,which seems to be remarkable popular in Finland and the whole of Scandinavia.
Thanks for mentioning it has a thin neck. I guess the same counts for the JS-400. Really freaks me out it's not mentioned anywhere, with exceptions, how thick the neck is between thumb and fingers.
@@wolfgangdevries127 I dont find the strat uncomfortable at all but the Jet Tele neck feels very thin to me.
@@skintslots ok, much appreciated!
Cheers! The Jet stuff is certainly very good.
Same opinion. If you are beginner and interested in Ibanez guitars in general, 121SP is the one (or GRX 70 with thicker block replaced)
Yeah.
Hi Elmo, have you ever though about making a "guitar setup" video where you show how you like to set your string and pickup heights?
I have actually. Need to plan it first though.
This combined with your video about what not to buy for beginners should be mandatory viewing for parents/grandparents before the holidays!
Great Stuff! Thanks for these in-depth topics
Thanks :)
Excellent compilation yet again....I'm not a les Paul or a tele lover always been a Strat lover love thd Cort head stock if the yamaha pacifica had that headstock I get it as I'm not fan of the yamaha headstock I've heard the crafter cruiser strats are good too ? Have you reviewed one of those ?
I suppose you don’t like the tip on the Yamaha Pacifica headstock. Maybe you could cut it to your liking, fine sand and seal with some spray paint.
I on the other hand don‘t like the tip of the Cort headstock. Have the G100 and will cut off the lower part of the rounded tip.😌
Great guitar for budget thanks 🙏 you 😊
Thanks!
Hey Elmo! I'm new to your channel but already subscribed as I love the content and style. Got a question for you. I was given Cort G210 as a present to practice and learn. Would you say it's a good option for a practice & beginner guitar? Based on your recommendations I also got the Roland Micro Cube as my 1st amp so I hope it's a good starter kit :)
I also got the micro cube after watching his video. First version too. Heard that's better. It's a really good portable amp, but it's just that. I'm not sure if it's the best first choice but it's highly portable and good for jamming so that's good.
Nice list. Did you have a chance to compare HB TE-62DB with TE62-CC? Do you happen to have any advice in terms of the fretboard wood?
Nope, haven't compared them. So sorry, no advice on them.
I own the three of the HBs of the video (semi hollow, single cut and TE) and I love them… even better, my TE is the 20, less than 90€ and is an absolute beast. I have just changed the TE pickups por a 25€ Chinese alnicos.
Only one comment, I had to send the semi hollow for small problem in the bridge and it was covered by the warranty.
I also own a HB Strato, but there I went to the deluxe series because the basics ones are not really good.
The HB Strats are strangely not very good imo. Haven't tried a deluxe.
holy smokes the last jet one that sounds amazing
I missed out on a Cort G200DX in Java Sunset recently. I thought it was a POS but then I watched the Gear4Music demo on it. It had been sold by the time I went back for it! Regrets, I've had a few.....as the song goes....!
Great reviews dude. I'm tempted to trade my 112v Pacifica 😂 can you recommend a guitar up from that?
Thanks! Depends on what your tastes are like.
Hi there Elmo. Greetings from Portugal. When you exchanged the pickups from your harley benton SC-550, which ones did you went for? Thanks and all the best
Low output vintage ones. My luthier friend made me two.
@@MrPolevaulter thank you very much for yout attention. Wish you all the best.
I want to learn guitar and play with my dad :)
I'm the last child to leave the nest. But electric guitar always makes me think of my dad despite the distance. He is where I got my music taste from. My mum LOVES her violin and music theory, but it's my dad and I who compulsively listen to music. It's genuinely sensory regulation for us
I remember many years ago my sister-in-law giggling with my brother about how my dad and I were both sat in the front of the car, bopping to some rock song the same way. To us it was natural! I guess to her it was a prime example of "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" 😁
I remember him playing "Singring and the Glass Guitar" for me when I was just a little girl as well. When I was at the age right between only knowing fairy tales, and beginning to understand the "real" world (so just the right time for that song)
I texted and asked him the other day if he remembered that. He said "Of course" ❤️
Can't wait to see my parents again 🥲
Hi Elmo tok you're and others advice and bought a Eart sss standard and its as Advertised love it now by saying that im not a dude that will say its better than my Friends $2000 Fender I have $232 usd in it but I would say its as good as a Squier classic vibe i got a red one and it didn't have fret sprouts but I still have to take it to my guitar guy and have him do something with the wang bar flopping around dont like that only thing i can find fault with thinking about buying a Jet 400 real soon loved you're show with in on another video keep doing what you do Bro
Great video again 👍🏻. so I play classical guitar and it’s always best to buy a used guitar because they always sound better. I’m looking at purchasing electric guitar and amp.Does this apply to electric guitars. Could you do a video on used guitar. For example ones that cost £400 to £600 new. A bit subjective 😊 👍🏻
Thanks! Maybe at some point. It can be a good idea to buy used, not in terms of sound, but more because they won't develop issues when the wood dries etc.
I love these “X Best” type videos, even if I’m not currently shopping for guitars. Regarding Harley Benton, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a love/hate scenario for a brand (other than Gibson 😉). Some say they are GREAT, and some say they are TRASH. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. But… I’ll take your word for it. As a professional with no hidden agenda or prejudice, you da man.
Cheers!
May I ask a none related guitar question, I live in Ilkeston Derbyshire UK born in Nottingham, Your English is so good you even do impersonations. I know. Bit of of German and some Japanese. But your English so Natural.
Awesome guitar 🎸
👍
Hello Elmo👐, I'm new to the electric guitar scene and im wondering 🤔 should I get the Yamaha Pacifica 012 or the Jet js400 which have similar prices. Planning to get a second-hand fender lt40s amplifier too.
Pacifica all day! I got mine in 1998 ... and it is still working perfectly and my go to guitar.
Thank you. I like lightweight guitars with med - large frets. I have short fingers so large frets. Lightweight is more fun to me. 1.Ibanez s series. 2. Steinberger spirit 3. esp ltd ec246. 4. Epiphone les paul jr. Thanks. Righteousness! Tadpole? Cocoon?
Cheers!
Hi Elmo. Except Indio (That sound very "hollow")...are all good entry level guitar....I have 2 HB guitar and are really good....
PS: played by you also Indio seems a good guitar 😀
I've got an hss Indio and my only complaint is the neck is too thick. Personally I'd go with the Ibanez if it's got the .75 inch thick neck at 1st fret. The older I get the more neck dimensions become the most important thing to me.
on 0:43 is Ibanez GRX120SP, so I wonder did you find its sound similar to GRG121SP which is in this video? I remember your clip where you was disappointed in tuning of GRX120 after using wammi bar, any other issues with GRX120SP?
The sound was similar.
@@MrPolevaulter thank you for a great content and a good sense of humor!
if this man says "seriously good" you buy it...
Cheers!
I would indeed
Its always best to try before you buy if it is possible.
If this man says ‘bend over’ are you going to bend over? Bender! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The Eart Strat is best budget guitar I've ever seen and played. I have two of them and they play better than my American Fender, and pretty much any other guitar I've tried. The specs are amazing although I recommend some alnico v's to really make it great. I also have an Eart EG512 Les Paul with the Gibson headstock, trapezoid inlays, and binding around the neck and body with SS frets and it absolutely embarrasses most Gibson's out there. If you're on a budget there are some great options out there these days and honestly expensive guitars are not that much better.
They really are good.
Would you recomend the yamaha pacifica 112v over the cort g110? Or there is no big difference? Thanks Elmo
I've tried three Pacificas, and only liked one, so I'd go for the Cort.
Hello ! thank you for this recommandations ! can you say me why @16:11 you prefer the first version ? i love the version 1 color like you but what is a bit better too please ? i'm on the way to buy...
I just liked it more. If I remember correctly that one had a mahogany body as well. But in general it somehow just felt better to me. That being said, I liked the pickups in version II more.
@@MrPolevaulter Oki ! thank you very much for your feedback ! The best for you in 2024 !
Currently shopping around for a 'budget' electric, preferably strat in the HSS config. But now I'm concerned about floating bridges so common among them. I've no interest in trems, and don't want to deal with tuning issues just bending notes.
Are there no HSS hardtails out there??
Thanx for this Elmo, my only objecton I have about this is an biggie that makes this somewhat dubius....
Is that YOU ARE TOO GOOD AND MAKE AN TOTHBRUSH SOUND SUPERGOOD...
DAMN MUMINTROLL 😆👍
🤣
Does scale length matter for a beginner? Would it be better to begin with a 24.75 scale or 25.5 scale?
Not really in my experience. It might though if you have small hands.
Dear Elmo - which one is better (or better for the money) - Jet js-400 or Sire S3? I've had Jet in my hands and I was very impressed but people tell me Sire is the one to go to. Should I buy Jet or put some more cash and buy S3? Please advice if possible. Thanks in advance.
I'd get the Jet
You know your guitars! Thanx😊
Cheers!
As 52yr old starting guitar lessons & shopping for my first guitar, was brilliant video!!!!
Thanks!
Speaking of budget guitars I had a Mexican player Series fender for some reason I didn’t like the way it felt so I sold it and I bought an affordable squire 40th anniversary vintage style Stratocaster and that’s who feels way better and it was on special for 299
Cool :)
Pls make a video for best gitars next level after beginner 🤟what you think ..weher is the biggest difference when u go up and up in price worth it ?
Possibly at some point.
I really liked the look of SC-550 v1, that light sunburst that v2 lacks. A shame they don't make it anymore, I'd buy this guitar on sight.
I also don't like the greenish hue on tuners, but they are replaceable so it's not a deal-breaker
Would you recommend a yamaha pacifica 012 over a jet js400?
What do you think about the Harley Benton's with the EMG's in them? Thanks
Haven't tried them
They change the PU's from roswell alnico5 style paf to tesla opus-3 paf in SC550II version and tesla makes greit pick ups gotta say that dimarzio/SD tone for half of the price
personally i have two ibanez a grx70 and a grx40 and they are very good, better than some squiers i have owned for sure.
What about the Harley Benton fusions?
i have to add one more for beginners. the squier sonic mustang.
I've tried two Sonics, Strats though, and I wasn't impressed.
Should I get the jet or the squire affinity?? Which is better
Jet
This price range is dominated by Harley Benton, Jet and Fazley pretty much.
There is a lot of choice between the three brands, none of them are bad.
I need to try more Fazleys. I've made two videos, but they're not out yet.
Can you review the harley benton sc-450 plus?
I've been thinking of it, but it will probably take some time.
JET FTW - They are generally great guitar, regardless of the price. I dare to say almost compete with Mexican strats in terms of feel and finish.
They're really good.
well I have 7 Yamaha Pacifica 112Vs, all best to me, just about 300€: a ridiculous pricetag for my favourite neck profile n very nice neck pup!!
Cool bananas :)
ibanez grx40 or JET js-400? please answer i want to buy my first guitar!!
I guess you should buy an ukulele first. I'm not kidding, I got Lanikai spst-t. Beautiful sounding instrument and pleasure to hold it.
JET.
Did you watch the video? I basically answer that question in the video.
i@@MrPolevaulter i couldn t find the answer, i guess i should buy the jet??
that one harley benton les paul looks and sounds best from all these
what about Newen Stratocaster? is it good better than pasifica 012?
Dunno
Any recommendations in that budget?
@@MrPolevaulter ?
No Squier?? are you kidding? The Squier strat is under £300 and it's a great strat.
The only Squier Strat I've liked has been the Classic Vibe, and that's over 300€.
21:00 while holding a "les paul" and saying a telecaster style guitar is heavy made my laugh =) since casually les paul styled ones are the extreme end of heavy weight guitars =)
:)
I've had the TE-52 too. It was heavier than all the LPs I've owned.
That thing was a freakin' boat anchor. I do get why you had to laugh though.
Would love to pick up a Indio HSS but the companies shipping cost are higher then the guitar itself...anyone here who might be able to have it shipped to me to Germany by the "cheapest" dhl shipping method?
Sweetwater my guy
Is it just me to see random images at this videos (previous - "Which Guitar Should I Buy?", at 0:28 - a banjo, this - at 0:18 - some man, and there are more)? I guess they somehow related to keywords. It's a kind of video virus maybe.
The first one is a picture of George Best. The second one is a bunch of guitars (and some other stuff).
Cort at 1:33.
That volume knob so close to the pick-up, which is a Fender thing, is poor design.
Harley Benton 35
Hollow body has zero effect on tonality. If the top warps, it will make tuning impossible.
Ibanez GRG121SP
Overpriced by 50% or what you get. (US$300).
Jatoba fretboard is only slightly better than rosewood. Both are far below purpleheart or Indian laurel.
Indio.
Again, volume knob placement is terrible. Cheap though. You could buy if on an extended business trip and leave it behind for the maids having gotten one's full from it.
Harley Benton LP 550 v2
Why spend that much for likely not great specs. Pau Ferro freboard is a tad above rosewood.
Harley Benton TE 62.
Why? There are super teles with more pick ups for less.
Jet JS 400.
Another terrible volume knob placement Strat.
Also, the fretboard is maple. That makes it a farmer's guitar.
One can buy a Yamaha Pacifica for $20 less in the USA and get Yamaha build-quality. And the Yamaha has a rosewood fretboard rather than the softer maple of the Jet.
And yamaha pacifica?
What about it? I've tried three. One was good, two weren't.
Fastest Like WR in just 1 second of seeing the video!
:)
Jet 🙌
:)
like yamaha pacific(first guitar)
what is the music at 2:30?
Gary Moore - Still got the blues
Darrel did a modification on a budget on the Indio guitar. Link: ua-cam.com/video/k8ZpTWPnJ20/v-deo.html
So it is.
i think sx guitars are amazing!
The one I had was very good, until it developed serious issues with the frets.
@@MrPolevaulter really? awwh thats sad. i bought a aria pro strat. thought it was amazning too.
What do they mean by this beginners... I still dont understand.. R we mad paying more than 30k to get a begener guitar...
Ibanez imo is the best guitar you can get for your money next to Squier.
The End of Expensive guitars
:)
If a guitar is well set up, plays well and sounds good, why do we call it a "beginners guitar"? Because of the price only? Or because it doesn't have a famous brand name on the headstock? I have been a touring and recording musician for almost 40 years, and my most expensive instrument cost me around 450 euro. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: If you can't make good music with cheap gear then you're not much of a musician.
Kiitos videosta!
Best guitars for non beginners then? 😅
I think it's hard knowing what price range to aim for and when it's all diminishing returns to going higher in price? Espeacially these days when guitar stores are shutting down and you're left with the option to order stuff online instead.
How about testing out guitars more aimed at experienced players who want more guitars? 😊
I mean I've been binge watching cheap guitar reviews for a year now instead of getting a new guitar and start playing more.
RIP George 😥
Yeah, his story is really sad. Such a great player though.
@@MrPolevaulter cheers elmo. alcohol abuse is a serious global issue.
😀
:)
I say it again: spending more than a 700$ on a guitar if you are not a orofessional is wasting your money
So I wasted all that money when I wasn't a professional.
No, no, no. You keep climbing man, beginners (or whomever buys for them) don't have 250+ euros for a first guitar that they may or may not just abandon completely after 2 months. Also recommending a semi-hollow to beginners is just seriously wrong in many levels. Then you recommend a 3-saddle tele to a newbie. You also keep recommending Harley Bentons. They have issues many times, setup and such is garbage. Beginners will need to take it to a luthier to get a proper setup, fix fret sprouts, fix tall frets and god knows what else (like non-working pups and such if it's not immediately sent back due to that to Thomann). Way to lose a sub mate.
Just a couple of points. I recommend guitars of all prices. If it's over your budget, I don't recommend it. I've also said of some Harley Bentons that you should avoid them. I always base my review on the guitar at hand, not some speculation on something that I haven't seen.
George Best was a womanising,alcoholic,millionaire...and as for his bad points.
:D
I got the HB-35 plus: Buyer Beware.
Initially I thought it was a nice guitar for the money. However....It developed a buzz on the bridge, The machining on one of the saddles is what you'd expect from a Chinese manufacturer of cheap goods. Two of the saddles were more than 1ml out (low) on the d&g strings and the machining was such that you could "wobble" the saddles from side to side very easily and the anchor screw holding the ToM saddles in was also badly fitted.
HB's "Infamous" EU customer support was appalling, Made me wonder if they'd even played a guitar in their life. Eventually after jumping through hoops & posting multiple pictures and making/sending multiple videos to support I got offered £11 refund for the price of the bridge, I replaced it myself with roller bridge which i had to mod due to the terrible inaccuracy of the bridge bush holes .
On closer inspection of this guitar the center block is very poorly finished, Not entirely sure what type of wood it is However where the Tail stop pins are inserted into the guitar there's a block of what i can only describe as "Harder" wood routed into the center block to accommodate the bushing inserts, which i might add lazy manufacturing again use the same size as the Tune O Matic bridge bushes. The Tail stop inserts were also "shimmed" with a couple of scrappy wood inserts as the bushes began to lift out of the body i had the replace them with better fitting and better quality ones on both sides.
The frets were nicely finished but were anything but level with high AND low spots all up and down the fret board so a leveling was needed, The tuners ( looking to replace them ) are beginning to slip and the nut was poorly finished so i made myself a brass one, sounds ok now.
The ONLY things half decent about this guitar was the pickups which are avg at best and the glossy finish...It really is a polished turd right out the factory & quality control/checking seems almost none existent.
After all my own mods it plays half decent & sounds ok but i wouldn't even recommend it as a modding platform as it appears the accuracy of various machining is very poor. Now the guitar is half decent after much time and money was spent modding/tweaking the guitar and its set up.
Lesson learned: You get what you pay for.
Maybe I got a bad one, As I hear reports from others they have had no problems with theirs, but its past my 30 money back date and i really don't want to be bothered wasting my time and effort with the appalling customer support offered. Its a good job I have an intermediate skill level in fixing what was needed to be done.
Hope this helped someone out there, seems it really is a gamble when you buy cheap Harley Bentons.
Sorry to hear you got a bad one.
@@MrPolevaulter Well idk I've dealt with having a cheap substandard guitar, nothing that a little money and time didnt fix. After all you get what you pay for right?.
What really kicked my goat was the appalling after sales support. I mean for instance, who tells someone they shouldn't use anything other than 10 gauge strings otherwise the tension wouldn't be correct and would cause problems!!!!??? Then offering a measly £11 to "fix" the problem was in the end kind of an insult.
What bothers me more is the money & Time Ive spent putting right this guitar i might as well had saved up and bought a Gretsch or a second hand Epiphone.
Glad i bought the Jet JS-300.😛
I have decided to treat myself too and ordered a JS-300 recently. Looking forward to it. Already got a guitar with a Humbucker in the bridge and P90 in the neck, what I'm missing is a decent single coil guitar with a vibrato bridge.
@@Vhagn Good for you. I have had an 80's Jap Strat for decades but it got distressed and needs tlc. So i bought an Epiphone SG and a Jet JS-300. So now i can play Mountain and Floyd!!!!! Enjoy fella.
Cheers!