Timestamps team: 00:00 Introduction 00:35 New Harley Benton Area 51 relic guitars! 02:21 ST-Modern 03:28 SC-Custom III and DC-Custom II 03:58 ST-80 Super Strat 04:52 HB-35 Blitz 05:41 Update on the ST-182 06:26 Custom Line CLG-70 Grand Auditorium style acoustic 07:48 My thoughts and ST-182/Dullahan II progress 08:58 Relic guitars discussion 10:23 HB-35 Blitz discussion 11:07 ST-80 discussion 11:35 ST-Modern discussion 11:49 What do you think? Final thoughts
I want non-relic high gloss nitro finishes! and some 9.5" radius fretboards, even selling necks with this radius so we can swap them would be a good thing. Whenever caramalised is mentioned it is a light roast and when roasted is mentioned it is a dark roast, you can check their range and this is true every time!
Non-relic nitro would also be awesome, I agree! Pretty sure it's possible if they're doing the relic ones. It's going to be fascinating to see where the prices come out with these. And my favorite Tele is a 9.5" board, so I am always down for that! Rosewood too ;) It's funny about the roasted/caramelized debate... as Bene says in the vid, technically for them it's the same thing. But like you, I've also noticed darker and lighter roasts on some HB necks I've had (I've never checked that against what the spec sheet says though!).
Yep, I agree - non-relic nitro options would be great if possible! I feel like Bene's personally a big fan of the nitro thing too, so hopefully he can help push it through ;)
OK, seeing as HB is reading these and wants our feedback, I’ll start: I would like to see the relic TE-62 and ST-62 models in Lake Placid Blue, Shell Pink and Sea Foam Green please. If there is going to be an SC relic, that can be Cherry Sunburst, and it would be AMAZING if there was one with P90s too! Rosewood/ebony boards for the win. And maybe, just maybe, how about two different relic levels? One slightly worn and one just totally trashed? Subtlety is often better here, in my opinion. For the HB-35 Blitz, a deep Olive Green finish would be lovely (I’m thinking like the Chris Cornell Gibson 335 sig), and also Black Metallic with Yellow accents please - let’s really make those lightning bolts stand out! Would make it an awesome guitar for doing Jack White-related stuff as well. For the ST-80 that’s got to be Slime Green too please! And Neon Pink. Possibly Neon Yellow. Simultaneously in the most and least tasteful way possible. And for the ST-182… just release it already 😉 As I saw someone else mention, I know it’s now going to have two pickups on release, but if HB also made an “ST-182 conversion kit” or something - which would basically be a single pickup loaded pickguard with volume knob to drop in - that’d make many people’s lives easier, I suspect.
Yes to NEON PINK! 🤩👌 Neon Pink everything please - even the relics! 😜 Love how Harley Benton are always adventurous with thier new models, and listen to thier customers and fans. Very cool brand! 😎👍 Great vid btw Mate! 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Ha ha, there definitely aren't enough Neon Pink guitars in the world! I really like what HB are doing too... taking chances, making stuff that's out of the ordinary alongside the more standard models, producing signature guitars for UA-camrs, etc. It's pretty refreshing! Kind of reminds me a bit of the Chapman Guitars vibe in their early days when they had the collaborative design thing going on with their community. Cheers Steve! Hope to see you with a Neon Pink HB in your hands some time in 2025 ;)
@@RichWordsMusic I wish they released a tele style guitar without the ugly birds head headstock and with both classic single pickups in a style of bridge they have on the Harley Benton TE-40 TBK Deluxe Series
Absolutely Steve! HB making sure we're going to be getting some awesome - and awesomely colorful guitars - over the next few months! Would love to see you take a few of these for a spin... and of course, to catch you at Guitar Summit 2025 ;)
It certainly is - the HB R&D team is always busy, that's for sure. And I bet there's more they didn't even show at Summit 😅 And yes, I hope I get to test them all out too... I am already making a list ;) Cheers!
They need to offer those nitro-finished Strat without the relic-ing. I would prefer to just play the guitar and let the finish wear naturally. On the colors front, for sure they need to do the SRV color. Also they need a smaller radius like 9.5"... 12" is not appropriate on a vintage-themed strat. The ST80 should be renamed the ST80-Plus so they can offer a cheaper version in the future, with hardtail and nickel frets, if the demand is there. The ST80 series needs to have a somewhat thin neck... a big baseball bat neck is not appropriate on a 80s superstrat.
Yep, I think non-relic nitro guitars would be great too. It seems like a natural choice as well, especially if the relics do well for them. Which they almost certainly will ;) That ST-80 idea I think is actually brilliant - a more affordable version without the locking trem would be ideal for some people! Interesting point on the neck specs, too... the ST-80 neck is not massive, but it's certainly not super slim either. With a guitar like this, I can see them making a few different versions in the future though.
Thanks for the great new guitars Benedict and Rich for filming this ! I already have two TE-62cc and one is an LPB color, but I will be interested in getting another TE-62cc LPB as a cool "Relic". That Relic Strat also looks very nice. Its on my List. Also on my "To Get List" is that ST-80 super-strat (in red or black color) and a very nice HB-35 "Blitz" in "Marty McFly Red" or in a Silver Metallic finish. Thanks for the cool video Rich. Its because of you I have bought a couple of guitars from Thomann ! You always make great review + Demos films Cheers MAX
I forgot to ask, does that Harley Benton TE-52 (or the TE-53KR) now come with a lighter wood body ? They used to make it with such heavy woods ! I put it off buying those 2 just because it was very heavy.
Thanks so much Max! I'm really happy to hear you're enjoying my videos and they can be helpful for you in making gear choices too :) I also have the LPB TE-62CC... having a relic version would make a great pair! And I also love the idea of a Silver Metallic HB-35 Blitz - very classy. That's definitely going on my list too, if it appears in 2025! Good question: I also didn't buy either of these guitars because I saw a lot of comments about the weight. When I went to Thomann once I saw both in the store and picked them up... they were both pretty heavy. I guess there is always going to be some variation, but ultimately ash seems to be a heavier wood and you can probably expect at least 3.5 kgs on average. Maybe it's possible to put in a request when you order for a light one? I'm not sure! If HB reads this would be geat to get an answer ;) Cheers Max, and rock on!
Fingers crossed by then it'll be ready! ;) I think it's going to be great when it does finally arrive, even though it's had numerous changes. I know it's a hardtail, but I wonder if they have finalized their choice of bridge yet?! It was lovely to see you at Summit, and hopefully catch you again soon! :)
Please make some deeper necks (.88" at nut to 1" at 12th fret) and necks with smaller fretboard radii (9.5" or maybe even 7.25") and rounded fretboard edges and stainless steel frets. I would also love to see a relic'd semi-hollow strat (with f-hole) with fat neck, 7.25" radius fretboard and jumbo stainless steel frets. Make provision for neck angle adjustment (accutilt or neck shims) and the 7.25" radius won't cause bends to choke out.
I love the idea of a semi-hollow Strat-type with an f-hole... those Eric Johnson ones looked amazing. That with more modern HB specs - and HB pricing - would be amazing!
@RichWordsMusic I image a thinline tele in black nitro with white body binding + matching headstock. It would have silver hardware and white pickguard. What a great guitar that would be to have! Another model I would be into would be the regular tele in classic finishes but also offered with some more crazy options in nitro an example: Capri orange with sparkle or some neons. I guess that's just my flavors though. Lol 😆
Nice video. Very excited about the new models. But there should be more attention for which ones will / will not be released LH. One of HB strengths is they release more lh models than competitors. And we love them for that. I hope they keep up that good work.
Awesome coverage👌 Love the Blitz (in another, more "Drab" color) Indeed a very Grohlsome axe for Tequila times. B.T.W., Love them HB50's aswell, although, would rather see them in a HB60 kind of finish and a 5 string version👍
Oh yes, I'd love to see an HSS too. I wouldn't be surprised if they do more Floyd-equipped models soon as well. For me, I'd love a hardtail version as well ;) Stainless steel frets are also great... I am really getting used to them now. Cheers and rock on!
My interest for the 182 kinda died because of the changes. I would buy the red superstrat with a hardtail. The Dullahan II is at the top of my list now. The 35 Blitz is very nice too.
Came here to say that i have finally got a HK BS 200 floor.. Still the only unit that does it all (almost). Your constant usage of it (head version) over the years here was a strong reibforcement to my interest in the unit, so i aporeciatte that and glad that the channel ia growing as it well deserves. On tooic of this vid, nitro ones are absokuteky the most interesting moment to me as from my experiencea with Gibson Worn and Fender Road Worn series, ih idmt made a world of a difference.. What is the ballpark of the nitro tele, anyone knows? Ps:what cabsim 1-8 do you use for your vids, as if i got it right, that is what we hear in your reviews, BS direct, but i may be wrong Thanks man, keep up this amazing work so far ☀️
Some color suggestions on the relics: surf green, sonic/ daphne blue, dakota red, metallic cobra blue, candy apple green, metallic dark green, candy apple red, metallic purple, oxblood, sunburst, black, Olympic white.
I can't be sure because I didn't have my trusty scales with me, but I've held a lot of guitars - and many HBs - over the years, and here are my guesses. The relic TE-62 and ST-62 guitars both felt good, nice and average for HB guitars. Maybe 3.2-3.5 kgs? The JB Bass was heavier, but that's normal. The ST-80 was comfortably lighter - maybe 3kg? And the HB-35 Blitz was similar to the others... possibly 3.5 kgs. The acoustic was lighter ;) With HB though, there's always going to be a bit of variation in guitars, even guitars of the same model, and ordering online you're always going to be taking a little bit of a risk. I've had a couple of HB guitars that were to heavy for me, but the vast majority have been absolutely fine (for my preference - I prefer lighter guitars and don't like to go much over 3.5 kgs). Hope this helps a bit!
As far as strats are concerned, HB lost the plot a long time ago. Jet is making everything HB should be making at a better price. The TE and CST lines are meh The SC, Fusion and DC lines are underrated for HB I think and they deserve more attention. My wish list: A DC60 Special with dual P90s, not dog ear!!!!!!!!!!!! TV yellow or vintage cherry with neck binding. A DC Special with dual P90s, neck binding, TV yellow, vintage cherry, you get the pattern Fusion 3, vintage white, EMGs, reverse headstock, maple neck, BLACK dots, black hardware, Hardtail and OFR versions.
I'd like to see guitars with these features: a good nut, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, good pots and electronics and nice necks. Am I asking for too much?
HB do make a few guitars that technically fit these specs. Well, maybe they've not done the expensive pot/electronics thing yet (as far as I know anyway), but I believe everything else is to be had on some models. The rest is all down to taste, I think! If you've not yet played one you really enjoyed, hopefully one of these 2025 ones could help change your mind!
@@RichWordsMusic Thxs Rich for answering. I have a SC 450 plus and I like it. I prefer my Gibson tribute, but HB is very close in sound and playability. Greetings from Innsbruck (Tirol, Austria)! I'd like to buy an ES 335 type, maybe the Blitz, I'll see
Now, thinking about this "Blitz" something stroke me suddenly. Putting these two "Blitz"signs next to each other you get what? Yes, the sign of Hitlers SS. I find it not very clever of Thomann, a German company, to having chosen this form of f-holes. I'd prefer the classic style anyway.
I was hopeful they would have an entry level wish a Floyd. Most of us would love to try a Floyd some time in our lifetime but just trying it at a store is pointless since we will hardly use it well on day one. I see they will bring out one this year. That said I would rather have 2 PU's on it than a ornate wood grain. The look of wood makes zero difference for a better sound. It is only cosmetic. Any time you read that the wood has a higher grade you are merely readinging a code invented for furniture makers not luthiers or players.
Is it a minority opinion to not like "relic" guitars? It feels so fake to me. I much prefer a quality finish. I get why you'd like to sell them though, because the finishing imperfections can become part of the "relicing". Fewer parts that must be refinished or scrapped.
Timestamps team:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 New Harley Benton Area 51 relic guitars!
02:21 ST-Modern
03:28 SC-Custom III and DC-Custom II
03:58 ST-80 Super Strat
04:52 HB-35 Blitz
05:41 Update on the ST-182
06:26 Custom Line CLG-70 Grand Auditorium style acoustic
07:48 My thoughts and ST-182/Dullahan II progress
08:58 Relic guitars discussion
10:23 HB-35 Blitz discussion
11:07 ST-80 discussion
11:35 ST-Modern discussion
11:49 What do you think? Final thoughts
I want non-relic high gloss nitro finishes! and some 9.5" radius fretboards, even selling necks with this radius so we can swap them would be a good thing.
Whenever caramalised is mentioned it is a light roast and when roasted is mentioned it is a dark roast, you can check their range and this is true every time!
non relic nitro finish would be awesome!!!
Non-relic nitro would also be awesome, I agree! Pretty sure it's possible if they're doing the relic ones. It's going to be fascinating to see where the prices come out with these. And my favorite Tele is a 9.5" board, so I am always down for that! Rosewood too ;)
It's funny about the roasted/caramelized debate... as Bene says in the vid, technically for them it's the same thing. But like you, I've also noticed darker and lighter roasts on some HB necks I've had (I've never checked that against what the spec sheet says though!).
HB looking good, I really like Nitro. Of course non-relic Nitro finished ones would be also excellent.
Yep, I agree - non-relic nitro options would be great if possible! I feel like Bene's personally a big fan of the nitro thing too, so hopefully he can help push it through ;)
@RichWordsMusic You're closer to him than us... He'll listen to you :).
I'll second that as well...thin nitro finishes with no relic job.
@jwright8838 We can send e-mail to Harley Benton, I once talked with them, the more people writes the bettererer.
@@jwright8838that would be what we all want
Relics are hot now! I like to see such a brand I like in the trend! I would love ST Plus in relic ... probably in a SRV homage =P
OK, seeing as HB is reading these and wants our feedback, I’ll start:
I would like to see the relic TE-62 and ST-62 models in Lake Placid Blue, Shell Pink and Sea Foam Green please. If there is going to be an SC relic, that can be Cherry Sunburst, and it would be AMAZING if there was one with P90s too! Rosewood/ebony boards for the win. And maybe, just maybe, how about two different relic levels? One slightly worn and one just totally trashed? Subtlety is often better here, in my opinion.
For the HB-35 Blitz, a deep Olive Green finish would be lovely (I’m thinking like the Chris Cornell Gibson 335 sig), and also Black Metallic with Yellow accents please - let’s really make those lightning bolts stand out! Would make it an awesome guitar for doing Jack White-related stuff as well.
For the ST-80 that’s got to be Slime Green too please! And Neon Pink. Possibly Neon Yellow. Simultaneously in the most and least tasteful way possible.
And for the ST-182… just release it already 😉 As I saw someone else mention, I know it’s now going to have two pickups on release, but if HB also made an “ST-182 conversion kit” or something - which would basically be a single pickup loaded pickguard with volume knob to drop in - that’d make many people’s lives easier, I suspect.
Yes to NEON PINK! 🤩👌
Neon Pink everything please - even the relics! 😜
Love how Harley Benton are always adventurous with thier new models, and listen to thier customers and fans. Very cool brand! 😎👍
Great vid btw Mate! 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Ha ha, there definitely aren't enough Neon Pink guitars in the world!
I really like what HB are doing too... taking chances, making stuff that's out of the ordinary alongside the more standard models, producing signature guitars for UA-camrs, etc. It's pretty refreshing! Kind of reminds me a bit of the Chapman Guitars vibe in their early days when they had the collaborative design thing going on with their community.
Cheers Steve! Hope to see you with a Neon Pink HB in your hands some time in 2025 ;)
@@RichWordsMusic I wish they released a tele style guitar without the ugly birds head headstock and with both classic single pickups in a style of bridge they have on the Harley Benton TE-40 TBK Deluxe Series
Exciting times ahead! 😀👍
Great Vid Rich! 😀👌
Absolutely Steve! HB making sure we're going to be getting some awesome - and awesomely colorful guitars - over the next few months! Would love to see you take a few of these for a spin... and of course, to catch you at Guitar Summit 2025 ;)
Would love to see a Graffiti yellow. Also can't wait for the ST HH in Graffiti Yellow🎸🤘🏻
Yes, that's a great color option! Would be perfect on the ST-80 and the ST-182 😎 Also as a relic I think!
That's a lot of interesting stuff in the pipeline, I hope you get to review the majority of them on your channel.
It certainly is - the HB R&D team is always busy, that's for sure. And I bet there's more they didn't even show at Summit 😅 And yes, I hope I get to test them all out too... I am already making a list ;) Cheers!
Here's a request for relics - PURPLE!!!
They need to offer those nitro-finished Strat without the relic-ing. I would prefer to just play the guitar and let the finish wear naturally. On the colors front, for sure they need to do the SRV color. Also they need a smaller radius like 9.5"... 12" is not appropriate on a vintage-themed strat.
The ST80 should be renamed the ST80-Plus so they can offer a cheaper version in the future, with hardtail and nickel frets, if the demand is there. The ST80 series needs to have a somewhat thin neck... a big baseball bat neck is not appropriate on a 80s superstrat.
Yep, I think non-relic nitro guitars would be great too. It seems like a natural choice as well, especially if the relics do well for them. Which they almost certainly will ;)
That ST-80 idea I think is actually brilliant - a more affordable version without the locking trem would be ideal for some people! Interesting point on the neck specs, too... the ST-80 neck is not massive, but it's certainly not super slim either. With a guitar like this, I can see them making a few different versions in the future though.
Thanks for the great new guitars Benedict and Rich for filming this ! I already have two TE-62cc and one is an LPB color, but I will be interested in
getting another TE-62cc LPB as a cool "Relic". That Relic Strat also looks very nice. Its on my List.
Also on my "To Get List" is that ST-80 super-strat (in red or black color) and a very nice HB-35 "Blitz" in "Marty McFly Red" or in a Silver Metallic finish.
Thanks for the cool video Rich. Its because of you I have bought a couple of guitars from Thomann !
You always make great review + Demos films
Cheers
MAX
I forgot to ask, does that Harley Benton TE-52 (or the TE-53KR) now come with a lighter wood body ?
They used to make it with such heavy woods ! I put it off buying those 2 just because it was very heavy.
Thanks so much Max! I'm really happy to hear you're enjoying my videos and they can be helpful for you in making gear choices too :)
I also have the LPB TE-62CC... having a relic version would make a great pair! And I also love the idea of a Silver Metallic HB-35 Blitz - very classy. That's definitely going on my list too, if it appears in 2025!
Good question: I also didn't buy either of these guitars because I saw a lot of comments about the weight. When I went to Thomann once I saw both in the store and picked them up... they were both pretty heavy. I guess there is always going to be some variation, but ultimately ash seems to be a heavier wood and you can probably expect at least 3.5 kgs on average. Maybe it's possible to put in a request when you order for a light one? I'm not sure! If HB reads this would be geat to get an answer ;)
Cheers Max, and rock on!
Maybe on the next Guitar Summit I can play the ST182... This guitar looks really good I hope it will also sound good. 😉
Fingers crossed by then it'll be ready! ;) I think it's going to be great when it does finally arrive, even though it's had numerous changes. I know it's a hardtail, but I wonder if they have finalized their choice of bridge yet?! It was lovely to see you at Summit, and hopefully catch you again soon! :)
I do like the look of the HB35 Blitz.
Please make some deeper necks (.88" at nut to 1" at 12th fret) and necks with smaller fretboard radii (9.5" or maybe even 7.25") and rounded fretboard edges and stainless steel frets. I would also love to see a relic'd semi-hollow strat (with f-hole) with fat neck, 7.25" radius fretboard and jumbo stainless steel frets. Make provision for neck angle adjustment (accutilt or neck shims) and the 7.25" radius won't cause bends to choke out.
I love the idea of a semi-hollow Strat-type with an f-hole... those Eric Johnson ones looked amazing. That with more modern HB specs - and HB pricing - would be amazing!
HB do non-relic Nitro finished please!!!!
I'd love to see this too!
@RichWordsMusic I image a thinline tele in black nitro with white body binding + matching headstock. It would have silver hardware and white pickguard. What a great guitar that would be to have! Another model I would be into would be the regular tele in classic finishes but also offered with some more crazy options in nitro an example: Capri orange with sparkle or some neons. I guess that's just my flavors though. Lol 😆
Nice video. Very excited about the new models. But there should be more attention for which ones will / will not be released LH. One of HB strengths is they release more lh models than competitors. And we love them for that. I hope they keep up that good work.
In Klopp we trust - he knows his guitars!
Olympic white would be a great colour for a relic.
Actually the Blitz made me think about Jesse Hughes (Eagles of death metal) - if the metallic finish would be red as Jesses, I would be there :D.
Awesome coverage👌 Love the Blitz (in another, more "Drab" color) Indeed a very Grohlsome axe for Tequila times. B.T.W., Love them HB50's aswell, although, would rather see them in a HB60 kind of finish and a 5 string version👍
I would like to see a area 51 relic St Modell with HSS and Floyd Rose and Stainless Steel Frets. That would be great. 🎸🎶🤘👍🤩
Oh yes, I'd love to see an HSS too. I wouldn't be surprised if they do more Floyd-equipped models soon as well. For me, I'd love a hardtail version as well ;) Stainless steel frets are also great... I am really getting used to them now. Cheers and rock on!
The more guitars they make that have those Canadian Flamed Maple (Caramelized) necks, the better.
My interest for the 182 kinda died because of the changes. I would buy the red superstrat with a hardtail. The Dullahan II is at the top of my list now. The 35 Blitz is very nice too.
Same to me, but we can still ripp off neck humbucker, put some custom pickguard and hopefully it will be ok .
Came here to say that i have finally got a HK BS 200 floor.. Still the only unit that does it all (almost). Your constant usage of it (head version) over the years here was a strong reibforcement to my interest in the unit, so i aporeciatte that and glad that the channel ia growing as it well deserves.
On tooic of this vid, nitro ones are absokuteky the most interesting moment to me as from my experiencea with Gibson Worn and Fender Road Worn series, ih idmt made a world of a difference.. What is the ballpark of the nitro tele, anyone knows?
Ps:what cabsim 1-8 do you use for your vids, as if i got it right, that is what we hear in your reviews, BS direct, but i may be wrong
Thanks man, keep up this amazing work so far ☀️
Maybe a black finish with lots purple flake sparkle in it. On a headless guitar… with a full floating trem??? 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Hi, did you see any new offset styles? Nice vid, much appreciated.
Some color suggestions on the relics: surf green, sonic/ daphne blue, dakota red, metallic cobra blue, candy apple green, metallic dark green, candy apple red, metallic purple, oxblood, sunburst, black, Olympic white.
How about a hummingbird or dove style acoustic. Even the King jumbo , as a Six string without that cutaway.
Wish I knew the weights of these guitars, even approximate or shipping weights would help....
I can't be sure because I didn't have my trusty scales with me, but I've held a lot of guitars - and many HBs - over the years, and here are my guesses. The relic TE-62 and ST-62 guitars both felt good, nice and average for HB guitars. Maybe 3.2-3.5 kgs? The JB Bass was heavier, but that's normal.
The ST-80 was comfortably lighter - maybe 3kg? And the HB-35 Blitz was similar to the others... possibly 3.5 kgs. The acoustic was lighter ;)
With HB though, there's always going to be a bit of variation in guitars, even guitars of the same model, and ordering online you're always going to be taking a little bit of a risk. I've had a couple of HB guitars that were to heavy for me, but the vast majority have been absolutely fine (for my preference - I prefer lighter guitars and don't like to go much over 3.5 kgs). Hope this helps a bit!
All these new models yet they cant keep up with production of existing models, 2 months waiting for some. Im getting a Jet guitar this weekend.
As much as I do not like the "fake" relic look, I feel like those look kind of good. They got that "sticky" look aged nitro seems to have.
👍🏻👍🏻
As far as strats are concerned, HB lost the plot a long time ago. Jet is making everything HB should be making at a better price.
The TE and CST lines are meh
The SC, Fusion and DC lines are underrated for HB I think and they deserve more attention.
My wish list:
A DC60 Special with dual P90s, not dog ear!!!!!!!!!!!! TV yellow or vintage cherry with neck binding.
A DC Special with dual P90s, neck binding, TV yellow, vintage cherry, you get the pattern
Fusion 3, vintage white, EMGs, reverse headstock, maple neck, BLACK dots, black hardware, Hardtail and OFR versions.
I'd like to see guitars with these features: a good nut, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, good pots and electronics and nice necks.
Am I asking for too much?
HB do make a few guitars that technically fit these specs. Well, maybe they've not done the expensive pot/electronics thing yet (as far as I know anyway), but I believe everything else is to be had on some models. The rest is all down to taste, I think! If you've not yet played one you really enjoyed, hopefully one of these 2025 ones could help change your mind!
@@RichWordsMusic Thxs Rich for answering. I have a SC 450 plus and I like it.
I prefer my Gibson tribute, but HB is very close in sound and playability. Greetings from Innsbruck (Tirol, Austria)! I'd like to buy an ES 335 type, maybe the Blitz, I'll see
Now, thinking about this "Blitz" something stroke me suddenly. Putting these two "Blitz"signs next to each other you get what? Yes, the sign of Hitlers SS. I find it not very clever of Thomann, a German company, to having chosen this form of f-holes. I'd prefer the classic style anyway.
I was hopeful they would have an entry level wish a Floyd. Most of us would love to try a Floyd some time in our lifetime but just trying it at a store is pointless since we will hardly use it well on day one. I see they will bring out one this year. That said I would rather have 2 PU's on it than a ornate wood grain. The look of wood makes zero difference for a better sound. It is only cosmetic. Any time you read that the wood has a higher grade you are merely readinging a code invented for furniture makers not luthiers or players.
Is it a minority opinion to not like "relic" guitars? It feels so fake to me. I much prefer a quality finish. I get why you'd like to sell them though, because the finishing imperfections can become part of the "relicing". Fewer parts that must be refinished or scrapped.
ST style in charcoal frost or champagne finish would look be great IMO