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
Oh really the st-182 will have 2 pick-ups now? Thought the whole idea was that it just have 1. I really loved it last year so that is disappointing. The simplicity + the sound were what hooked me.
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 ;)
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.
Yeah, I almost did too! This was the only video I had time to make at this year's Summit :( You really need the whole three days to see everything, I think.
@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 😆
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!
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.
@@RichWordsMusic Yes, and I’m sure that I’ve missed a few including that metallic bronze that the new Joe Bonnamassa signature and Squier Affinity Jag came out in. Never was a bronze/copper guy before, but these look great! Would love to see HB jump on this colorway trend.
Yeah, it's pretty special and I was amazed to see that on an HB too! Would love it if this makes it into real production and they do more models with stuff like this...
@@RichWordsMusic either that or ST plus with gold hardware, like a Matheus Asato Suhr inspired. I love how much the sub 500 bucks guitar world has become, even squiers are jumping on cool trends like that!
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!
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 ☀️
Nice, glad to hear you've picked up a BS200 as well! They're amazing amps - so versatile but also so simple to dial in once you know your way around them. I'm always using the Red Box Cab Sim 5 - that's the modern 4x12, I think. I really hope these nitro guitars make it into production, and there's more color options. Bene didn't know the price range yet, but I am sure they'd be well under €500, like all HBs. And thanks very much for the kind words about my channel! I'm super happy you come back to watch and you've been here since the early days :) It's picking up slowly and surely - long may that continue!
@@RichWordsMusic hey, Richard, thank you for sharing.. Cabs 5 and 6 are my favs on BS200, although i predominantly use it with a real cab so far. So far, clean channel works best for me, even for gain sounds (cranked and if needed onboard boost) sounds the most natural... Lead and Ultra, despite me being a hughgain guy, a bit too squishy and artifficial.. Wasnt expecting that.. But will see overtime, possiblyy... Features and versatility are unbeatable, though EDIT UPDATE: after a few more days i managed to create great sound overall, direct and through a guitar cab.. Actually use it now using both, active stage loudspeaker adna real cab blended in if i want it to. This way i can use it for my bass guitar and acoustic/ classical as well.. Superb unit Lets see those nitro HBs.. T52 in nitro would be super awesome iconic low budget model as it already is. Keep up the great work, man ☀️
Stainless steel frets on the HB-35 plus Blitz please!!! Also would be great to see regular versions of the 25th anniversary guitars. The specs on those were great.
Yes, great shout on both fronts! They need to do an HB-35 Plus Plus or something. I'm sure they'll get round to that. And I totally agree on the 25th Anniversary guitars - they were great but kind of went a bit under the radar. I'm sure plenty of people would dig those specs in more colors and in the standard range.
@@RichWordsMusic Thanks for your reply. The channel is great btw- I've watched many of your reviews to guide buying decisions. I look forward to your upcoming HB reviews. Cheers from ~Ireland
I'm a big fan of the HB35+ and I can't wait for that olive drab model with the Bigsby style trem! I would love to see more green guitars, especially a British Racing Green S-style, T-style, or DC-style Harley Benton! I can't wait for these new models!
Yeah, they've had problems in the past year keeping up with demand I think. Hopefully they're ordering in LOTS of these new ones ready for launch! I tried a few Jet guitars for the first time at Guitar Summit, actually... extremely impressive!
I am in for the relic....always wanted to try to have one :) Unfortunate it's too far from production...maybe in a year? Sign me in for a relic TE, and SG would be nice too. Fan of the 182 or barreta style tooo..Thanks for sharing Rich.
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!
I already have a beautiful Harley Benton XB 84 EMG tribute series and I love it, but I'm in love with the Amarok 6 which strangely I see treated little compared to the other models. However I plan to buy it and put it together with the HB XB 84, the Jackson RR pro and the LTD ec 401
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!
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👍
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! :)
No, no new offset styles at the show sadly :( You never know though. I'm sure there will be more new HBs than what they had on the stand! It's been that way this year... loads that they didn't tease at Guitar Summit 2023. I'd love some new HB offsets!
I'm not a lefty myself but I'm always happy when I see how well HB treats left-handed players compared to some other brands :) Their ratio is actually half decent!
Ooh, that would be amazing... sounds like something Valiant or Maybach would make! Could be a TE-62 for me though... but I see the benefits of a headless version also ;)
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!
I'd like to see HB go more into the acoustic world... they could really shake things up there too I think. A Harley Hummingbird would be a great place to start!
Probably not because it's got a standard thicker poly finish. It's not satin. But hey, that's a great idea - an HB-35 Blitz in nitro! That would be AMAZING!
Maybe there will be and that's one they didn't show here... the ST-182 is also going to be hardtail, of course, when it comes! I'm with you though - hardtail Strats are my favorite.
At least 4 of those I've got GAS for. Hope there will be some sparkle finishes amongst them. HB colours have been way too conservative for way too long.
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.
Yeah, it's a bit of a shame, but I suspect some of those changes were ones they kind of had to make ;) It's no longer a true Delonge homage in that way, but as Jan says it's nod going to be that hard a mod to do. For me the HB-35 Blitz is the one that's exciting me most right now! That guitar looks amazing.
Lots of these look great. However.... Nobody makes a Yamaha SG2000 copy. Would love to see one (minus the gold hardware, never put gold on a guitar always naff)
Yes, great shout! I am actually half expecting Yamaha themselves to bring out a new SG2000 range at some point. We've had the Revstar and Pacifica reboots, so it's a logical step and I think it'd do really well. That said, an HB-priced version would be amazing.
Jack on the side of the body is a great shout with Strat types, always... I'm totally on board with that! More interesting color schemes are always welcome too.
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 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.
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.
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.
Call me snob but I can’t stand that awful logo on the headstock, even if the guitar is great. Makes it look cheap, Chinese made. Ruins my pleasure of owning gear
I know what you mean. I get that with certain brands too, and I reckon many players do. We have a right to be snobs, after all ;) Doesn't affect me with HB though... I think partly because there's not a more expensive father brand to directly compare them to. Gibson/Epiphone and Fender/Squier I've had issues with in the past, but I'm working on it ;)
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!).
Well they saved me some money by (imo) ruining the ST-182 :(
9,5 inch radius, SSS, 2 point trem, roasted satin flamed maple neck. maple/rosewood fingerboard with rounded edges. nitro finish. stainless steel jumbo frets, locking staggered tuners, nicely sculpted neck heel or (even neck through), and youve got a winner stratocaster.
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
Olympic white would be a great colour for a relic.
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
Oh really the st-182 will have 2 pick-ups now? Thought the whole idea was that it just have 1. I really loved it last year so that is disappointing. The simplicity + the sound were what hooked me.
HB are making some very nice looking guitars.
They are - they've upped their game so much in the past four or five years!
All of the things! In all of the colours! Love HB❤
That's exactly how I felt after visiting the booth! Let's hope there's plenty more to come!
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 ;)
I'm shallow and I love a relic guitar. Looking forward to the HB range
Yeah, me too. Really excited to see how the final versions of these will be!
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.
Yup, very nice, especially the ST80
The ST-80 is going to be awesome!
Man, I must have missed that booth. So much good stuff, so little time
Yeah, I almost did too! This was the only video I had time to make at this year's Summit :( You really need the whole three days to see everything, I think.
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 😆
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!
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.
Loads of awesome colorways there... I'd take any and all of these! I'll throw in Ocean Blue Candy too, like my favorite Fender Tele :)
@@RichWordsMusic Yes, and I’m sure that I’ve missed a few including that metallic bronze that the new Joe Bonnamassa signature and Squier Affinity Jag came out in. Never was a bronze/copper guy before, but these look great! Would love to see HB jump on this colorway trend.
Lpb over 3 tone is such a nice colorway. Hope to see it on all models!
Yeah, it's pretty special and I was amazed to see that on an HB too! Would love it if this makes it into real production and they do more models with stuff like this...
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
They certainly are! And I love that HB are getting in on it, and with nitro too... a relic ST-Plus would be fantastic, I agree!
@@RichWordsMusic either that or ST plus with gold hardware, like a Matheus Asato Suhr inspired. I love how much the sub 500 bucks guitar world has become, even squiers are jumping on cool trends like that!
I'll cast my vote for a Hot Rod Red or Dakota Red relic Hb!
A yellow Strat is also very beautiful!
All great suggestions! A relic, nitro yellow Strat... I'd sign up for that!
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!
Superstrat in neon and slime colours please!
These for the win!
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 ☀️
Nice, glad to hear you've picked up a BS200 as well! They're amazing amps - so versatile but also so simple to dial in once you know your way around them. I'm always using the Red Box Cab Sim 5 - that's the modern 4x12, I think.
I really hope these nitro guitars make it into production, and there's more color options. Bene didn't know the price range yet, but I am sure they'd be well under €500, like all HBs.
And thanks very much for the kind words about my channel! I'm super happy you come back to watch and you've been here since the early days :) It's picking up slowly and surely - long may that continue!
@@RichWordsMusic hey, Richard, thank you for sharing.. Cabs 5 and 6 are my favs on BS200, although i predominantly use it with a real cab so far. So far, clean channel works best for me, even for gain sounds (cranked and if needed onboard boost) sounds the most natural... Lead and Ultra, despite me being a hughgain guy, a bit too squishy and artifficial.. Wasnt expecting that.. But will see overtime, possiblyy... Features and versatility are unbeatable, though EDIT UPDATE: after a few more days i managed to create great sound overall, direct and through a guitar cab.. Actually use it now using both, active stage loudspeaker adna real cab blended in if i want it to. This way i can use it for my bass guitar and acoustic/ classical as well.. Superb unit
Lets see those nitro HBs.. T52 in nitro would be super awesome iconic low budget model as it already is.
Keep up the great work, man ☀️
Stainless steel frets on the HB-35 plus Blitz please!!! Also would be great to see regular versions of the 25th anniversary guitars. The specs on those were great.
Yes, great shout on both fronts! They need to do an HB-35 Plus Plus or something. I'm sure they'll get round to that. And I totally agree on the 25th Anniversary guitars - they were great but kind of went a bit under the radar. I'm sure plenty of people would dig those specs in more colors and in the standard range.
@@RichWordsMusic Thanks for your reply. The channel is great btw- I've watched many of your reviews to guide buying decisions. I look forward to your upcoming HB reviews. Cheers from ~Ireland
Very exciting stuff coming from HB. Any updates on their Jazzmaster and double cut juniors?
I know - they've really upped their game! No more new models on display, but I'm sure they have more up their sleeve than they showed in Mannheim...
I'm a big fan of the HB35+ and I can't wait for that olive drab model with the Bigsby style trem! I would love to see more green guitars, especially a British Racing Green S-style, T-style, or DC-style Harley Benton! I can't wait for these new models!
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.
Yeah, they've had problems in the past year keeping up with demand I think. Hopefully they're ordering in LOTS of these new ones ready for launch! I tried a few Jet guitars for the first time at Guitar Summit, actually... extremely impressive!
ST-80 Looks juicy!
It really does!
In Klopp we trust - he knows his guitars!
He does indeed ;)
Still hoping for a SC special p90 in cherry red with a rosewood bound neck and a better wrap around tailpiece 👍🍀
I'd love that too! The SC Junior line (which is wonderful already) is due a revamp, I think!
I am in for the relic....always wanted to try to have one :) Unfortunate it's too far from production...maybe in a year? Sign me in for a relic TE, and SG would be nice too. Fan of the 182 or barreta style tooo..Thanks for sharing Rich.
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!
The ST-80 looks very Van Halen 😎🤟😎🤟😎
It certainly does!
I already have a beautiful Harley Benton XB 84 EMG tribute series and I love it, but I'm in love with the Amarok 6 which strangely I see treated little compared to the other models. However I plan to buy it and put it together with the HB XB 84, the Jackson RR pro and the LTD ec 401
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!
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👍
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! :)
Hi, did you see any new offset styles? Nice vid, much appreciated.
No, no new offset styles at the show sadly :( You never know though. I'm sure there will be more new HBs than what they had on the stand! It's been that way this year... loads that they didn't tease at Guitar Summit 2023. I'd love some new HB offsets!
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.
Oh yes, that'd be awesome! Big fan of them and of course he's well into his lightning bolts already...
I do like the look of the HB35 Blitz.
It looks amazing! If it's anywhere as near as good as the standard HB-35 it'll be a wonderful guitar.
That lefty one is mine.
I'm not a lefty myself but I'm always happy when I see how well HB treats left-handed players compared to some other brands :) Their ratio is actually half decent!
Maybe a black finish with lots purple flake sparkle in it. On a headless guitar… with a full floating trem??? 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Ooh, that would be amazing... sounds like something Valiant or Maybach would make! Could be a TE-62 for me though... but I see the benefits of a headless version also ;)
@@RichWordsMusic mmm? 🤔 wonder what a headless T style would look like from Mr. Benton?
Here's a request for relics - PURPLE!!!
Yep, 100% with you on that!
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!
How about a hummingbird or dove style acoustic. Even the King jumbo , as a Six string without that cutaway.
I'd like to see HB go more into the acoustic world... they could really shake things up there too I think. A Harley Hummingbird would be a great place to start!
Is the HB 35 going to fade, just like the DC Fat?
Probably not because it's got a standard thicker poly finish. It's not satin. But hey, that's a great idea - an HB-35 Blitz in nitro! That would be AMAZING!
Omg please do a pink nitro guitar!!!!!!!
Yep, I would love that! Shell Pink nitro, that's a winner right there...
Still no fixed bridge strat...(
Maybe there will be and that's one they didn't show here... the ST-182 is also going to be hardtail, of course, when it comes! I'm with you though - hardtail Strats are my favorite.
The relic te in lake placid blue.....a lefty with a rosewood neck, maybe with a 9 inch radius😀
HB tend to look after lefties pretty well, so I hope they do this! And rosewood for all please, my favorite too :)
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.
Yep, I agree... these look and feel a level up compared to all the other affordable relics I've seen.
The more guitars they make that have those Canadian Flamed Maple (Caramelized) necks, the better.
Totally agree on that front! They're things of beauty.
At least 4 of those I've got GAS for. Hope there will be some sparkle finishes amongst them. HB colours have been way too conservative for way too long.
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 .
Yeah, it's a bit of a shame, but I suspect some of those changes were ones they kind of had to make ;) It's no longer a true Delonge homage in that way, but as Jan says it's nod going to be that hard a mod to do. For me the HB-35 Blitz is the one that's exciting me most right now! That guitar looks amazing.
ST style in charcoal frost or champagne finish would look be great IMO
Yep, put me down for that too! A Charcoal Frost nitro relic would be awesome.
Lots of these look great. However.... Nobody makes a Yamaha SG2000 copy. Would love to see one (minus the gold hardware, never put gold on a guitar always naff)
Yes, great shout! I am actually half expecting Yamaha themselves to bring out a new SG2000 range at some point. We've had the Revstar and Pacifica reboots, so it's a logical step and I think it'd do really well. That said, an HB-priced version would be amazing.
👍🏻👍🏻
Cheers as usual!
Nitro finish white SC Jr pleeeeeaaaasssseeeee!!!!!!!!
Yep, I'd love that too! Juniors are always going to look great as they age in nitro!
St modern with white and red turquoise pickguard and position the jack output on the bottom side of the guitar. not on the front!
Jack on the side of the body is a great shout with Strat types, always... I'm totally on board with that! More interesting color schemes are always welcome too.
ST80 .... in black please
They've got to give us a black one, I would hope!
Sunburst relic te please.
Please start selling ST-80!!!
I NEED A NICE WHITE (NON VINTAGE NON RELIC NON YELLOW-CREAMEDWHITE, JUST WHITE) SC-550 plus!!!!!!!!!!
I'd be down for that as well... I've always loved the white LP Custom look!
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.
Auntigua
That would be AMAZING! Such a cool finish.
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.
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.
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.
Call me snob but I can’t stand that awful logo on the headstock, even if the guitar is great. Makes it look cheap, Chinese made. Ruins my pleasure of owning gear
I know what you mean. I get that with certain brands too, and I reckon many players do. We have a right to be snobs, after all ;) Doesn't affect me with HB though... I think partly because there's not a more expensive father brand to directly compare them to. Gibson/Epiphone and Fender/Squier I've had issues with in the past, but I'm working on it ;)