The control cavity cover looks identical to an ESP/LTD. Makes one wonder ???? My understanding is that some of the LTDs are made in Vietnam, in addition to China.
Have just received this model of guitar today and it really is something special. I bought a Columbus brand Les Paul in the 1970s for around £75 and the pickups were only single coil, the price for this Harley Benton is hard to comprehend. Without even playing it, just being an object to look at, worth every penny.
Got mine this week, excellent neck and playability, not too heavy, no straplocks with mine though. The unusual bit on mine is the two piece neck, vertically 2/3rds to the right but running from bottom to top when looking from the back, no issue though and might even keep it straighter in the long run
I'm in lust! I haven't bought an HB in months now and I'm gassin up here. You are NOT helping my friend! :) Nice! Can't wait to hear it. Have a great weekend.
General issue about Harley Benton: they are not consistent in time. Their models can change without warning and you can get very different looking finishes, fretboard material or features in a few months before it shows up on their web site. The SC-Custom was made in Vietnam last year then suddenly moved to China. The Chinese made models had knobs which were not recessed into the body. Now the new SC-Custom II is back to Vietnam with recessed knobs. Not an essential feature but nicer. Their B-450 to B-650 basses used to have monorail bridges which were suddenly replaced with more traditional ones. The new bridges reached customers before they showed up on the product pictures. I think they are better for intonation (monorails are a pain, with the screw underneath the string) but people were rightly upset at not getting what they thought they were buying. Drastic changes in colour also occured on the CST-24HB models in a similar move from Vietnam to China. It's better to check a recent review of anything before ordering one.
Maybe that's why they cost buttons. Fender road worn. Don't make me laugh. Anything with a flaw. Throw it across the car park . Kick it round while having a smoke. And charge a premium. Leo fender would laugh himself to death
Looks gorgeous. Never played a HB before though. That amber maple finish is really lovely. I’ve recently purchased a LP Slash Appetite Burst, and I think I prefer the amber maple top on this HB right here to my new Gibson top.
The Jatoba darkens up. After a year having an SC Custom and a CST-24T, they are closer to my USA Stratocaster rosewood. Maybe slightly more orange. But it is barely perceptible.
Glad to see your promoting affordable guitars now. Bought a few Harley's on your recommendation. Te20 . And a vintage strat style.which I reshaped the headstock on. Looked and sounded awesome. Sold them cos I got covid skint. Way way better than Chinese fakes. Added a £20 Wilkinson bridge to the te20. It was awesome. Bang for your buck . Harley won't be beat. Cheers mate 🙂🏴
@@Chinaguitarsceptic got employed again today mate. Never thought it would work any less . Keep on bigging up our German Chinese friends. Top Quality. Poundstrecher price tickets.
I have an ESP/LTD ec 256 that seems identical to this, other than the chrome knobs and slightly tweaked headstock cut. Mine says China, but it looks like it came from the same factory as the HB model. Bought it as a Deal of the Day for $250 on Musician's Friend two years ago.
The electronics setup, tail piece and bridge are all a lot like my Schecter Tempest Custom (a double cut). Schecter and ESP single cuts also use 2 volume and 1 push/pull tone, not the standard 4 knob config like PRS, Epiphone and Gibson do. Maybe HB was targeting the Schecter/ESP buyer with this model?
Thank you my friend it's lovely to know that I have viewers in Vietnam too. I hope you are well and staying safe if and I look forward to seeing you on future videos
The LAF Roswell's are OK, but i prefer the HAF Roswell's for that slight extra 1K or so. These are solid, however a version I may take the race between these two. The price also went up from the previous model... as to be expected. They may at some time want to make profit from the Harley Benton guitar's, rather than continue to surprise with feature per cost unit.
Curse you Mike! I had finally decided to stop buying inexpensive guitars and you keep showing all these cool HB's that are soooo nice! That looks and sounds really top notch. Thankfully, importing to the USA is a little more complicated right now so I have a good reason to not buy one immediately 🤣 God bless and rock on 😎👍🎸
That's a lovely, lovely instrument. HB just keep raising the bar, but not the prices......which is great for us mere players who don't get all wrapped up in a headstock logo!
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I understand that. But I think they should offer both so that people that don't mind waiting could pay the original shipping price. I was ready to buy that exact model till I heard the price or shipping went up. I bought a schecter omen extreme 6 FR instead from Zzounds. So It will cost them customers I think.
I've been getting the itch to buy a new Harley Benton SC. I've never had any LP style guitar before, on initial impressions, which do you prefer, the SC 450 Plus or the SC Custom II?
I'm not familiar with those but if you reach out to the company I am a very happy to demo anything that people would like to send to me if viewers and supporters like yourself are interested
Yeah , incredibly low action, thats the problem! I have two HB ( DC Junior Ferris Blue, SC Special Dirty Mustard ) and they are cheaper, and are overall really good quality! But they need a fret levelling before you can take the action to sub zero, or you will have most annoying fret buzz!
i had one of these in paradise flame and it was crazy bad. The setup was terrible, i think the neck was twisted, and the nut wasn't even cut out for the strings. I gave it back. I believe that the "high end" HB's are made in indonesia like my HB DC fat in ferris blue which is a really good guitar.
Hey! Big thanks for unboxing-vid! I bought SC-Custom II Paradise Flame Satin - and it ROCKS! But I didn't get that really cool "RESCUE MY GUITARS" sticker unfortunately. / Emil @ BONImedia netlabel
i have the hb sc custom ocean flame. mine has a really dark fretboard (which i love), but i dont have the joint cut at the back. apart from that whats the difference between sc custom & sc custom II?
Hi Mike, sorry to be a nuisance but as you know I asked your advice regarding an inexpensive bass amp suitable for use purely at home. Don’t want to annoy neighbours (mother-in-law!!!) and as you know I am profoundly dead but can feel the resonance of a bass guitar through my body. I do need that amp and I have been unable to get any assistance from any music shops/sites in the UK. Could you please ask the advice of your friends at Thomann if they could help. I have the left-handed HB Rickenbacker Bass. I love the channel Mike and would be so grateful for your help. Thank you in advance.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic thank you so much Mike,I really appreciate your help. I have tried contacting several dealers in this country (well known ones) and they think that I am taking the proverbial when I explain my situation.(By email)
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I'm just getting my musical channel going. One of my ideas will be "No need for a Les Paul." I have Two Agile 2000's, the Harley Benton and a 1977 Ibanez LP copy. I figure I paid $500 for all four guitars. Stay tuned.
It's more like an ESP eclipse style singlecut.
Yes totally and I think I said that in the video
The control cavity cover looks identical to an ESP/LTD. Makes one wonder ???? My understanding is that some of the LTDs are made in Vietnam, in addition to China.
Yes could will be made by the same factory, it's very common.
Have just received this model of guitar today and it really is something special. I bought a Columbus brand Les Paul in the 1970s for around £75 and the pickups were only single coil, the price for this Harley Benton is hard to comprehend. Without even playing it, just being an object to look at, worth every penny.
Congratulations Peter, enjoy it!
Im getting quite excited at the prospect of treating myself next bday. Just wondering which model.
@@allosaurusfragilis7782 If you are still thinking, the silverburst B-Stock is down to 150€ right now!
@@Dapno_ I ended up with a b stock ibanez . Not a mark on it. Happy with it. Cheers
That's another very pretty HB guitar, and a tenth of the price of the Gibson you showed, what great value.
Thanks for posting.
You're most welcome thank you for your kindness
The thinner body definitely helps with weight and balance. A clear improvement over the traditional Les Paul design.
They keep improving on designs and it's good to see that some guitar companies do this and a shame the Gibson don't
Got mine this week, excellent neck and playability, not too heavy, no straplocks with mine though. The unusual bit on mine is the two piece neck, vertically 2/3rds to the right but running from bottom to top when looking from the back, no issue though and might even keep it straighter in the long run
Congrats mate
I Love watching this series! Mike has a smile on as he unboxes like a boy on Christmas morning.
I love making this series for you and I'm so glad you're enjoying it cheers
I'm in lust! I haven't bought an HB in months now and I'm gassin up here. You are NOT helping my friend! :) Nice! Can't wait to hear it. Have a great weekend.
Sorry brother I really don't mean to give you gas but...😆
General issue about Harley Benton: they are not consistent in time. Their models can change without warning and you can get very different looking finishes, fretboard material or features in a few months before it shows up on their web site. The SC-Custom was made in Vietnam last year then suddenly moved to China. The Chinese made models had knobs which were not recessed into the body. Now the new SC-Custom II is back to Vietnam with recessed knobs. Not an essential feature but nicer.
Their B-450 to B-650 basses used to have monorail bridges which were suddenly replaced with more traditional ones. The new bridges reached customers before they showed up on the product pictures. I think they are better for intonation (monorails are a pain, with the screw underneath the string) but people were rightly upset at not getting what they thought they were buying. Drastic changes in colour also occured on the CST-24HB models in a similar move from Vietnam to China.
It's better to check a recent review of anything before ordering one.
I know there are a few changes in the models and lineup so I will do my best to let people know if the models I review change over time.
Maybe that's why they cost buttons. Fender road worn. Don't make me laugh. Anything with a flaw. Throw it across the car park . Kick it round while having a smoke. And charge a premium. Leo fender would laugh himself to death
Lol
Looks gorgeous. Never played a HB before though. That amber maple finish is really lovely. I’ve recently purchased a LP Slash Appetite Burst, and I think I prefer the amber maple top on this HB right here to my new Gibson top.
Me too
The veneers now tend to be over a less figured maple cap
These days most thin veneers sit over a less figured maple cap
The Jatoba darkens up. After a year having an SC Custom and a CST-24T, they are closer to my USA Stratocaster rosewood. Maybe slightly more orange. But it is barely perceptible.
Nice brother
Good review and a nice looking instrument. Those guys at Thomann ( or something close) have got their act together.
Thank you buddy they really have got their act together
So impressed with this brand
They always impress me to brother
Just got mine ocean blue. I actually lowered the action a little bit and I think it needs a set of super lights
Cool mate
That's a great spec for the price. Looking forward seeing your review.
I think it's a great speck even without the price my friend and can't wait to to review it for you
Glad to see your promoting affordable guitars now. Bought a few Harley's on your recommendation. Te20 . And a vintage strat style.which I reshaped the headstock on. Looked and sounded awesome. Sold them cos I got covid skint. Way way better than Chinese fakes. Added a £20 Wilkinson bridge to the te20. It was awesome. Bang for your buck . Harley won't be beat. Cheers mate 🙂🏴
I hope you're all ok now mate
@@Chinaguitarsceptic got employed again today mate. Never thought it would work any less . Keep on bigging up our German Chinese friends. Top Quality. Poundstrecher price tickets.
@@rickohara1721 That's great mate! Congratulations!
I bought a sc custom 11 with the floydrose 1000 on it a while back, what a guitar for the money.
For sure Steve, they are great 👍
Hey man you're correct this definitely based on the ltd/esp eclipse range🤘
Yes totally and I think that they do it absolute Justice too thanks bro
I have an ESP/LTD ec 256 that seems identical to this, other than the chrome knobs and slightly tweaked headstock cut. Mine says China, but it looks like it came from the same factory as the HB model. Bought it as a Deal of the Day for $250 on Musician's Friend two years ago.
Nice bro what a great value purchase
It’s a lovely guitar. Can’t wait to hear it. Have a good weekend.
I can't wait to show it to you either and have a great weekend too brother
The electronics setup, tail piece and bridge are all a lot like my Schecter Tempest Custom (a double cut). Schecter and ESP single cuts also use 2 volume and 1 push/pull tone, not the standard 4 knob config like PRS, Epiphone and Gibson do. Maybe HB was targeting the Schecter/ESP buyer with this model?
Very good point brother. It's actually often my preference too for simplicity. I think either way it's good to shake things up a bit.
I was born and live in Vietnam, I think this guitar have made by factory from Ho Chi Minh City (few info if it helpful)
Thank you my friend it's lovely to know that I have viewers in Vietnam too. I hope you are well and staying safe if and I look forward to seeing you on future videos
@@Chinaguitarsceptic thanks, i really love your content and hope you safe too
Thanks my friend staying the safe as I can
The LAF Roswell's are OK, but i prefer the HAF Roswell's for that slight extra 1K or so. These are solid, however a version I may take the race between these two. The price also went up from the previous model... as to be expected. They may at some time want to make profit from the Harley Benton guitar's, rather than continue to surprise with feature per cost unit.
I think they always have made a slim but fair profit on these guitars
Curse you Mike! I had finally decided to stop buying inexpensive guitars and you keep showing all these cool HB's that are soooo nice! That looks and sounds really top notch. Thankfully, importing to the USA is a little more complicated right now so I have a good reason to not buy one immediately 🤣 God bless and rock on 😎👍🎸
Sorry I keep trying not to cost you money but at least the postal service is helping 😆😆😆
@@Chinaguitarsceptic yes! The conspiracy is real! 🤣🤣🤣
Sounds great , love the video per usual.
Thanks man that's really kind
That's a lovely, lovely instrument. HB just keep raising the bar, but not the prices......which is great for us mere players who don't get all wrapped up in a headstock logo!
Who needs a logo these days cheers brother
Really enjoy these unboxings and feel ... you really enjoy yourself 😀👏👏
I do mate. I have to given that TH-cam are giving me a kicking right now. I do it for your pleasure and my own.
I think their high end stuff (like the Fusion line) is made in Indonesia, while other mid-tier products are manufactured in Vietnam.
They have production in China too
The Harley Benton SC-Custom II FR Custom has locking nut and a genuine Floyd Rose trem in satin black and gold hardware - all for £225 plus VAT!!!
It's crazy for the money mate
Great review! Thinking about buying the one with the floyd rose on it. What are you're thoughts on that?
Floyd's are great for tuning stability but you want to go for a minimum of the 1000 range as the cheaper ones are sometimes trouble.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Thank you very much! It has the series 1000 on it. Great channel and vid thank you!
this just seems like a great guitar. I keep looking at it, but just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet...
It's lovely
I heard shipping price went way up! Im not buying anymore until it goes back down.
Fair enough. That was to speed shipping up for those who were unhappy to wait so long during the pandemic
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I understand that. But I think they should offer both so that people that don't mind waiting could pay the original shipping price. I was ready to buy that exact model till I heard the price or shipping went up. I bought a schecter omen extreme 6 FR instead from Zzounds. So It will cost them customers I think.
That's the best idea and one I hope they will see and react to. 😊🙏👍
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Lol! Me too. Thanks!
I've been getting the itch to buy a new Harley Benton SC. I've never had any LP style guitar before, on initial impressions, which do you prefer, the SC 450 Plus or the SC Custom II?
I’m interesting too.
I love my 450 and haven't played this one as much yet but it's shaping up to be a great model too
Cool
@@Chinaguitarsceptic thanks for your reply
Long shot but can I ask what drum VST was used in the outro clip?
Kindly do a Sire L7 too... ❤️
I'm not familiar with those but if you reach out to the company I am a very happy to demo anything that people would like to send to me if viewers and supporters like yourself are interested
Yeah , incredibly low action, thats the problem! I have two HB ( DC Junior Ferris Blue, SC Special Dirty Mustard ) and they are cheaper, and are overall really good quality! But they need a fret levelling before you can take the action to sub zero, or you will have most annoying fret buzz!
That's the case with many guitars mate. The lower the action the more precise the fret levelling must be
It looks more like an esp eclipse cause of the pointy tail on the body.
Totally agree and I said so in the video
Great vid Mike, can you also tell me the weight? Hopefully not heavy? Ok, sorry, just saw that you mention 3.5kg.👍🏻
👍
Thanks, mouthwatering!
It's enough to get most people moist 😆
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Yes, moist is good, damp is bad 😃
i had one of these in paradise flame and it was crazy bad. The setup was terrible, i think the neck was twisted, and the nut wasn't even cut out for the strings. I gave it back. I believe that the "high end" HB's are made in indonesia like my HB DC fat in ferris blue which is a really good guitar.
Sorry to hear that mate
Very tasty bud love that benton
Cheers Terry yeah it is really sweet looking guitar
In left handed its black no lock straps
I guess with left-handed models they have to play to to safe market demand. It sucks and I'm sorry mate. Lefties always seem to get a bad deal
Hey! Big thanks for unboxing-vid! I bought SC-Custom II Paradise Flame Satin - and it ROCKS! But I didn't get that really cool "RESCUE MY GUITARS" sticker unfortunately. / Emil @ BONImedia netlabel
You're most welcome mate
Is it really jumbo frets? I think this is a medium frets.
I think you might be right there
Stunner! 😃 I'm lefty 😭
i have the hb sc custom ocean flame. mine has a really dark fretboard (which i love), but i dont have the joint cut at the back. apart from that whats the difference between sc custom & sc custom II?
The control knobs and the body contouring
Reminds me of an ESP / LTD Eclipse .
Totally and I think I said that in the video
Does every unit have strap blocks?!
I think so
Nice Guitar i have an Yellow LP-Style Guitar and want a DC first but after that is this a Guitar for me. LG Detlev
I love the DC juniors!
@@Chinaguitarsceptic i Too, Mike
comes with nice rusty strings?
Nope. You will hear those it came with on the demo
I love this Guitar however it was never meant to be a Gibson knock off for sure an ESP
Most definitely
Mike I looked at the guitar through your link and it says that it's 215 pounds
That's absolutely great news and what amazing value cheers
It's trying to be an Ltd/ESP Eclipse.
It is!
@@Chinaguitarsceptic ESP must have gone after them as they have changed the inlays from a direct copy of the ESP ones to the top hat Gibson style.
How about the sound??
There is always a follow on tone test video buddy
NGD! No ..Way! 😎🎸🤘
Yes way
Hi Mike, sorry to be a nuisance but as you know I asked your advice regarding an inexpensive bass amp suitable for use purely at home. Don’t want to annoy neighbours (mother-in-law!!!) and as you know I am profoundly dead but can feel the resonance of a bass guitar through my body. I do need that amp and I have been unable to get any assistance from any music shops/sites in the UK. Could you please ask the advice of your friends at Thomann if they could help. I have the left-handed HB Rickenbacker Bass. I love the channel Mike and would be so grateful for your help. Thank you in advance.
Of course mate. I have copied you message to my contact there and will report back the reply when I get one.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic thank you so much Mike,I really appreciate your help. I have tried contacting several dealers in this country (well known ones) and they think that I am taking the proverbial when I explain my situation.(By email)
I got a Harley Benton SC 450 at Guitar Center for $97 out the door.
Great price man and great guitar
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I'm just getting my musical channel going. One of my ideas will be "No need for a Les Paul." I have Two Agile 2000's, the Harley Benton and a 1977 Ibanez LP copy. I figure I paid $500 for all four guitars. Stay tuned.
Look forward to enjoying that mate 👍
Some people say Slash, I say Gary Moore.
Gary blows slash away every time
It’s a esp copy
It is but the neck joint is much better and I love the body cut
thats trying to be esp with that cutaway
He's doing a pretty good job
Yes it's nice, but it's not a Tele style!
Lol. Sorry it's not a tele this week mate
The body looks too thin
It's only thing from certain angles if you look from the back strap button it's about the same as most Les Paul style guitars
It is clearly thinner than the SC-450 model. There is a 5 to 6mm difference.