There are more differences between the different ST-Moderns from HB than just the finish. The ones with the flame-tops also has a more modern neck-pocket that provide better access to the upper frets. To me that is significant, and a change I'm surprised we don't see in more strat-copies. It's high time to improve on that monstrosity of a neck-pocket from the 50s. Several boutique-builders have offered good alternatives that don't affect sustain or tone, so why not in lower priced models too?
The side-jack instead of the normal godforsaken top-mounted output jack is what does it for me. It's what bothers me the most about strat style guitars. The neck heel on the flamed ones sure does look comfortable though. It's a shame I'm not in the market for a new guitar, because the Bengal Burst one is basically spec'd how I'd want a strat nowadays.
Are we now seriously giving companies praise for publishing an app to control their hardware 7-8 months AFTER the official release date of that hardware ? NOT an update of said app but the initial version !
Adjusting the Tone Master Pro is a competitive advantage that it (and several other devices, to be fair) have over all of the Line6 products. I kinda hate bending over to go to the floor to make tweaks to my Helix when I'm out and about playing, it'd be nice if I could just use my phone to fix global EQ, tweak presets, and whatever else.
For $430, I could buy two awesome budget no name guitars! Edit: A person can get an awesome Strat style guitar with the same specs, except the flamed neck, from Firefly for $189. their necks are roasted maple. their guitars are spot on, so I would have no reason to pay $200 more dollars. My original comment was about the Firebird, but it applies to the HBs as well.
I bought one of these Harley Benton guitars and I can say for sure it does not disappoint in any way at all. I bought and returned a fender ultra hss Strat this winter because it didn’t seem worth the $2500 price tag. This Harley Benton is every bit as good as the Ultra Strat that I returned except it has a better neck profile 😂
I think I remember that "Babicz" in this instance is "bab-its", and that is the Babicz Full Contact Hardware Z Series 2-Point Tremolo. The Z Series models lack the saddle locks of the Original Series, and the Fender Aerodyne series used the Z Series bridges (quite odd for price).
The only problem I have with Harley Benton not only the high shipping is most are not playable out of the box so they become a expensive modification platform.
The original Mandobirds were cool, I have the VIII (8 string) It’s fun to play I’m not a virtuoso, I play it for fun, and have used it for recording stuff at home, again for fun. I did get mine used after they were originally discontinued, too good to pass up. We’ll see what Epi does going forward.
The new Harley Benton ST Modern Plus has some great specs for a really good price. Please do a review on this guitar . I would like your hands on option to see if it is as good as the description because the specs sound like this is a better guitar then a lot of Fender models. Would be good to see what Fender model that it compares to if any also.🎸🤘🏻
By far, I’m most excited about the Harley Benton ST Moderns. After reading the specs I think it’s well worth rolling the dice. Can’t wait to see if they’ll release a TE modern line.
When you do the prices are you converting them from euro and including vat? The mandobird is $400 usd. For the last few years the euro has had less or buying power than the usd at retail due to vat being included in the price for euro and sales tax not for usd
Harley Benton is seeing people buying Epiphones that are double the cost of used Gibsons and think they’re getting a bargain because it’s a bargain brand.
@battyflaps5410 I do, often. Lol for Tributes, Studios and Classics. Or even Juniors, Specials. They are easy to find at 1000cad here, while many Epis are over 2k retail. I just got a 2012 or so, Mint Gibson Blues Hawk with original case for $850cad.
@@RByrneEven used I've never personally seen a Gibson that was under $1100 even tributes are running $1100 or more used. Sure I could expand my search to the Internet as well but that runs a higher risk of getting scammed in some way.
@@getshwiftygaming447Right now, through Guitar Center, there are literally dozens of used sub-$1000 Gibsons. Just last year I picked up a 2019 LP Junior from my local GC for $900. Certain models, like Specials and Fadeds can be found every day for less tban $700.
Perhaps Epiphone is wetting our appetites for the neck thru 8 string $1500.00 Mandobird... Can't wait to see the Slash and Kirk Hammet signature models!!👀
Another way to get Andy to read your name out is to become an internationally recognised guitarist then get your signature guitar reviewed on his show. Simples.
What’s the scale length of the Mandobird? Would be awesome if it could be tuned and played like an electric ukulele, but I think mandolins usually has a much shorter scale length than tenor ukes
Gonna say that Mandobird sounds like something out of the mandalorian! "Wow, thats your ship?" "Yea, its the fastest in the galaxy - the legendary MANDOBIRD"
Hi andy what do you think of gibson making the brian may red special been commissioned to build them by brian may be intresting to hear your thoughts on whats the idea behind this bought the new harley benton st range after your review and are amazed by the quality carnt wait to get mine great channel by the my very informative
those Harley Bentons look rather nice, and lefties too! Maybe Harley Benton could make electric mandolins, I'd buy one (if they made LH) they'd be a bit more pocket-friendly
@@kingstumble i have seen those, the 12 string version looks interesting, but no lefty. although the 12 string does have zero fret which makes conversion a lot easier. something simpler with 4 strings would be nice.
I’ve never played a Harley Benton, and have actually never seen one in-person here in northwest-Illinois (Chicago-ish) How are the pickups & electronics in them?
Depending on which model you buy, they start with Roswell brand, then in mid range is Tesla pickups and high speced ones have EMGs. The Roswells vary by how good they are (P90s great, humbuckers OK, single coils so-so, a bit better than the Squier ceramic crap) Teslas are great, especially for high gain scenarios, and EMGs you probably know. Rest of the electronics is actually great bang for the buck, it always has one class better than whatever it is competing against, so for example ST-62 models which compete against bullet/sonic Squiers actually have legit korean full sized pots in there, and really tidy set up cables. I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened one up.
Tbh the electronics are cheap, even with more pricy models that has EMG active pickups (which are real great). You get 250k/500k pots when you want 25k for actives, a bunch of rats nest wiring, cheap pickup selector etc.
LOVED the new Ibanez releases. Obviously my pick would be that RG. Those HBs look interesting but I feel like they’re a bit late to the game! P.S.- weird factoid but I have the same two t shirts (from M&S?) that you are wearing in this video
What I don’t appreciate about these auction houses is the low estimated gavel price that they stick on there to make people feel they have a chance to grab a bargain. It’s all to generate hype and more commissions.
That bridge is from the Babicz Full Contact Hardware budget line, the Z Series. The Original Series Fixed 6 Hardtail is the only way I know to get a hardtail bridge with saddle locks other than buying a G&L guitar.
A used Epiphone will never be worth more than $400 to me personally. A MIJ Vintage Burny from 1990 and earlier is a far better deal than all Gibsons and the quality of the 2 I have are better or equal to any Gibson I've owned or played. My luthier agrees. He's 72 and I'm 54 and worked in a vintage shop in the late 80s when the good stuff was plentiful and cheap. Not being a Gibson basher in any way. Just facts and I'm stoked by it. Buy them from eBay from Japan and with great reviews. An American seller will want too much money and might to sell you one "From Japan" instead of MIJ. They are making them in China these days and only sold in Japan.
@@Robstafarian with all due respect most folks for whom Laurel and Hardy come readily to mind could more accurately be described as “post-aged.” I was indeed born a long time ago and Laurel and Hardy were before my father’s time. 😂
@@TheGuitarGeek Well Epiphone got that completely wrong.....my mandolin from 1963 has 8 strings and is nothing like the Mandobird. I have seen electric ukes though, that would be a valid comparison....🎸🤘🏼🎸
Hardly Bentle has never been serious once in their existence. The name had always pxssed me off … it’s as if Europeans came up with a brand name to pander to Americans 🙄 should of named their guitars ‘Super Bowl MCDonalds AR-15’ guitars …
Had a HB "Pro" guitar and it was total crap. It took me well over 6 month to get rid of it thru a local musicstore. Will never ever buy a HB guitar again. Totally fu**ed up frets and it would not stay in tune. Money well wasted.
@@TheGuitarGeek I made the mistake to polish the frets so that I colud play the damn thing. And since I had tampered with the item, it could no longer be returned.
The three most important things when it comes to choosing a guitar are: How it looks, How it looks, and... How it looks.
Hahahaha
Awesome, thanks for the pick of the week! 🥰
There are more differences between the different ST-Moderns from HB than just the finish. The ones with the flame-tops also has a more modern neck-pocket that provide better access to the upper frets. To me that is significant, and a change I'm surprised we don't see in more strat-copies. It's high time to improve on that monstrosity of a neck-pocket from the 50s. Several boutique-builders have offered good alternatives that don't affect sustain or tone, so why not in lower priced models too?
The side-jack instead of the normal godforsaken top-mounted output jack is what does it for me. It's what bothers me the most about strat style guitars.
The neck heel on the flamed ones sure does look comfortable though.
It's a shame I'm not in the market for a new guitar, because the Bengal Burst one is basically spec'd how I'd want a strat nowadays.
A Keyboard grands you way better access to those high notes than a guitar. Could be the perfect instrument for you :-)
Are we now seriously giving companies praise for publishing an app to control their hardware 7-8 months AFTER the official release date of that hardware ? NOT an update of said app but the initial version !
Adjusting the Tone Master Pro is a competitive advantage that it (and several other devices, to be fair) have over all of the Line6 products. I kinda hate bending over to go to the floor to make tweaks to my Helix when I'm out and about playing, it'd be nice if I could just use my phone to fix global EQ, tweak presets, and whatever else.
I first saw a mandobird around 2013. One of the guys in Blue October played it. It had a great sound
Bought my Turquiose Quilt Top Prs Se Custom 24 after trying several and deciding I needed that color, so I get it. ❤
You could also call basswood Linden, if you prefer to eliminate the uncertainty.
thanks! I embrace the chaos...
That Ibanez looks killer! And with reversed headstock, sweet!
That HB strat "pro" is a beast! If the fit and finish meets the specs, WOW!
For $430, I could buy two awesome budget no name guitars!
Edit: A person can get an awesome Strat style guitar with the same specs, except the flamed neck, from Firefly for $189. their necks are roasted maple. their guitars are spot on, so I would have no reason to pay $200 more dollars. My original comment was about the Firebird, but it applies to the HBs as well.
".. and had too many strings" I have to confess I was confused, then I did laugh quite a bit
The colour of a guitar is everything to me!
I bought one of these Harley Benton guitars and I can say for sure it does not disappoint in any way at all. I bought and returned a fender ultra hss Strat this winter because it didn’t seem worth the $2500 price tag. This Harley Benton is every bit as good as the Ultra Strat that I returned except it has a better neck profile 😂
I think I remember that "Babicz" in this instance is "bab-its", and that is the Babicz Full Contact Hardware Z Series 2-Point Tremolo. The Z Series models lack the saddle locks of the Original Series, and the Fender Aerodyne series used the Z Series bridges (quite odd for price).
The only problem I have with Harley Benton not only the high shipping is most are not playable out of the box so they become a expensive modification platform.
They have a US warehouse and a reverb store with all their US merch.
The original Mandobirds were cool, I have the VIII (8 string)
It’s fun to play
I’m not a virtuoso, I play it for fun, and have used it for recording stuff at home, again for fun.
I did get mine used after they were originally discontinued, too good to pass up.
We’ll see what Epi does going forward.
Im a Babitch too. Even in Brazil!
The new Harley Benton ST Modern Plus has some great specs for a really good price. Please do a review on this guitar . I would like your hands on option to see if it is as good as the description because the specs sound like this is a better guitar then a lot of Fender models. Would be good to see what Fender model that it compares to if any also.🎸🤘🏻
I like this. Non boring news haha. Keep it up Andy
The HB strats are great, they just came WAY too late...got a bunch of Jets which i have specced similarly( except for the ss frets)🎸🤘🏼🎸
Fair enough!
i hope Harley Benton follows up with Teles and offset models.
thanks for this ;)
By far, I’m most excited about the Harley Benton ST Moderns. After reading the specs I think it’s well worth rolling the dice. Can’t wait to see if they’ll release a TE modern line.
There is only one Lizard King and that's Jim Morrison.
truth
YAY MY WEEK IS COMPLETED BY THE WEEK IN GEAR😊
mine too!
Agreed on the 'Mando-neck'. The bolt-on is a let-down.
Mandobird is really a trans bird. Restrung as a Tenor Guitar bass guitar ,Baritone ukulele !!
I'm interested in checking out the gear at Anderton's, but the link in the description doesn't work...
When you do the prices are you converting them from euro and including vat? The mandobird is $400 usd. For the last few years the euro has had less or buying power than the usd at retail due to vat being included in the price for euro and sales tax not for usd
Harley Benton is seeing people buying Epiphones that are double the cost of used Gibsons and think they’re getting a bargain because it’s a bargain brand.
Dont see any good condition ones at half price of a basic gibson though
@battyflaps5410 I do, often. Lol for Tributes, Studios and Classics. Or even Juniors, Specials. They are easy to find at 1000cad here, while many Epis are over 2k retail. I just got a 2012 or so, Mint Gibson Blues Hawk with original case for $850cad.
@@RByrneEven used I've never personally seen a Gibson that was under $1100 even tributes are running $1100 or more used. Sure I could expand my search to the Internet as well but that runs a higher risk of getting scammed in some way.
Lay off the glue.
@@getshwiftygaming447Right now, through Guitar Center, there are literally dozens of used sub-$1000 Gibsons. Just last year I picked up a 2019 LP Junior from my local GC for $900. Certain models, like Specials and Fadeds can be found every day for less tban $700.
That tonemaster seems like an interesting idea. How likely are these to keep working 10 years after end of support?
They seem well built, I would expect as least 10 years of well looked after
HBs are brilliant guitars .
Lets get right into that!🎉❤
How does the new Harley Benton ST Modern Plus compare to the HSS Fender Player Plus?
Perhaps Epiphone is wetting our appetites for the neck thru 8 string $1500.00 Mandobird...
Can't wait to see the Slash and Kirk Hammet signature models!!👀
🤣🤣🤣
Another way to get Andy to read your name out is to become an internationally recognised guitarist then get your signature guitar reviewed on his show. Simples.
dang,, stop giving away the secrets!!!
We should come back to this if and when Nate Navarro gets a signature model.
Ibanezezezez FTW! 🤘🔥 Really loved that guitar! And the color is *chef's kiss*
I saw you at the O2 yesterday. How great was the concert?!
What’s the scale length of the Mandobird? Would be awesome if it could be tuned and played like an electric ukulele, but I think mandolins usually has a much shorter scale length than tenor ukes
Yes!!!!!!!!! The moderns are finally here!!!!!!!!!
Great, now I want a mandolin.
😂😂😂😂
Épi mando shouldn’t it have 8 strings ?
Gonna say that Mandobird sounds like something out of the mandalorian! "Wow, thats your ship?" "Yea, its the fastest in the galaxy - the legendary MANDOBIRD"
I’m surprised Victor didn’t add that 😉
Why did you have to tell me about that Firebird mandolin 😭😭😭 I must have one!
ANDYSPICKOFTHEWEEK!
Good on Fender 👍
Harley Benton has turned it up a couple notches with these new strats. These guitars would be $2000 if the logo was Fender on the headstock.
Hi andy what do you think of gibson making the brian may red special been commissioned to build them by brian may be intresting to hear your thoughts on whats the idea behind this bought the new harley benton st range after your review and are amazed by the quality carnt wait to get mine great channel by the my very informative
those Harley Bentons look rather nice, and lefties too! Maybe Harley Benton could make electric mandolins, I'd buy one (if they made LH) they'd be a bit more pocket-friendly
HB do make electric mandos----some solid body, some semi hollow(which look like an Ibanez clone.) £100-ish+
@@kingstumble i have seen those, the 12 string version looks interesting, but no lefty. although the 12 string does have zero fret which makes conversion a lot easier. something simpler with 4 strings would be nice.
I’ve never played a Harley Benton, and have actually never seen one in-person here in northwest-Illinois (Chicago-ish)
How are the pickups & electronics in them?
Depending on which model you buy, they start with Roswell brand, then in mid range is Tesla pickups and high speced ones have EMGs.
The Roswells vary by how good they are (P90s great, humbuckers OK, single coils so-so, a bit better than the Squier ceramic crap)
Teslas are great, especially for high gain scenarios, and EMGs you probably know.
Rest of the electronics is actually great bang for the buck, it always has one class better than whatever it is competing against, so for example ST-62 models which compete against bullet/sonic Squiers actually have legit korean full sized pots in there, and really tidy set up cables. I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened one up.
Tbh the electronics are cheap, even with more pricy models that has EMG active pickups (which are real great). You get 250k/500k pots when you want 25k for actives, a bunch of rats nest wiring, cheap pickup selector etc.
Just buy a Hotone ampero 2 stage or stomp , half the price as tone master pro
Headrush core is cheaper too
Not exaxtly half the price but close
Olive drab is the trendy color of the year so you might grow out of it
Get an rg andy and prestige is so good. I bought the gold one they brought out in limited quantities and seriously you do play better on one
The weight details in this HB Surf Green, please.
You’re not going to get an accurate number here as the Harley Bentons in the past have varied wildly. Hopefully the tolerance is lower here.
@@TheGuitarGeek
Ok., but what is your prediction? 4 kilo? 3 kilo?
I didn't know a mandolin could have only 4 strings. I thought double strings was a defining part of a mandolin.
If Epiphone made a 8 string Thunderbird Mando Cello I would instantly buy one!!! 😅
Hopefully this time around they remember to ground the Mandobird bridge........
Time has indeed sped up
Lord help us
I wonder if those hardley benton necks are real flame or some weird fakery.
They are real. I have one in my hands
LOVED the new Ibanez releases. Obviously my pick would be that RG. Those HBs look interesting but I feel like they’re a bit late to the game!
P.S.- weird factoid but I have the same two t shirts (from M&S?) that you are wearing in this video
Thanks for giving Harley-Benton some due love and attention!
"449 finishes for those flame bursts" lol
Tone it down a notch? Mebbe me likey mo? Gave down thum fer first tyme.
Color is where 69% of tone lives
I play my Harley Benton sitting on my Harley while dreaming about Barbie Benton :)
What I don’t appreciate about these auction houses is the low estimated gavel price that they stick on there to make people feel they have a chance to grab a bargain. It’s all to generate hype and more commissions.
ANDYSPICKOFTHEWEEK!!!!
Hi ! You're review are awsome !!! But you are a Real Babicz ! 😂
Mandolins have 4 courses of double strings, so that is not a mandolin. It's a ukulele (4 courses of single strings) 😅
EQ is a bit bright today. Had to turn my volume down quite a bit...
Mic distortion alert!
4 string guitar. Mandolin has 8 strings
I’m pretty sure basses are made of base wood (hence the name)…guitars are made of bass wood…bass, like the fish…now that we’ve cleared that up 🤣
I think Thomann/Harley Benton made a big mistake in not pushing out the ST182 as the first release of the series.
I think there’s a legal reason for that
You'd think for the price Harley Benton would have a full size block in them
Those bridges cost alone costs around 150$ really good bridges
That bridge is from the Babicz Full Contact Hardware budget line, the Z Series. The Original Series Fixed 6 Hardtail is the only way I know to get a hardtail bridge with saddle locks other than buying a G&L guitar.
Who the hell wants a Mandobird? No thanks
Leave the Harley Benton at the practice spot. Keep the nicer one at home.
Go on Andy, treat yourself to an Ibanez Prestige. Its a bargain when you consider its only a little bit more than a Chinese Epiphone.
😂😂😂 good point!
Big Ben but he never notices
Going after sire I see. But those double string trees are ugly unlike the the sire's clean headstock. Also no telecaster? It's a no from me dog
Awesome TWIG as usual sir 🫡
I've got an Benton ST Modern PLus in the post - hopefullt here Monday! 😃🤞
Thumbs up, Andy. I'm a big fan of Harley Benton.
The Harley Benton looking cool, but I don't like how they sound... 🤷🏻♂️
Yeah duck should be only $199.00
the most shocking thing in this video by far was Andy's pronounciation of "khaki"
Epiphone and Gibson have forgotten why they exist.
Maybe next time 😢
A used Epiphone will never be worth more than $400 to me personally. A MIJ Vintage Burny from 1990 and earlier is a far better deal than all Gibsons and the quality of the 2 I have are better or equal to any Gibson I've owned or played. My luthier agrees. He's 72 and I'm 54 and worked in a vintage shop in the late 80s when the good stuff was plentiful and cheap. Not being a Gibson basher in any way. Just facts and I'm stoked by it. Buy them from eBay from Japan and with great reviews. An American seller will want too much money and might to sell you one "From Japan" instead of MIJ. They are making them in China these days and only sold in Japan.
I think I may be the only one who every time you say “are either Laurel or…” I expect to hear “Hardy.”
I, too, am middle aged.
@@Robstafarian with all due respect most folks for whom Laurel and Hardy come readily to mind could more accurately be described as “post-aged.” I was indeed born a long time ago and Laurel and Hardy were before my father’s time. 😂
Thank you, Andy, for the video. Those harley bentons leave a lot of room for guitar erections
He should advertise toothpaste 😁😬
I like HB better than the price-gouger brand names...
You would too if you weren't a poser.
Harley Benton 10.25
Ukulele not Mandolin....🤯
Well the clues in the name
@@TheGuitarGeek Well Epiphone got that completely wrong.....my mandolin from 1963 has 8 strings and is nothing like the Mandobird. I have seen electric ukes though, that would be a valid comparison....🎸🤘🏼🎸
Definitely a ukulele (4 courses of single strings). A mandolin has 4 courses of double strings.
It is tuned like a mandolin rather than a ukulele.
However, a lot of ukulele players play the previous Mandobird.
Hardly Bentle has never been serious once in their existence. The name had always pxssed me off … it’s as if Europeans came up with a brand name to pander to Americans 🙄 should of named their guitars ‘Super Bowl MCDonalds AR-15’ guitars …
Are you ok?
@@TheGuitarGeekare you .. after all the shilling you must be exhausted.. don’t play with me
Had a HB "Pro" guitar and it was total crap. It took me well over 6 month to get rid of it thru a local musicstore. Will never ever buy a HB guitar again. Totally fu**ed up frets and it would not stay in tune. Money well wasted.
Why didn’t you return it?
@@TheGuitarGeek I made the mistake to polish the frets so that I colud play the damn thing. And since I had tampered with the item, it could no longer be returned.
I love olive drab. I still want the Chris Cornell Olive Drab ES-335. But the price....
that is a BUCKET list guitar for me
@@TheGuitarGeek same for me. I'll let you know as soon as I win the lottery.
even the lefties can't complain!
8:08 mmm pretty 🤩
I think it’s pronounced like cabbage but with a B for let us bend?
Maybe better woth a yammy