Is the Harley Benton Double Cut any good? HB vs Gibson vs Maybach Review

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 555

  • @MobileDecay
    @MobileDecay 5 ปีที่แล้ว +142

    Just remember we're looking out.
    🤨👉

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      This HB could be VERY limited edition

    • @MikeLute
      @MikeLute 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheGuitarGeek and a very long wait until august - I hope Mr Benton made enough for all of us! BTW my Guitar Geek Socks arrived today. They are sooooo great or should I say big. Maybe I should build a fireplace and use them for X-mas ;-)

    • @YosbelOropeza
      @YosbelOropeza 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      best comeback ever aushaisjiasias

    • @klivegee
      @klivegee 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Gibson sues Thomann ~ that would be big!

    • @davetbassbos
      @davetbassbos 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You know that whole "Play Authentic" video could have been a clever plot to get people talking about Gibson again. It's spawned a couple of catch phrases that guitar people might not stop saying for a while, lol

  • @ruiseartalcorn
    @ruiseartalcorn 5 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Personally, I'd go with a modded HB.

    • @oskarileikos
      @oskarileikos 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      A new pickup, electronics and tuners + maybe fret polish plus fret end filing = a great guitar

    • @Nome_utente_generico
      @Nome_utente_generico 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are not alone

  • @michaeldean4704
    @michaeldean4704 5 ปีที่แล้ว +83

    I actually think the Harley Benton sounds better. And I'm a... well... maybe not angry, but certainly grumpy, old man.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I love the aggression of the Gibson. The Maybach Is sweet but the HB is so adfordable

    • @ratenothing
      @ratenothing 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@TheGuitarGeek "I love the agression of the Gibson" Oh the irony ...

    • @BrentHutchinson
      @BrentHutchinson 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      and the HB is only 199...thats a lot left over for a pup :)

    • @motorrebell
      @motorrebell 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@BrentHutchinson The Dogear p90 is easily tweakable - place two washers under the screws to rise it or adjust the polepieces closer to the strings - has a huge impact on the sound .

    • @BrentHutchinson
      @BrentHutchinson 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@motorrebell Great idea :)

  • @soulagent79
    @soulagent79 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Don't buy a new pickup before you've tried to adjust the pole pieces on the stock one properly. Especially on P90s this often makes a huge difference.

    • @ces69
      @ces69 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      soulagent79 Lolla also do P90 spacers so you can raise the whole pickup!

    • @nazarinebeats5521
      @nazarinebeats5521 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don’t think that will make it beefy?

    • @gluteusmaximus1657
      @gluteusmaximus1657 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@nazarinebeats5521 You might wonder how much 1 mm changes the tone. Take the cover and use it for getting the shape. Cut several spacers with different thickness. Your ears will smile :-)

  • @philiplyon938
    @philiplyon938 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I was so impressed with the Harley Benton DC Junior as demoed in this video that I purchased one in satin aged cherry finish from Thomann.
    It was delivered within three working days to my home in England.
    I can honestly say that I have never in my life been so impressed with such a relatively cheap guitar.
    The fretwork (0.059" tall !!) is utterly flawless, the three piece body so well jointed it nearly impossible to see the joins even under a bright spotlamp !
    It plays superbly well and sustains for ever - noticeably more so than my Les Paul Standard, SG and Jackson Soloist !
    The only negative about the guitar was the pickup itself which was a little lacking in clarity dynamics and output.
    I modified a Tonerider Hot P-90 pickup to Dog Ear style by swapping the baseplate and fitting a Hosco Dog Ear cover in black. A 2mm thick 3D Printed shim raised it's height to optimum levels beneath the strings.
    With the new Tonerider Hot 90 pickup, 50's wiring and a 0.022uf Orange Drop capacitor this guitar is now utterly incredible and runs rings round 99% of guitars I have ever played - I have over 40 years of playing and setting up experience behind me. The dynamics and range of tones one can achieve just using vol and tone pots is incredible.
    The Harley Benton DC Junior (with my mods) is undoubtedly the most expressive fun instrument to play I have ever owned - I kid you not !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @BudgetPedalChap
    @BudgetPedalChap 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The authenticity in this video is off the scale!
    I liked the sound of the HB on the video, it is always easier to tame a bright pickup than it is to coax clarity it out of a darker one I've found.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yup! Can’t add highs where they are not. I just love the bark of the Gibson. The HB was noticeably quieter in the room though

    • @davidburke2132
      @davidburke2132 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      TheGuitarGeek To me the HB sounded really thin. The Gibson wasn’t lacking in treble in any way to my ears but it had a much more pleasing full frequency response, which is what a P90 is meant to sound like... P90s aren’t meant to be thin sounding like the HB did.

  • @kebab_boi
    @kebab_boi 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    The Harley Benton has a relatively lower output that the Gibson, instead the Harley Benton has a crunchier tone and thinner sounding so you get slightly more of the high end spectrum. Where as the Gibson definitely sounds beefier and more sensitive to distortion (and thus has a higher output pickup), since it's beefier and thiccer, it definitely delivers slightly lower amount of high end. Both sound amazing though. I'd go with the Harley Benton though cuz of that beautiful TV Yellow finish (and ofc the sexy price tag lmao)

    • @JohnDSmith-po4nu
      @JohnDSmith-po4nu 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Have you even considered the choice of strings, as those might lead to more than just subtile variations sound wise? Also, some little tweaks on your amp would give you the sound you'd expect. And furthermore, in a band environment, in the mix so to say, you'd hardly notice whether the guitar player used this or that axe, right?

    • @kebab_boi
      @kebab_boi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JohnDSmith-po4nu I 100% agree. Literally can be tweaked via the amp. Both sound so good though. I might go for the FAT version however, since it has a chunkier neck, as well as a stacked P90.

  • @RaúlCabezalí
    @RaúlCabezalí 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I liked the Gibson best of the three. Second, the Harley Benton. I can't afford the Gibson, so I'll go for the Harley Benton. Really looking forward to Thomann having them in stock.

  • @PhilMoseleyMusic
    @PhilMoseleyMusic 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The Harley Benton definetly has a spankier tone to my ears. Not bad at all. Very nice and tidy inside the cavity!! Great video Andy!

  • @GiantBat
    @GiantBat 5 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    No tape on headstock - FAIL 😂

    • @TomSzold
      @TomSzold 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      He doesn’t own the guitars, Can’t go around putting tape on guitars that aren’t yours :)

    • @abcrx32j
      @abcrx32j 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's not his Gibson though

  • @motorrebell
    @motorrebell 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    One HUGE advantage the Harley benton has is the VOLUTE on the neck ! Im also not "Authentic" enough for a Gibson ( Loi ) , Thats why Harley Benton will be my next guitar ! :-D

    • @ResoBridge
      @ResoBridge 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      The volute is incidental. The headstock is scarf jointed to the neck between the first and third fret so you have strong straight grain in the headstock and under the nut, not the weak cross grain you get in an 'authentic' one piece neck.

  • @MrSatansnipper
    @MrSatansnipper 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Please get one and do a new series on modding it!!
    Your squire mustang one was brilliant!!!

    • @davidf8749
      @davidf8749 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Absolutely. Can you stick in a Gibson P90 and then have a rematch ?

    • @dominicmcmahon4798
      @dominicmcmahon4798 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes mod it. Pleaseeeee

    • @jburdsinfuse
      @jburdsinfuse 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      David F I have a HB on preorder and a set of Gibson P90’s waiting for it (pulled out of an LP classic that got Bareknuckle Pig90’s).

  • @Arcturian1111
    @Arcturian1111 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pros. 1. Set Neck 2. Wilkinson bridge. 3. Control Cavity wiring 4. Pickup sounds decent. 5. Medium sized neck. 6. Guitar is beautiful. How are the tuners?

    • @butteredbiskit3497
      @butteredbiskit3497 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The tuners on mine are stable but they're small like a ukulele or something. I'm not planning to change them.

  • @gluteusmaximus1657
    @gluteusmaximus1657 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Glossy, sticky neck - steel wool. Shorten the wire of the PU, get rid of the extra - gain tone. Raise or lower the PU screws - even out certain frequencies. It depends on the the set of strings you use. Greetings from Germany.

  • @gifty8657
    @gifty8657 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Really like the beefy Gibson.
    Can't choose between the other two. Both are a bit different but nice too.
    Sound: Gibson for me.
    Looks: Maybach
    Price: Probably the HB LOL

  • @markinthemix6055
    @markinthemix6055 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I fully agree about the neck. I buy a guitar due to the neck quality. On this guitar I want a 59 ish profile inspired neck.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      So do I. I have something in the works...

  • @klaymeister
    @klaymeister 5 ปีที่แล้ว +206

    You arent playing very authentic. 😂

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      I’m not playing well either 😉

    • @andreaskragh9464
      @andreaskragh9464 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@TheGuitarGeek Your playing is fine... ? Sounds good to me

    • @multipipi1234
      @multipipi1234 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You are not playing with authenticity...

    • @austin84617
      @austin84617 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Andreas Kragh it about Gibson video

    • @Module79L
      @Module79L 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      He's playing an authentic HB. ; )

  • @danielcannon3511
    @danielcannon3511 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    HB didn't cheap out on the pots. That's pretty cool.

  • @pastorkev777
    @pastorkev777 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    If you like the way the HB sounds unplugged, then you can always upgrade the pickup later.

  • @Xaltar_
    @Xaltar_ 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That P90 in the HB can best be described as "wimpy", bright and thin. If you really want to keep cost down try out Vanson pickups, you can find them on Ebay and they cost pennies compared to the big brands. I picked up a set of PAF 57 Alnico II clones for less than 40 pounds and they sound fantastic, not even just for the money. They could be a bit more articulate but for that money I really can't complain, far better than any Epiphone pickups I have used and a pretty damn close approximation of the Gibson classic 57's I love so much.

  • @TheGuitarCollective
    @TheGuitarCollective 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Would love to get my hands on one of these!
    Just remember, Filmmakers... WORK WITH US.

  • @carlhart9604
    @carlhart9604 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Throw in a GFS P-90, $33.95 and be amazed 🤘

  • @barbmelle3136
    @barbmelle3136 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    From Leo: I like the Harley Benton. The headstock shape is great. I play through a Fender Twin so I have plenty of clean headroom to compensate for a slightly lower output pickup.

  • @patrickcarroll1754
    @patrickcarroll1754 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    “Angry little animal” is the perfect analogy for this instrument. Ditto goes for the rest.

  • @akwamarsunzal
    @akwamarsunzal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Agreed... More anger, more anger! I tried the CST24 with P90s, great looking guitar, played really nicely BUT not enough anger! Seriously interested in this DC as a modding guitar. Definitely needs a different pup for that "pure" P90 bite and, of course, a mild relic to get rid of the WRONG TV Yellow colour! ;-) But is a nice guitar, nice price too!

  • @jamesrobinson529
    @jamesrobinson529 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I would love for Harley Benton to come out with a guitar neck with a 1 7/8 in. nut width, 24.75 in. scale length, ss 6100 jumbo frets, 59' profile & a compound radius.

  • @joelmiddaugh8229
    @joelmiddaugh8229 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I hate the Gibson just for changing the pickguard and dogear pickup cover. Would never buy that. The Harley Benton is at least the best looking one of the three.

    • @davidburke2132
      @davidburke2132 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Joel Middaugh They did that for logical reasons... it’s about having the pickup and electronics scratchplate mounted and the body routed from the front (like Fender do on Strats) to save production time and costs and hit a price point.
      To my ears the Gibson blows the other two in this review away for sound, but I am biased... I recently bought one of these Junior Tribute DCs, although I bought it because I also thought it blew a Gibson SG Standard and Gibson Firebird away in the store when I tried it out.

    • @williamgainford9332
      @williamgainford9332 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Couldnt get past that pickguard either - destroyed the looks of the guitar

    • @Имбирнаяпеченька-ю6ь
      @Имбирнаяпеченька-ю6ь 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I love the new style of pickguard on Gibson. In worn cherry color it reminds me of Brian May's Red Special guitar)

    • @jakubsabosz2933
      @jakubsabosz2933 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Looks won't help you when the neck made of badly seasoned wood will twist.

    • @joelmiddaugh8229
      @joelmiddaugh8229 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jakubsabosz2933 Maybe my friend. Certainly possible.

  • @voxelraster
    @voxelraster 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I agree that HB needs to offer thicker necks for players who happen to also be adults...

    • @jordanwalsh8171
      @jordanwalsh8171 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Buy my Hb flying v if you want. . .the neck is like a rounded off piece of 3x2

    • @gluteusmaximus1657
      @gluteusmaximus1657 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Check Thomann website ! Thicker necks or P 100 are available.

    • @voxelraster
      @voxelraster 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@gluteusmaximus1657 Thanks GM! That's great news! The new cherry one looks very nice - can't wait until they're in. It's wonderful that HB seems to listening and are offering players what they really want/need. They even upgraded the pickup for more output and better tone variety with the push/pull tone pot on the new coil tap-able pickup. Hats off to HB!!!!

    • @gluteusmaximus1657
      @gluteusmaximus1657 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@voxelraster I am a customer to Thomann since the 70's. They are always listening to the customers! This is their way to achieve the goal. If you ever make it to visit the store in Treppendorf, you will see what it takes to transform from a country side retailer to a major player. In the older days the used gear was sold from a basement and bigger items next to a pigpen. I bought a 8x10, while the granny was feeding the pigs just six feed away! Nowadays, words cannot describe the transformation. It is worth to visit, believe me.

  • @Marcaine
    @Marcaine 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    If HB introduces one with two pickups, I‘ll have to seriously consider getting one..

    • @Nomadicsage1
      @Nomadicsage1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Gotta have that neck pickup

    • @Iheartdgd
      @Iheartdgd 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      They already have one, it’s a regular LP copy.
      A jr only needs one pickup

    • @ces69
      @ces69 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Then it wouldn’t be a junior!

    • @salg.5153
      @salg.5153 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just use a router

    • @motorrebell
      @motorrebell 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Less magnet more sustain ! Thats the magic with one single pickup -Junior type guitars ! Less is sometimes more .

  • @raceface_m2579
    @raceface_m2579 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am quite liking that bright sound it has. Definitely dig that color

  • @lkssatch
    @lkssatch 5 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    You better get your lawyer ready my friend... they are coming for ya! :P

    • @somedude3601
      @somedude3601 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂

    • @guitarocd9984
      @guitarocd9984 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Maybe they should. Talk about a perfect example of Gibson's point. This guy doesn't fool around LOL he goes right to the point. LOL

  • @gainandpain
    @gainandpain 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Be honest I love HB sound best. Sparkling, nice bright sound. Gibby and Maybach has a dark sound ,powerful but a little bit humbucker side.

  • @NateMchaggis
    @NateMchaggis 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    be a good experiment to put the gibson pickup in the harley benton, the tone might be in the better p90.

  • @croc3862
    @croc3862 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like the harley benton more. When I think a single p90 guitar I expect a solid guitar for not a ton of money. Plus the harley benton just sounds better in my opinion, if it plays well I can just switch for a seymour duncan or handwound p90 from a small boutique builder

  • @harrispapadakis8523
    @harrispapadakis8523 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Yep, I think a slightly bigger neck might be a better fit but also I would like SS frets....
    UNLEASH HARLEY BENTON CUSTOM SHOP OPTIONS NOW

  • @demgubble
    @demgubble 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is the video I have been waiting for !

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      And... convinced?

    • @demgubble
      @demgubble 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheGuitarGeek yup...... just needs a different pickup otherwise it's perfect!

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’ll be modding one asap

  • @Yohahn
    @Yohahn 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Gibbo sounds the best but you can probably swap the pickup in the benton to make it closer.
    1: Gibbo
    2: HB
    3: Maybach

    • @davidburke2132
      @davidburke2132 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      JoeyRockerTV Personally I would swap 2 and 3 from your list around (I think the HB sounds really too thin... not what a P90 is supposed to sound like) but I totally agree that the Gibson is the clear winner for sound.
      I also thought that the HB sounded pretty dodgy at times for intonation (and occasionally the Maybach too).

  • @Just-Michael
    @Just-Michael 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    A little time and money could make that Harley Benton just as good as the Gibson and you'd still have money left over.

    • @croc3862
      @croc3862 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      My thoughts exactly. Just slap a more agressive p90 in the hb and take a scotchbrite or sanding sponge to the back of the neck for the more satin finish

    • @Steve-nq8jc
      @Steve-nq8jc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's a great platform for modding, you wouldn't need to spend much

    • @lueysixty-six7300
      @lueysixty-six7300 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Bull. Shit. Not in a million years! You ever play a Gibson??

    • @fevriertheo1414
      @fevriertheo1414 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@lueysixty-six7300 I would if they ever made a Left handed LP junior for less than 2k$

    • @BrentHood
      @BrentHood 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Luey Sixty-six I’ve played many, and owned one. Sold it a few months later, hated it. Felt cheap and the build and set up was awful. My partner bought me the DC jr tribute for my birthday as a surprise and I sent it back. Same issues, crap quality control and set up was awful. Wouldn’t stay in tune. Gibson = over priced and over hyped. Fender all the way for a fraction of the price.

  • @guitarocd9984
    @guitarocd9984 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Haha perfect timing for Gibson counterfeit guitars.

    • @croc3862
      @croc3862 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's not counterfeit tho

    • @guitarocd9984
      @guitarocd9984 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Call it what you want. A copy a counterfeit a ripoff.

    • @niclastname
      @niclastname 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@guitarocd9984 No, not "call it what you want". Counterfeit is a very different thing. A counterfeit implies that it is trying to deceive people into think it is authentic. A counterfeit would be if Harley Benton were making it as exact as possible and putting all the Gibson markers and logos on it, and selling it to people as a Gibson, when it's not.
      This is like selling art prints of famous art. A counterfeit is like selling fakes of famous art and telling people it is the real thing.

    • @guitarocd9984
      @guitarocd9984 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No shit. LOL

    • @georgemercer3013
      @georgemercer3013 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Gibson tried that s*** with PRS and it didn't work....

  • @lescaster2179
    @lescaster2179 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Three distinctly different tones. Matter of opinion and taste which one might prefer. In this instance, I preferred the Gibson.

  • @colomboluke
    @colomboluke 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I would love to see a video series on modding this!!!!!

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Then stay tuned!!

    • @Arcturian1111
      @Arcturian1111 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheGuitarGeek please do a mod video on this, before and after

  • @stainlesssteve25
    @stainlesssteve25 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The Gibson in TV yellow would be a sexy machine

  • @bobainsworth9571
    @bobainsworth9571 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Recently got one of these. Highly recommended and at an unbelievable (low) price.

  • @PooNinja
    @PooNinja 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Killa Katana tone.
    Price is my main factor and company personality is second.
    I am saying the HB wins for me !
    Wonder if they will make a Guitar geek custom HB and what would it look like?? the chubbster ?

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Well it’s funny you should say that....

    • @PooNinja
      @PooNinja 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      TheGuitarGeek 🤗 so excited to see what 2020 will bring 😮
      Just don’t tell 60 cycle about it till it’s trademarked!!!

    • @mickdebergerac1143
      @mickdebergerac1143 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Company personality.... That's the Gibson screwed then... Just saying...… I'll keep an eye out for the postie with my summons

    • @davidburke2132
      @davidburke2132 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Poo Ninja So, interestingly what you’re saying is your choice of musical instrument isn’t primarily on how it sounds?!! In fact you don’t mention the sound of the instrument at any point there your selection criteria. That’s a really interesting selection strategy.

    • @PooNinja
      @PooNinja 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Price is always a factor
      Tone is very subjective

  • @butteredbiskit3497
    @butteredbiskit3497 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm with you about the neck and the pickup. I adjusted the pole pieces and it's much better. I haven't even changed the strings yet!

  • @_charwyn
    @_charwyn 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolutely love the non-Gibson pickguard. HB is a steal, gotta listen to demos on better speakers now...

  • @yargnad
    @yargnad 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There's a beautiful mid-range quality that just sings on that Maybach. Very musical.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      It is VERY lovely. Just not in price range right now

    • @yargnad
      @yargnad 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheGuitarGeek No doubt, I'm in the same boat. I just wasn't expecting it to sound so much better than the others. I've got a couple HBs and love them both, so I'd get the HB for sure and maybe drop a used Lollar or something in there.

  • @k1sfd1974
    @k1sfd1974 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'd go with the HB, personally. Seems to be a really nice guitar, and leaves you some headroom to mod it up and not break the bank... I'm actually quite impressed with the HB guitars so far. I'm looking forward to see how they hold up and if they hold their value well.
    I'd adjust the pickup height first, but I'm betting since it most likely has a ceramic magnet in it, you'll either have to replace the pickup or at the very least, the magnet. If you replace it with an Alnico (insert number of your choice here - I'd say a 3 or 4) it should give you what you want. It also might be a great way to show some channel subscribers how to do a fairly inexpensive upgrade. There are a few YT vids on people doing this, and for magnet selection DBG has a great vid where he literally just swapped in Alnico 1-5 magnets on the same EXACT P/U (not 5 pickup sets with different magnets, but the same set just swapped magnets). Listen with monitors or headphones on though. Just, maybe have a spare pickup around 'Just in Case'. Depending on the material used in the manufacture of the P/U you can either replace the bar magnet or individual poles. Just FYI, if it's a fiberboard bobbin that the coil is wound around then just get a new pickup... it's not worth it! Lol
    If your REALLY careful, you shouldn't have to worry about re-waxing it. Watching your other 'mod' vids, this should be fairly easy for you. Drop me a note if you have any questions! 😉✌🏼

    • @croc3862
      @croc3862 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's an alnico 5 pickup according to thomman

    • @k1sfd1974
      @k1sfd1974 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hmmm... that's usually a fairly aggressive magnet for pickups (relatively speaking of course)... with the output being off from the others, I'd be curious what the resistance rating of the windings are. Actually measured though, not just 'spec'. I'm wondering if they use a more aggressive magnet and under-wind the copper to save money that way or maybe a smaller bar magnet? Could be the materials the bobbin is made of as well I guess, as well as how well they were potted. Meh... speculation gets us no where I guess, we will just have to wait and see what he does! 😏✌🏼

  • @ResoBridge
    @ResoBridge 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have just bought one of the Harley Benton DC P90s in blue. Initially I was very impressed, but .. after some tinkering around I have found some flaws. The holes for the attachment screws for the Wilkinson tuners have been drilled a little too large. If you try to check these screws for tightness they just spin in the holes. That isn't so bad and not hard to fix. The worst thing is that the drill seems to have wandered about a bit while drilling the hole for the bass side threaded insert for the bridge. The factory has attempted to shim the over size hole with something - card perhaps, but the insert is still so loose that, with the bridge post screwed in to it I can easily pull the whole thing out of the hole. There are often these nasty little hidden flaws on low cost guitars that you only find when you strip the guitar down and Thomann won't find them when they do their quality check. Often the factory has tried fixing them in a half arsed way, just to get the instrument out the door.

  • @jvin248
    @jvin248 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "These sound like older angry men", lol. Measure up the pots and caps in the HB and swap those and you can age that tone up, spend $7-$10 and you're there (lower kohm volume pot, higher uF tone cap, for darker).

  • @marmelaki
    @marmelaki 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just saw on Thomann that there's a FAT LTD edition version (250 units) with a Fat 59 profile neck, so your request has been met....

  • @ithemba
    @ithemba 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    always loved that simple DC appeal but not enough to even consider dropping the kind of money that a gibson or maybach would set you back. was seriously tempted by the affordable slick version, which has a few bells and whistles more than the HB, but also clocks in probably more than the HB will. Now I am seriously tempted, even though I have just finished a complete overhaul of my Epiphone SG (with re-finish to a satin nitro, p90s and a bigsby) and this really would be in that kind of ballpark, too...
    Oh Harley Benton, you cruel tormentor of our daily GAS...

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I know man.... I don’t NEED this bit o REALLY have to have it

  • @liamk8698
    @liamk8698 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got a Harley Benton and it’s great. Possibly my favorite guitar. I’m changing the pickup to a gfs slick alnico 2 tho

  • @colinjwilliams6149
    @colinjwilliams6149 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video.
    I really love your playing.
    Have you released anything or have any music out there?

  • @Ramplcro
    @Ramplcro 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for review. Good to know that it has good electronics so just a pickup swap is needed if you need different character. For us far away from Thomann can you tell us the string spacing and fretboard width on the nut and 12-th or other upper fret. Maybe Thomann in the future could put better descriptions. I'm sure there are others wanting to know.
    Personally for HB I would like to see 2 deluxe versions for doublecuts and singlecuts. Every one with ebony fretboard, correct string spacing and neck taper, stainless steel frets and better/lighter body woods. No super jumbo frets and bigger necks on traditionals. Super Jumbo frets and slimmer necks on moderns. They should do a great job at cutting the nut, fret ends and leveling the frets. High grid sandpaper sanding/filing and polishing can be done at home easily and should keep the costs down. Price 350-400-450 euros.

  • @antonyivanov9024
    @antonyivanov9024 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really liked the Maybach. But didn't like it 1200 euro more. HB seems just fine to cover my P90 fever. :)

  • @theguitarelectric5218
    @theguitarelectric5218 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The HB looks nice. But seemed to be an intonation issue. For the price it would be a fun mod project. I'd rock it anyway.

  • @loufher284
    @loufher284 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Gibson issues copyright take down for using a Gibson.....

  • @graemegourley7616
    @graemegourley7616 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    What's the nut width difference between them? And I agree, they need to do something about that pick up. It's just a bit thin and shrill. Needs some grunt.

  • @robertm8552
    @robertm8552 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like the Gibson the best (although I don’t like the pickguard cosmetically), next I liked the HB, and I really didn’t like the Maybach.

  • @chillpillology
    @chillpillology ปีที่แล้ว

    i am wondering if the pickup placement on the gibson is slightly different…. sounds so much better to me than the others.

  • @JeremyLeech
    @JeremyLeech 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My plan? Buy the Harley and change the pickup

  • @kiltymacbagpipe
    @kiltymacbagpipe 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Me likey. The HB seems like the winner because I don’t think the others are four or five times the guitar even if that means I’m inauthentic. Maybe swap in an orange drop if the capacitor is of lesser quality and hit the neck with some sandpaper?
    Get yourself a leatherman wave though. It’s a tool for life and you deserve it.

    • @NiqScott
      @NiqScott 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You're right, the others are 10 times the guitar that the HB is. That's not guitar snobbery, I realise not everyone can afford to drop hundreds on a guitar, and they're fine for what they are, but they're still a cheap guitar that you couldn't gig seriously unless you spent more than the guitar cost on new machine heads, bridge, pickup, pots, switch, input jack etc. After that, all that's left is a lump of cheap wood that will still need a £100 setup. I get that people like HB, after all, they're just Vintage (the brand) guitars with much lower quality control to lower the price, but I wish people would just stop claiming they're anything more than they are.

    • @kiltymacbagpipe
      @kiltymacbagpipe 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Niq Scott do the setup yourself. Why pay anyone to do work you can do yourself with just some simple tools and practice?
      Cheap is cheap but at some point you are paying for a name on a headstock not for an increase in quality. Unless it’s a master build or a custom guitar, it’s just cnc machines cutting wood and people bolting things on. The days of the craftsman sweating over a product are long gone but the prices have remained. Let’s be honest, people buy the instrument that fit the image they are trying to project at the price they can afford. It’s the same with clothes. A $500 pair of jeans isn’t five times better than a $100 pair of Levi’s, but if you have the means then you can make that choice. Both will keep your legs warm and hide your junk.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Actually Niq, all the hardware and electronics are great on this model. You know, the one I’ve had in my hands and you haven’t...

    • @NiqScott
      @NiqScott 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kiltymacbagpipe I've been repairing and setting guitars up since 1980. I'm not talking about simply adjusting the truss rod or the intonation. Not everyone is going to buy a levelling beam, fret profiling file, nut files, etc. A decent collection of quality tools (not the cheap junk from Amazon which won't do the job) would cost more than this guitar, and unless someone has access to very cheap planks to practice on, they'll bugger it up completely.

    • @NiqScott
      @NiqScott 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Possumlove Congratulations on missing the point. Really, excellent job. The average HB customer doesn't have access to the tools needed to do a proper setup. My point was, if they're buying a cheap guitar, they're going to buy cheap junk tools. Yeas, any idiot with a set of allen keys and a screwdriver can adjust the neck and set the intonation, but cheap guitars invariably need the frets levelling and reprofiling, and the nut cut to the correct depth. I never said I expected anyone to equip themselves with a full set of pro luthiery tools (go back and have a grown up read it to you).

  • @randomdude9698
    @randomdude9698 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I bet you could get some great chimey yet “large” tones by playing the exact same thing on the HB and Gibson/Maybach, blend the two tracks, EQ it right and you got the best of both worlds

  • @petedazer3381
    @petedazer3381 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve got a cherry sunburst Gibson LP DC from 1998 with two Gibson humbuckers and the stop tailpiece. I removed the tone cap to eliminate the high frequency drain. Great guitar, second favorite next to my Strat(s)

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Man I want a DC so badly

    • @billygoatgruff2554
      @billygoatgruff2554 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      TheGuitarGeek Check out Revelation RLJ. Alan Entwhistle pick up and a quality build guitar.

  • @williammolina9792
    @williammolina9792 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    If you lift up the pickup on the Harley Benton you will get a louder sound.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely but it’s not a simple job with a dog ear p90

  • @davidwilson7042
    @davidwilson7042 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    It might be worth a few minutes and not much money to think about replacing the (likely ceramic) magnet on the Harley Benton with an alnico one. I did that on a P90 guitar I used to own, solved some tonal issues I'd had. Just a thought.

  • @bronzesnake7004
    @bronzesnake7004 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The only one I can discern any different was the Molester, which had a bit more middle tone.
    I am a HB fan! I love my Epiphones also - I have three - My favorite guitar ever is my Casino - I also have a Les Paul Jr bumhucker which I freaking love! And my Epi SG, a pretty sweet guitar!!
    I really dig the HB.
    Jack - Canada

  • @tonedowne
    @tonedowne 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The Gibson is head and shoulders better sounding than the HB, and a head better than the Maybach.
    Gibson need to settle down and let their products do the talking.
    By the time you replace the pickup and get a set up on the HB, you are maybe ending up doubling the price of it.

    • @ces69
      @ces69 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Kebo Boke Don’t like the “new” styling, prefer the original authentic look!

    • @croc3862
      @croc3862 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But that's what an extra $150, get a guitar that can go toe to toe with a gibson. (You can just take a sanding sponge to the neck for the more satin feeling neck)

    • @davidburke2132
      @davidburke2132 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      cecil stolberg To be fair to Gibson that’s not really been done to change the styling (although it does have that end result), it’s been done to facilitate scratchplate mounting of pickup and electronics and routing of the body from the front in order to save production time and hit a price point. Personally I quite like the styling but understand why some people prefer the traditional scratchplate design.

  • @dansumigawa1414
    @dansumigawa1414 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Epiphone 1957 JR reissue might be “the one “! I found one used and it’s “the” one!! Paid $400 USD, hard shell case included! It has a P100 stacked humbucker pick-up! It has “the sound “!

  • @rst4641
    @rst4641 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    HB (the price) is good enough for me. There is nothing like the real truth and there is nothing like the "real" sound. With pedals or/and amps you make nearly any guitar sing.

  • @ratbertovich
    @ratbertovich 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'd recommend that you check a Slick 59.

  • @the4thway51
    @the4thway51 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    More growl from the HB pup ? Turn the amp gain up , or use a pre amp pedal.....

  • @thelolguy007
    @thelolguy007 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Gibson sounded the best to me. More mids and some balls. The Mayback had more upper mids but it’s very expensive. I’m with you on The HB. In fact I’m looking at the fat model

  • @tomdameek
    @tomdameek 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ohh I just can’t reconcile a guitar with 1 pickup. I feel like I’m being cheated. Thought it does look strangely compelling. Great electrics. Very Interesting thanks Andy. 👍

    • @ces69
      @ces69 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tom Corr Makes you work harder with the controls, but worth it for the tones you can get.
      Valuable techniques you can use on other guitars!

  • @TheBigGuppy
    @TheBigGuppy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Anybody know how long the tenon joint is on the Harley Benton? If it’s short then you can’t fix that. It won’t sound like a Junior. Thanks.

  • @thesaj1110
    @thesaj1110 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just got the H.B. and I really like it. for the price, you can't go wrong. I don't know if the body is Mahogany, it looks more like Ash to me!

  • @chrisjackson3722
    @chrisjackson3722 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Andy, go for the Gibbo you know you want it. The 2019 DC with the jack socket on the front is being sold (off loaded) by many dealers for £599 with padded gigbag. If you convince yourself, time you've lashed out on a new pickup and gig bag there's not a lot difference in price.

  • @Arcturian1111
    @Arcturian1111 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Its a no brainer. Change the pickup and your good to rock n roll.

  • @andreaskragh9464
    @andreaskragh9464 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Andy, still planning on changing the pickup in this Harley Benton? I'd be very interested to hear about it. Cheers from Denmark.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have something in the pipeline, yeah

    • @andreaskragh9464
      @andreaskragh9464 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheGuitarGeek Great, looking forward to it :-)

  • @SidBonkers51
    @SidBonkers51 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this video, I saw this guitar yesterday in another video but it wasnt reviewed it just said it would be released soon and I drooled over it, will be getting an order in soon before the Gibson lawsuit is lodged ;)

  • @patrickcarroll1754
    @patrickcarroll1754 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    P.S, some of us have small hands and we have to work with the hand we’re dealt- so the neck seems right up my alley.

  • @sygis21
    @sygis21 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video 👍🏻 could you describe the difference in sound between the Maybach and Gibson? Thank you very much and have a great day 😊

  • @laurencewaring8039
    @laurencewaring8039 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve got the Gibson 2005 model, 2 pick ups. Since owning it I’ve never wanted another guitar.

    • @davidburke2132
      @davidburke2132 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Laurence Bozwonk I own one of these actual DC Tributes... it continues to be a great guitar, outperforming many more expensive guitars including quite a few within Gibson’s own range in my opinion. It’s not just a great guitar “for the price”, it’s a great guitar full stop.

  • @ColinStuart
    @ColinStuart 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Check out the HB XT22 for a double cut! I'd like to know for one!

  • @roadmaster1ful
    @roadmaster1ful 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Andy I got one of these and I don't care for the skinny neck. Does the fat one have a chunkier neck?

  • @jeronimomartinezfabregas
    @jeronimomartinezfabregas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gonna try to avoid any reference to the Agnesi video (though I had expected to see the Gibson logo taped off)..what I'd like to ask you about, dear Andy, as a Tho-man that you are, is to enlighten me about the pricing of this guitar, which, although ofcourse is nowhere near the pricetag of the big G or the Maybach, is, in my opinion, in comparison with the rest of the Harley Benton line of guitars (from lower end to Fusion) overpriced...I'm asking because I'm afraid Thomann is gonna start to raise the prices of Harley Bentons somewhat significantly.
    I can't understand that this model costs the same as for example, an SC Custom, which has more tonal variety and features, even coil-splitting on both humbuckers, while this one has just one P-90 and that's it. To me I'd just take the money and go for the SC Custom or even a TE-90 FLT, or any other Harley Benton at a similar price point. I just don't see, comparatively, how the 200euro pricetag is justified on this one. Not to say that it didn't sound great, it just seems incoherent with the rest of the line of guitars; or is a sign that soon Harley Bentons are gonna get their prices jacked all over.
    For example, a few months ago, the DC-Custom was priced at 168 euros, and then it went out of stock, but suddenly the price-tag went from 168 to 221 euros. That's an increase of almost 30% on the same model from one season to another, and I just can't comprehend why. I hope it's not because thy're going to raise prices similarly across the board of all the Harley Benton guitars. I know they would still be better priced than other brands, but I still find it a bit too great of a jump in price. I guess we'll see what happens in time, I just hope I'm wrong about this notion I'm getting that the prices are goonna start to run up so they don't get left behind in the guitar selling/pricing game.
    Thanks for the vids as always!

    • @fevriertheo1414
      @fevriertheo1414 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      1- they sold like hot cakes when they where released
      2-thomann saw that, ordered more and raised the price, because, you know, capitalism.
      3- not many brands are selling this very kind of guitar, not at that pricepoint.
      (As a left handed, this is my only cheap option for a quality single p90 mahogany gibo type guitar)

  • @b.rodclark7349
    @b.rodclark7349 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like em all especially Gibson except for the ugly pickguard which doesn't make for an exact tribute; I now have Maestro singlecut Les Paul & SG Juniors w/chunky bolt-on maple necks in 50s fashion and humbucking PU's that are powerful but I'd like a hot P90 to really set em off giving a true Junior tribute...once again all three can get it with me!

  • @rtsmudge7251
    @rtsmudge7251 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video. I really enjoyed this one. I may one day be after a guitar with a P90. Mainly because I've never played one. That bit of softer playing later in the video makes me really like that Harley Benton. I bet it would be lovely for a bit of finger picking with a touch of fuzz.

  • @Snaffdude
    @Snaffdude 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is only 1/3 authentic. They're coming for you Andyyyyy

  • @b.j.thomas8606
    @b.j.thomas8606 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's what I want! HB needs a U.S. based distributor! I don't want to order and wait forever...

  • @gusviera3905
    @gusviera3905 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well done. Make sure some Play Authentic maniac isn't at the front door...

  • @dgt6583
    @dgt6583 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just got one of these and straight out of the box its playable with a great neck and fretboard, though the pickup is way too far from the strings and needs shimming with foam and spacers, but sounds like it could be ok and get better when it's closer. Loadsa scope for mods with these, so I'll put a lightening bar wraparound on it too, as I never liked the badass bridge. I had a Gibson 58 custom shop TV DC for a long time, plus a 2009 white SC and there's no comparison with the finish ect, but this with mods will sound pretty close to both when I'm done with it.

    • @TheGuitarGeek
      @TheGuitarGeek  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      dgt65 good call! Check my channel in about 4 hours.....

  • @MartinScore16
    @MartinScore16 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Will the HB have a lefty version?

  • @stealthbum34
    @stealthbum34 ปีที่แล้ว

    Stick a warpig on that Benton! Great vid 😊

  • @guyfromnj
    @guyfromnj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent analogy.

  • @johnwillard6198
    @johnwillard6198 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How about the Epi?

  • @chadbouterse8617
    @chadbouterse8617 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whats the difference in weight between the three?

  • @NolanZewariligon
    @NolanZewariligon 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    There's a version of the Harley Benton DC with open pore finish.
    That + a nice pickup + upgraded hardware would be superior in every way to anything "authentic".

  • @saschabeck117
    @saschabeck117 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, thanx for the interesting Video! What P90 would you build in the Harley Benton for a more angry Sound? I've got an 80s Tokai DC with a Schaller P90. Greetings