I would ignore the criticisms in some of the other comments and just do what you need to do John. I come for the licks and lessons but I understand that doing sponsored product reviews is how you sustain the channel. These reviews are worthwhile for a lot of players who may not want to spend a ton of money to add a new guitar to their tonal palette. I found it educational and it's always a pleasure to hear your tone and playing.
Some of y’all are crazy. John has always had a good balance of budget and more expensive gear. He literally just reviewed one of the most expensive drive pedals yesterday. A few days ago a video on his ES-335. Keep it up John.
Well his Tokai, but those are near the 2000.00 mark on Reverb. More expensive to buy in the USA, and harder to get except used thru Reverb mainly. UK they are reasonable for sure.
This shows what really matters is the playing and the sound, not the price of your gear. I see why corksniffers are so butthurted. Nice playing as always
John I like the fact you are open to gear in all price ranges. As Rhett did with the plugins and low mid and high tier guitars. Not all of us can afford some of the super high end gear. But it’s nice to get honest reviews by you considering your very in depth guitar and tone knowledge.
Amazing demo and playing as usual . Every guitar you touch sounds like a dream ! This model is not available left-handed and I was able to access the DC-580 and I installed a Seymour Duncan SH-4 on the bridge. I was really surprised at the overall quality for the introduction of a Gibson SG type model at 1/7 the price.
I very much like the range of kit you discuss - please don’t feel the need to change!! I might never buy the upper end that you sometimes feature but am always interested in what’s the “best” or at least most iconic. Then, mostly interested in the best mid-price solutions. And, even with a PRS S2 594 as my primary guitar, I’m intrigued by what might be a great inexpensive second guitar to have, either when traveling or just to have an alternate voice.
Nothing wrong with Harley Benton. Even though I have a Gibson Les Paul and Flying V, I am a proud owner of a HB Thunderbird bass and one of their single cut customs and to cap it all, Thomann are a delight to deal with. Never, ever had any issues, they are always there to help.
Not just SG Moderns. I've got a 2018 Gibson SG Special with 24 frets, a reissue of a mid 70s SG Special with 24 frets, both have mini humbuckers (dual rail vs pole piece/one rail) and no coil taps sadly, just 4 pots on a PCB. Harley Benton's take looks and sounds good, and no neck dive? SS frets bonus!
I own one for a week now and my impressions are quite close to yours, except for the pups, mine are absolutely not high output and actually I measured them and nailed the specs at the Tesla site. The only thing that I dislike of it is the feel of the switch, which is pretty cheap. I think also that is more close to an ESP Vioer than to a SG. Good review, thanks.
In Australia we get killed on shipping for HB so not as great value. There is an Australian brand called Artist guitars that does similar high speccdd cheap stuff. SS frets brand hardware etc. they do a strat and a tele that are really high spec'd for around 250 pounds too. Will be available in UK soon.
@@chrisgmurray3622 When I meant available soon i meant the newer spec models. so there should be a few strats with locking tuners and stainless steel frets, a few teles with relic finish and stainless steel frets etc. they're all coming soon on the UK site but have been in australia this year (although sold out pretty quick)
I have a HB ST62-MN VW . Lucky it was just a tad under 7lbs. Finally sold a 10lbs HB Keith Richards Tribute TE53-KR Tele.. Harley Benton's can be pretty heavy....but grateful my 62 tribute Strat was not. Love the 12" fretboard. Just $200 (no outragious shipping fees) via their U.S. Reverb distributor.
I own a HB Custom, but single cut and from a generation prior (now they are in Gen III). I'm very happy with it, and as you suggested, further _custimized_ it ;-) For the price of this SG I would even rather get another single cut. There is a beautiful pruple obe of the single cuts now. Or to avoid the redundancy get the double cut junior.
To echo others, it’s up to you what you review, and unlike some of the other schill reviewers, you have a reputation for honesty, so reviewing cheaper guitars will be of interest to many. On this example, I suspect Thomann may have set up and vetted it as the big problem with HB guitars is wildly inconsistent QC😵💫 I say this as a previous HB fan, but have had to return so many of the recent ones, I have sadly lost faith in the brand. Indeed, I wrote to them recently pointing out customers would be cool with a small additional cost being added to the price to ensure better QC, especially on the fretwork, which is often poor. Needless to say they replied with the usual platitudes, but I doubt things will change. I have the model you reviewed but had to do a fair bit of fettling to get it playable. I have found Indonesian guitars tend to be better than Chinese, but you would think a company with the buying power of Thomann had enough leverage to demand better QC, especially bearing in mind other budget brands like Firefly are snapping at their heels! I really want to check out the ST Plus but may not bother as I hate the aggro involved in returning items. In itself that says it all as I am after a budget S Style, and whilst in the past may have gone for HB straightaway, now I am considering other brands including Sire. Anyway, glad you got a good one and thanks for all your great playing🎸🤘🏻
Honesty in reviews? Lol that’s a completely outdated concept Almost every guitar made today is completely acceptable by most standards. There is non need to be dishonest The real question is the infomercial going to provide an actual review of the gear with real pros and cons or is it just a vehicle to fuel corporate sponsored GAS and the infomercial creator’s income?
@@Lomoholga2 Are you calling John’s integrity into question? The very point I was making is that a lot of reviewers are shills, but I believe John isn’t. On the quality point, it is all relative, and the frustration I expressed was about variable QC and the fact brands like HB can produce good quality guitars like the one John received, but another person purchasing the same model may end up with a dog.
@@fusionfan6883 doing infomercials isn’t a lack of integrity. I think you need to catch up and realize what is actually going on overalll in the RUclips environment- we are all watching modern day infomercials. The corporations give out gear to the RUclipsrs, they get impressive marketing push via this for a very low cost unlike the old days when they had to buy expensive magazine ads. The RUclipsrs get free gear and build their channel and get ad revenue. The viewers get infotainment infomercials and get fed constant stream of GAS not so subtly disguised as ‘reviews’ Everyone is trying to make a buck and that is perfectly fine The high majority of gear today is perfectly fine for people and exceeds any quality standards the consumer might have It’s a question of does the function of the gear fit my actual needs and do I really need this gear- both of those questions are rarely answered or explored because that would in essence call in to question the whole system
As I live in NZ, the Harley Benton gear is a bit costly to ship, but the Australian brand of similarly priced gear, made in Indonesia or China, is easily available as Artist guitars Australia/ New Zealand. It seems that they now have an "Artist Guitars, UK" , and fir those of us who watch your channel regularly, I'm sure we would appreciate it if you were to feature some of these instruments. I've already bought two of their cheaper models sight unseen, and they turned out to be good for the price, but I'd love to get your input on these products, John.
I like the look of the slightly longer upper horn as compared to a true SG. I'd also be interested on your take on another budget "SG" style guitar: the WestCreek Racer.
I have the 2017 version of the DC-Custom Cherry. Mine was made in CPR and doesn't have the coils split. It has the old Wilkinson MWCHBA humbuckers. In This guitar those Wilkos do quite well. In other Harley Bentons, SC-450+ and HB35+ I changed them for brighter IronGear pickups. My DC is Heavy though 4kg - 8lbs13oz !! I moved the top strap button to the end of the horn to combat neck dive. It IS quite different in feel and tone from a Gibson SG, I would say. It just happens to be sort of SG shaped, a good ROCK guitar.
A Viper is offset. The DC is not, and that's a substantial difference. Just saying "SC" is overly simplified. Some are ESP styled, and some are Gibson styled.
Only thing I look for in a guitar is could I comfortably have gigged with it. Looks and sounds like yes. Care less whose moniker is on the headstock. Thanks.
Wouldn't it have been worthwile to experience the guitar while standing up and using a strap and say something about it? I remember from back in the day that SGs could actually feel sort of top heavy so you had to constantly push the neck up a bit with your left hand when playing it standing up. But maybe this was because then the one strap mount had been on the back right under where the neck meets the body as it seemed to be the normal place with the originals. With this guitar it's obviously different, though.
Imagine the guitar world if the internet didn’t exist. Today a guitar/gear company can get an Enormous marketing presence and influence by buying off infomercial creators like this guy for the simple price of whatever gear they are trying to sell Back in the day they would have to buy very expensive ads in guitar magazines The public benefits by being exposed to new gear, the corporations profit hugely, and the infomercial makers get RUclips ad dollars and free gear The only downside is the guitar public gets GAS completely normalized and we all get numbly entertained by modern infomercials that in the 1980s we would waste our time with
John, please don't morph into a review/demo channel for low-end guitars/gear. There are so many of them on RUclips, and they're all worthless.. What you have done on this channel is create something unique. Great music and in-depth exploration of good quality gear both out of the box and after living with and gigging it. Don't sell out now. If you need nappies, let us know. We'll contribute to the "But me some nappies" ... err, I mean coffee fund!
I and probably a lot of other viewers appreciate that he not only looks at expensive gear but also more affordable instruments that are more obtainable for a larger amount of his audience. If it's affordable, good quality both out of the box and after gigging, why does it matter?
@@JayceAllanGuitar I've never heard of you or your channel. If you self-indentify with my description of worthless channels then perhaps you need to work on distinguishing yourself from the hundreds of other review/demo channels. John has built something unique with his channel. I was expressing my hope that he keeps it that way.
I’ve un-subscribed to your channel. You’ve turned into a low end guitar demo channel. That’s not what I need and want. I like watching videos on the highest of the high end Guitars and Amps. Very disappointing!
I think its really refreshing to know that real guitarists aren't gear snobs (even though I build custom guitars). Charlie Parker often played and recorded with borrowed cheap saxophones because he sold his own instruments to buy drugs. Tools for the job! I think JNC does amazing work and I love the playing on any instrument. Maybe he'll review one of my guitars - they're probably expensive enough for you 😂
I would ignore the criticisms in some of the other comments and just do what you need to do John. I come for the licks and lessons but I understand that doing sponsored product reviews is how you sustain the channel. These reviews are worthwhile for a lot of players who may not want to spend a ton of money to add a new guitar to their tonal palette. I found it educational and it's always a pleasure to hear your tone and playing.
Some of y’all are crazy. John has always had a good balance of budget and more expensive gear. He literally just reviewed one of the most expensive drive pedals yesterday. A few days ago a video on his ES-335.
Keep it up John.
Well his Tokai, but those are near the 2000.00 mark on Reverb. More expensive to buy in the USA, and harder to get except used thru Reverb mainly. UK they are reasonable for sure.
This shows what really matters is the playing and the sound, not the price of your gear. I see why corksniffers are so butthurted.
Nice playing as always
John I like the fact you are open to gear in all price ranges. As Rhett did with the plugins and low mid and high tier guitars. Not all of us can afford some of the super high end gear. But it’s nice to get honest reviews by you considering your very in depth guitar and tone knowledge.
Hi John
Just wanted to say thank you for that jam at the start. I was feeling horrible mentally and physically and that jam just elevated me :)
JNC can make anything sound amazing. Reminder that it’s not necessarily the gear but the musician that makes it sound like a professional.
Amazing demo and playing as usual . Every guitar you touch sounds like a dream !
This model is not available left-handed and I was able to access the DC-580 and I installed a Seymour Duncan SH-4 on the bridge. I was really surprised at the overall quality for the introduction of a Gibson SG type model at 1/7 the price.
I very much like the range of kit you discuss - please don’t feel the need to change!! I might never buy the upper end that you sometimes feature but am always interested in what’s the “best” or at least most iconic. Then, mostly interested in the best mid-price solutions. And, even with a PRS S2 594 as my primary guitar, I’m intrigued by what might be a great inexpensive second guitar to have, either when traveling or just to have an alternate voice.
Nothing wrong with Harley Benton.
Even though I have a Gibson Les Paul and Flying V, I am a proud owner of a HB Thunderbird bass and one of their single cut customs and to cap it all, Thomann are a delight to deal with. Never, ever had any issues, they are always there to help.
Not just SG Moderns. I've got a 2018 Gibson SG Special with 24 frets, a reissue of a mid 70s SG Special with 24 frets, both have mini humbuckers (dual rail vs pole piece/one rail) and no coil taps sadly, just 4 pots on a PCB. Harley Benton's take looks and sounds good, and no neck dive? SS frets bonus!
I have the Te 52 and it sounds and plays great.
I own one for a week now and my impressions are quite close to yours, except for the pups, mine are absolutely not high output and actually I measured them and nailed the specs at the Tesla site. The only thing that I dislike of it is the feel of the switch, which is pretty cheap. I think also that is more close to an ESP Vioer than to a SG. Good review, thanks.
It is like a early 70's SG's, Neck is farther into the Body, volute on headstock. Of course with JOHN it sounds like a million Bucks.
In Australia we get killed on shipping for HB so not as great value. There is an Australian brand called Artist guitars that does similar high speccdd cheap stuff. SS frets brand hardware etc. they do a strat and a tele that are really high spec'd for around 250 pounds too. Will be available in UK soon.
As I understand it, there is already an " Artist Guitars UK" in operation.
@@chrisgmurray3622 yep they do now. and USA too. I think the high spec strat and teles they have will be available on the UK website too soon.
@@chrisgmurray3622 When I meant available soon i meant the newer spec models. so there should be a few strats with locking tuners and stainless steel frets, a few teles with relic finish and stainless steel frets etc. they're all coming soon on the UK site but have been in australia this year (although sold out pretty quick)
I have a HB ST62-MN VW . Lucky it was just a tad under 7lbs. Finally sold a 10lbs HB Keith Richards Tribute TE53-KR Tele.. Harley Benton's can be pretty heavy....but grateful my 62 tribute Strat was not. Love the 12" fretboard. Just $200 (no outragious shipping fees) via their U.S. Reverb distributor.
I bought one and installed a Dimarzio tron..love it!. and I have expensive guitars
I own a HB Custom, but single cut and from a generation prior (now they are in Gen III). I'm very happy with it, and as you suggested, further _custimized_ it ;-) For the price of this SG I would even rather get another single cut. There is a beautiful pruple obe of the single cuts now. Or to avoid the redundancy get the double cut junior.
To echo others, it’s up to you what you review, and unlike some of the other schill reviewers, you have a reputation for honesty, so reviewing cheaper guitars will be of interest to many.
On this example, I suspect Thomann may have set up and vetted it as the big problem with HB guitars is wildly inconsistent QC😵💫 I say this as a previous HB fan, but have had to return so many of the recent ones, I have sadly lost faith in the brand. Indeed, I wrote to them recently pointing out customers would be cool with a small additional cost being added to the price to ensure better QC, especially on the fretwork, which is often poor. Needless to say they replied with the usual platitudes, but I doubt things will change. I have the model you reviewed but had to do a fair bit of fettling to get it playable. I have found Indonesian guitars tend to be better than Chinese, but you would think a company with the buying power of Thomann had enough leverage to demand better QC, especially bearing in mind other budget brands like Firefly are snapping at their heels!
I really want to check out the ST Plus but may not bother as I hate the aggro involved in returning items. In itself that says it all as I am after a budget S Style, and whilst in the past may have gone for HB straightaway, now I am considering other brands including Sire.
Anyway, glad you got a good one and thanks for all your great playing🎸🤘🏻
Honesty in reviews? Lol that’s a completely outdated concept
Almost every guitar made today is completely acceptable by most standards.
There is non need to be dishonest
The real question is the infomercial going to provide an actual review of the gear with real pros and cons or is it just a vehicle to fuel corporate sponsored GAS and the infomercial creator’s income?
@@Lomoholga2 Are you calling John’s integrity into question? The very point I was making is that a lot of reviewers are shills, but I believe John isn’t. On the quality point, it is all relative, and the frustration I expressed was about variable QC and the fact brands like HB can produce good quality guitars like the one John received, but another person purchasing the same model may end up with a dog.
@@fusionfan6883 doing infomercials isn’t a lack of integrity.
I think you need to catch up and realize what is actually going on overalll in the RUclips environment- we are all watching modern day infomercials.
The corporations give out gear to the RUclipsrs, they get impressive marketing push via this for a very low cost unlike the old days when they had to buy expensive magazine ads.
The RUclipsrs get free gear and build their channel and get ad revenue.
The viewers get infotainment infomercials and get fed constant stream of GAS not so subtly disguised as ‘reviews’
Everyone is trying to make a buck and that is perfectly fine
The high majority of gear today is perfectly fine for people and exceeds any quality standards the consumer might have
It’s a question of does the function of the gear fit my actual needs and do I really need this gear- both of those questions are rarely answered or explored because that would in essence call in to question the whole system
As I live in NZ, the Harley Benton gear is a bit costly to ship, but the Australian brand of similarly priced gear, made in Indonesia or China, is easily available as Artist guitars Australia/ New Zealand. It seems that they now have an "Artist Guitars, UK" , and fir those of us who watch your channel regularly, I'm sure we would appreciate it if you were to feature some of these instruments. I've already bought two of their cheaper models sight unseen, and they turned out to be good for the price, but I'd love to get your input on these products, John.
I like the look of the slightly longer upper horn as compared to a true SG. I'd also be interested on your take on another budget "SG" style guitar: the WestCreek Racer.
More like LTD Viper series.
I have the 2017 version of the DC-Custom Cherry.
Mine was made in CPR and doesn't have the coils split.
It has the old Wilkinson MWCHBA humbuckers.
In This guitar those Wilkos do quite well.
In other Harley Bentons, SC-450+ and HB35+ I changed them for brighter IronGear pickups.
My DC is Heavy though 4kg - 8lbs13oz !!
I moved the top strap button to the end of the horn to combat neck dive.
It IS quite different in feel and tone from a Gibson SG, I would say.
It just happens to be sort of SG shaped, a good ROCK guitar.
The DC-Custom is based on the ESP Viper, not an SG. Like the SC-Custom is based on the ESP Eclipse, not a Les Paul.
@@ErebosGR Or maybe they were both using the same 'design alteration' strategies to avoid legal complications. 😉
Beautiful performance🎉🎉🎉
I've never been into SG's until about a week ago. My curiosity is growing. ...Maybe this will be the one that makes me a better player! haha
Looking forward to this! Have a great weekend 👍🏻
The DC-Custom and the SC-Custom series are not based on the Gibson SG and Les Paul, but the ESP Viper and Eclipse respectively.
A Viper is offset. The DC is not, and that's a substantial difference. Just saying "SC" is overly simplified. Some are ESP styled, and some are Gibson styled.
@@jonathanwapner6262 The DC-Custom have thinner bodies and thinner necks, like the Viper.
I said SC-Custom (plus the SC-1000).
That HB would sound even nicer with nickel strings. Lovely playing,as always.
Hi, how is the neck angle? The bridge seems to awfully high and strings miles from the guitar body (note that I am not talking about strings action)
That's gotta be the 3rd or 4th time I've had to resubscribe. Been happening alot on other channels too.
Sounds pretty nice too...
I like this guitar. Stainless frets and it's super cheap. I'd buy one just to have an SG type guitar in my arsenal.
I love Harley Benton guitars 😎🎸🎶☮️
Only thing I look for in a guitar is could I comfortably have gigged with it. Looks and sounds like yes. Care less whose moniker is on the headstock.
Thanks.
Nice! What is the weight of this DC?
Hey John love your work man. Can you review the Cort G300 pro ? I would like to know your opinion on that guitar. Cheers
It turns out I dig that lighter colored fret board. Rosewood=overrated
Sorry if I missed it, but would you be able to let us know what you are playing through
Wouldn't it have been worthwile to experience the guitar while standing up and using a strap and say something about it? I remember from back in the day that SGs could actually feel sort of top heavy so you had to constantly push the neck up a bit with your left hand when playing it standing up. But maybe this was because then the one strap mount had been on the back right under where the neck meets the body as it seemed to be the normal place with the originals. With this guitar it's obviously different, though.
0:38 I have a bigger pocket knife.
What song are you playing 2 minutes 30 seconds into the video?
You got a permit for that letter opener, mate?
Imagine the guitar world if the internet didn’t exist.
Today a guitar/gear company can get an Enormous marketing presence and influence by buying off infomercial creators like this guy for the simple price of whatever gear they are trying to sell
Back in the day they would have to buy very expensive ads in guitar magazines
The public benefits by being exposed to new gear, the corporations profit hugely, and the infomercial makers get RUclips ad dollars and free gear
The only downside is the guitar public gets GAS completely normalized and we all get numbly entertained by modern infomercials that in the 1980s we would waste our time with
Oh come now, weight is "comfortable"? Sheesh....
now that's a noife
I know ive only just become a strat boi but how you only just buying first SG!?
An "SG" demo with no Hell's Bells or Back In Black? Disappointed.
John, please don't morph into a review/demo channel for low-end guitars/gear. There are so many of them on RUclips, and they're all worthless.. What you have done on this channel is create something unique. Great music and in-depth exploration of good quality gear both out of the box and after living with and gigging it. Don't sell out now. If you need nappies, let us know. We'll contribute to the "But me some nappies" ... err, I mean coffee fund!
I and probably a lot of other viewers appreciate that he not only looks at expensive gear but also more affordable instruments that are more obtainable for a larger amount of his audience. If it's affordable, good quality both out of the box and after gigging, why does it matter?
Nah this is good content get out of here. All the other guys play metal and blues so they are worthless anyway.
@@jimboc669Agreed...no cork-sniffing needed.
@@JayceAllanGuitar I've never heard of you or your channel. If you self-indentify with my description of worthless channels then perhaps you need to work on distinguishing yourself from the hundreds of other review/demo channels. John has built something unique with his channel. I was expressing my hope that he keeps it that way.
what a kewnt statement. let it go. people can disagree with your post. meh.
I’ve un-subscribed to your channel. You’ve turned into a low end guitar demo channel. That’s not what I need and want. I like watching videos on the highest of the high end Guitars and Amps. Very disappointing!
Good. The rest of us won't have to read your whiney comments.
He reviewed a Vemuram pedal yesterday. Literally the most expensive drive pedal brand lol.
I think its really refreshing to know that real guitarists aren't gear snobs (even though I build custom guitars). Charlie Parker often played and recorded with borrowed cheap saxophones because he sold his own instruments to buy drugs. Tools for the job!
I think JNC does amazing work and I love the playing on any instrument. Maybe he'll review one of my guitars - they're probably expensive enough for you 😂
This isn't an airport, no need to announce your departure.
Not the loss you think you are... goodbye!