TE is for Telecaster and 52 stands for 1952 - so it's an homage to this iconic guitar. For $161 + shipping US it's a very playable Tele that sounds like a Tele - that's a bargain. You could change the tuning keys , the nut , the string trees and you're good to go and still be less than any Fender Squier.
Is it named after a motorcycle or car? Lol. He was referring to the name Harley benton.. Harley Davidson and Benton sounds like some kinda car. And yes TE-52 Telecaster 1952 as when the model name was used as they wanted to name it BroadCaster but that name was already in use.
Had mine for around 8 months, bought used for the grand total of £70. It is simply incredible. One of the best telecasters I’ve played out of A LOT! It rapidly became my go to recording guitar for drop B stuff. Never lets me down and yeah: it’s a buffalo weight wise, but a nice soft 3” leather strap fixed that
A tale of two weighty guitars; I have a Harley Benton TE 52. My wife bought it for me for my birthday, after forbidding me to buy one. When she stopped me from buying one, I decided to make my own Tele. It took me six months to make and when she saw how serious I was about making one, she relented and bought me the TE 52. My TE 52 weighs in at 10.5 lbs. It's heavy but well made and I love it to bits. It has the bite I was looking for and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of buying one to take the plunge. The one I made was from two pieces of wood I have been carrying around for the last 20 years and various house moves. The body is a one-piece, 2 inch slab of mahogany and the neck is Canadian Rock Maple. The truss rod is internal so no skunk stripe. I have small hands so I carved the neck for a very aggressive 'V' profile. The fretboard is rosewood. I put in good electronics with 4 way switching for the extra series ooomph. The neck has locking tuners, stainless steel frets, stainless steel nut (that took a week) and a compound radius of 7.25 “ at the nut to 20” at the last fret. Abalone inlays and Gibson style binding completes the job. God bless Leo Fender by why oh why did he not give the Telecaster a belly carve? Playing a regular Tele is an exercise in masochism. The plank profile body cuts into my ribs and is so unpleasant to play. So I made mine with a serious belly and arm carve, Strat style. The guitar looks great and is the most comfortable instrument to play that I own. I don't believe that the carves have had and negative effect on the sonic quality of the instrument. In spite of the carves it weighs in at 11.5 lbs! A long time ago I bought a really good quality piece of leather and made four straps from it, exactly the right length for me. They are all almost 4” wide in the middle tapering to 2” at the ends. I always use strap locks. If you are finding your guitar very heavy then get a very wide strap. It makes a hell of a difference to your playing comfort. I named my guitar a “BENDER BELLYCASTER” and I'm delighted with it. It is totally different to the Harley Benton in sound an feel. It cost me about £500 to make in parts and materials and six months of my life. The TE52 cost less than £150 delivered to my door and playable, straight out of the box. In my view it's the deal of the century. I'm so tempted to belly carve it but it's just too beautiful as it is. I have it set up for 5 string Open G, a la Keith. My Bellycaster does all the other tunings. It's not until you make your own instrument that you really appreciate what a steal a Harley Benton is.
With all the "upgrades" people spend money on, I've always found it odd that the fairly simple answer to weight and comfort is a belly cut. Yet very few mod-ers seem to even entertain the possibility.
Luck of the draw, I guess. I got mine in February 2020 and paid $122 USD. 8 pounds, which is heavier than I would like, but the fit and finish are exceptional. The neck feels as good as my Custom Shop Strat. It sounds very good. The cheap controls feel and sound good ( my skunk stripe is perfect) and the set up was professional. I might replace the nut at some time, but plan to just enjoy it now. Highly recommend.
I'm really impressed with mine, it's the cheapest electric I have ever bought in 20 years of playing... I only have one other electric guitar atm as I sold the others. Compared to my epiphone g400 sg... The fret edges aren't as smooth but are fine. The electrics don't crackle when looked at, in fact they are noiseless to operate (only 2 weeks old though - hopefully they will stay this way.. I should fix the sg). The guitar came basically unset up, for a kid buying a first guitar that isn't great. I really like the look of it scratch plate is a bit average. Tuners are a bit tight but seem stable. Frets were dull and I was going to polish them but I have noticed they are polishing up with playing so I'm going to be lazy and wait it out. Its even heavier than the mahogony sg.... But at least it doesn't nose dive into the floor. My skunk stripe I can only just feel a transition so no issues there. And most importantly... I really like the tone as well, not sure really if I would ever swap the pickups. I would probably just save and buy something else.. 4.5/5 bargain really
I recently took a rasp to a Tele body to remove weight. Created a belly cut and an armrest. Reduced weight by around 15% and had a lot of fun doing it!
@@ericbgordon1575 I did it to a different body. I bought a Poplar body in lieu of using solid Maple (way too heavy to begin with). Will be uploading another video of that body soon. After I carved it, I've been prepping it for an Orange Candy (glitter silver basecoat w/ transparent orange on top) rattle can paint job. Have a neck I've turned all black to complete it.
Pretty fair review. I bought one last year for £130 new - for me it was a no-brainer as I wouldn't even be able to get an Affinity for that money let alone a Classic Vibe. It's certainly too heavy, but I use it at home so it's not really an issue. The satin neck becomes gloss with use, not a problem for me but might be for others and within a few months I'd started to wear through the stain on the fretboard (natural relic job). The plus is that I love the feel of it, the pickups are great and it was cheap. I was pleased with paying £130, but I would not have paid £230.
I've got a lefty. It has a one piece body that is just as heavy as yours. The neck is two pieces connected with a scarf joint. Plays amazing. I swapped out the pickups for some Fender Twisted Teles which didn't quite fit right, I had to shave away at the pick guard. I expected to replace the pots too, but they were actually really great so they stayed in. 100% would get again if something happens to it.
Got mine today. 3 Years on from your fair review. 7lb 10oz and well happy with that (maybe HB listened to you, Landon?). Finish and fit perfect. Action a little high out of the box but lovely playable all the same. No sharp fret ends and no exposed skunk stripe wood. Letting it acclimatise but so far fantastic. Unbelievable value for money and I always wanted a natural wood black guard tele (F inspired). Pups are fine by me and I think some guitarists over obsess about pickups - if they don't act microphonically and have a decent sound concentrate on your amp settings for tone. Delighted I have this guitar for £149 delivered to UK/England!
@@Carl-V Great question... The HB has a far superior neck/fret job...exceptional. Well polished, and is not Poly-sticky. CV is ok...one came with a low first fret which my luthier had to fix by replacing it with a bigger fret vs doing a complete fret dress. The Rosewell's are as good as the CV pups... CV tuners are hit/miss. I think HB also....may have one that's also hinky. HB is HEAVY!! Note: Fender/Squier necks are NOT interchangeable with HB...very different pocket. Pots/switch...same. Winner? Gotta say, minus the damn weight...HB. All three of my budget Tele's have either Fralin, Lollar or Suhr pups....LOVE THEM!! Get some.
Not sure about overcharging but in USA they are $429 new but can be fetched used all day long for $315. Not sure how HB does it. Slave labor? A used TeleMex is superb.
I love it, beautiful, well tuned and easy to play on the entire neck, and for me it would be the perfect guitar, even if it doesn't have Fender, the pickups are a matter for everyone
I brought one of these, changed out the bridge, string trees and tuners and it's a genuinely great guitar for the money. I got it for a bit of fun after a few guys had tried them and it plays and sounds a lot better than the cheaper Fender/Squire models. It is a plank though!
So I keep hearing the comparisons to the classic vibe. I can’t imagine the quality being on par with one, but if it is, the price point(half that of a classic vibe) is a steal.
I have that guitar. It’s heavily modified, body and neck are the only things stock. The neck is a two piece on mine. It is a maple neck with a separate fretboard and has the skunk strip. It is my main go to guitar even though it is heavy. I grab it over my Fender because the neck profile is perfect for me.
Hey, how could anyone not like your videos, hey? Honesty is the best policy, hey. Love your style. Two things Landon. 1. Harley Benton makes some very fine guitars and many, many people , including myself, wonder how they can sell so low priced. BTW: thanks for *NOT* saying "at this price." If a guitar is good or bad the price should have nothing to do with it. You either like it or you don't. You're the first guy that ever said that and you won over a new sub for doing so. 2. For me weight is a definite issue. I bought a HB bass a couple of years ago and first thing right out of the box, wow, this thing is heavy. I brought it in for a set-up and the first thing the tech guy said was, you guessed it, wow, this is heavy. It definitely became quickly uncomfortable when playing standing up and in the end, although it was my first bass I ended up selling it due to the weight. I was seriously considering buying this guitar but now you've put me off because I know I would find it uncomfortable. I don't know why retailers/manufacturers rarely, if ever, disclose the weight. I can't believe you and I are the only ones that it matters too. Also I wish it was mandatory to print the country of manufacture on every guitar. When I don't see it I assume it's made in China which is another turn-off. Thanks again Landon and don't sweat negative comments from hosers.
I bought one in June just like this. Ordered Sunday night and was at my door in Virginia on Wednesday. My other e-guitar is a 1979 Peavey T-60 with a full ash body. I haven't put them both on scales but I think the Peavey is heavier. I generally really like the TE-52 but had some tuning and intonation problems. Ended up replacing the nut, tuners (with something not all that expensive) and the bridge saddles. Went with compensated brass saddles. Probably added $50-60 to the total cost. Body, neck are really nice on mine but the frets are just a little sharp. I like the way it sounds and plays. I'm guessing there are going to be some variation guitar to guitar. I am not a serious gigging guitar player so I really like it for what it is.
I put 52 American fender pickups in mine and control panel. The guitar was so nice and yet affordable I figured I had some room to do some upgrades. It didn’t need anything tho. I just did it because I paid so little for it.
FWIW - a friend bought one. Out of the box, I played it and loved it but even sitting and with a strap I found it too heavy. My friend liked it but found much the same. I have a few tele's myself, so I'm used to playing solid bodies like this. The fit and finish was very good, no problem with the skunk stripe and it came with a tweed case - The case was ok and minimal. It got passed around our group and ended up with a happy owner - so whatever that says. The same guitar with a lighter wood or weight relief (maybe an extra $20-30 bucks?) would probably get it walking out the door. Landon's review is fair and honest. Great job!
Thank you for your honest examination of this model ... I am not sure I want to buy it - because of the weight... I always stand up when I sing and play .... I have very expensive guitars - both Gibsons and Fenders .... But I got a couple of cheap acoustic Epiphone's I have played a lot - I bought a cheap H.B. Acoustic I simply love, I guess it is modelled after a Martin New Yorker ... My go to guitar for the small gigs I do these days, is a Fender Nashville Mexico Tele... That's a little worn and could need a "Stand in" .... When you play it I noticed chords were "Ringing" with a nice sustain .....
You’re an international star now! You were mentioned in a video from “intheblues” from Australia!! You just keep growing and growing! I’m so proud to be one of your subs!!!
Supporting this funny and cool guy and having quite a sympathy for him. That I can understand. But being proud? That would be a way too strong word for me...
Ave just bought this same guitar your right it weights a tonne a small con but absolutely love it it sounds great I play it through a subzero v35rg tweed amp nice neck it stays in tune for the price can't fault 😎
That's why I went for their cheaper model TE-20 as my gig goto guitar. It's only €89 ($99) half the price and half the weight. While the pups sound on clean quieter and thinner - almost like an amped electro-acoustic (which I see as a win) it is better deal all around. Gonna get the TE-52 in the future though for the studio recording sound and better (BOSS Bruce Springsteen type of looks) 😂❤
I'm personally used to the Telecaster body being heavy like that of a Les Paul. The best way to make either lightweight is if its body is chamberrd or if it's got semi-hollow cavities in it. That"s part of what's calling out to me on the Fender Modern Player Thinline Tele, having previously owned a '72 Thinline reissue Tele - unless there's a similar model from another brand that is just as good.
Weight=Quality in my opinion , I know players like to be able to jump around on stage but if they drop those basswood guitars they will ding badly , An Ash body guitar wont
The weight. Wow. Like many other aspects of a guitar, it really is a matter of personal preference. My ‘70s Fender Tele weighs just over 9 lbs., but I’m used to it. Anything lighter than 8 feels strange to me. A ten pounder, though... Hey, it sounded pretty good.
I got one of these guitars about a year ago, and I’m being completely honest when I say it’s become my number one when I go out gigging. Changed the tuners and bridge out, and now it’s at the level of a Mexican fender. Next venture is changing the pickups
Also, if you’re looking for a guitar that’s not as heavy as this one, but you like the specs, they have the same guitar with basswood bodies and different colors (paisley and mahogany venier)
@Jean Claude Peeters less than that, unless you’re going for used. Tuners were $60, Bridge was $30, and pickups will be $150 (Fender noiseless). Adds up to around $400. Compare that to a fender player tele which doesn’t have locking tuners or noiseless pickups, but costs $300 more, new.
I was going to give out to you for the weight issue, but I just got a Schechter C-1 and I've been complaining about it's weight and it's only 8.5 pounds, so fair play to you on that point.10 pounds is too much.
Because of your video I just ordered 2 HB guitars from Thomann. I ordered a SC-custom II paradise flame(PRS LP style copy i think), and a TE-90FLT red blast. The TE-90FLT is a Tele style with more rounded edges like a Strat and a belly cut, with filtertron style pickups. Both look pretty cool. They were on back order, so it'll probably be a couple months before they come in. Thanks for the videos. Great job. I Subscribed.
the weight is fine for mine..(I had a Squier Classic vibe and it was always falling toward my right when seated - very unbalance (pine body). I just tried to remove the plastic nut to install a bone...the old one was totally glued in.. will need to gring it out. Sad.
Ok so I got one and it weighed 10 pounds and I sent it back because it looked like it had water stains throughout the body. When I got my replacement it only weighed 7.5 pounds? Yeah I know makes NO SENSE. I’m wondering IS THIS THE SAME MODEL GUITAR? Everything is the same except the weight and the new one looks more butterscotch color. But DEFINITELY NO WHERE NEAR AS HEAVY. I’m confused as to why. Anyone have an answer for this?
I wanted one of these but can't bring myself to buy a guitar that isn't from a local dealer. Having the option to return/exchange the guitar easily is a must for me.
What is the finish like on the neck? it looks like it's more on the satin/unfinished side. Squire classic vibe Tele has a very glossy neck which I can't stand, so this looks like a fair alternative.
V nice guitar. Neck is perfect. Intonates well. Weight of mine is 9lb. It’s ok. Not a dealbreaker for me. The tone is beautiful and it plays really well right out of the box. Fit and finish is amazing for the price. Don’t know how they do it, frankly. The neck in particular makes this guitar worth it for me. Best neck I’ve ever played actually.
@@landonbailey I can see the edge of the neck pretty clearly at 5:58. It's definitely a maple fretboard on a maple neck. Sometimes this is called a maple cap. It's a 2 piece neck. Most of the time there is no skunk stripe because there is not need for one. Some people like these, some don't . It's interesting that they have a skunk stripe when there is no need for it. BTW I love your casual style and in depth reviews. If you get a chance please take a look at what I'm doing. ruclips.net/video/Sa2UXPsC76w/видео.html
I love the weight. I’ve been looking for a heavy tele. My main guitar is a 2008 Gibson Les Paul so, naturally I want a heavier guitar. I have LTDs, Strats, but after the LP I feel like I’m playing with toys. Just my preference, and I understand the problems that heavy guitars create for people. I’m just an old oak. Thank you all for the insight and ejikayshun.
The only suggestion I have for your videos is to take off the plastic while you have the strings off. To be honest, I am obsessive about taking that thin plastic off of anything new that I get as fast as I can so it's probably just me. Love your videos and your dry humor!
Fair enough! The weight doesn't bother me as I have lugged around a LP for 30 years and I did see a chiropractor back in the earlier days of gigging and practicing all the time! That said I enjoy my HB guitars for what they are. I can mod them or not. I have 5 and not a bad one in the lot IMHO. My CV Strat has one of the best necks I've ever played and beats out any of the HB's I have. I am going to get this one at some point but now shipping is $73 to the states and nope!
Thanks for the honest review man. So many reviewers get the freebies and don’t always point out all the questionable issues. Great looking guitar regardless and thanks for doing the deep dive on it. You should do a giveaway with this one and let the winner pay the shipping. Thanks
Anyone know if the new telecasters are like that from Harley Benton for the TE-52CC? Shell pink one, i was all set to buy, but honestly 10lbs is crazy…. Anyone have one of those?
Hi, didn't know about how heavy the HB tele. Good to know. I owned a Vintage V100 which I sold it for same reason. Too heavy. Even playing seatted was a problem because during playing I was forced from time to time to bring the body tending to turn down thoward the ground. A nightmare. Don't want to talk about my back after a gig in a club.
Named after a tank? I play a frankenstein Fender PJ with a swamp ash body, great tone & noticable, never thought of it as heavy. Learning guitar & can't believe how light they are, so I can see the perspective even though I can't relate.
Nice Video... My HB TE-52 was a little under 10 pounds but i had already preeled off the protective plastic :) They must be hit and miss on the build because my guitar has a 3 piece body. Definately not for standing up to play... that said I love it...great finish, quality and sound.
I have 1 of the heaviest tc types, i made it about 30 years ago, from a single piece of cocobolo. But, as i only use it, as a studio guitar, and, bill collectors - its ok for me!
I bought myself the te20. I weighed it at 3.9 Kgs. I thought that was heavy. Overall though I am really happy. In particular I find the neck to be very nicely made. I sort of forgot it was only 87 euros and imagine that it is some sort of Fender custom shop. As a beginner I can allow myself that fantasy because I never even came close to a high end guitar so I don't know what they are like. btw mine doesn't had a skunk stripe and neck isn't one piece and has a separate fretboard. But you have to look very (and I mean very) close to see the join. One thing I really like with mine is the colour of the body and of the neck (which is not too pale or too yellow either). Only problem is I want the Strat version now........wife doesn't allow it lol
the weight helps with sustain that's awesome I order a swamp ash Stratocaster I love weight I am a life long athlete I can handle the weight until I am 105 yrs old
Great demo ! Very informative ! I think the pickups height is too high, its over saturating the true tone, lower neck and bridge pickup height by about half of current position and tone should improve greatly.
This is fantastic advice! a simple pickup height adjustment on any guitar, can make make a huge difference to tone. it can take a little time tinkering with adjustments to find the "Sweet spot" but when you get them right.. it can often turn a cheep sounding guitar into something great! it can really bring out the true Tone of the instrument.
Hi Landon!!!, greetings from Mexico City. I hope you can help me, since you've had both guitars in your hands. Between this Harley Benton TE-52 and the Squier Classic Vibe, which is the better option? Or is the Harley Benton more at the level of a Squier Affinity? Greetings and thanks.
they are both pretty similar in build quality. the HB had a satin neck and the CV has gloss. the HB I had weighed a lot more than the CV. Both are good, just slightly different. Benton is higher up than a Squier Affinity
Amazon generally gives the weight of their guitars. My Squier start is 11.5 lbs. with the upgraded hardware. I just purchased an Eart telecaster that 6.5 lbs. Eart guitars are fantastic values. The lightweight Tele is carbonized mahogany
@@landonbailey If you scroll down a bit, beyond similar suggested guitars .It's like the last thing on the page. My Tele didn't have the weight, but most do have it. (shipping weight?)
Agree @ weight. I played a tele like this (Fender) in the 60's and 70's. Ruined my shoulder and back. Lots of ash that has open pores and weight around 7 lbs. I love the split shaft tuners. I never buy a guitar with the idea that I might sell it someday. HB has a decent reputation most places. I would grab the 'corner cat' sander and level the skunk stripe. Spray one light coat of clear and be happy. BTW, there are two kinds of mini pots. Decent quality and not so decent. The switch will work for home use, but change it out if gigging. Thanks!
Ive been trying to get my hands on one of these for a while. good sound and the weight is not an issue for me. Ever want to get rid of it...let me know. Thx for the review
5.4k is very low for a neck pickup if it has 43 gauge wire. If it's 42 then it's similar to a strat, although there is metal around the pickup which will lower the treble. Telecaster pickups today seem to have 7K and 43 gauge wire. Although maybe the magnets are different here and not ALNICO 5 You would think they would use three conductor wire since the neck pickup is already shielded and you can get rid of a bit of noise.
Did I mention the skunk strip! 🤣🤣🤣 seriously I loved the part where you strummed the chords. I feel that I got a real chance to hear the pickups properly. It’s my bad but I’m never sure of what I’m hearing on all those single note runs in so many reviews. 🤘🏻👍🎸🤘🏻👍🎸🤘🏻👍🎸
Someone mention to me that this guitar was heavy, I though my V6P was heavy at 8.2 pounds but it's a Strat sytle with an American Alder body, when your able too look at the Vintage V52 Telecaster
@@dragstar4407 I know Landon mention there is one shop in Ontario he said that is selling Vintage , I rate them higher then the Player series, and this not just me but others who are much more experienced than me, but many HB reviews have been a mixed bag of nuts, mostly nuts, qc is not that good, but 10 pounds for a guitar, yikes, that's a bit much, you get what you pay for as my late Grandmother said to me,
@@landonbailey you must share the name, I know many in back home that would be interested my son is interested in their bass guitars, soon Landon you will be coming over to the dark side lolol
So about the weight. Generally, cheaper ash is a very dense tonewood and a very heavy one. Swamp ash is not that dense it's more expensive (used in fender custom shop guitars) and it's really light, lighter than alder, whereas dense ash is much heavier. You can assume that this is the cheap type of really dense ash since the body is heavy. In terms of tone, swamp ash has more bass and cheaper ash (I think they call it north or American ash but I'm not really sure) is generally treblier
10 lbs is lot. For those who want/need ash, this among the few that people can buy. Same for their Strat in ash. The TE-90s, pseudo Cabronita's, they are chambered and it helps a lot.
Try standing up in a crowded club for 4 sets inchs away from bass and drums weight matters .i played jrs. For years... I use to think about how I could cut the width in half
Hey Landon, good honest review on the HB Tele style guitar. She's a good looking thing but I too prefer lighter ladies 😉. If the heft is an issue you can't overlook then, bye, bye baby! Try another 50's Vibe and if it isn't up to par in every way then send it back. This year I've sent two guitars back due to both having dead frets causing flat notes. I'm not keeping anything that won't play without some work being done to it. Fret work especially. Really liked both guitars but I'm not forking over $300 and have to sink more in them to make them right. Go with your gut instinct and sell it. Just a thought, though it would cost ya. Strip the finish on the body and see about putting it in a dry kiln. Surly there's one or more around your area. Check around some sawmills that's local to ya, or a wholesale lumber company. Like I said, just a thought. Take care Landon.
I just bought a Squier Affinity Telecaster that has a skunk 🦨 strip that sticks out a tiny bit too. Must come from the same factory in China 😮 It's not enough to worry about in my case but I wish it didn't because otherwise it would be perfect.
@@landonbailey Great reviews. I have a Harley Benton Jazz-type bass that I love. It's pretty heavy and the pickups aren't stellar, but the fit and finish are amazing. I have a Harley Benton guitar en route from Germany as we speak. It's an SC-550 Plus EMG PAF Les Paul-type. I'm hoping it's built as well as the bass.
Enjoyed the video! Thank you for the content 👍 I like the China Squier CV50 so much that i bought 2! They're hanging on my wall now. I play them so much the frets on one of them have been worn down to the point of needing a re-fret.
So I may have missed it so I want to follow up just to make sure it’s clear: the skunk stripe is a little bothersome and it’s really heavy? I didn’t see anything about that in the video and I just wanna make sure about those two things.
I dunno why people are so bitchy about the weight, looking for faults in cheaper guitars - I have a Les Paul at exactly the same weight. The guitar in my country is £144 inc shipping. When I was a kid, guitars were feedback merchant lumps of wood. I wish we had Harley Benton back in the day. Seriously though, if people have that much to pick faults with these type of guitars, go buy a classic vibe for double the price or a genuine Fender for around quad the price. I’d be well happy with this and around £300 in my bank account left over.
Mine sun 1/2 pound lighter Landon but as I can only play sitting down it’s not a problem. It is the most resonant guitar I’ve ever played. I do intend to stick fender pickups on it (I’m not mad about the bridge pickup) and a Wilkinson bridge. Also an oak rigsby switch and Cts pots. I was lucky with my neck. This ones a keeper for me but I totally respect your opinion. You have to do what’s right fir you 😊😂👍
My first guitar was a Cortez Les Paul Copy. I got it when I was 15 in 1985 I played only that guitar for 5 years it weighed like 11 pounds but I didn't know any better. In 1991 I played a Red Ernie Ball EVH and thought it was like a toy or a Joke because it was so light with plastic tuning knobs....lol. How nieve I was.
I have three Tele’s which are 10 pounds or better one being a Schecter a fender and a built I did some time ago, I find that the guitars play very well, but that with the extra weight they have a definite sustain quality more so than my other Tele’s, the weight is not that harsh if you’ve been accustomed to playing Paul’s, but I can see for those who are not used to playing heavier instruments , it may be taxing during a three set gig.🤔 So take care a keep on strumming 😸🎸✌️👋🎼
I have a hugely heavy bass that's fine for playing sitting down but I wouldn't be able to stand up for more than 30 minutes without my shoulder going. I've been looking at the te52 for a while, and I think i'd be fine with it as a bedroom noodling guitar, but it would certainly remove it from the list if it was for gigging. Thanks for the review.
It's great. Couldn't be happier if I just bought Merle Haggards tele. Only other electric I have is a Gibson ES 125 TCD my dad bought for my older brother in 1963! I was 6. I guess it cost $125 but I bet my dad talked em down.
I have a 2010 Squier CV tele (made in China, pine body) and it's heavy but it's great. I have many guitars but this one is a player favorite.I use my CV in gigs but I switch from a '73 Strat or my 2019 HB Fusion ll, so the weight doesn't really factor in.I'm sure the HB is comparable. I would like to try one.
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"The shaft feels weak"- you get that more and more as you get older.
Until it no longer works.
Amen to that!
Absolute nonsense, use it or lose it!
@@geespar1 LOL
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Lol
its great that you show every bit of the guitar, even while you're playing. I think its a good idea that noone else really does
I'm really impressed how easy the plastic pickguard covering came off.
I will leave a review on their site: best plastic peeling
It would have been easier to take off, when the strings were off. Just sayin.
@@voiceofexperience for sure, your mom always takes mine off.
I have to agree..It came of in one piece..Could probably put it back on..
I like to hear what a guitar sounds like not plugged in I know the Les Paul sounds amazing not plugged in
TE is for Telecaster and 52 stands for 1952 - so it's an homage to this iconic guitar. For $161 + shipping US it's a very playable Tele that sounds like a Tele - that's a bargain. You could change the tuning keys , the nut , the string trees and you're good to go and still be less than any Fender Squier.
The NA stands for Northern Ash
Is it named after a motorcycle or car? Lol. He was referring to the name Harley benton.. Harley Davidson and Benton sounds like some kinda car. And yes TE-52 Telecaster 1952 as when the model name was used as they wanted to name it BroadCaster but that name was already in use.
Of course it's too heavy, you've weighed the guitar BEFORE peeling off the bloody pickguard covering
I told my son that if your giging and a fight breaks out, grab the tele, it's the best weapon you can have.
I was thinking that tonight!😳
Keith Richards agrees! 😁
@@robertgallagher2226 yup, and its on film.
Had mine for around 8 months, bought used for the grand total of £70. It is simply incredible. One of the best telecasters I’ve played out of A LOT! It rapidly became my go to recording guitar for drop B stuff. Never lets me down and yeah: it’s a buffalo weight wise, but a nice soft 3” leather strap fixed that
A tale of two weighty guitars; I have a Harley Benton TE 52. My wife bought it for me for my birthday, after forbidding me to buy one. When she stopped me from buying one, I decided to make my own Tele. It took me six months to make and when she saw how serious I was about making one, she relented and bought me the TE 52.
My TE 52 weighs in at 10.5 lbs. It's heavy but well made and I love it to bits. It has the bite I was looking for and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of buying one to take the plunge.
The one I made was from two pieces of wood I have been carrying around for the last 20 years and various house moves. The body is a one-piece, 2 inch slab of mahogany and the neck is Canadian Rock Maple. The truss rod is internal so no skunk stripe. I have small hands so I carved the neck for a very aggressive 'V' profile. The fretboard is rosewood.
I put in good electronics with 4 way switching for the extra series ooomph. The neck has locking tuners, stainless steel frets, stainless steel nut (that took a week) and a compound radius of 7.25 “ at the nut to 20” at the last fret. Abalone inlays and Gibson style binding
completes the job.
God bless Leo Fender by why oh why did he not give the Telecaster a belly carve? Playing a regular Tele is an exercise in masochism. The plank profile body cuts into my ribs and is so unpleasant to play.
So I made mine with a serious belly and arm carve, Strat style. The guitar looks great and is the most comfortable instrument to play that I own. I don't believe that the carves have had and negative effect on the sonic quality of the instrument. In spite of the carves it weighs in at 11.5 lbs!
A long time ago I bought a really good quality piece of leather and made four straps from it, exactly the right length for me. They are all almost 4” wide in the middle tapering to 2” at the ends. I always use strap locks.
If you are finding your guitar very heavy then get a very wide strap. It makes a hell of a difference to your playing comfort.
I named my guitar a “BENDER BELLYCASTER” and I'm delighted with it. It is totally different to the Harley Benton in sound an feel. It cost me about £500 to make in parts and materials and six months of my life.
The TE52 cost less than £150 delivered to my door and playable, straight out of the box.
In my view it's the deal of the century. I'm so tempted to belly carve it but it's just too beautiful as it is. I have it set up for 5 string Open G, a la Keith. My Bellycaster does all the other tunings.
It's not until you make your own instrument that you really appreciate what a steal a Harley Benton is.
With all the "upgrades" people spend money on, I've always found it odd that the fairly simple answer to weight and comfort is a belly cut. Yet very few
mod-ers seem to even entertain the possibility.
Luck of the draw, I guess. I got mine in February 2020 and paid $122 USD. 8 pounds, which is heavier than I would like, but the fit and finish are exceptional. The neck feels as good as my Custom Shop Strat. It sounds very good. The cheap controls feel and sound good ( my skunk stripe is perfect) and the set up was professional. I might replace the nut at some time, but plan to just enjoy it now. Highly recommend.
Very nice!
April 26 2021. Mine just arrived. I am stunned with the quality.
cool!
I'm really impressed with mine, it's the cheapest electric I have ever bought in 20 years of playing... I only have one other electric guitar atm as I sold the others. Compared to my epiphone g400 sg... The fret edges aren't as smooth but are fine. The electrics don't crackle when looked at, in fact they are noiseless to operate (only 2 weeks old though - hopefully they will stay this way.. I should fix the sg). The guitar came basically unset up, for a kid buying a first guitar that isn't great. I really like the look of it scratch plate is a bit average. Tuners are a bit tight but seem stable. Frets were dull and I was going to polish them but I have noticed they are polishing up with playing so I'm going to be lazy and wait it out. Its even heavier than the mahogony sg.... But at least it doesn't nose dive into the floor. My skunk stripe I can only just feel a transition so no issues there. And most importantly... I really like the tone as well, not sure really if I would ever swap the pickups. I would probably just save and buy something else.. 4.5/5 bargain really
I guess I'm lucky because my Haley Benton TE-52 weighs 3,5 kg (7,72 pounds). Maybe the woods have dried a bit since then (mine is new from last week)?
I recently took a rasp to a Tele body to remove weight. Created a belly cut and an armrest. Reduced weight by around 15% and had a lot of fun doing it!
nice! I just checked out your video
@@landonbailey Thanks. Will prob upload an unboxing later tonight. I've adopted a 1983 Yamaha SG1000!
Did the alterations affect the sound?
@@ericbgordon1575 I did it to a different body. I bought a Poplar body in lieu of using solid Maple (way too heavy to begin with). Will be uploading another video of that body soon. After I carved it, I've been prepping it for an Orange Candy (glitter silver basecoat w/ transparent orange on top) rattle can paint job. Have a neck I've turned all black to complete it.
I'm about to do the same thing with a T-style guitar along with removing the gloss black finish then oiling it. I'll check out your video.
Pretty fair review. I bought one last year for £130 new - for me it was a no-brainer as I wouldn't even be able to get an Affinity for that money let alone a Classic Vibe. It's certainly too heavy, but I use it at home so it's not really an issue. The satin neck becomes gloss with use, not a problem for me but might be for others and within a few months I'd started to wear through the stain on the fretboard (natural relic job). The plus is that I love the feel of it, the pickups are great and it was cheap. I was pleased with paying £130, but I would not have paid £230.
I've got a lefty. It has a one piece body that is just as heavy as yours. The neck is two pieces connected with a scarf joint. Plays amazing. I swapped out the pickups for some Fender Twisted Teles which didn't quite fit right, I had to shave away at the pick guard. I expected to replace the pots too, but they were actually really great so they stayed in. 100% would get again if something happens to it.
Got mine today. 3 Years on from your fair review. 7lb 10oz and well happy with that (maybe HB listened to you, Landon?).
Finish and fit perfect. Action a little high out of the box but lovely playable all the same. No sharp fret ends and no exposed skunk stripe wood. Letting it acclimatise but so far fantastic. Unbelievable value for money and I always wanted a natural wood black guard tele (F inspired). Pups are fine by me and I think some guitarists over obsess about pickups - if they don't act microphonically and have a decent sound concentrate on your amp settings for tone. Delighted I have this guitar for £149 delivered to UK/England!
Getting a TE-52 tomorrow...also recently got two CV50s (both Indo, both fine specimens)....be interesting comparison.
How does the Classic vibe stands against this benton?
@@Carl-V Great question... The HB has a far superior neck/fret job...exceptional. Well polished, and is not Poly-sticky. CV is ok...one came with a low first fret which my luthier had to fix by replacing it with a bigger fret vs doing a complete fret dress. The Rosewell's are as good as the CV pups... CV tuners are hit/miss. I think HB also....may have one that's also hinky. HB is HEAVY!! Note: Fender/Squier necks are NOT interchangeable with HB...very different pocket. Pots/switch...same. Winner? Gotta say, minus the damn weight...HB. All three of my budget Tele's have either Fralin, Lollar or Suhr pups....LOVE THEM!! Get some.
Thanks, taking into account the huge price difference. Seems squier are overcharging a lot. I think i will go HB. Cheers!
Not sure about overcharging but in USA they are $429 new but can be fetched used all day long for $315. Not sure how HB does it. Slave labor? A used TeleMex is superb.
Thanks for another honest and thoughtful review of a guitar that I find intriguing.
I love it, beautiful, well tuned and easy to play on the entire neck, and for me it would be the perfect guitar, even if it doesn't have Fender, the pickups are a matter for everyone
I brought one of these, changed out the bridge, string trees and tuners and it's a genuinely great guitar for the money. I got it for a bit of fun after a few guys had tried them and it plays and sounds a lot better than the cheaper Fender/Squire models. It is a plank though!
Any updates?
So I keep hearing the comparisons to the classic vibe. I can’t imagine the quality being on par with one, but if it is, the price point(half that of a classic vibe) is a steal.
the build quality on the one I had was good. the body was very heavy. did I mention how heavy?
I have that guitar. It’s heavily modified, body and neck are the only things stock. The neck is a two piece on mine. It is a maple neck with a separate fretboard and has the skunk strip. It is my main go to guitar even though it is heavy. I grab it over my Fender because the neck profile is perfect for me.
Hey, how could anyone not like your videos, hey? Honesty is the best policy, hey. Love your style. Two things Landon. 1. Harley Benton makes some very fine guitars and many, many people , including myself, wonder how they can sell so low priced. BTW: thanks for *NOT* saying "at this price." If a guitar is good or bad the price should have nothing to do with it. You either like it or you don't. You're the first guy that ever said that and you won over a new sub for doing so. 2. For me weight is a definite issue. I bought a HB bass a couple of years ago and first thing right out of the box, wow, this thing is heavy. I brought it in for a set-up and the first thing the tech guy said was, you guessed it, wow, this is heavy. It definitely became quickly uncomfortable when playing standing up and in the end, although it was my first bass I ended up selling it due to the weight. I was seriously considering buying this guitar but now you've put me off because I know I would find it uncomfortable. I don't know why retailers/manufacturers rarely, if ever, disclose the weight. I can't believe you and I are the only ones that it matters too. Also I wish it was mandatory to print the country of manufacture on every guitar. When I don't see it I assume it's made in China which is another turn-off. Thanks again Landon and don't sweat negative comments from hosers.
I bought one in June just like this. Ordered Sunday night and was at my door in Virginia on Wednesday. My other e-guitar is a 1979 Peavey T-60 with a full ash body. I haven't put them both on scales but I think the Peavey is heavier. I generally really like the TE-52 but had some tuning and intonation problems. Ended up replacing the nut, tuners (with something not all that expensive) and the bridge saddles. Went with compensated brass saddles. Probably added $50-60 to the total cost. Body, neck are really nice on mine but the frets are just a little sharp. I like the way it sounds and plays. I'm guessing there are going to be some variation guitar to guitar. I am not a serious gigging guitar player so I really like it for what it is.
I put 52 American fender pickups in mine and control panel. The guitar was so nice and yet affordable I figured I had some room to do some upgrades. It didn’t need anything tho. I just did it because I paid so little for it.
FWIW - a friend bought one. Out of the box, I played it and loved it but even sitting and with a strap I found it too heavy. My friend liked it but found much the same. I have a few tele's myself, so I'm used to playing solid bodies like this. The fit and finish was very good, no problem with the skunk stripe and it came with a tweed case - The case was ok and minimal. It got passed around our group and ended up with a happy owner - so whatever that says. The same guitar with a lighter wood or weight relief (maybe an extra $20-30 bucks?) would probably get it walking out the door. Landon's review is fair and honest. Great job!
cheers!
Thank you for your honest examination of this model ... I am not sure I want to buy it - because of the weight... I always stand up when I sing and play .... I have very expensive guitars - both Gibsons and Fenders .... But I got a couple of cheap acoustic Epiphone's I have played a lot - I bought a cheap H.B. Acoustic I simply love, I guess it is modelled after a Martin New Yorker ... My go to guitar for the small gigs I do these days, is a Fender Nashville Mexico Tele... That's a little worn and could need a "Stand in" .... When you play it I noticed chords were "Ringing" with a nice sustain .....
I've there are some that aren't as heavy
You’re an international star now! You were mentioned in a video from “intheblues” from Australia!! You just keep growing and growing! I’m so proud to be one of your subs!!!
Landon also took part in a live stream with several other guitar-youtubers initiated by Shane not long ago
That's awesome!
@@briano.5746 ruclips.net/video/jXpdecOwdiE/видео.html
Supporting this funny and cool guy and having quite a sympathy for him. That I can understand.
But being proud? That would be a way too strong word for me...
@@jicklesjingles8134 It was kind of tongue-in-cheek but it doesn’t come across well in comment form
Ave just bought this same guitar your right it weights a tonne a small con but absolutely love it it sounds great I play it through a subzero v35rg tweed amp nice neck it stays in tune for the price can't fault 😎
That's why I went for their cheaper model TE-20 as my gig goto guitar. It's only €89 ($99) half the price and half the weight. While the pups sound on clean quieter and thinner - almost like an amped electro-acoustic (which I see as a win) it is better deal all around.
Gonna get the TE-52 in the future though for the studio recording sound and better (BOSS Bruce Springsteen type of looks) 😂❤
I'm personally used to the Telecaster body being heavy like that of a Les Paul. The best way to make either lightweight is if its body is chamberrd or if it's got semi-hollow cavities in it. That"s part of what's calling out to me on the Fender Modern Player Thinline Tele, having previously owned a '72 Thinline reissue Tele - unless there's a similar model from another brand that is just as good.
Weight=Quality in my opinion , I know players like to be able to jump around on stage but if they drop those basswood guitars they will ding badly , An Ash body guitar wont
I prefer heavy guitars but my TE-52 only weighs 6 lbs 14 ounces (bought July 2022). They must have heard the complaints of customers.
you got a good one!
Thanks for the video Landon. I see what you did at 14:20 "I'm not really a neckspert"...
Ash is great tone wood and it's heavy looks great.
Ash is just way more variable than alder. Some are tanks and some are light as basswood, can come in at 7 lbs. .
The weight. Wow. Like many other aspects of a guitar, it really is a matter of personal preference. My ‘70s Fender Tele weighs just over 9 lbs., but I’m used to it. Anything lighter than 8 feels strange to me. A ten pounder, though... Hey, it sounded pretty good.
I got one of these guitars about a year ago, and I’m being completely honest when I say it’s become my number one when I go out gigging. Changed the tuners and bridge out, and now it’s at the level of a Mexican fender. Next venture is changing the pickups
Also, if you’re looking for a guitar that’s not as heavy as this one, but you like the specs, they have the same guitar with basswood bodies and different colors (paisley and mahogany venier)
good to know, I would probably go that route if I had to choose again. just a personal preference, I like lighter
@Jean Claude Peeters less than that, unless you’re going for used. Tuners were $60, Bridge was $30, and pickups will be $150 (Fender noiseless). Adds up to around $400. Compare that to a fender player tele which doesn’t have locking tuners or noiseless pickups, but costs $300 more, new.
I was going to give out to you for the weight issue, but I just got a Schechter C-1 and I've been complaining about it's weight and it's only 8.5 pounds, so fair play to you on that point.10 pounds is too much.
Because of your video I just ordered 2 HB guitars from Thomann. I ordered a SC-custom II paradise flame(PRS LP style copy i think), and a TE-90FLT red blast. The TE-90FLT is a Tele style with more rounded edges like a Strat and a belly cut, with filtertron style pickups. Both look pretty cool. They were on back order, so it'll probably be a couple months before they come in. Thanks for the videos. Great job. I Subscribed.
cheers! the two Harley Benton models I bought were well built.
Any comparison thoughts to Lyxpro or An Indio mono tele?
I don't
the weight is fine for mine..(I had a Squier Classic vibe and it was always falling toward my right when seated - very unbalance (pine body). I just tried to remove the plastic nut to install a bone...the old one was totally glued in.. will need to gring it out. Sad.
Ok so I got one and it weighed 10 pounds and I sent it back because it looked like it had water stains throughout the body. When I got my replacement it only weighed 7.5 pounds? Yeah I know makes NO SENSE. I’m wondering IS THIS THE SAME MODEL GUITAR? Everything is the same except the weight and the new one looks more butterscotch color. But DEFINITELY NO WHERE NEAR AS HEAVY. I’m confused as to why. Anyone have an answer for this?
wood moisture content variations
Thanks man. Makes sense.
I wanted one of these but can't bring myself to buy a guitar that isn't from a local dealer. Having the option to return/exchange the guitar easily is a must for me.
I prefer equipment that's at least available domestically myself. I'm not motivated to order anything from oveeseas.
What is the finish like on the neck? it looks like it's more on the satin/unfinished side. Squire classic vibe Tele has a very glossy neck which I can't stand, so this looks like a fair alternative.
it's a nice satin finish
V nice guitar. Neck is perfect. Intonates well. Weight of mine is 9lb. It’s ok. Not a dealbreaker for me. The tone is beautiful and it plays really well right out of the box. Fit and finish is amazing for the price. Don’t know how they do it, frankly. The neck in particular makes this guitar worth it for me. Best neck I’ve ever played actually.
it was a really nice neck!
Looks like it's a maple fretboard on a maple neck. Not 1 piece maple neck. Is that correct?
I don't recall 😊
@@landonbailey I can see the edge of the neck pretty clearly at 5:58. It's definitely a maple fretboard on a maple neck. Sometimes this is called a maple cap. It's a 2 piece neck. Most of the time there is no skunk stripe because there is not need for one. Some people like these, some don't . It's interesting that they have a skunk stripe when there is no need for it. BTW I love your casual style and in depth reviews. If you get a chance please take a look at what I'm doing. ruclips.net/video/Sa2UXPsC76w/видео.html
Thanks for posting demos of some affordable gear man, nice to see some accessible equipment :)
No problem!
I love the weight. I’ve been looking for a heavy tele. My main guitar is a 2008 Gibson Les Paul so, naturally I want a heavier guitar. I have LTDs, Strats, but after the LP I feel like I’m playing with toys. Just my preference, and I understand the problems that heavy guitars create for people. I’m just an old oak. Thank you all for the insight and ejikayshun.
The only suggestion I have for your videos is to take off the plastic while you have the strings off. To be honest, I am obsessive about taking that thin plastic off of anything new that I get as fast as I can so it's probably just me. Love your videos and your dry humor!
I don’t record the video sections in chronological order. :) cheers!
Fair enough! The weight doesn't bother me as I have lugged around a LP for 30 years and I did see a chiropractor back in the earlier days of gigging and practicing all the time! That said I enjoy my HB guitars for what they are. I can mod them or not. I have 5 and not a bad one in the lot IMHO. My CV Strat has one of the best necks I've ever played and beats out any of the HB's I have. I am going to get this one at some point but now shipping is $73 to the states and nope!
Thanks for the honest review man. So many reviewers get the freebies and don’t always point out all the questionable issues. Great looking guitar regardless and thanks for doing the deep dive on it. You should do a giveaway with this one and let the winner pay the shipping. Thanks
If a reviewer doesn't say where they got the guitar, ask them in the comments. If they don't reply, question their integrity :)
@@landonbailey yes most youtubers are simply acting as marketing campaign for gear makers.
@@lomoholga Almost the entirety of RUclips channels today are just informercials.
Anyone know if the new telecasters are like that from Harley Benton for the TE-52CC? Shell pink one, i was all set to buy, but honestly 10lbs is crazy…. Anyone have one of those?
ruclips.net/video/Tl8hfzDuFVU/видео.html
I'm digging your guitar artwork in the background there. and that is a nice looking plank of wood.
Hi, didn't know about how heavy the HB tele. Good to know. I owned a Vintage V100 which I sold it for same reason. Too heavy. Even playing seatted was a problem because during playing I was forced from time to time to bring the body tending to turn down thoward the ground. A nightmare. Don't want to talk about my back after a gig in a club.
apparently some aren't as heavy now
Named after a tank? I play a frankenstein Fender PJ with a swamp ash body, great tone & noticable, never thought of it as heavy. Learning guitar & can't believe how light they are, so I can see the perspective even though I can't relate.
7:34 this has a similar sound like when you do an unboxing of the white protective foam bag some guitars come in 🤣
close! doesn't have the same effect on me
Nice Video... My HB TE-52 was a little under 10 pounds but i had already preeled off the protective plastic :) They must be hit and miss on the build because my guitar has a 3 piece body. Definately not for standing up to play... that said I love it...great finish, quality and sound.
Right on
I have 1 of the heaviest tc types, i made it about 30 years ago, from a single piece of cocobolo. But, as i only use it, as a studio guitar, and, bill collectors - its ok for me!
Freaky. I was looking at an ad for this when the notification came through. Fate?
RUclips is watching you
@@landonbailey Welcome to the Brave New World of 1984.
I bought myself the te20. I weighed it at 3.9 Kgs. I thought that was heavy. Overall though I am really happy. In particular I find the neck to be very nicely made. I sort of forgot it was only 87 euros and imagine that it is some sort of Fender custom shop. As a beginner I can allow myself that fantasy because I never even came close to a high end guitar so I don't know what they are like. btw mine doesn't had a skunk stripe and neck isn't one piece and has a separate fretboard. But you have to look very (and I mean very) close to see the join. One thing I really like with mine is the colour of the body and of the neck (which is not too pale or too yellow either). Only problem is I want the Strat version now........wife doesn't allow it lol
Very good dirt tones that really rock.
the weight helps with sustain that's awesome I order a swamp ash Stratocaster I love weight I am a life long athlete I can handle the weight until I am 105 yrs old
do what works best for you. nothing wrong with that
Those potentiometers are the brand 'Vimex', and AFAIK they're a fairly high quality pot used in a lot of effects pedals.
thanks for the info!
Great demo ! Very informative ! I think the pickups height is too high, its over saturating the true tone, lower neck and bridge pickup height by about half of current position and tone should improve greatly.
This is fantastic advice!
a simple pickup height adjustment on any guitar, can make make a huge difference to tone.
it can take a little time tinkering with adjustments to find the "Sweet spot"
but when you get them right..
it can often turn a cheep sounding guitar into something great!
it can really bring out the true Tone of the instrument.
Hi Landon!!!, greetings from Mexico City. I hope you can help me, since you've had both guitars in your hands. Between this Harley Benton TE-52 and the Squier Classic Vibe, which is the better option? Or is the Harley Benton more at the level of a Squier Affinity? Greetings and thanks.
they are both pretty similar in build quality. the HB had a satin neck and the CV has gloss. the HB I had weighed a lot more than the CV. Both are good, just slightly different. Benton is higher up than a Squier Affinity
@@landonbailey , thank's bro. Here in my country the HB is cheaper than the Squier CV. Another reason to buy a HB.
ya do what works best for you!
Amazon generally gives the weight of their guitars. My Squier start is 11.5 lbs. with the upgraded hardware. I just purchased an Eart telecaster that 6.5 lbs. Eart guitars are fantastic values. The lightweight Tele is carbonized mahogany
I've never seen guitar weights listed on Amazon
@@landonbailey If you scroll down a bit, beyond similar suggested guitars .It's like the last thing on the page. My Tele didn't have the weight, but most do have it. (shipping weight?)
@@landonbailey Sorry Landon, I wrote 6.5 lbs. The Eart tele is 8.5 lbs. They are very nice affordable guitars.
Agree @ weight. I played a tele like this (Fender) in the 60's and 70's. Ruined my shoulder and back. Lots of ash that has open pores and weight around 7 lbs. I love the split shaft tuners. I never buy a guitar with the idea that I might sell it someday. HB has a decent reputation most places. I would grab the 'corner cat' sander and level the skunk stripe. Spray one light coat of clear and be happy. BTW, there are two kinds of mini pots. Decent quality and not so decent. The switch will work for home use, but change it out if gigging. Thanks!
I had a 79 Strat in a video here a couple years ago that was over 10 lbs
@@landonbailey Good! They are a load!
Why do you peel off plastic two times? Two plastics, one on top of the other?
sometimes there's two layers for some reason
IT CANT FIT IN MY CAR BUT IT FITTED WELL IN MY HEART.
Ive been trying to get my hands on one of these for a while. good sound and the weight is not an issue for me. Ever want to get rid of it...let me know. Thx for the review
It took me like 3 months to get mine and it weighs a ton. Def hurts the shoulder of your standing for a few hours playing
5.4k is very low for a neck pickup if it has 43 gauge wire. If it's 42 then it's similar to a strat, although there is metal around the pickup which will lower the treble. Telecaster pickups today seem to have 7K and 43 gauge wire. Although maybe the magnets are different here and not ALNICO 5
You would think they would use three conductor wire since the neck pickup is already shielded and you can get rid of a bit of noise.
now, I'm gonna buy one because of the heavy weight thanks
Bummer about the weight. Glad you made this video. Took that guitar off my wishlist.
Glad I could help!
I wouldnt take it off your wish list, I have one and it's awesome.
Did I mention the skunk strip! 🤣🤣🤣 seriously I loved the part where you strummed the chords. I feel that I got a real chance to hear the pickups properly. It’s my bad but I’m never sure of what I’m hearing on all those single note runs in so many reviews. 🤘🏻👍🎸🤘🏻👍🎸🤘🏻👍🎸
also the skunk stripe! Ya I can't do lead, and I think playing what I can is the best I can play. what? :)
Someone mention to me that this guitar was heavy, I though my V6P was heavy at 8.2 pounds but it's a Strat sytle with an American Alder body, when your able too look at the Vintage V52 Telecaster
I owned a v52, really good guitar!
@@dragstar4407 I know Landon mention there is one shop in Ontario he said that is selling Vintage , I rate them higher then the Player series, and this not just me but others who are much more experienced than me, but many HB reviews have been a mixed bag of nuts, mostly nuts, qc is not that good, but 10 pounds for a guitar, yikes, that's a bit much, you get what you pay for as my late Grandmother said to me,
ya there's one distributor that is going to get that guitar for me in the new year. It's on backorder.
@@landonbailey you must share the name, I know many in back home that would be interested my son is interested in their bass guitars, soon Landon you will be coming over to the dark side lolol
Cual es mejor una classic vibe 50 o esta guitarra harley benton TE 52 ????
Landon, I think your playing improved!
oh hey thanks! I'm trying to capture better sounds
FYI, the website lists the guitar at 4.50 kg so Thomann is certainly up front with prospective buyers about the weight.
oh good! it’s not something I saw on the Thomann site
So about the weight. Generally, cheaper ash is a very dense tonewood and a very heavy one. Swamp ash is not that dense it's more expensive (used in fender custom shop guitars) and it's really light, lighter than alder, whereas dense ash is much heavier. You can assume that this is the cheap type of really dense ash since the body is heavy. In terms of tone, swamp ash has more bass and cheaper ash (I think they call it north or American ash but I'm not really sure) is generally treblier
10 lbs is lot. For those who want/need ash, this among the few that people can buy. Same for their Strat in ash.
The TE-90s, pseudo Cabronita's, they are chambered and it helps a lot.
BTW, loved the outro comments about the fat F... 😂
Try standing up in a crowded club for 4 sets inchs away from bass and drums weight matters .i played jrs. For years... I use to think about how I could cut the width in half
I used to gig and ya heavy is not fun
FYI in the states, a harley benton is often valued higher since someone went through the trouble of importing them, and you get a lot for the money.
Thanks for the review!!
No problem!
Might I add, why didn't you peel the film off of the pickguard/scratchplate, when the strings were off?
that was recorded before the removal. I don't do everything in chronological order
Thinking of buying the same (TE-52). I live on Vancouver Island and was wondering did you have to pay duty on the guitar. Thanks
I don't recall, but I would have mentioned it here: ruclips.net/video/jFB_hqQ8jK0/видео.html
Hey Landon, good honest review on the HB Tele style guitar. She's a good looking thing but I too prefer lighter ladies 😉. If the heft is an issue you can't overlook then, bye, bye baby! Try another 50's Vibe and if it isn't up to par in every way then send it back. This year I've sent two guitars back due to both having dead frets causing flat notes. I'm not keeping anything that won't play without some work being done to it. Fret work especially. Really liked both guitars but I'm not forking over $300 and have to sink more in them to make them right. Go with your gut instinct and sell it.
Just a thought, though it would cost ya. Strip the finish on the body and see about putting it in a dry kiln. Surly there's one or more around your area. Check around some sawmills that's local to ya, or a wholesale lumber company. Like I said, just a thought. Take care Landon.
I just bought a Squier Affinity Telecaster that has a skunk 🦨 strip that sticks out a tiny bit too. Must come from the same factory in China 😮 It's not enough to worry about in my case but I wish it didn't because otherwise it would be perfect.
If weight is really a concern, get one of HBs poplar body teles.
I once had an MIM Fender P bass with a skunk stripe that started to bulge after a year or so. It drove me NUTs, to the point I had to sell it.
I would probably do the same
@@landonbailey Great reviews. I have a Harley Benton Jazz-type bass that I love. It's pretty heavy and the pickups aren't stellar, but the fit and finish are amazing. I have a Harley Benton guitar en route from Germany as we speak. It's an SC-550 Plus EMG PAF Les Paul-type. I'm hoping it's built as well as the bass.
This was really helpful. I have an Epiphone Riviera P93 that I never play because it is too heavy.
👍🎸 cheers
Enjoyed the video! Thank you for the content 👍
I like the China Squier CV50 so much that i bought 2! They're hanging on my wall now. I play them so much the frets on one of them have been worn down to the point of needing a re-fret.
So I may have missed it so I want to follow up just to make sure it’s clear: the skunk stripe is a little bothersome and it’s really heavy? I didn’t see anything about that in the video and I just wanna make sure about those two things.
no, the skunk stripe wasn't heavy at all.
It's OK to comment about the weight of the guitar. I have a Chapman ML-1 and I can't play it because it's too heavy.
I dunno why people are so bitchy about the weight, looking for faults in cheaper guitars - I have a Les Paul at exactly the same weight.
The guitar in my country is £144 inc shipping. When I was a kid, guitars were feedback merchant lumps of wood. I wish we had Harley Benton back in the day.
Seriously though, if people have that much to pick faults with these type of guitars, go buy a classic vibe for double the price or a genuine Fender for around quad the price. I’d be well happy with this and around £300 in my bank account left over.
@@Bellocks1 well said! I'm looking at this as my next purchase
I Agree, just got mine and it weighed in at 9.6 pounds other than that it is perfect skunk stripe and all
Mine sun 1/2 pound lighter Landon but as I can only play sitting down it’s not a problem. It is the most resonant guitar I’ve ever played. I do intend to stick fender pickups on it (I’m not mad about the bridge pickup) and a Wilkinson bridge. Also an oak rigsby switch and Cts pots. I was lucky with my neck. This ones a keeper for me but I totally respect your opinion. You have to do what’s right fir you 😊😂👍
My first guitar was a Cortez Les Paul Copy. I got it when I was 15 in 1985 I played only that guitar for 5 years it weighed like 11 pounds but I didn't know any better.
In 1991 I played a Red Ernie Ball EVH and thought it was like a toy or a Joke because it was so light with plastic tuning knobs....lol. How nieve I was.
I have three Tele’s which are 10 pounds or better one being a Schecter a fender and a built I did some time ago, I find that the guitars play very well, but that with the extra weight they have a definite sustain quality more so than my other Tele’s, the weight is not that harsh if you’ve been accustomed to playing Paul’s, but I can see for those who are not used to playing heavier instruments , it may be taxing during a three set gig.🤔 So take care a keep on strumming 😸🎸✌️👋🎼
I’m probably in the minority but I like a guitar with a bit more weight. I just never could get used to the basswood bodies.
same. I hate playing guitars that feel like toys. I can really fuckin dig into a heavy guitar too.
You should get an Electrical Guitar Company guitar then lol
Same, love my guitars heavy (~6kg feel nice)
I have a hugely heavy bass that's fine for playing sitting down but I wouldn't be able to stand up for more than 30 minutes without my shoulder going. I've been looking at the te52 for a while, and I think i'd be fine with it as a bedroom noodling guitar, but it would certainly remove it from the list if it was for gigging. Thanks for the review.
Just ordered one from Thomann.
US $149 plus 65 shipping to Texas.
good deal! better than the price to Canada
It's great. Couldn't be happier if I just bought Merle Haggards tele.
Only other electric I have is a Gibson ES 125 TCD my dad bought for my older brother in 1963! I was 6. I guess it cost $125 but I bet my dad talked em down.
The legend says, that Landon only runs this channel, that he can buy a new guitar every 2 weeks without getting his wife angry 😂
the legend exists
I have a 2010 Squier CV tele (made in China, pine body) and it's heavy but it's great. I have many guitars but this one is a player favorite.I use my CV in gigs but I switch from a '73 Strat or my 2019 HB Fusion ll, so the weight doesn't really factor in.I'm sure the HB is comparable. I would like to try one.
nice!