Just got one in Vintage black with gold hardware. Good guitar and agree with your review. The weak spot is the wiring. Pickups are decent in my experience. I swapped out the volume pots with full size B500k CTS pots and changed the capacitor to a Vitamin Q PIO cap. Big difference. A couple things are slightly different on this one. It weighs only 6 lbs and 4 ounces and the neck is very slim. Much shallower than my 60's neck profile on Gibson LP Standard. But I can't say I don't like it. Frets did need a polish and the PVC nut isn't so bad for plastic. Some claim the nut is a graphite but website even states it's a PVC material. I also swapped the jack and selector switch with Switchcraft. All in all I am quite pleased with the guitar
I have 6 Harley Benton's, and when buying a new model i expect the frets to need a polish, or to be played for a few days to smooth them out. I expect the fret boards will be dry, but you condition them. The pot's are a coin flip, but can also easily be replaced. I have found i like the necks, the nice wood selection, the finish quality, and the price. These guitars stay in tune and can be intonated, and whether it is a $5K guitar or a $100 guitar, i do this simply because i can and it is easy. Tweeking, even from a novice, eventually improves any guitar... practice and you can make gold from garbage in many cases.
I totally agree please check out my previous video on setting up for the te20. I'm not trying to knock this guitar I just wanted to be completely objective about the small and few issues that I did find
First time watching one of your vids and I love that you run everything through the Pocket Pod. That's a great idea that really does level the playing field when reviewing guitars. Not all of us have or can afford the awesome amps, heads, or PC programs that most other RUclips guitar reviewers use, but many of us have access to a Pocket Pod or a Fender Mustang Micro like I'm using.
Thanks buddy I really enjoyed recording the demo song but the tone tests took three takes due to technical issues. First take the camera wasn't right or in Focus II take the audio dropped out and third take well third time's the charm
That is a lovely looking guitar. Your playing was excellent and the dual lead parts reminded me of Thin Lizzy from back in the 70's! There does seem to be a problem with the tone controls on some HB guitars, on my SC550 Desert Flame guitar the 2 tone controls behave more like 2nd volume controls. But like the SC Custom II the sustain is amazing and I feel the chord vibration in my left hand through the neck thanks to the mahogany body and fitted neck I suppose. I still love my SC550 and consider it fantastic value for money. Thanks for posting.
Nice review and it does sound very, very good indeed. I'm not a fan of the lemon colour, but that's just me. Other than that, it looks and sounds like a quality instrument. I think my next HB will be the HB-35 Plus, although if they made one in the 339 size, I'd swoop on it, no question!
Just got one a few weeks ago, and I am a fan and after I re-tuned it myself, it sounds great now! I agree with you about the volume potentiometers, I would prefer a Master Volume and Balance Volume - got a diagram to share? I would probably modify it straight away... even though I am getting used to the pots as they are, I am an efficient person... therefore! 🎸🎶👍
Thanks mate. For me it's all about the tune. As well as that, does it demo the equipment I'm using well? This guitar has great sustain and fits a harmony like this melody well. I'm so glad you enjoyed it mate.
Great review and playing. I have heard everyone else saying that the neck is slim and I was ready to buy one and now you say that the neck is chunky and thick. Disappointing to me since I have small hands. I am used to a Stratocaster neck.
I do believe she agreed with the distortion best of all. At least to my ears. Beautiful guitar. Reminds me of my HB35 Plus Lemon Drop. Nice playing there to stretch it's legs by.
Well. My blue one was shite.. Setup was bad.. Never stayed in tune and the LAF I think sounded terrible.. Id say with a setup it could be fine but the guitar definitely ain't a bargain. I feel its worth the money, unlike the 450gt p90 which is a steal at 140£
Wish I had a drumset as well lmao. Though right now it wouldn't fit anywhere. But I wanna learn to drum as well. It's a very difficult instrument to play well.
Roswell pickups are good for the start, but I guess some pro humbuckers will make this guitar sound awesome. Considering some P90 in neck position (or Phat Cat maybe).
Hey, nice playing and video, well done! I have some HBs and mostly after a setup and maybe PU change they're real good guitars that can hold up against well known higher priced brands in sound and playability without making me a poor man. The only HB i didn't custom yet is my SC Costom in matt black and golden hardware. It looks different to your actual model but the playing is like comming home and the sound is better than some G LP standards I've played. Maybe i will put some Gretsch PUs in, but I'm not sure of it yet ☺️. Those Rowells are good in my ears.....
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Yes they are Great, i am well impressed with it.. It was a tossup between the HB or the Vintage Paradise model and as the HB was £100 cheaper i took a punt on it and definitely not disappointed, straight out of the box it was ready to go..
I need some help because I'm planning on buying an sc custom, an sc 550 or a cst 24t. Also I was thinking of buying the sc custom with floyd rose, although I don't care that much about having trem or not, I just want the best of the three playing and soundwise. Any thoughts/suggestions/recommendations?
Hey buddy I have done reviews and demos on all of those guitars except for the Floyd Rose trem. I'm not a big fan of Floyd Rose trem on Les Paul style guitars but I know Alex lifeson is. Check out my videos on the sc550 and the cst-24 custom deluxe. For me simple was the best and I love the SC Junior with it's single P90. A straightforward world setup rock and roll machine. Please check out my demo and live stream using it and talking about it that should help.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic thanks for answering!! I already watched your videos of the 3 models but still don't know/understood which might the better option or which one might have an edge over the other 2. So do u think the juniors are a better option? I've seen the r now selling one with 2 p90s, that could be a good option too... Geez I cannot decide lol
It really depends. If you want versatility then I would go sc450 or custom 2. If you want classic les Paul then sc550. If you want simple rock beast then simplicity says the junior
Yer turning into a right wee Phil Collins ...Mr Multi talented If anyone in the guitar playing scene isn't still on furlough or have been laid off due to the virus .or ...back at work after 7/8 months . It's torture watching gear demos known you want to spend the money but can't because of the fear of losing your job .. What may have been tuppence is now .. a kings ransom .. I have re-evaluate on what i can spend .
Thanks mate. Unfortunately I know only too well exactly what you mean brother I lost pretty much all of my work when the first lockdown hit. But I'm not giving up up and we will beat this. Stay safe and be happy my friend.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I CAN PLAY THAT RIFF! [*evil and mildly threatening giggles*] ;-) My version only uses two strings as my guitar playing is "efficient" (or something...ahem...)
Mike's One Man Band! =D Love it! First video of you that got finally on my page again...
Hey thanks 😁🤟 so glad you and I are getting notifications again.
Just got one in Vintage black with gold hardware. Good guitar and agree with your review. The weak spot is the wiring. Pickups are decent in my experience. I swapped out the volume pots with full size B500k CTS pots and changed the capacitor to a Vitamin Q PIO cap. Big difference. A couple things are slightly different on this one. It weighs only 6 lbs and 4 ounces and the neck is very slim. Much shallower than my 60's neck profile on Gibson LP Standard. But I can't say I don't like it. Frets did need a polish and the PVC nut isn't so bad for plastic. Some claim the nut is a graphite but website even states it's a PVC material. I also swapped the jack and selector switch with Switchcraft. All in all I am quite pleased with the guitar
I have 6 Harley Benton's, and when buying a new model i expect the frets to need a polish, or to be played for a few days to smooth them out. I expect the fret boards will be dry, but you condition them. The pot's are a coin flip, but can also easily be replaced. I have found i like the necks, the nice wood selection, the finish quality, and the price. These guitars stay in tune and can be intonated, and whether it is a $5K guitar or a $100 guitar, i do this simply because i can and it is easy. Tweeking, even from a novice, eventually improves any guitar... practice and you can make gold from garbage in many cases.
I totally agree please check out my previous video on setting up for the te20. I'm not trying to knock this guitar I just wanted to be completely objective about the small and few issues that I did find
First time watching one of your vids and I love that you run everything through the Pocket Pod. That's a great idea that really does level the playing field when reviewing guitars. Not all of us have or can afford the awesome amps, heads, or PC programs that most other RUclips guitar reviewers use, but many of us have access to a Pocket Pod or a Fender Mustang Micro like I'm using.
Thx mate, I'm glad you like the idea and totally get why I'm doing it. I hope you'll stick around for more.
Great demo song! Looks like you had a blast making this video. Great looking and sounding axe. God bless and rock on 😎👍🎸
Thanks buddy I really enjoyed recording the demo song but the tone tests took three takes due to technical issues. First take the camera wasn't right or in Focus II take the audio dropped out and third take well third time's the charm
Great video Mike, you demo so well mate😎 Loved the instrumental track at the beginning! Great hooks and playing👍😀👏
Thanks so much brother I really appreciate the kindness
The opening track sold it. Love those sweet double leads.
So glad you enjoyed it, thank you.
That is a lovely looking guitar.
Your playing was excellent and the dual lead parts reminded me of Thin Lizzy from back in the 70's!
There does seem to be a problem with the tone controls on some HB guitars, on my SC550 Desert Flame guitar the 2 tone controls behave more like 2nd volume controls.
But like the SC Custom II the sustain is amazing and I feel the chord vibration in my left hand through the neck thanks to the mahogany body and fitted neck I suppose.
I still love my SC550 and consider it fantastic value for money.
Thanks for posting.
My pleasure mate and your comment about Thin Lizzy made my day thank you
Another great, honest and balanced review and I loved the opening track too. Thank you Mike.
Thanks very much Adrian, that's really cool. So glad you enjoyed it mate.
I love the sound of Roswell microphones
They are great pickups the 👍
Very nice playing, like the harmony on the intro :)
Thank you I really enjoyed doing the harmony guitar work
Nice review and it does sound very, very good indeed. I'm not a fan of the lemon colour, but that's just me. Other than that, it looks and sounds like a quality instrument. I think my next HB will be the HB-35 Plus, although if they made one in the 339 size, I'd swoop on it, no question!
Thanks man I had an hp35 and I was really happy with it and now my buddy in New Zealand has it. Yes I think the 339 style would be awesome.
Just got one a few weeks ago, and I am a fan and after I re-tuned it myself, it sounds great now!
I agree with you about the volume potentiometers, I would prefer a Master Volume and Balance Volume - got a diagram to share? I would probably modify it straight away... even though I am getting used to the pots as they are, I am an efficient person... therefore!
🎸🎶👍
Needed the pick me up.thanks for the video!
Sending you my best my friend for whatever you need
The SC ,450,500,550 have chambered bodies. The SC Custom is solid.
Very tasteful start to the video Mike rather than someone showing how fast they can play. Nice one :)
Thanks mate. For me it's all about the tune. As well as that, does it demo the equipment I'm using well? This guitar has great sustain and fits a harmony like this melody well. I'm so glad you enjoyed it mate.
That 80s style cleans are awesome played in that riff, im sure i am not the only one that would like that tab. Is it available to purchase somewhere?
Sorry a bit late in response to this one and I have already emailed you the tabs. I hope you are enjoying them and working out well
Love the opening track. Stay healthy.
Thank you mate 😊🙏👍 stay healthy too
Nice job, Mike.
Thanks so much Brad it's so cool to have you watching some of my content. I'm a regular viewer of yours as you know. 😊👍
Hey Mike, your drumming is coming on. Keep on Rocking!
Thanks! Will do!
Thanks for the video! Very good!
You're most welcome my friend
best channel
😁🙏
Great review and playing. I have heard everyone else saying that the neck is slim and I was ready to buy one and now you say that the neck is chunky and thick. Disappointing to me since I have small hands. I am used to a Stratocaster neck.
Is not that thick but I have small hands too. Hopefully I show and you can see the neck in the video my friend.
I do believe she agreed with the distortion best of all. At least to my ears. Beautiful guitar. Reminds me of my HB35 Plus Lemon Drop. Nice playing there to stretch it's legs by.
Yes she sings with a bit of distortion. The sustain and bite of the Roswell's lends itself to that. A very versatile axe
Lovely neck pickup
It's hot
NICE opening Jam Mike! VERY Lizziesque! \m/
Thanks buddy :-) I enjoyed recording it
Hey Mike.... I just loved it... But just one question.... Are these beauties shielded?? Lots of love from India. ❤️
Thank you. There is some shielding paint in the cavities but I do the job with copper foil. 👍
Well. My blue one was shite.. Setup was bad.. Never stayed in tune and the LAF I think sounded terrible.. Id say with a setup it could be fine but the guitar definitely ain't a bargain. I feel its worth the money, unlike the 450gt p90 which is a steal at 140£
Sorry you didn't get one that was good out of the box. Surprising about the set up and pups. I hope you manage to get it sorted out.
Wish I had a drumset as well lmao. Though right now it wouldn't fit anywhere. But I wanna learn to drum as well. It's a very difficult instrument to play well.
So hard to play well
Roswell pickups are good for the start, but I guess some pro humbuckers will make this guitar sound awesome. Considering some P90 in neck position (or Phat Cat maybe).
Check out my video tonight buddy I think you'll like it
Hey, nice playing and video, well done! I have some HBs and mostly after a setup and maybe PU change they're real good guitars that can hold up against well known higher priced brands in sound and playability without making me a poor man. The only HB i didn't custom yet is my SC Costom in matt black and golden hardware. It looks different to your actual model but the playing is like comming home and the sound is better than some G LP standards I've played. Maybe i will put some Gretsch PUs in, but I'm not sure of it yet ☺️. Those Rowells are good in my ears.....
I like the roswells too but I am tempted to put some Iron Gears in one of these, probably the SC550
the electrolytic fluid may have dried up or leaked out of the tone cap, it happens even on new guitars. nice axe man and I always enjoy your talents!
Ditto man and thanks brother 😊✌
It happened on mine and another guys I know, I think its just a problem with the series in general.
Great video as always and an Amazing sounding guitar.. That one looks similar to the Harley Benton SC-550 Paradise Amber i have just purchased..
Thanks mate. These Harleys are great!
@@Chinaguitarsceptic Yes they are Great, i am well impressed with it.. It was a tossup between the HB or the Vintage Paradise model and as the HB was £100 cheaper i took a punt on it and definitely not disappointed, straight out of the box it was ready to go..
They do seem to set them up well too!
I need some help because I'm planning on buying an sc custom, an sc 550 or a cst 24t. Also I was thinking of buying the sc custom with floyd rose, although I don't care that much about having trem or not, I just want the best of the three playing and soundwise. Any thoughts/suggestions/recommendations?
Hey buddy I have done reviews and demos on all of those guitars except for the Floyd Rose trem. I'm not a big fan of Floyd Rose trem on Les Paul style guitars but I know Alex lifeson is.
Check out my videos on the sc550 and the cst-24 custom deluxe.
For me simple was the best and I love the SC Junior with it's single P90. A straightforward world setup rock and roll machine. Please check out my demo and live stream using it and talking about it that should help.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic thanks for answering!! I already watched your videos of the 3 models but still don't know/understood which might the better option or which one might have an edge over the other 2. So do u think the juniors are a better option? I've seen the r now selling one with 2 p90s, that could be a good option too... Geez I cannot decide lol
It really depends. If you want versatility then I would go sc450 or custom 2. If you want classic les Paul then sc550. If you want simple rock beast then simplicity says the junior
Well done through the katana great amp
Thank you I'm loving the katana too!
I like it!
😊👍
the same LTD 256
Yes I think its based on that mate
What is exact weight?
8lbs
Sweeeeeet tones bud
Thanks buddy
@@Chinaguitarsceptic anytime bud your channel deserves it bud watching grow over the years well done you.
Yer turning into a right wee Phil Collins ...Mr Multi talented
If anyone in the guitar playing scene isn't still on furlough or have been laid off due to the virus .or ...back at work after 7/8 months .
It's torture watching gear demos known you want to spend the money but can't because of the fear of losing your job .. What may have been tuppence is now .. a kings ransom .. I have re-evaluate on what i can spend .
Thanks mate.
Unfortunately I know only too well exactly what you mean brother I lost pretty much all of my work when the first lockdown hit. But I'm not giving up up and we will beat this. Stay safe and be happy my friend.
Just bought one!! Feel guilty for this!!!
Good for you buddy
Crunch tones: Are those the opening bars to Cliff's 'Devil Woman' I hear?
Well spotted. I rarely do anything by anyone else due to copyright but that riff just fit the tone so well.
@@Chinaguitarsceptic I CAN PLAY THAT RIFF! [*evil and mildly threatening giggles*] ;-) My version only uses two strings as my guitar playing is "efficient" (or something...ahem...)
Lol
I hear you Gary Moore'ing in there!
Little bit
Nice Mike .. Peace.
Thanks bro. Peace to you too
Do you smoke marijuana?
No mate. Although I hear it might help my condition