Great insight... I have shopped the Thomann website but never actually checked out because I was leery about the shipping from Germany. Maybe I'll try it now...
My ST-62 guitar was great (I gave it to my son), but honestly the Squier 40th Anniversary guitar that you and I have is a better guitar for just a little more money. I also had a JA-60 and I liked that guitar a bunch. You can also go to Reverb and buy some of Harley Benton's more popular models from the US. They are a little more expensive, but about the same when you add shipping from Germany.
Sorry I got here late but the 6 screws on the front of the bridge aren't meant to be screwed down all the way. This allows the tremelo to "float" once it's set up properly.
Thanks Carl. They were much too loose, I probably did not make this clear in the video. I completely agree with you, but I was taught that the screws are supposed to be barely touching the bridge. When I got the guitar, they were not close to the bridge. It is a little hard to see in the picture I posted, but if you look close you can see it. Thanks again.
The shipping fee is based on the weight and physical size (volume of the shipping box) of the total order. You have a "base" shipping fee, if you exceed the weight or volume of that, the shipping cost jumps up. So, if you order from outside Europe, add all the "small" stuff like strings, straps, cables etc. to take most advantage of the shipping fee. As for the Harley Benton brand itself... it's a little bit of a hit and miss, a wider spread in quality control. For me, living in Germany, not a problem at all - free shipping, free return, 30 day money refund policy with no questions asked. As a bass player, my main experience is with their basses. I own a PJ-4 HTR and love it. Had to do some minor setup work, nothing special. Just the small things you adjust anyway on a new instrument. It's well balanced, has a great tone and plays well. Maybe I got the 1 out of 10 unicorn - but for the money, there's no competition. Another bass I ordered (MP4-MN) was returned by me, to many small quality issues that added up. I also own an early SC 500 (Les Paul "inspired") from Harley Benton, which I bought used. It plays and sounds fine for me, but I'm still a beginner on guitar. It might not hold up to the "real deal" - but hey, I just paid 100€ for it, including a small practice amp and other bits and bobs.
Thank you Sven. I would think that shipping would be just based on the weight too, but that does not seem to be the case shipping to the US. They also include duty fees for us, so I think that is where the discrepancies lie. For instance, I can put three TE-20's in my cart and the shipping is $80. I put three TE-62's in my cart and the shipping is $200. It seems to be a combination of weight and price for us. Thanks again, and I am like you, I love my HB!
I've ordered 4 guitars and one kit guitar from Thoman,all of them made it here in 3days,I was going to order one from the U.S. but estimated delivery date was 4to6 weeks,go figure.
I do not know how they do it. I ordered a JA60 a few weeks back and it got here in 4 days and set up absolutely perfect (I know that this is not always the case).
This is a very useful video. I appreciate your time and effort. Great information. I especially like how you played around with the shipping costs; that along with the insight provided by another commenter is great to know - and gives me reason for an extra guitar or two 😂
I am glad that it helps. I have had my HB since just after Christmas, and I am so impressed with this guitar. I did some minor upgrades that I will try and share in the near future.
@@TheCommonSenseProfessor That is my problem...GAS (guitar acquisition syndrome). I purchased 6 x Harley Bentons in less than 3 months. 😳😳😳 Now 7 HB's!!!
Thanks for this video !! My cousin and I want to get the 550 2. Good tip for buying in bulk ! Will definitely be saving us $$ and hopefully it comes quick also
Hey James, that is awesome. Let me know how you like the TE and how long it took to get it. I am in Western Kentucky and was amazed at how quick I got it. I almost got the new TE-62, but decided on the ST. I think the duty fees are wrapped up in the shipping cost through UPS.
That is a good question and it might be different in Canada, but it appears that all extra fees are included in the UPS shipping price. We will not have to pay the VAT fees in the States or Canada. All I paid was what was on the video. Thanks.
I have the following kit and use the lemon oil in this kit for the frets. It works great. www.amazon.com/Cleaning-FOLLOWIN-Fingerboard-Lubricant-Microfiber/dp/B08WWTMCH8/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1W14510FIFCF6&keywords=guitar+polish&qid=1648253701&sprefix=guitar+polish%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSEpDWkRGRk1HNFc1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjQ1NTQ2MjZUNE5YSjM4S1NISCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODgyMjc1M0hHTFBET09XWkI1TiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Also, you can buy the guitars from the US now through Reverb. They are more expensive, but they have free shipping, so it comes out about the same. Not sure about tax on Reverb. reverb.com/shop/harleybentonofficial
Do you have experiences with Harley Benton's? If so, let me know below.
I bought a Vintage tele, a case and a stand Jan 2022. This shipping was 106.21 to Idaho ... so I sent it back.
Great insight... I have shopped the Thomann website but never actually checked out because I was leery about the shipping from Germany. Maybe I'll try it now...
My ST-62 guitar was great (I gave it to my son), but honestly the Squier 40th Anniversary guitar that you and I have is a better guitar for just a little more money. I also had a JA-60 and I liked that guitar a bunch. You can also go to Reverb and buy some of Harley Benton's more popular models from the US. They are a little more expensive, but about the same when you add shipping from Germany.
Sorry I got here late but the 6 screws on the front of the bridge aren't meant to be screwed down all the way. This allows the tremelo to "float" once it's set up properly.
Thanks Carl. They were much too loose, I probably did not make this clear in the video. I completely agree with you, but I was taught that the screws are supposed to be barely touching the bridge. When I got the guitar, they were not close to the bridge. It is a little hard to see in the picture I posted, but if you look close you can see it. Thanks again.
The shipping fee is based on the weight and physical size (volume of the shipping box) of the total order. You have a "base" shipping fee, if you exceed the weight or volume of that, the shipping cost jumps up. So, if you order from outside Europe, add all the "small" stuff like strings, straps, cables etc. to take most advantage of the shipping fee.
As for the Harley Benton brand itself... it's a little bit of a hit and miss, a wider spread in quality control. For me, living in Germany, not a problem at all - free shipping, free return, 30 day money refund policy with no questions asked.
As a bass player, my main experience is with their basses. I own a PJ-4 HTR and love it. Had to do some minor setup work, nothing special. Just the small things you adjust anyway on a new instrument. It's well balanced, has a great tone and plays well. Maybe I got the 1 out of 10 unicorn - but for the money, there's no competition. Another bass I ordered (MP4-MN) was returned by me, to many small quality issues that added up. I also own an early SC 500 (Les Paul "inspired") from Harley Benton, which I bought used. It plays and sounds fine for me, but I'm still a beginner on guitar. It might not hold up to the "real deal" - but hey, I just paid 100€ for it, including a small practice amp and other bits and bobs.
Thank you Sven. I would think that shipping would be just based on the weight too, but that does not seem to be the case shipping to the US. They also include duty fees for us, so I think that is where the discrepancies lie. For instance, I can put three TE-20's in my cart and the shipping is $80. I put three TE-62's in my cart and the shipping is $200. It seems to be a combination of weight and price for us. Thanks again, and I am like you, I love my HB!
I've ordered 4 guitars and one kit guitar from Thoman,all of them made it here in 3days,I was going to order one from the U.S. but estimated delivery date was 4to6 weeks,go figure.
I do not know how they do it. I ordered a JA60 a few weeks back and it got here in 4 days and set up absolutely perfect (I know that this is not always the case).
This is a very useful video. I appreciate your time and effort. Great information. I especially like how you played around with the shipping costs; that along with the insight provided by another commenter is great to know - and gives me reason for an extra guitar or two 😂
I am glad that it helps. I have had my HB since just after Christmas, and I am so impressed with this guitar. I did some minor upgrades that I will try and share in the near future.
Incredible! Thank you
Thanks for this. I have had mine for about two weeks and love it...
Awesome, I absolutely love mine too. Are you in the states? If so, did you have a similar experience?
@@TheCommonSenseProfessor I am a Canadian living in Paris, France. So no delivery fee at all.
@@BenjaminKanarek I am totally jealous. I am afraid if I were in your situation that I would have way too many guitars!
@@TheCommonSenseProfessor That is my problem...GAS (guitar acquisition syndrome). I purchased 6 x Harley Bentons in less than 3 months. 😳😳😳 Now 7 HB's!!!
@@BenjaminKanarek Lol, Holy Cow, good for you. I am definitely jealous.
Thanks for this video !! My cousin and I want to get the 550 2. Good tip for buying in bulk ! Will definitely be saving us $$ and hopefully it comes quick also
Awesome glad it could help. I was a little uncertain when purchasing mine, but I was very impressed. Keep me posted.
I’m in Kentucky and just ordered a TE-70RW and was afraid I was going to have to pay customs duty fees but apparently not.
Hey James, that is awesome. Let me know how you like the TE and how long it took to get it. I am in Western Kentucky and was amazed at how quick I got it. I almost got the new TE-62, but decided on the ST. I think the duty fees are wrapped up in the shipping cost through UPS.
Great video. Thanks for posting.
Did US customs or any other US or state government agency add import fees or sales taxes to the shipment?
Informative video! I'm in Ontario Canada and was looking to buy a harley benton sc400 p90 or a prs styled guitar. Did you have to pay customs?
That is a good question and it might be different in Canada, but it appears that all extra fees are included in the UPS shipping price. We will not have to pay the VAT fees in the States or Canada. All I paid was what was on the video. Thanks.
What fret moisturizer would you recommend?
I have the following kit and use the lemon oil in this kit for the frets. It works great. www.amazon.com/Cleaning-FOLLOWIN-Fingerboard-Lubricant-Microfiber/dp/B08WWTMCH8/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1W14510FIFCF6&keywords=guitar+polish&qid=1648253701&sprefix=guitar+polish%2Caps%2C121&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExSEpDWkRGRk1HNFc1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjQ1NTQ2MjZUNE5YSjM4S1NISCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODgyMjc1M0hHTFBET09XWkI1TiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Did they charge you tax or anything?
Good question. This was something that I was not certain of, but all the charges were wrapped into the shipping charge.
Also, you can buy the guitars from the US now through Reverb. They are more expensive, but they have free shipping, so it comes out about the same. Not sure about tax on Reverb. reverb.com/shop/harleybentonofficial