Man, I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on one of these higher end Harley Bentons. The steel frets and the roasted neck is a real selling point for me. Nice video as always!
Great review man! That’s a beauty and sounds fantastic! Thomann really struck gold with the HB line…really keeping the competition on their toes! If they get a BIG name endorsement…watch out! 🤙🏻🎸🎶
Shane. You did it to me again. I got mine a couple of weeks ago. My mind was blown ! Thanks mate. Oh, I have no problem locking the whammy on mine. The Allen key adjustment works for me.
Bought mine this month - 3 days delivery from Germany to UK. Awesome. The setup is second to none, the fretboard finishing absolutely spot on - and the quality of the parts - locking staggered tuners, TUSQ nut, Wilko trem, coil splits, roasted maple neck - incredible for a budget guitar. No issues at all.
I have one of these, a black one without the rosted neck. The split coil tones are excellent. The humbuckers are good too, although the neck pup can be a bit muddy in humbucking mode. It's very playable, and has become my goto guitar.
Nice Review Shane! I’ve had mine since February of this year and just Love it! Stays in tune all the time. Don’t use the Trem Bar much and don’t use the Single Coil Mode at all, I think it just sounds Great in Humbucker Mode! As you said the Neck is to die for and Beautiful to look at! Please keep up the Good Work and Cheers from Salem, Ohio US!!
Let me say that as a hobbyist luthier I reckon this is an amazing value with luxury appointments. I wouldn’t compromise on stainless steel frets and yeah, they got that. Even with the shipping price and customs fee to NZ I’m speechless. 😮
I read that the new higher end HB guitars are made at the Cort factory. The same place that makes the PRS SC series, Squire Classic Vibe series, and the top of the line Epiphones. I just got in two HB gutars, an SC Custom II, and an SC-450. They look flawless,
Just ordered the hardtail version of this. I'm in Michigan, ordered it late Tuesday night, and it's supposed to arrive on Friday. Because of shipping charges, I also tossed in their ST-62SB. Should be fun! Just have to finish wiring up my 68' Plexi Clone in the next few days. Premium components. Period correct Trannies, Mustards, carbon film and comp resistors etc. And the ever important quality old stock pre-amp tubes. Hoping for a better 2022 than 2021!
Great tone, even when split/single coil, better than other reviews of this guitar. Goes to show that a guitar will sound the best with certain amp, and Marshal is a beautiful fit for this guitar.
Yeah I was gonna say, ive seen other reviews of this particular guitar but everyone else seems to get a thin sound with it... okay it could be enhanced with better pick ups, but you could easily stick with the originals long as you find the right amp for it, as you say. People are too critical these days.
This is the best Harley Benton I have personally played and the best guitar at this price point so far! Let me know what you think. ►Get it on Thomann - bit.ly/3EZi4TJ (Worldwide) Video Chapters: 0:00 - About and Disclaimer 0:27 - Jam Track 2:24 - Guitar Overview & Specs 4:24 - Clean Tones 6:39 - Dirty Tones 9:07 - Tremolo Arm 9:39 - Final Thoughts and Review (affiliate link)
Great review straight to to point with all the important things! Looks like an amazing guitar, with a very similar finish to the Sire T7's, although these HB's are even more affordable...which is hard to believe! For the price you can't go wrong... maybe a pickup upgrade and one will have a top class totally giggable guitar... for probably a third of the cost of any of the famous brands!
I originally purchased the HB PRS copy and wasn't happy with the fit and finish, so I returned it and bought this guitar instead and WOW I was not disappointed. I swapped out the pups for some high output iron gear pickups and it's great. I recently played a £1000 fender tele with humbuckers and I can honestly say that I preferred the HB over the fender. It just feels great to play!!
If Fender made a model with similar specs; stainless steel frets, a roasted maple neck, and locking tuners it would be insanely priced. But it would be cool
I’ve been looking at both Guitars. The Harley Benton fusion telecaster and the Fender FMT. Having a hard time deciding which one to get. Leaning towards the HB. Any thoughts?
i bought one. lots of bang for the buck. i gig with it. if inexpensive guitars played that well 45 years ago i could've been a star. there's a screw so you can tighten the whammy bar. small allen screw on the collar.
Thank you so much for the detailed review really appreciated and you are absolutely spot on the neck, is really the one which I have no clue how HB manage to offer top quality parts with affordability!! People now a days are so lucky to have these options, and I know you understand me . May I ask what is your favourite electric guitar among your set please? Thank you
I have the double cut version of this. I bought it for $200 used! Great specs but the pickups is the weak point i would say. I'm gonna put gibson pickups and i think it will be great.
It's going to sound significantly better with those new pick-ups. My only question is: why not take that money you're going to apply towards the pickups, (plus the money you spent on that guitar) and put it towards a Gibson. Instead, you're still going to end up with a somewhat substandard guitar with great pickups. It's like when you see a Volkswagen beetle bug with a Rolls Royce grill. It's still a Volkswagen. But I understand why people do it. I'd trade the HB, use the extra money and get something you really want. What they do with these substandard guitars is have someone review it who accentuates the basic parts to make people believe they're getting something special when they're not. Then again, Gibson has offered such poor QC I can see why people shop for alternative brands.
@@duraidh7299 I totally understand. I didn't purchase my first guitar till later in life (when I had all my other bills out of the way). First I had to pay off my mortgage, then my school loans, and some other obligations. I've only been able to invest in nice guitars because I'm at a point in my life where I can afford to do it. Don't get me wrong, as much as I love Gibson guitars, I get really frustrated with the quality of the products they put out. And now they raised their prices. And now Fender is going to increase their prices January 1st. It's like anyting, if you want the better quality, you have to pay for it. But no matter how much you spend, nothing's perfect. I learned early on you have to love what you have. Otherwise you'll always want more and you'll never be satisfied with anything you own. The important thing is you're trying different combinations which will ultimately lead to the sound you want. You try one thing, if it doesn't work, you try something else until you find what you're looking for--till you achieve the sound you want.
@@lamontprospect9974 yes i agree and I'm saving for a Gibson Les Paul to buy in a couple of years. Buy even then you always need a cheaper but a good guitar to take on gigs where the Gibson can get stolen.
@@duraidh7299 You're definitely on the right track. You've got the passion and the desire. You will get there. As long as you've got the passion the desire, you could play a tennis racket and make it sound good.
Sweet! Roasted Canuck Maple. Love it. Sounds ace. The pickups don't sound bad, which is usually the compromise in these affordable guitars. Your playing just gets better and better - what's your secret, man? 😅
Nice review and great playing! Can you tell if the fingerboard edges are rolled at all or is it “sharp”? Also, did you notice any sharp fret ends? Thanks!
I still have mine. Sounds and plays fantastic. Only let it go for a vintage white classic vibe 50s. I'm a sucker for a strat. But these are insane value.
At $389US, you get plenty of guitar as well as premium upgrades with this Harley Benton Fusion. You get great tones from both the humbucker and single coils. Shane if you had to chose between the two, would you take the HB Fusion or your stock PRS SE? Great video as always! Cheers!🎸🎸🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
Ever since Harley Benton moved to Indonesia they have become the best budget guitar brand out there for lefties. The quality since they left China has grown leaps and bounds.
I think those pickups lack some punch and mids, especially when coil-splitted. But the guitar itself is well made with a lot of features for the price. Greetings!
I've got a green one. Eccellent guitar but obviously you can't use the same eq setting of humbuckers for single coils. Shame about the weight though. Great review too.
Hi, really good demo, thanks a lot! One question though: Can you bring the trem system all the way down to the top so that the guitar doesn't go out of tune when bending or breaking a string?
Looks like a nice guitar and the price is very good, but not quite so good if you are in Australia. Shipping from Thomann in Germany is pricey, AUD$184 via UPS Express, (the only option they offer). Add that to the price of AUD$555 and you're at AUD$739. You may also get hit with 10%GST on the total value incl. shipping.
Hi Shane, good review, I have the same guitar with the ebony fretboard and it is one of my favorite, only issue the knobs do not lock and may come loose! I will need to replace them like on the one you have reviewed, ciao M
I'd like to see a side-by-side comparison of this and the Eart HH Tele. The Harley Benton's cheaper but it's about the same with shipping. Eart's ship free.
Good on Thomann sending this, and making lefties for all the wrong handed players... (joking!) The tuners are great, but it is the combination with a great nut that they work as well as the should. Fusion series is very nice step up. Value for money.
i replaced all electronics on my "sparkle-tele" and "sparkle-caster" (never been a sparkle kinda guy but for some reason, HAD to have one and now both) both have GFS EVH pickups. Both str*t and T*le rock like hell! Interestingly, the tel* style, in single coil mode (I split all coils so I can pick and choose lower or upper coil also) For $100USD invested for all new electronics.. WOW!!! The Te*e with single coils SOUNDS like an actual tel*! yet she can rock out 80's and 90's like crazy with the boosted mid range. Str*t sounds different with the same pickups.. friggin loving my 'stupid' sparkle guitars! I've yet to play the AM Tel* again and the AM Str*t well, I do play when I want a true blue single coil, low power pickup such as a M*rshall on "11" AKA JIMI or slow blues on the Fe*der deluxe 2x12. Either are great all around instruments and though I don't play much metal, EVH pickups CAN shred with an EQ.. CHeers!
Looks like a great guitar. I'd prefer the strat shaped version of this guitar, but this is pretty much a Tele in body outline only, so not too sure what the difference would be besides a longer top horn. I nearly ordered one a couple of years ago.
I got the fusion III s type with the black finish. Amazing guitar, the humbuckers are so nice. My only complaint is I don't like that semi unfinished neck.
I just gave up learning electric and sold my prs se 24 custom due to by insufficient time and hostel space in my college, but if I am picking it up again, I can be quite certain that I would get a Harley Benton this time round, maybe this is the one to go
Ive had a squier affinity tele for about 10 years. Ive decided for an upgrade on price and tone. This Harley Benton in black caught my eye. However the only off putting thing is the 9v battery requirement. I dont want to have to depend on having a fully charged 9v every couple of months and a screwdriver on me. Sounds like a very small problem but a problem for me nonetheless. I like the idea of having a guitar without battery requirements. Is having a 9v battery a requirement for these pickups to actually let the guitar make sound? Or can i play without the 9v with little less tone control? Is there anything i can do to combat having a 9v like changing the pickups? What non 9v pickups would you recommend that would create a similar tone to what would've been done with the 9v Battery pickup? Im not a guitar geek. I love guitar but have absolutely zero knowledge on pickups and tone. All i know is that i Like a moderate to bright tone which i can edit on my amp and mixing on DAW. Cheers
This does not have active pickups, so no batteries required. That being said, the consensus from most reviews of this model is that these guitars would benefit from a pickup upgrade. I upgrade the pups in just about every “budget” guitar I own, and will be doing the same with this model. So if you really love the black, I would highly suggest getting that one and swapping the pups to passive pups, that way no battery required and you can drop world class pups that fit your taste, and still be better than a mexi tele, for that matter it would be better than an american if you nail your pickup selection. May I suggest Planet Tone pickups, they are boutique pups for usually less than Seymour Duncans’ offerings. They have an array of pup selections, magnets, and almost each pup is customizable (though you can start to get into Seymour Duncan pricing if you go for all the bells and whistles: metal covers, 4 wire wiring-which you will need to access the coil splitting capabilities of this guitar, but you are very limited on the customization of Seymour Duncans and the likes for the same money). They have a lot of youtube demo videos on each page for the respective pups, not the 20-30 second sound clips you get from a lot of big brand pup makers. Sorry for the length of the reply, but I wanted to get you all the info so you can find the best products for your needs. Hopefully this reply isn’t too late, but the info could be helpful for future purchases too. I never let a stock pickup get in my way from getting a good deal on an axe I want. Even with a pup swap it is still a good bit less expensive than a $1000+ guitar that still wouldn’t have half the features this guitar does!
As far as pickup type may I suggest alnico IV or 8, I am not a fan of ceramic pups myself, but your looking for high output if you want something comparative to a active pup. The Planet tone Poundcake in the bridge with their 78 Pasadena model in the neck might be up your alley. I suggest checking out all their full throttle, aggressor and defiance models too. All of those save for the Defiance model have youtube sound demos on the page for the respective pups. Seymour Duncan has the Parallel Axis Blues Saraceno trembucker with the regular Parallel Axis neck humbucker that might get you where your looking to be.
Sorry realized I had a typo: I meant Alnico 5 (not IV) & 8 - if your looking for high output that would be more similar to an active pickup. Just some pup/magnet info for you: alnico 2 is going to be the typical PAF style pup - lots of sustain, think classic low output Les Paul humbuckers. I have my eyes set on the MHS3 from planet tone pickups for my Fusion T, this has a naturally twangy and chimey tone when clean or less driven which I think will be perfect to still have some of the Tele characteristics in a HH Tele setup. My favorite pickup magnet is the Alnico 4, I have the Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special pups in an iced tea les paul and it has just an amazing smooth tone, so I went and got the Road Pro IV from planet tone which has higher output than the S.D. - S.N.S. pups, but still Alnico 4 magnets. Those are for a future guitar purchase. Then I have two guitars with Alnico 5 pups, one being a Jimmy Page homage Les Paul I did with Seymour Duncan’s Whole Lotta Humbucker set & the Black Dog wiring kit from Gunstreet Wiring. The other is a Schecter Solo II Custom that came with Pasadena in the neck and Pasadena Plus in the bridge - both Schecter pickups, not the Planet Tones. I find both of these sets to be the Brightest of all. Oh and I just recently got an Eastman 59SB, that came stock with Seymour Duncan ‘59 model pups, even though they’re called 59s which would lead one to think they are Alnico 2 like a true PAF is, it actually has Alnico 5 magnets, those are amazing, but the whole package of that guitar is too, so I think some of that might have to be a part of it: one piece mahogany body, and a real flame maple cap - not a veneer, and of course pots, wires, caps are all on par with Gibson. The Road Pro IV we’re supposed to be for that guitar, but after playing it they are to good to pull out. I don’t have any Alnico 8 pups, they seem most targeted for metal guitarists, and I have an EVH Wolfgang Special with super high output Alnico 2s and that with a Floyd Rose gets me as metal as I rarely need. I think the style of music you play or want that particular axe for should help guide you to what type of pickup you want. I’ve got 19 guitars with Alnico 2, soon to be 3, 4 & 5 magnets, and I love all of them for different reasons, and styles/genres of music I have them setup for. When I’m looking for a new pickup I do my research, and what I need the pickup for genre-wise is my guide, and I have yet to be disappointed.
I'm still sulking over the fact Thomann do not have a Fusion III HSS (with that sexy Daphne Blue satin) for us lefties. ps. I do realize they have a better than average offering for left-handed guitarists, especially at the price point they offer their products at.
@@forkless they are doing a few new models when I spoke to them and they are trying to do every HB model in left handed. It was after I bought the cheap HB TE-20 HH BLK as a modding platform. Awesome guitar and with iron gear humbuckers and push pull it's an amazing guitar!
Lefty here in the same boat, just want something in the higher end with Teslas, GOTOH components. Currently I am between SC-Custom II (left only in black and made in Vietnam opposed to right hand versions in Indonesia with better QC) or CST24 (color choice is ok but muddy pick-ups). SC Custom has Roswells LAFs, ABS nut, standard frets etc at 269euro; while the GOTOH right hand only version with Teslas PUs, better hardware, color choice and stainless frets is only 20eu more. Hard to complain as they do have above average lefty selection but come on...
@@xXNickerXx they are producing a number of new left handed models in different colours that will come out this year Inc the te-62 and a ST model also. To be honest the Roswell's on the fusion models are to my ear far superior to the Tesla pickups. My favourite so far in my collection is the DC junior p90
Not sure if IYV makes lefties but they the do make the Harley Benton.... should check out the IYV IP300 &IP350... A Korean co. That manufactures in Vietnam
Harley Benton make some great gear....they really do. That's a great looking and sounding instrument. If only shipping was a bit more realistic....sigh!!
Harley Benton is really making some nice looking guitars in the range between 200 and 400 €. Yes, you might get better looking ones but usually with a much higher price tag on it. Also the specs are pretty cool for that price. And even if you have to spend a couple of € on new electronics, if you really feel the need for something better, it is still a solid platform to start from. I am just not sure which one I like more that t-type on the s-type with the HSH. And the video isn't really making the decision easier.
@@DMSProduktions because there is also this other t-type that looks kinda cool and comes in two different flavors. Then there are these two really cute Gibson-style guitars... that's the thing with those less expensive guitars. One is just 200, five are already 1000...
I got one, but unfortunately the Quality Control was VERY bad on mine. It has tooling marks / scratches on the body and the neck, the neck profile down near where it bolts to the body is wrong (the neck profile gets thinner, where it should get thicker! - too much wood sanded away, maybe to remove a factory blemish before painting???) As a result the neck feels really strange in the hand above the 12th fret... One of the pickups was even screwed in crooked. Also the input jack was loose and the jack nut was floating around loose in the box. The guitar sounds amazing, but mine has too many cosmetic and build issues unfortunately. Maybe mine would pass as a B grade, probably a C grade TBH. Also, the support from Thomann was absolutely terrible - they were no help at all, so "buyer beware", especially if you live overseas!!!! (I wish I got one as nice as yours Shane!)
So true. I had a $800 Fender Tele and it sounded like crap! I keep hearing that Sire are cheap, but they aren't but gud value. I just hate glossy necks and want split coil ability. Deciding between Schecter PT (looks better but more $) and this HB-love the chrome PU, SS frets, roasted neck and satin, and the low $377 price!
It's a impressive spec sheet and I wonder if they will start putting the new Tesla opus pickups into this model in the future. I'm even considering selling my Mexican Fender Telecaster for the model and at £330 I think it's a great deal for us southpaw players. And have some change left over for the Harley Benton celestion 1x12 cab I've got my eye on!
The single coil mode sounds much more closer to a strat than a tele to my ears. Of course it's not a tele but being the shape it is, it would have been nice if it somewhat sounded like one. Definitely nice instrument though.
If fender wasn’t stuck in the past this is what the tele would have become. But they would have charged $500 for each belly cut neck joint shape and upper fret access relief body shaping.
![OhGeesy x Lefty Gunplay - What It Iz [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L0yzW9t2ixk/mqdefault.jpg)
Has to be a great feeling finding a guitar you really like that's Left-Handed!
Man, I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on one of these higher end Harley Bentons. The steel frets and the roasted neck is a real selling point for me. Nice video as always!
Wow! That’s an impressive and surprisingly versatile T-style guitar; especially for the price. Great playing as always, Shane!
Great review man! That’s a beauty and sounds fantastic! Thomann really struck gold with the HB line…really keeping the competition on their toes! If they get a BIG name endorsement…watch out! 🤙🏻🎸🎶
If the top end HB guitars keep selling, the price will double soon.
Shane. You did it to me again. I got mine a couple of weeks ago. My mind was blown ! Thanks mate. Oh, I have no problem locking the whammy on mine. The Allen key adjustment works for me.
Definitely looking at for my first nice guitar, do you have any recommendations to get sounds like what he had w/ OD
Bought mine this month - 3 days delivery from Germany to UK. Awesome. The setup is second to none, the fretboard finishing absolutely spot on - and the quality of the parts - locking staggered tuners, TUSQ nut, Wilko trem, coil splits, roasted maple neck - incredible for a budget guitar. No issues at all.
Well, you got lucky, mine was garbage and Customer Service was a joke.
@@davidschultz5209 Mind explaining what happened ? Thanks
I have one of these, a black one without the rosted neck. The split coil tones are excellent. The humbuckers are good too, although the neck pup can be a bit muddy in humbucking mode. It's very playable, and has become my goto guitar.
Nice Review Shane! I’ve had mine since February of this year and just Love it! Stays in tune all the time. Don’t use the Trem Bar much and don’t use the Single Coil Mode at all, I think it just sounds Great in Humbucker Mode! As you said the Neck is to die for and Beautiful to look at! Please keep up the Good Work and Cheers from Salem, Ohio US!!
Let me say that as a hobbyist luthier I reckon this is an amazing value with luxury appointments. I wouldn’t compromise on stainless steel frets and yeah, they got that. Even with the shipping price and customs fee to NZ I’m speechless. 😮
These Fusion roasted maple necks are amazing! I have had the Fusion HH in a S Type guitar for about a year and a half now...LOVE that neck and guitar!
I read that the new higher end HB guitars are made at the Cort factory. The same place that makes the PRS SC series, Squire Classic Vibe series, and the top of the line Epiphones. I just got in two HB gutars, an SC Custom II, and an SC-450. They look flawless,
Wow, what a nice guitar! Great review man! Might get one of these in the near future… thanks a lot!
Just ordered the hardtail version of this. I'm in Michigan, ordered it late Tuesday night, and it's supposed to arrive on Friday.
Because of shipping charges, I also tossed in their ST-62SB.
Should be fun! Just have to finish wiring up my 68' Plexi Clone in the next few days. Premium components. Period correct Trannies, Mustards, carbon film and comp resistors etc. And the ever important quality old stock pre-amp tubes.
Hoping for a better 2022 than 2021!
Great tone, even when split/single coil, better than other reviews of this guitar. Goes to show that a guitar will sound the best with certain amp, and Marshal is a beautiful fit for this guitar.
Yeah I was gonna say, ive seen other reviews of this particular guitar but everyone else seems to get a thin sound with it... okay it could be enhanced with better pick ups, but you could easily stick with the originals long as you find the right amp for it, as you say. People are too critical these days.
absolutely. so many complain about the pickups.
This is the best Harley Benton I have personally played and the best guitar at this price point so far! Let me know what you think. ►Get it on Thomann - bit.ly/3EZi4TJ (Worldwide)
Video Chapters:
0:00 - About and Disclaimer
0:27 - Jam Track
2:24 - Guitar Overview & Specs
4:24 - Clean Tones
6:39 - Dirty Tones
9:07 - Tremolo Arm
9:39 - Final Thoughts and Review
(affiliate link)
Great video my friend. You sounded great on the intro jam.
@@drivenmad7676 Thanks, Phlip. I wrote a bit of a weird disco track for this one haha. :)
I think these are made at the Cort factory. A big step up for HB.
Fusion T or S??
The tremolo arm does come with an allen key. Just tighten it at the position you like
very good trem
Thanks! watching that tremolo arm swing constantly was killin' me
@@Pinkpalmpuff332 make sure NOT to loose it. Nearly happend to me while working on the perfect set up for me (loose).
Looks and sounds like a nice guitar but my god do I hate when companies name their guitar models a random set of letters and numbers
Thanks for this. I am deciding between this Tee version or the Black one. Finally, I bought the black version.
Great review straight to to point with all the important things! Looks like an amazing guitar, with a very similar finish to the Sire T7's, although these HB's are even more affordable...which is hard to believe! For the price you can't go wrong... maybe a pickup upgrade and one will have a top class totally giggable guitar... for probably a third of the cost of any of the famous brands!
I originally purchased the HB PRS copy and wasn't happy with the fit and finish, so I returned it and bought this guitar instead and WOW I was not disappointed. I swapped out the pups for some high output iron gear pickups and it's great. I recently played a £1000 fender tele with humbuckers and I can honestly say that I preferred the HB over the fender. It just feels great to play!!
Glad you liked it, such a great guitar.
If I may -- what's the name of the exact iron gear high out pickup (tesla or the blues engine?)
@@eugene2573 hot slag and blues engine combo
That neck looks amazing! I would consider buying one of these just for the neck alone.
Looks LIKE it's just been oiled or waxed, & only the front has been glossed over!
For some reason I keep expecting Harley Bentons to be somewhat disappointing but man... + what a fantastic video, top notch
This looks to be a copy of the Fender FMT telecaster, which I have one of. I won’t be selling mine, but this looks and sound like a great guitar!
If Fender made a model with similar specs; stainless steel frets, a roasted maple neck, and locking tuners it would be insanely priced. But it would be cool
Looks like a T version of that Guthrie Govan sig that Charvel made
@@Cookie4yabro if it's Mexican made it won't be, but otherwise it definitely would, sad
I’ve been looking at both Guitars. The Harley Benton fusion telecaster and the Fender FMT. Having a hard time deciding which one to get. Leaning towards the HB. Any thoughts?
@@zamedoeswtever5267 Yes it would. Fender Mexican Strats are $700+, if they made guitar like this bro, it would be like $999.99.
i bought one. lots of bang for the buck. i gig with it. if inexpensive guitars played that well 45 years ago i could've been a star. there's a screw so you can tighten the whammy bar. small allen screw on the collar.
nice looking and sounding guitar, the Fusion range seems to be where its at. You get alot more for a few more dollars.
I own the green version without flamed neck - and the guitar is fantastic! Greets from Germany.
Thank you so much for the detailed review really appreciated and you are absolutely spot on the neck, is really the one which I have no clue how HB manage to offer top quality parts with affordability!! People now a days are so lucky to have these options, and I know you understand me . May I ask what is your favourite electric guitar among your set please? Thank you
Now that is something I could get behind! Looks like they’re getting into the Charvel market!
I think the Fusion line was launched 3 years ago.
I have the double cut version of this. I bought it for $200 used! Great specs but the pickups is the weak point i would say. I'm gonna put gibson pickups and i think it will be great.
It's going to sound significantly better with those new pick-ups. My only question is: why not take that money you're going to apply towards the pickups, (plus the money you spent on that guitar) and put it towards a Gibson. Instead, you're still going to end up with a somewhat substandard guitar with great pickups.
It's like when you see a Volkswagen beetle bug with a Rolls Royce grill. It's still a Volkswagen.
But I understand why people do it. I'd trade the HB, use the extra money and get something you really want. What they do with these substandard guitars is have someone review it who accentuates the basic parts to make people believe they're getting something special when they're not.
Then again, Gibson has offered such poor QC I can see why people shop for alternative brands.
@@lamontprospect9974 the gibson pickups are from my broken Gibson that i have since 1990s. Plus Gibsons cost way more than $200
@@duraidh7299
I totally understand. I didn't purchase my first guitar till later in life (when I had all my other bills out of the way). First I had to pay off my mortgage, then my school loans, and some other obligations.
I've only been able to invest in nice guitars because I'm at a point in my life where I can afford to do it.
Don't get me wrong, as much as I love Gibson guitars, I get really frustrated with the quality of the products they put out. And now they raised their prices. And now Fender is going to increase their prices January 1st.
It's like anyting, if you want the better quality, you have to pay for it. But no matter how much you spend, nothing's perfect. I learned early on you have to love what you have. Otherwise you'll always want more and you'll never be satisfied with anything you own.
The important thing is you're trying different combinations which will ultimately lead to the sound you want. You try one thing, if it doesn't work, you try something else until you find what you're looking for--till you achieve the sound you want.
@@lamontprospect9974 yes i agree and I'm saving for a Gibson Les Paul to buy in a couple of years. Buy even then you always need a cheaper but a good guitar to take on gigs where the Gibson can get stolen.
@@duraidh7299
You're definitely on the right track. You've got the passion and the desire. You will get there. As long as you've got the passion the desire, you could play a tennis racket and make it sound good.
Sounds great. Looks great. Priced great. Lovin' the roasted maple. And hats off to a lefty champion!
Awesome job on the demo & sound samples shane.
You make every guitar sound great. Excellent review
Sweet! Roasted Canuck Maple. Love it.
Sounds ace. The pickups don't sound bad, which is usually the compromise in these affordable guitars.
Your playing just gets better and better - what's your secret, man? 😅
Nice review and great playing! Can you tell if the fingerboard edges are rolled at all or is it “sharp”? Also, did you notice any sharp fret ends? Thanks!
The fret edges are not sharp at all. I am not sure if they were rolled either, but there is no issues with the finish on them.
Nice review ! Great guitar for the money. Blues On....💙
I don't know how Harley Benton can produce such high quality guitars at very affordable prices.
They only sell on their website so they cut out the middle man 😉
Love the colour of the maple neck. Superb looking guitar.
What the hell is wrong with me!? I've watched your videos on and off for years, yet it took until today to realize you're a fellow southpaw!
I still have mine. Sounds and plays fantastic. Only let it go for a vintage white classic vibe 50s. I'm a sucker for a strat. But these are insane value.
At $389US, you get plenty of guitar as well as premium upgrades with this Harley Benton Fusion. You get great tones from both the humbucker and single coils. Shane if you had to chose between the two, would you take the HB Fusion or your stock PRS SE? Great video as always! Cheers!🎸🎸🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
Ever since Harley Benton moved to Indonesia they have become the best budget guitar brand out there for lefties. The quality since they left China has grown leaps and bounds.
I think those pickups lack some punch and mids, especially when coil-splitted. But the guitar itself is well made with a lot of features for the price. Greetings!
I've got a green one. Eccellent guitar but obviously you can't use the same eq setting of humbuckers for single coils. Shame about the weight though. Great review too.
Lovely-looking instrument. Those split coil sounds are mighty convincing, especially with a bit of dirt.
Always enjoy your vids. Cool guitar
Today I started thinking about buying this guitar (also lefty model) so that must be a sign. Thanks mate
Hi, really good demo, thanks a lot! One question though: Can you bring the trem system all the way down to the top so that the guitar doesn't go out of tune when bending or breaking a string?
Shane you should cut an album of you playing over your backing tracks, your playing sound so good
Just ordered this one in black. Prefere the color. Some people complain big time about the pickups. But this sounds good to me.....
This guitar sounds and plays great. You will dig it.
@@intheblues agree. not 100% sure about the pickups yet...you changed them? Thanks. Guitar itself is perfect. Very well made.
Looking to get this or the fusion strat.
Both sound same to you?
I don’t need 24 frets and generally a Tele guy.
Looks like a nice guitar and the price is very good, but not quite so good if you are in Australia. Shipping from Thomann in Germany is pricey, AUD$184 via UPS Express, (the only option they offer). Add that to the price of AUD$555 and you're at AUD$739. You may also get hit with 10%GST on the total value incl. shipping.
Hi Shane, good review, I have the same guitar with the ebony fretboard and it is one of my favorite, only issue the knobs do not lock and may come loose! I will need to replace them like on the one you have reviewed, ciao M
Cool review Shane love this for the price
Great video ! Can you tell me the dimensions of the neck ? Thickness in the first fret and 12th ??? Thanks in advance !
Does the tremolo arm have an adjustment to keep it in place and hand-ready? Looks very loose.
John Robson also reviewed this and was mightily impressed.
That neck is beautiful just look at all the flame in it !
I'd like to see a side-by-side comparison of this and the Eart HH Tele. The Harley Benton's cheaper but it's about the same with shipping. Eart's ship free.
Good on Thomann sending this, and making lefties for all the wrong handed players... (joking!)
The tuners are great, but it is the combination with a great nut that they work as well as the should. Fusion series is very nice step up. Value for money.
Hey Shane how long did it take to get from Germany to here in Aus?Do you think this guitar is still good value if you add on the cost of shipping?
Yes. Even after those costs this is a far better guitar than most of the classic vibe guitars. The neck on this is exceptional.
Il top e' legno vero oppure finto ? Bellissima recensione
I've seen this guitar on the Thomann website. Can't say I was much impressed until I heard this opening jam. Wanna trade, Shane?
i replaced all electronics on my "sparkle-tele" and "sparkle-caster" (never been a sparkle kinda guy but for some reason, HAD to have one and now both) both have GFS EVH pickups. Both str*t and T*le rock like hell! Interestingly, the tel* style, in single coil mode (I split all coils so I can pick and choose lower or upper coil also) For $100USD invested for all new electronics.. WOW!!! The Te*e with single coils SOUNDS like an actual tel*! yet she can rock out 80's and 90's like crazy with the boosted mid range. Str*t sounds different with the same pickups.. friggin loving my 'stupid' sparkle guitars! I've yet to play the AM Tel* again and the AM Str*t well, I do play when I want a true blue single coil, low power pickup such as a M*rshall on "11" AKA JIMI or slow blues on the Fe*der deluxe 2x12. Either are great all around instruments and though I don't play much metal, EVH pickups CAN shred with an EQ.. CHeers!
Harley Benton! Harley Benton! Harley Benton! (I'm a HB owner). And they make this model for lefties too!!!!
Looks like a great guitar. I'd prefer the strat shaped version of this guitar, but this is pretty much a Tele in body outline only, so not too sure what the difference would be besides a longer top horn. I nearly ordered one a couple of years ago.
Shipping costs keep putting me off $183au. The ARTIST APRICUS6 VINTAGE SUNBURST seems like a great alternative at $449 delivered..👍🇦🇺
I got the fusion III s type with the black finish. Amazing guitar, the humbuckers are so nice. My only complaint is I don't like that semi unfinished neck.
I just gave up learning electric and sold my prs se 24 custom due to by insufficient time and hostel space in my college, but if I am picking it up again, I can be quite certain that I would get a Harley Benton this time round, maybe this is the one to go
How much does this guitar weight?
locking tuners ? wilkinson bridge ? as long as the nut is ok and you like the pickups you are set with this guitar
Just wow. What a sweet guitar for the price!
Ive had a squier affinity tele for about 10 years. Ive decided for an upgrade on price and tone.
This Harley Benton in black caught my eye. However the only off putting thing is the 9v battery requirement. I dont want to have to depend on having a fully charged 9v every couple of months and a screwdriver on me. Sounds like a very small problem but a problem for me nonetheless. I like the idea of having a guitar without battery requirements.
Is having a 9v battery a requirement for these pickups to actually let the guitar make sound? Or can i play without the 9v with little less tone control?
Is there anything i can do to combat having a 9v like changing the pickups?
What non 9v pickups would you recommend that would create a similar tone to what would've been done with the 9v Battery pickup?
Im not a guitar geek. I love guitar but have absolutely zero knowledge on pickups and tone. All i know is that i Like a moderate to bright tone which i can edit on my amp and mixing on DAW.
Cheers
This does not have active pickups, so no batteries required. That being said, the consensus from most reviews of this model is that these guitars would benefit from a pickup upgrade. I upgrade the pups in just about every “budget” guitar I own, and will be doing the same with this model. So if you really love the black, I would highly suggest getting that one and swapping the pups to passive pups, that way no battery required and you can drop world class pups that fit your taste, and still be better than a mexi tele, for that matter it would be better than an american if you nail your pickup selection. May I suggest Planet Tone pickups, they are boutique pups for usually less than Seymour Duncans’ offerings. They have an array of pup selections, magnets, and almost each pup is customizable (though you can start to get into Seymour Duncan pricing if you go for all the bells and whistles: metal covers, 4 wire wiring-which you will need to access the coil splitting capabilities of this guitar, but you are very limited on the customization of Seymour Duncans and the likes for the same money). They have a lot of youtube demo videos on each page for the respective pups, not the 20-30 second sound clips you get from a lot of big brand pup makers. Sorry for the length of the reply, but I wanted to get you all the info so you can find the best products for your needs. Hopefully this reply isn’t too late, but the info could be helpful for future purchases too. I never let a stock pickup get in my way from getting a good deal on an axe I want. Even with a pup swap it is still a good bit less expensive than a $1000+ guitar that still wouldn’t have half the features this guitar does!
As far as pickup type may I suggest alnico IV or 8, I am not a fan of ceramic pups myself, but your looking for high output if you want something comparative to a active pup. The Planet tone Poundcake in the bridge with their 78 Pasadena model in the neck might be up your alley. I suggest checking out all their full throttle, aggressor and defiance models too. All of those save for the Defiance model have youtube sound demos on the page for the respective pups. Seymour Duncan has the Parallel Axis Blues Saraceno trembucker with the regular Parallel Axis neck humbucker that might get you where your looking to be.
Sorry realized I had a typo: I meant Alnico 5 (not IV) & 8 - if your looking for high output that would be more similar to an active pickup. Just some pup/magnet info for you: alnico 2 is going to be the typical PAF style pup - lots of sustain, think classic low output Les Paul humbuckers. I have my eyes set on the MHS3 from planet tone pickups for my Fusion T, this has a naturally twangy and chimey tone when clean or less driven which I think will be perfect to still have some of the Tele characteristics in a HH Tele setup. My favorite pickup magnet is the Alnico 4, I have the Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special pups in an iced tea les paul and it has just an amazing smooth tone, so I went and got the Road Pro IV from planet tone which has higher output than the S.D. - S.N.S. pups, but still Alnico 4 magnets. Those are for a future guitar purchase. Then I have two guitars with Alnico 5 pups, one being a Jimmy Page homage Les Paul I did with Seymour Duncan’s Whole Lotta Humbucker set & the Black Dog wiring kit from Gunstreet Wiring. The other is a Schecter Solo II Custom that came with Pasadena in the neck and Pasadena Plus in the bridge - both Schecter pickups, not the Planet Tones. I find both of these sets to be the Brightest of all. Oh and I just recently got an Eastman 59SB, that came stock with Seymour Duncan ‘59 model pups, even though they’re called 59s which would lead one to think they are Alnico 2 like a true PAF is, it actually has Alnico 5 magnets, those are amazing, but the whole package of that guitar is too, so I think some of that might have to be a part of it: one piece mahogany body, and a real flame maple cap - not a veneer, and of course pots, wires, caps are all on par with Gibson. The Road Pro IV we’re supposed to be for that guitar, but after playing it they are to good to pull out. I don’t have any Alnico 8 pups, they seem most targeted for metal guitarists, and I have an EVH Wolfgang Special with super high output Alnico 2s and that with a Floyd Rose gets me as metal as I rarely need. I think the style of music you play or want that particular axe for should help guide you to what type of pickup you want. I’ve got 19 guitars with Alnico 2, soon to be 3, 4 & 5 magnets, and I love all of them for different reasons, and styles/genres of music I have them setup for. When I’m looking for a new pickup I do my research, and what I need the pickup for genre-wise is my guide, and I have yet to be disappointed.
That guitar is stunning!! 👍
Great sounds good push pull system, seems good overall. 👍 but to me isn't shipping from Thomann to the US a bit of a hassel?
I'm still sulking over the fact Thomann do not have a Fusion III HSS (with that sexy Daphne Blue satin) for us lefties.
ps. I do realize they have a better than average offering for left-handed guitarists, especially at the price point they offer their products at.
I emailed them an they are in the works to make the fusion 3. So good news for us lefty's
@@stu-j That's awesome. Thanks for the heads up!
@@forkless they are doing a few new models when I spoke to them and they are trying to do every HB model in left handed. It was after I bought the cheap HB TE-20 HH BLK as a modding platform. Awesome guitar and with iron gear humbuckers and push pull it's an amazing guitar!
Lefty here in the same boat, just want something in the higher end with Teslas, GOTOH components. Currently I am between SC-Custom II (left only in black and made in Vietnam opposed to right hand versions in Indonesia with better QC) or CST24 (color choice is ok but muddy pick-ups). SC Custom has Roswells LAFs, ABS nut, standard frets etc at 269euro; while the GOTOH right hand only version with Teslas PUs, better hardware, color choice and stainless frets is only 20eu more. Hard to complain as they do have above average lefty selection but come on...
@@xXNickerXx they are producing a number of new left handed models in different colours that will come out this year Inc the te-62 and a ST model also. To be honest the Roswell's on the fusion models are to my ear far superior to the Tesla pickups. My favourite so far in my collection is the DC junior p90
Not sure if IYV makes lefties but they the do make the Harley Benton.... should check out the IYV IP300 &IP350... A Korean co. That manufactures in Vietnam
Very interesting, versatile, good sounding and good looking guitar.
Wow, really good looking, and sounding guit for sure! I'll find out how much it is in Canada.
Very nice. The wheel style truss rod at the heel too. I do prefer a chunky Tele neck though.
Awesome sounding guitar that is versatile. But the split coil tones , you can really hear the difference
Shane do they pack them well...? I am in NZ just wondering about damage in transit etc?
Yes. The guitars come in their own box inside a larger box.
@@intheblues ok may get a Harley then.
Shane, I’m always hoping you’ll plug in to the peavey bandit for one of these demos!
I sold that amp years ago sorry.
Harley Benton make some great gear....they really do. That's a great looking and sounding instrument. If only shipping was a bit more realistic....sigh!!
It cost me $60 to have two guitars sent to me in Texas. It's not that bad.
Nice tones!!
I foresee a loss in sales for Charvel. The HSS Strat -style ones are great also. Shane knows how to pick them!
Looks and sounds amazing.
Harley Benton is really making some nice looking guitars in the range between 200 and 400 €. Yes, you might get better looking ones but usually with a much higher price tag on it. Also the specs are pretty cool for that price. And even if you have to spend a couple of € on new electronics, if you really feel the need for something better, it is still a solid platform to start from. I am just not sure which one I like more that t-type on the s-type with the HSH. And the video isn't really making the decision easier.
To quote the little Mexican girl:Why not have BOTH?
@@DMSProduktions because there is also this other t-type that looks kinda cool and comes in two different flavors. Then there are these two really cute Gibson-style guitars... that's the thing with those less expensive guitars. One is just 200, five are already 1000...
@@dr.s. True. But you ARE getting a LOT of guitar for that money!
My comment WAS meant to be sarcastic/rhetorical!
@@DMSProduktions I thought so, mine wasn't to be taken too serious. 😉
@@dr.s. Heh! Birds of a feather...
is the fretboard painted?
I got one, but unfortunately the Quality Control was VERY bad on mine. It has tooling marks / scratches on the body and the neck, the neck profile down near where it bolts to the body is wrong (the neck profile gets thinner, where it should get thicker! - too much wood sanded away, maybe to remove a factory blemish before painting???) As a result the neck feels really strange in the hand above the 12th fret... One of the pickups was even screwed in crooked. Also the input jack was loose and the jack nut was floating around loose in the box. The guitar sounds amazing, but mine has too many cosmetic and build issues unfortunately. Maybe mine would pass as a B grade, probably a C grade TBH. Also, the support from Thomann was absolutely terrible - they were no help at all, so "buyer beware", especially if you live overseas!!!! (I wish I got one as nice as yours Shane!)
So true. I had a $800 Fender Tele and it sounded like crap! I keep hearing that Sire are cheap, but they aren't but gud value. I just hate glossy necks and want split coil ability. Deciding between Schecter PT (looks better but more $) and this HB-love the chrome PU, SS frets, roasted neck and satin, and the low $377 price!
Wow really impressed
I would buy one today if it would somehow make me play more like you, Shane.
Agreed!🤷♂️
Hey Shane, i was wondering if you also will review the Pelham Blue Harley Benton standing behind you in this video?
Hi mate, I'll be filming the blue guitar this week. :) Stay tuned for that one.
@@intheblues Excellent, will be waiting for it :)
It's a impressive spec sheet and I wonder if they will start putting the new Tesla opus pickups into this model in the future. I'm even considering selling my Mexican Fender Telecaster for the model and at £330 I think it's a great deal for us southpaw players. And have some change left over for the Harley Benton celestion 1x12 cab I've got my eye on!
I bought this guitar in left-handed black and I change the Alnaco five Magnets to Alnaco 2 sounds much better
I like the HB fusions but with their price, shipping to Canada and import duties and taxes, it is not a good deal for here. To bad so 😥😔😟
The single coil mode sounds much more closer to a strat than a tele to my ears. Of course it's not a tele but being the shape it is, it would have been nice if it somewhat sounded like one. Definitely nice instrument though.
I wish it was available in more color finishes
If they put the Tesla PUs from the SC550ii in this it would be near perfect. The Roswells are a bit muddy.
This one or artist tc59?
How is the Harley Benton HHT
If fender wasn’t stuck in the past this is what the tele would have become. But they would have charged $500 for each belly cut neck joint shape and upper fret access relief body shaping.