This is a great truth for new guitarists to hear. You don't need expensive gear to sound and play great. Hopefully it will help a lot of new players and seasoned players save money.
After moving home from central London to the North Essex coastline, at the age of 65, I am going to spend my time learning Guitar, something I promised myself when I get older, I have a few health issues and use a Wheelchair to get about, but I love live music, so hopefully get to see a bucket list of who to see, but as I am nearer Ipswich than London now, I'll have to travel back. I'm at the 💯 Club to see The Answer this month and May 4th to see Duran Duran at the o2 Greenwich..... The wise old fox called Zal Cleminson told me to plug in and enjoy the ride, if you are playing anywhere near me, I'll try to get to see you, a I managed to tick Fleetwood Mac off my list on the last tour of all 5 original members before Lindsey left. All the best Scott, keep on rocking mate 👍🏼🎸🎸🎸🙏🤘🏻
@Ronald Glen Bayfield OK, Ronald, keep rocking. A slight quibble is that the original Fleetwood Mac members were, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and John Spencer. Add in Danny Kirwan slightly later and you have the legendary line-up.
I remember complaining about a crappy instrument and one of my real musician mates coming over, grabbing it and playing a few songs, and it sounding spot on. He said it sounds good to me. never complained again about how I could be better if I had a better guitar.
I love how you are showing people that music is for the ears not the eyes. Everyone has played a cheap guitar that rules at some point. Inexpensive guitars are so much better than what they used to be
I think it's best to mention that the gear does not have to be expensive, it just needs to be well made. That's all. Great video man, glad you popped up in my recommended.
Absolutely! I bought a relatively expensive fender tele, and for the money, well, quality control- I expected more... can't say if it was covid and the impact on businesses at the time or if it was Fender management profiteering on that time by cutting corners and jumping prices up, I bought a half the cost of the Fender I have- squire for my nephew, it's definitely set up way better, fretwork, the neck is much straighter, it's lighter, better tuners, better bridge setup and parts, more TLC let's just say.
I own a ST-62 for four years now. I bought it to play at home, since my band is 150 km away, so I didn’t have to carry my main guitars each weekend back and forward. I’ve been modding each year and trying different things, like circuits, pickups, different strings,etc. It’s a great guitar. Taking it to a gig tonight.
When I started playing 20 years ago , I would never have thought a guitar in this price range would even work, even less sound that good... I love your message that you don't need the most expensive gear to sound great and have fun!
I'm a big fan of this experiment. The budget guitars certainly present some unique challenges, but even a budget guitar in the right hands and with a proper setup make killer player instruments!
I have three harley bentons: two LPs and this strat. I put new pups in it and cleaned up the frets and set the action. Plays great and sounds like strat. All in it was 250 cad. I love the hb LPs I have too. One has splits and the other one is a gold top with p90s. They both play great
Love watching Phill talk about guitar maintenance. What a font of information ,next time I'm in Preston I'll have to bring one of my guitars up with me and come down and see him for a setup. Really want to try that HB, -almost can't believe it for the price!
Love this. Great Video and message: "I want to prove that to make music, you don't need expensive equipment.". I think the same. Know too many people with so expensive equipments and they don´t make even a song. In the other hand so many talented musicians making great stuff with almost nothing. Thanks!
This was a very interesting series of videos, particularly all the setting up. I’ve just changed all the pickups on my Squier Strat, but I think it will also have to visit the guitar doctor. Thanks!
Great to see a top artist promoting the lower end of guitar purchases. I used an EKO ranger 6 for 27 years almost daily as a secondary music teacher and literally wore it out. I was over the moon when The Korgis were using one on TOTP. I'm sure many guitarists of lower income will be inspired by this video and not forget their roots when they climb the ladder of success. Like #1.01k
Fantastic. It’s a joy to see the HB being used as a professional instrument, and holds up to. I think that a much more expensive instrument also need a tweak now and then to work on a world tour. I own only Harley Benton’s and I am very happy that this brand offer users a chance to try out several models for a great price. For me it has been a eyelifter that my body and arms like more LP shaped models and I thought from the start that I was a “Strat” guy.
That’s ace. Harley Benton’s are a great way to find out what you like before investing in a more expensive guitar if you wanted to go down that route. Nice one 👍
This is so helpful for people who are starting their guitar journey to show them (us) that it does not have to be cost prohibitive to get going. A great example for us all. "Max" sent me!😁
Thank you Scott, for PROVIDING that it's not the guitar, it's the player that makes a great "axe"! I look forward to following the rest of your career and good luck my friend! God bless and take care...
Hey, pardner, I was watching Guitar Max, and he told us about your "Harley Benton " adventure. My brother and I review guitars, and we've been reviewing Harley Benton guitars for years. I'm not much of a guitarist personally, but Dan is the resident guitarist on the channel. I think it's really great that you are showing people that it's the musician who plays the instrument and not the other way around. You have a new subscriber 😉 👍!
Just finished watching this and then watched the 5 part series on setting up the Harley Benton. Great set of videos that will help people getting these low priced guitars playing great! Again, it's about sounding good, not being expensive. I personally enjoy going through and making all these adjustments. Once you have done this, you will have a better understanding of what to do if you hear some noise or need to make a small tweak to help dial the action in. Thanks again!
I love my HB Tele and Lapsteel, great and affordable starter instruments with just minor fixes needed to be good friends for years to come. Your videos proove that the sound isn't tied to the big brand name but to the player working his/hers instrument the right way.
It still baffles me how many guitarists will never leave their bedroom, let alone play a dive bar gig, will complain about playability and pick ups. All these "experts" overestimate how little people care about their tone. 😅 This is a great example of a good setup and smart choices. Also, it really helps when Thomann don't send you a lemon. 🙂
Well said! I’ve received nothing from Thomann / HB - I payed for 100% of the experiment. Sadly I don’t get to play it anymore because I gave it away - kind of miss it.
Thank you for this! We are in an age where you can get a great touring and recording guitar for a decent price. A few years ago I had money troubles and had to sell my Fenders and Gibsons. I ended up replacing them with Harley Benton guitars and I have zero regrets. Their new 25th anniversary strats look great. Stainless Steel frets, flamed maple neck, American Alder body, locking tuners, splittable single coil sized humbucker in the bridge and a tusq nut for £266. It’s wild how you can now get top specs for a low price.
It’s incredible the sounds and tones you were able to achieve with this guitar! It just goes to show once more you don’t need an over the top guitar to create amazing music :)
Not at all. Plug Eric Clapton into a Line 6 Spider Amp and he’ll sound like Eric Clapton. I could happily use a budget amp on gigs, I use a Line 6 Pod 2 occasionally for throw and go gigs.
Hey Scott, it’s the artist creating the art. Some of these Harley Benton’s are really good instruments without breaking the bank. I have a HB JP-550 bass that I use for gigs and the passive simple setup just works. I haven’t tried one of their guitars yet but it looks like it could replace quite a few squires and MIM fender strats.
I think the story is less about the Harley Benton, more about encouraging people to pick up a guitar and play - not feeling inhibited by the price. Some of the budget Squier guitars are amazing.
Bravo sire. I love this! There is almost an unwritten law that the more pedals you have, or the more expensive gear you have, the worse the music is. Ha ha. Great job and wish you success
I just started playing 6 string (played 3 string fretless CBG and ukulele already), and picked up a cheap used First Act to learn on. I've found it doesn't have to be expensive to sound good. I imagine the HB strat is fun to play, which also important. Great video!
I recently got myself the Harley benton JA baritone as a fill in for the jazz master baritone and I have to say I love it and dare say it sounds better than the jazz master which was a pleasant surprise 😁 it's amazing what HB is doing with the cheaper models and how accessible it's making things for musicians that can't afford the more expensive gear
Pretty amazing this. Guitar sounds great to me. And great that everyone can see now you don’t need an American custommade Fender or Gibson to make great music and enjoy yourself. Great video.
There's something so great about finding a dirt-cheap guitar that just 'has' it. I vividly remember bringing my 'lightly modded' (different pots + nut etc) Squier HSS metallic black sparkly guitar to my conservatorium friend who is used to playing top of the line Fenders etc. Gave it to him, and because he never actually played anything under at least a $1000,- his jaw dropped to the floor. First thing he said was; "What am I paying $2500,- more for?". Eventually he kinda figured out the differences. The humbucker has exactly what a lot of people are looking for on that Squier, but it's not very controllable which would make it's usability a little less broad when looking at genres. Apart from that, the sustain was a tad lower, but he was absolutely pleasantly surprised by it.
"Max" sent me as well hahahaha...but....great video, love to see your guitar guru repair man having the time of his life...and his work showed off...!!
Wow this is a great video I think I washed it three or four times over and over I used to play guitar professionally and then unfortunately sustained major nerve damage in a hit-and-run automobile accident 2008. I recently picked up a guitar only last year and started playing again and from not being able to play again at all to just starting to play some blues and being able to work around my injuries it's been an amazing turnaround for me. Thank you for this video I didn't know that little secret there to lockdown of the strings on the tremolo. I am going to start watching more of these videos because I'm very interested in how these techs do their magic as these tips and tricks are invaluable.(Magic) Congratulations on the tour and the guitar sounds great! Please lease accept this comment as my formal entry to win this fabulous guitar contest. Continued success for you and thank you very much to you and your entire crew. Cheers! 💯
Give it to me!!! I'll keep it for you if you ever want it back. I have a set of fender noiseless from the 90's waiting to make that guitar shine even more. Love your initiative and Fleetwood Mac!
Nice one Scott - wish more people (especially younger players) could get to see this video, and realise that the "cheap" guitars that are available these days are not the kind of rubbish that old guys like me in my 50s had to work with back in the 1980s. I've got a Harley Benton ES335 copy and loads of Vintage (brand not age lol) guitars that I have picked up second hand, and they are more than good enough for touring and studio work. You're proving it by using the cheap HB on large stages and, with a quick setup from Phil, the guitar gives you no problems, even with a custom string set to suit your style. So much marketing and hype to keep buying guitars (and pedals - sheesh, so many pedals) to "make you better" and "find that sound" when what really makes you better and develops your sound is practise and playing and performing on a stage. Kudos to you for making this video and hope you had a great tour 😎
Thanks Martin, I appreciate that. Making these videos came out of teaching during lockdown, a few students said, “I could play so much better on an expensive guitar”, whilst playing really decent Squier strats. It’s nonsense! I do love my expensive guitars and need their quality to do my job, but I hope this video proves that someone can get a long way on a budget instrument.
It's astonishing how great a guitar at this price range sounds. Also great playing and I hope to have a fair shot at winning this white beauty. :P Keep up the great work! :)
Emilyyyy! Right, I don’t have a harp to input this text response but hey 🤣 it was wonderful to see you both and look forward to catching up again soon. It’s good to be back posting videos after some time away.
I have a used '05 squier affinity strat which i bought for £60. I stopped using it for ages, even tried selling it for next to nothing. Then I took it to a gig for a mate to use as a spare and he told me it's lovely to play and i'd be stupid to sell it. Now I've modified it with a rail humbucker in the bridge and it's all the guitar I could ever want or need! Cheap gear for the win!
De-oxit is THE best thing to use on moving electronics and it won't destroy plastic or circuit boards. I use it on amp pots and volume controls, it's amazing.
I have the Harley Benton ST-90sa. It has a little better sustain. I replaced the output jack, 5 way switch and nut. (other things too but they weren't necessarily for necessity. I also blocked off the trem and put heavier (10's) on it. It wouldn't play in tune at all with the 9's. I truly enjoyed this. I use it on my (MUCH) lower level shows and it's really very good. This is a great video. Thanks for doing this.
Wow, that sounds nice! Thanks for including the setup information, I might try a few of those tweaks on my 1980's Sunn Mustang, though to be honest I think at least a couple of the frets need replacing by now as the second fret has a number of grooves in it where I dropped it a long time ago... I keep repairing it with solder but it only lasts a couple of months before it needs redoing - one of these days I'll pluck up the courage to pull the fret out and put another in. So far I've replaced everything but the body and the neck lol. I've also blocked the trem and replaced the tuning machines as it was a nightmare to keep in tune otherwise. The only good thing I can say about it is that it was my first electric guitar and that it is very heavy, which could come in handy if you ever need to use it as a weapon!
Hey yeah I've never seen a guitarist/musician usine a low cost Harley Benton Guitar on one gig let alone a whole tour! So thanks, I'm back on looking up Harley Benton again, Bringing Down The Wall for me. Ty! Also, I can see from the players perspective and the audience's perspective- there is a difference that being most of the audience won't notice what we notice with a guitar, how it feels, plays, sounds, inspires to play, so now after seeing your vid, there is potential in harley benton.
The real secret of a good sound is in your hands. Literally. There are too many myths around music gear but most of them are only marketing techniques. A great video. Very interesting content.
I don't play guitar but I want to learn and I think Harley Benton will be the brand I choose to start my journey.......loved the video! It sounds amazing for 30 pounds.....
Looking to get back into playing after selling all my gear years ago, this has made me realise I don’t need to go looking at high priced guitars to have fun again!
This is a great truth for new guitarists to hear. You don't need expensive gear to sound and play great. Hopefully it will help a lot of new players and seasoned players save money.
I hope so Michael 🙏👍
After moving home from central London to the North Essex coastline, at the age of 65, I am going to spend my time learning Guitar, something I promised myself when I get older, I have a few health issues and use a Wheelchair to get about, but I love live music, so hopefully get to see a bucket list of who to see, but as I am nearer Ipswich than London now, I'll have to travel back. I'm at the 💯 Club to see The Answer this month and May 4th to see Duran Duran at the o2 Greenwich..... The wise old fox called Zal Cleminson told me to plug in and enjoy the ride, if you are playing anywhere near me, I'll try to get to see you, a I managed to tick Fleetwood Mac off my list on the last tour of all 5 original members before Lindsey left.
All the best Scott, keep on rocking mate 👍🏼🎸🎸🎸🙏🤘🏻
@Ronald Glen Bayfield OK, Ronald, keep rocking.
A slight quibble is that the original Fleetwood Mac members were, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and John Spencer. Add in Danny Kirwan slightly later and you have the legendary line-up.
Thanks Ronald 🙏
Danny Kirwan, WHAT A PLAYER!!
I remember complaining about a crappy instrument and one of my real musician mates coming over, grabbing it and playing a few songs, and it sounding spot on. He said it sounds good to me. never complained again about how I could be better if I had a better guitar.
😊 excellent!
I love how you are showing people that music is for the ears not the eyes. Everyone has played a cheap guitar that rules at some point. Inexpensive guitars are so much better than what they used to be
Thanks so much 👍🙏
I dig that! Totally true they way it is meant to be
Thanks Mike 👍
What a time to be a new guitarist. Compare this to the guitar you could get 30 years ago for under $100.
Exactly! Not to mention all the free lessons on RUclips
Pretty sure the action on my first acoustic was like a centimeter by the 12th
Mine too!!!
30 years ago £100 would have got you a les paul custom mate
@@ScottPoleyMusic Can you recommend anybody, mate? (Sorry...I'm a sucker for an obvious gag. 😁)
It's great to see professional musicians usign affordable guitars on stage and not caring about the brand. If it sounds good, let's play it!
Exactly Alex, couldn’t have put your last sentence any better myself.
I think it's best to mention that the gear does not have to be expensive, it just needs to be well made. That's all.
Great video man, glad you popped up in my recommended.
Appreciate it Rob, yeah I agree. Good gear doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Let's be honest... That guitar is better than the ones used by most our guitar heroes in the 60s
Absolutely, scary isn’t it!
And those 60s guitars are selling for 10s of thousands today… … …
@@lwwells terrible truth: in 50 years or so MGK guitars might be worth tens of thousands
Great guitar, great sound! It gets people excited about playing, because, you've proved that you don't need expensive equipment to make great music.
I hope so Davor, that’s the idea of the video! Thanks 🙏
At least in some regards. speakers seem more tricky.
Absolutely! I bought a relatively expensive fender tele, and for the money, well, quality control- I expected more... can't say if it was covid and the impact on businesses at the time or if it was Fender management profiteering on that time by cutting corners and jumping prices up, I bought a half the cost of the Fender I have- squire for my nephew, it's definitely set up way better, fretwork, the neck is much straighter, it's lighter, better tuners, better bridge setup and parts, more TLC let's just say.
With a proper set up and good pedals its all good!
Even without good pedals, straight into an amp 👍
I own a ST-62 for four years now. I bought it to play at home, since my band is 150 km away, so I didn’t have to carry my main guitars each weekend back and forward. I’ve been modding each year and trying different things, like circuits, pickups, different strings,etc. It’s a great guitar. Taking it to a gig tonight.
Hope your gig went really well Daniel
Excellent - will look out for one!
@@billflude5204 Check my channel if you want to see it in action. My channel isn’t monetized, just trying to help a fellow musician :-)
When I started playing 20 years ago , I would never have thought a guitar in this price range would even work, even less sound that good... I love your message that you don't need the most expensive gear to sound great and have fun!
Thanks Georg 👍
Plenty of decent cheap guitars in 2003 it wasn't the dark ages of the guitar world... Same now as it was then...
Man, you've got the right attitude, using an really affordable guitar as a pro workhorse. Thanks for the vision and guts!
Thank you Thomas
I'm a big fan of this experiment. The budget guitars certainly present some unique challenges, but even a budget guitar in the right hands and with a proper setup make killer player instruments!
I agree Caleb, thanks 🙏
I have three harley bentons: two LPs and this strat. I put new pups in it and cleaned up the frets and set the action. Plays great and sounds like strat. All in it was 250 cad. I love the hb LPs I have too. One has splits and the other one is a gold top with p90s. They both play great
Amazing Mike!!
Love watching Phill talk about guitar maintenance. What a font of information ,next time I'm in Preston I'll have to bring one of my guitars up with me and come down and see him for a setup. Really want to try that HB, -almost can't believe it for the price!
Absolutely, he’s a diamond.
Love this. Great Video and message: "I want to prove that to make music, you don't need expensive equipment.". I think the same. Know too many people with so expensive equipments and they don´t make even a song. In the other hand so many talented musicians making great stuff with almost nothing. Thanks!
Thanks Juan 🙏👍
Now I can...
Encouraging! a real contribution to both beginner musicians and industry.
Thanks for all the efforts
Thank you for your comment Ali
This was a very interesting series of videos, particularly all the setting up. I’ve just changed all the pickups on my Squier Strat, but I think it will also have to visit the guitar doctor. Thanks!
That’s brilliant, glad you like the videos!
Thanks for this video. It's so great to see someone as you playing a guitar like this one!
Thanks so much
Great to see a top artist promoting the lower end of guitar purchases. I used an EKO ranger 6 for 27 years almost daily as a secondary music teacher and literally wore it out.
I was over the moon when The Korgis were using one on TOTP.
I'm sure many guitarists of lower income will be inspired by this video and not forget their roots when they climb the ladder of success. Like #1.01k
That’s awesome, I had an Eko for a while - thanks so much tor your comment.
Fantastic. It’s a joy to see the HB being used as a professional instrument, and holds up to. I think that a much more expensive instrument also need a tweak now and then to work on a world tour. I own only Harley Benton’s and I am very happy that this brand offer users a chance to try out several models for a great price. For me it has been a eyelifter that my body and arms like more LP shaped models and I thought from the start that I was a “Strat” guy.
That’s ace. Harley Benton’s are a great way to find out what you like before investing in a more expensive guitar if you wanted to go down that route. Nice one 👍
Oh it sounds so enchanting! ☺️ My boyfriend would be so excited to play it and I would love to hear him play our favourite songs
That’s awesome Iwona
Appreciate videos like this. Letting people know there are great affordable options out there. Sounds amazing!
Thanks Rob!!
This is so helpful for people who are starting their guitar journey to show them (us) that it does not have to be cost prohibitive to get going. A great example for us all. "Max" sent me!😁
Absolutely. Love Max’s channel!
Wow! Such a great sounding guitar for what it’s worth. I’m impressed! Thank you for sharing this video.
Thanks Gabriel 🤘
Thank you Scott, for PROVIDING that it's not the guitar, it's the player that makes a great "axe"! I look forward to following the rest of your career and good luck my friend!
God bless and take care...
Thanks so much!!
Phill Orme is a bright, shining star and Harley Benton makes the best, quality, affordable guitars on the market today.
take it to the bank!
Absolutely he is!!
Hey, pardner, I was watching Guitar Max, and he told us about your "Harley Benton " adventure. My brother and I review guitars, and we've been reviewing Harley Benton guitars for years. I'm not much of a guitarist personally, but Dan is the resident guitarist on the channel. I think it's really great that you are showing people that it's the musician who plays the instrument and not the other way around. You have a new subscriber 😉 👍!
Thank you so much, will check out your channel.
Awesome video! Great to see this guitar in both its set up and use on stage.
Thank you kindly!
Just finished watching this and then watched the 5 part series on setting up the Harley Benton. Great set of videos that will help people getting these low priced guitars playing great! Again, it's about sounding good, not being expensive. I personally enjoy going through and making all these adjustments. Once you have done this, you will have a better understanding of what to do if you hear some noise or need to make a small tweak to help dial the action in. Thanks again!
Glad you like them Nathan!
Nice and informative video! Staying tuned for more good content - might consider picking up a HB guitar myself now!
Do it!
I amazed at the quality of those guitars at that price point! Excellent video and tips!! Thank you. 😊
You’re most welcome Bill 👍
Cool video. You can make just about anything sound good with some talent and TLC. I needed to hear this message. Cheers!
That’s brilliant Joshua! Nice one
This is awesome! I like to go to pawn shops and find old guitars and set them up. Any guitar will sound great with the right set up.
Rock on!
I love my HB Tele and Lapsteel, great and affordable starter instruments with just minor fixes needed to be good friends for years to come.
Your videos proove that the sound isn't tied to the big brand name but to the player working his/hers instrument the right way.
Right on!
It still baffles me how many guitarists will never leave their bedroom, let alone play a dive bar gig, will complain about playability and pick ups. All these "experts" overestimate how little people care about their tone. 😅 This is a great example of a good setup and smart choices. Also, it really helps when Thomann don't send you a lemon. 🙂
Well said! I’ve received nothing from Thomann / HB - I payed for 100% of the experiment. Sadly I don’t get to play it anymore because I gave it away - kind of miss it.
really? ruclips.net/video/KlkwiJQpScE/видео.htmlsi=Bda5Hc2mu9nbvWk-
Thank you for this! We are in an age where you can get a great touring and recording guitar for a decent price. A few years ago I had money troubles and had to sell my Fenders and Gibsons. I ended up replacing them with Harley Benton guitars and I have zero regrets.
Their new 25th anniversary strats look great. Stainless Steel frets, flamed maple neck, American Alder body, locking tuners, splittable single coil sized humbucker in the bridge and a tusq nut for £266.
It’s wild how you can now get top specs for a low price.
Absolutely Luke
This is fantastic...Love that it shows you don't need to break the bank, to get the job done
Absolutely Michael
It’s incredible the sounds and tones you were able to achieve with this guitar! It just goes to show once more you don’t need an over the top guitar to create amazing music :)
You don’t need an over the top guitar just good amps or sound systems
Thanks so much John!!
Not at all. Plug Eric Clapton into a Line 6 Spider Amp and he’ll sound like Eric Clapton. I could happily use a budget amp on gigs, I use a Line 6 Pod 2 occasionally for throw and go gigs.
so happy to see this kind of thing happening in the world! please keep it up!
Thanks Carlos
Hey Scott, it’s the artist creating the art. Some of these Harley Benton’s are really good instruments without breaking the bank. I have a HB JP-550 bass that I use for gigs and the passive simple setup just works. I haven’t tried one of their guitars yet but it looks like it could replace quite a few squires and MIM fender strats.
I think the story is less about the Harley Benton, more about encouraging people to pick up a guitar and play - not feeling inhibited by the price. Some of the budget Squier guitars are amazing.
Bravo sire. I love this! There is almost an unwritten law that the more pedals you have, or the more expensive gear you have, the worse the music is. Ha ha. Great job and wish you success
Right on! Thanks Stefan
Wow Phil was in my Uncles band back in the 80’s and the drummer in my band was also in Phil’s Jam cover band. So many memories.
That’s amazing!!!!
I just started playing 6 string (played 3 string fretless CBG and ukulele already), and picked up a cheap used First Act to learn on. I've found it doesn't have to be expensive to sound good. I imagine the HB strat is fun to play, which also important. Great video!
That’s so great Janelle- thanks for checking out the video
I recently got myself the Harley benton JA baritone as a fill in for the jazz master baritone and I have to say I love it and dare say it sounds better than the jazz master which was a pleasant surprise 😁 it's amazing what HB is doing with the cheaper models and how accessible it's making things for musicians that can't afford the more expensive gear
Absolutely and for the guitars you don’t use every day like baritones, HB’s are a great affordable option.
Guitar Max sent me, and im so glad he did. I'm really digging your content. Keep up the great videos. 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
Nice work! It's amazing you do all the shows with the original electronics of a 30£ guitar!
Crazy isn’t it! I thought I’d have to replace them.
Amazing to see the setup procedure and just how little you needed to do to get this HB up to standard. Cracking value for money!
Absolutely Graeme
Wow. This is a valuable learning lesson and an incredible story. Thanks so much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Pretty amazing this. Guitar sounds great to me. And great that everyone can see now you don’t need an American custommade Fender or Gibson to make great music and enjoy yourself. Great video.
Absolutely David and the enjoyment is what it’s all about at the end of the day 👍
There's something so great about finding a dirt-cheap guitar that just 'has' it. I vividly remember bringing my 'lightly modded' (different pots + nut etc) Squier HSS metallic black sparkly guitar to my conservatorium friend who is used to playing top of the line Fenders etc. Gave it to him, and because he never actually played anything under at least a $1000,- his jaw dropped to the floor. First thing he said was; "What am I paying $2500,- more for?". Eventually he kinda figured out the differences. The humbucker has exactly what a lot of people are looking for on that Squier, but it's not very controllable which would make it's usability a little less broad when looking at genres. Apart from that, the sustain was a tad lower, but he was absolutely pleasantly surprised by it.
Absolutely. Nothing wrong with expensive guitars but nothing more rewarding than finding a bargain.
"Max" sent me as well hahahaha...but....great video, love to see your guitar guru repair man having the time of his life...and his work showed off...!!
Max is a legend! Yeah phill is great, loads more videos of him on my channel.
Amazing and honest experience, thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much.
Glad you (and a few others) are really showing this reality! I have Squiers and Epiphones...they are set up well and play great.
Cool, thanks Kurt!
Wow this is a great video I think I washed it three or four times over and over I used to play guitar professionally and then unfortunately sustained major nerve damage in a hit-and-run automobile accident 2008. I recently picked up a guitar only last year and started playing again and from not being able to play again at all to just starting to play some blues and being able to work around my injuries it's been an amazing turnaround for me. Thank you for this video I didn't know that little secret there to lockdown of the strings on the tremolo. I am going to start watching more of these videos because I'm very interested in how these techs do their magic as these tips and tricks are invaluable.(Magic)
Congratulations on the tour and the guitar sounds great!
Please
lease accept this comment as my formal entry to win this fabulous guitar contest. Continued success for you and thank you very much to you and your entire crew.
Cheers!
💯
Thank you so much for your lovely comment Christopher
@@ScottPoleyMusic You're most welcome. ✅
Loved the video! Useful beyond belief.
Glad you enjoyed it Gerald!
Give it to me!!! I'll keep it for you if you ever want it back. I have a set of fender noiseless from the 90's waiting to make that guitar shine even more. Love your initiative and Fleetwood Mac!
You’re in the draw James!
Nice one Scott - wish more people (especially younger players) could get to see this video, and realise that the "cheap" guitars that are available these days are not the kind of rubbish that old guys like me in my 50s had to work with back in the 1980s. I've got a Harley Benton ES335 copy and loads of Vintage (brand not age lol) guitars that I have picked up second hand, and they are more than good enough for touring and studio work. You're proving it by using the cheap HB on large stages and, with a quick setup from Phil, the guitar gives you no problems, even with a custom string set to suit your style. So much marketing and hype to keep buying guitars (and pedals - sheesh, so many pedals) to "make you better" and "find that sound" when what really makes you better and develops your sound is practise and playing and performing on a stage. Kudos to you for making this video and hope you had a great tour 😎
Thanks Martin, I appreciate that. Making these videos came out of teaching during lockdown, a few students said, “I could play so much better on an expensive guitar”, whilst playing really decent Squier strats. It’s nonsense!
I do love my expensive guitars and need their quality to do my job, but I hope this video proves that someone can get a long way on a budget instrument.
agreed. i have the 335 style too..and man does it sound amazing!! obviously i have never touched a real 335, but this does the job for me haha
Like the experiment, like your playing. Making music is what it's all about.
Absolutely Pasi
It's astonishing how great a guitar at this price range sounds. Also great playing and I hope to have a fair shot at winning this white beauty. :P
Keep up the great work! :)
Absolutely 👍
Wow - really impressed that you would do that! Thanks for taking the risk and proving that affordable guitars are pretty good these days!
Thank you for watching 👍
I wish I had guitars of this quality at this price point available when I was starting out! Great video - loved the insight into the setup.
There’s loads more setup videos on the channel too Stuart 🤣
That's so cool to see someone put a budget purchase to work. Nice !! Subbed.
Thanks so much Robert!
ngl, I subbed for the Harley Benton guitar. I love that you proved that you don't have to break the bank to succeed.
Absolutely!! Thanks 🙏
Amazing dimonstration that it is better to invest in lessons rather than on gear! Thanks!
Absolutely 👍
Hey Scott! It was so great meeting you IRL and seeing you play in Long Island! Great video!
Emilyyyy! Right, I don’t have a harp to input this text response but hey 🤣 it was wonderful to see you both and look forward to catching up again soon. It’s good to be back posting videos after some time away.
This is what we mean when we say Music is for everyone now! Great vid!!
It really is!! Thanks!!
Amazing to see a second hand Harley Benton being used on a World Tour. It sounds fantastic in your hands! The white Strat looks great on the stage.
Thanks so much Chemist Ninja 🥷
I have a used '05 squier affinity strat which i bought for £60. I stopped using it for ages, even tried selling it for next to nothing. Then I took it to a gig for a mate to use as a spare and he told me it's lovely to play and i'd be stupid to sell it. Now I've modified it with a rail humbucker in the bridge and it's all the guitar I could ever want or need! Cheap gear for the win!
That’s amazing Tom!
THANK YOU, Scott for keeping it real!
Nice one John!
Looking forward to catching you in New Brighton in the summer!
Fab! See you there 👍
I love the down to the earth repair chap.. cheers mate!
Me too 👍 thanks so much
De-oxit is THE best thing to use on moving electronics and it won't destroy plastic or circuit boards. I use it on amp pots and volume controls, it's amazing.
That’s awesome Gary, it’s a life saver for sure. I’ve just used it to free up some very dirty original pots on a 1946 Rickenbacker Lap Steel.
The sound is in the hands, good guitar and good playing!
Thanks Juanma
I have a few Harley Benton's and they are great sounding guitar thanks for the video happy playing to you
And to you!
How rad is that. Shows you that they stand up under the toughest conditions. Great fricking job man
Thanks so much Brandon!
cool video! awesome to see that such a cheap guitar can be used in such a professional setting :)
Thanks Oscar!
Wow so glad I found you before buying my first guitar. Keep it up
Awesome! Thank you!
Sounds great. Dig that classic white finish!
Absolutely Greg, it’s a nice looking thing
Would love to see more big name players using humble gear like you!
It would be interesting 👍 thanks so much for your comment 🙏
I have the Harley Benton ST-90sa. It has a little better sustain. I replaced the output jack, 5 way switch and nut. (other things too but they weren't necessarily for necessity. I also blocked off the trem and put heavier (10's) on it. It wouldn't play in tune at all with the 9's. I truly enjoyed this. I use it on my (MUCH) lower level shows and it's really very good. This is a great video. Thanks for doing this.
That’s brilliant Buck, thanks for watching 👍
Awesome! Glad to see that you don’t have to completely break the bank to get a solid, every day use guitar!
Absolutely Chad! Thanks 🙏
I remember a friend playing a solid body gretsch which was one of their cheaper models in the store....man, it was bangin!
Absolutely, my friend Dave Sharp plays one of those, great guitar
Wow it sounds great in the mix!
It really does
Wow, that sounds nice! Thanks for including the setup information, I might try a few of those tweaks on my 1980's Sunn Mustang, though to be honest I think at least a couple of the frets need replacing by now as the second fret has a number of grooves in it where I dropped it a long time ago...
I keep repairing it with solder but it only lasts a couple of months before it needs redoing - one of these days I'll pluck up the courage to pull the fret out and put another in.
So far I've replaced everything but the body and the neck lol. I've also blocked the trem and replaced the tuning machines as it was a nightmare to keep in tune otherwise.
The only good thing I can say about it is that it was my first electric guitar and that it is very heavy, which could come in handy if you ever need to use it as a weapon!
🤣 - a luthier might be able to do a single fret replacement inexpensively. Always handy to have a weapon 🤣🤘
@@ScottPoleyMusic Yes 😆 it was always my go to guitar for gigs in rough looking pubs 🤣🤘😎
Great video! I used an Epiphone Les Paul Custom for years and it held up just fine and I didn't have to spend several thousand bucks for it!
Absolutely, nothing wrong with a good Epiphone. I played one of the Bonamassa Epiphone guitars recently, it was a killer.
Fascinating stuff. As other have said, hopefully this will help a lot of people focus on the right things.
I hope so too. Thanks Dave
aww my baby! So glad she is getting to see the world instead of collecting dust in my music room :)
Yesss!! I was just about to send you the link Mike, your old guitar is famous now 🤣
@@ScottPoleyMusic would it be well cheeky if I entered the giveaway? Pretty convoluted way of getting a guitar setup! 🤣
@@mikewilliams1576 if you won it would be epic. :) that would be a story
Brilliant that it held up so well!
I have to admit to being surprised myself 👍
@@ScottPoleyMusic Your band sounds great btw! Looks like you hand an amazing tour.
I love Harley Bentons! i've been looking at that rickenbacker type bass that they offer it's got great reviews
They look great Matty
Great channel and nice mods to guitar. It sounded great in your live set and the band does too. I'll check out your I.G too 👍
Thanks so much Billy
Thanks so much Billy
Hey yeah I've never seen a guitarist/musician usine a low cost Harley Benton Guitar on one gig let alone a whole tour! So thanks, I'm back on looking up Harley Benton again,
Bringing Down The Wall for me. Ty!
Also, I can see from the players perspective and the audience's perspective- there is a difference that being most of the audience won't notice what we notice with a guitar, how it feels, plays, sounds, inspires to play, so now after seeing your vid, there is potential in harley benton.
Absolutely Mike, thanks so much for your comment 👍
The real secret of a good sound is in your hands. Literally. There are too many myths around music gear but most of them are only marketing
techniques. A great video. Very interesting content.
Thanks Ivan 🙏
Max sent me over. Great channel. Well done!!
Amazing!!
It has the almost distinctive HB sound, which I actually like. Anyway, this is a big heads-up to Harley Benton. Cheap doesn't mean bad. Rock on!
Thanks Lars!
I don't play guitar but I want to learn and I think Harley Benton will be the brand I choose to start my journey.......loved the video! It sounds amazing for 30 pounds.....
Amazing Scott, great name 👍😜
Amazing! Keep it up, the message is just plug it in and play🙂
Exactly 👍🤘
Harley Bentons are fantastic value for money, I play in a wedding band and use one as the back-up to my Fender Strat.
Perfect Ian!
Looking to get back into playing after selling all my gear years ago, this has made me realise I don’t need to go looking at high priced guitars to have fun again!
That’s awesome Andrew
Thank you for this great video!
Thank you for your comment 🙏
Very interesting and a beautiful example of how modern manufacturing technology has dramatically improved the quality of “budget” instruments.
Absolutely Tim 👍