I'm keeping things pretty clean for the demo as I strongly believe that the only way to hear how good a pickup is , is by hearing how they perform/sound in relatively clean settings.
Sorry mate, but in this case you are totally wrong. It may be the rule for the whimpy dimpy way of life, but if you go for deep metal this rule will not work. I played super cool sounding at cleans and they fucked up at high gain/high distortion and vice versa. I know that is not your cup of tea, but stop spreading rumours like that 😜🤷♂️❤
hhaha Rowland!! How I wish! Tim is totally in another league ! I'm a fan of his playing since I heard him in Rick Springfield songs. Thanks for your kind comments though!!! 😀✌
I took your idea and did the same thing with a HB Fusion-II with excellent results. I usually play a Charvel Guthrie. The HB Fusion-II feels very similar in shape, size, weight and how the neck plays (superstrat). Also both come with an HSH configuration that I prefer. The Fusion II guitar is a replica of the Suhr Modern which costs nearly 10 times as much. HB's fit and finish on mine is impeccable. Really beautiful looking guitar that plays well. It plays much better for me that other more expensive guitars I have owned such as a Gibson Les Paul, Jackson Soloist, Ibanez RG, and PRS 24CE. The only things I changed on the HB were the pickups and strings. The Roswell p/u's seemed a bit harsh to me even with adjusting EQ. I run it through my Helix Floor. I had a Luthier install the actual Suhr pickups that come with the Suhr Modern, since this is so obviously a clone, and I'm very happy with the results. (Suhr SSH+ 53mm Bridge; Middle RWRP V60 LP; and SSV Neck 50mm, all in black). Nice warm tones on the neck pickup and strong crunch on my bridge for the classic rock I play. I only use the middle pickup for acoustic presets. I also changed the strings from 10's to 9's and had the guitar set up for that. The result is really nice. It is now one of my all time favorite guitars to play. So easy to play. Very happy with this. Also I was shocked that Thomann somehow managed to ship it to me by UPS in one day from Europe to New Jersey. Jonathan - thanks for posting your videos. It gave me the trust to rely on Thomann and try this mod. Also I enjoy your playing. You sound and play great!
HI! just to let you know if you like this video and want to show your appreciation, you can buy me a cup of coffee with the "Thanks" button which is just next to the share button! ✌❤ Please support me in what I do thru Patreon! www.patreon.com/Jonathankoh
Love your very informative videos. One thing I'd like to add is your style of playing. I find it full of melodic character. In other words, take away the back tracks and only leave the solos, and it STILL holds up on its own. Sort of like when a guitar solo on a famous song is indistinguishable to that song. Nothing flashy, but MAN, lots of personality! Unlike shredders who think that faster is better, they lose the quality of the song. Good example of less is better. Also, I'm glad you review guitars with the natural tones instead adding pedals to the signal. Never understood guitar reviewers when they distort the guitar and expect a solid review for a youtuber.
Adding Duncans to a HB really makes a huge difference. I added a set to my SC-Custom and it's a wonderful upgrade. I also added a couple of Dimarzios to another HB and it's so hot! So much so, that one of the guitarists I jam with is ordering his first 2 Harley Bentons.
It's off-tap mate, exactly my thoughts Alex, sounds like a ten grand guitar through state-of-the-art gear. I reckon Jonathon could use a rusty grimy 4-stringed untuned $2-shop guitar with a bent neck & 1-inch action and still blow us all off the stage like chip packets along the grass in Centennial Park!
Really nice playing! I haven't played on these Harley Benton's yet but I have a desire to make an afordable well build guitar outstanding. These HSH Benton's seem the perfect canvas for that.
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I have been going through the Seymour Duncan webpage. And I came across the SH15, which is a SH4 (the JB) with Alnico 8 magnets. Same EQ as the JB but a bit hotter. I would love that for the bridge. And the neck a 59. Probably the middle coil the same as you have. Oh and one thing. I have seen people turning the neck pickups so when it's coil split the coil that is on will be the one closer to the neck. That makes the sound rounder and not too bright.
Wonderful guitar playing Jonathan! Feeling is everything and something very few players have, and you definitely have it 👍🌟 I have Seymour Duncans and split humbuckers in my Washburn x50 pro, unbelievably versatile tone possibilities. I will buy a HB Fusion II next. There seems to be something special to the wood combination as you mentioned in a video.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for your inputs on this sounds. I recently bought that Fusion II roasted HSH, and was prepared to change pick-ups. But I won't, I'm a stratman, so do I really like the split tones of these humbuckers as well as the tones of the middle, all being bright as you said but I like. I'm not using high gain so that the middle is not so noisy. If I was changing the humbucker , it would be for more articulte cleans. That beautiful guitar is perfectly built, no flaws at all. I just sanded the neck for a smoother/satin feel , as it was slightly raw 1st off.
@@JonIsJustTooLoud hi, I finally changes the pick ups for Tone Rider Birmingham humbuckers with chromium covers for Neck and Bridge , and Classic Blues in middle. More clarity and bite ( Zep tones) for the humbuckers. I may have kept the Roswell single coil in the middle which is fat enough to complement the humbuckers. What a beautiful guitar ! And a joy to play.
I think you mean coil split, not coil tap. Your play is so inspiring, and your pickup choices are very interesting. Going to have to think about it awhile. Thanks so much for sharing! 👍
The Roswell LAF humbuckers sound really great in an all mahogany guitar like an SG model. Like you said, a litle P-90-ish, but I love how they sound. You just can't put them too high near the strings, the bridge will have some harsh frequencies and the neck will be too muddy. I can imagine they sound too bright in a guitar with a maple cap and maple neck. PS: I love your music, so nice. The world needs more nice things! Greetings from Belgium.
Gold plated covers would be sick on this guitar !!! Looks awesome as is although,,, enjoy our friend !!!! I learned lots here with you over the last few days ! And just want to say Thank you !!! I enjoy your playing and seeing these HB Guitars ! Its all Awesome ! 😁🖒✌
Great video. Would have liked to see you play the same music with the original Roswell pickups and then with the Seymor Duncans so we could compare the two.
Excellent tone, and the guitar is now more responsive to your picking attack. My question to you is: Why didn't Wayne install the 59' Custom Hybrid in the Trembucker spacing (TB-16), instead of an SH-16? The magnet pole piece spacing at the bridge would match, and not appear pinched on the 1st and 6th strings; as it does now..
My guitar (not a Harley Benton) happens to have same colour and same neck and bridge pickups as yours, but without any middle pickup.. a killer combination.
The guitar sounds great Johnathan. I have one of these ordered from thomann, i may go the same route as you with the seymour duncans. Great video buddy!
Awesome Hugh! I chose these pickup because these are available. I actually wanted a 59 on the neck..But they didnt have them in the 4 wire config (no coil tap) But i'm quite impressed with the Pearly Gates Neck pup :) Thanks for your kind comments ✌
Part 2 of this video is @ ruclips.net/video/szDU8qOmUkU/видео.html In this video, you will hear how these pickups perform in high gain situations as well as hearing them in split coil mode.
Regarding pickup noise, for passive pickups, you can try Wilde/Bill Lawrence pickups. For active, Fishman Fluence. As of now I`m using Bill Lawrence pickups.
Sounds great!! Do you still like the pickups you chose? I'm looking for a versatile set for my PRS SE Custom 24 that can be coil tapped. I was thinking about the 59/Custom Hybird but still not sure about the neck. The Pearly Gates sounds great in your guitar!
Ahah finally you did it: change of PUs ! Nice choice, great sounds, I'm seriously thinking about doing the same thing you did: buy the HB for the woods, and change the PUs .I'll use Zebra humbuckers to have a ''personnal' version. Cheers !
This is a beautiful guitar! I bought one based mainly on your reviews, Jonathan, and I absolutely love it! I'm planning on doing this pickup upgrade, and am wondering: do you have a wiring diagram for the electronics? I've contacted Harley Benton about this, and the schematic is not available from them. Thanks so much for the wonderful reviews, Jonathan! I'm a big fan of your channel! Regards, Tim
Wow, the sound and jamn you did was so nice! I will have to try my FUSION ll HSH with Roswel's, and see if I would be able to use them... If I have the slightest doubt I may go your route!:-) :-) If you ever gig or visit Spain, Madrid let me know, be great to jamn together :-)
Amazing playing Jon. I have a question. With such an upgrade, do you think the Harley Benton could match up tone and playability wise with premium more expensive guitars? (USA strats and LPs). I'm currently considering such a project for a backup guitar so I thought I'd take your valuable opinion about the subject. Thanks.
It depends.. most times.. The other stuff do matters. Like fretwork and wood choices for the body and neck.. but go ahead and experiment… You will learn something!✌️❤️
Hello Jonathan, I hope you are well. Today I've ordered the HB fusion II HSH and a HB TE-52. I'm quite excited. I thought to come back on this video remembering you changed out the pick-ups on the fusion II. Just wondering now after using the guitar for some time now how you think these pickups sound compared to any others you have tried - would you still settle for these ones? I'll see how I go with the stock Roswells, however from what you are saying I will definitely want a warm sound. There are so many pickups to choose from.... I know I like AlNiCo II humbuckers, I've installed those in my HB E35 Plus and they sound so sweet, as I play mostly clean, they have a great warm Jazz tone. I've also installed Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-4 in the neck and a SH-4 JB in an Epiphone LP Standard, which I love to bits especially the Neck pickup (they are sometimes called the Hot Rodded set)
Denis Ahmet Hi brother.. well the SD pups I’ve installed in this guitar worked great for me. Again I must state that it’s all down to individual preferences.. have fun!✌️❤️
With all the hype about stainless steel frets..i myself felt no major differences between them and the normal nickel frets. The only thing is that the ss frets will last much longer. What actually makes a difference is the size of your frets..medium..medium jumbo ..jumbo. I love jumbo frets...but that's just me😀✌
Very tasteful playing. The beginning reminded me a bit of Jeff Beck. Did you order from Thomann to Singapore? If so, can I ask how much for freight and import fees?
The Harley Benton stock pickups on this guitar sound fine to me. Rather than swap over to expensive pick-ups, I would recommend adjusting pickup and polepiece height and buying an inexpensive 10 band equalizer pedal.
These are great guitars, Really playable and loud a resonant..nearly as loud as my acoustic unplugged. They though do come with some terrible quality control issues. Mine came with a bent pickup selector switch, easily repairable..a large scratch in the back of the body..just in the lacquer so easily repairable and what looks like marker ink on the fretboard...though could be the grain..and a loose pickup where they didn't use enough packing in the neck. Guess you really take ownership of a guitar when it you have to pull it apart and put it back together. . Really trying to understand your playing. It seems pentatonic'eee and easy to understand but you give an absolute masterclass making the absolute most out of each those notes and it is just wonderful to watch you bend around the fretboard. Really makes me want to sit here and work it all out note for note to give me ideas. Wish you would do a video explaining your note selection and general chops. I would watch it.
Jonathan Hello! Great review, great music. Amazing. but the manufacturer does not respond to numerous reviews about pickups. Many people replace them. It would be logical to release a more expensive modification, but with a better set of pickups. A branded case, even for a small amount of money, also does not hurt. The keys and tremolo lever in the package create a risk of damage to the neck surface and body. I wish you good health. And new creative achievements. Thanks to Google for helping us translate.
Thanks! with the advice of my friend Wayne, I installed the string tree halfway from the nut to the spool of the tuner. use the right most string as a guide. Hope this helps ✌😀
now i am actually hunting for these exact pickups :) already got my 59/custom. did your tech have any issues direct mounting the classic stack plus? i can see it has threaded screwholes.
Hey Jonathon, thanks for sharing this video. I see that there are more SD Pearly Gates choices. Can you exactly describe the types that you use? They sound amazing, and your playing is great! I enjoy all of your videos, thanks! Cheers from The Netherlands Jos
Hi Jos... The pearly gates neck pickups have their own pages. www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/pearly-gates-neck I used a SD 59/hybrid for the bridge. The 59/hybrid has a much higher gain. Pickups are very subjective to each individual taste and preferences. Try to do some research and then decide. Enjoy the experience!! 🤓✌️
We need some high gain comparisons! I thought the stock Pup's were good but not great with cleanish tones...they really suffered in a high gain situation IMHO.
Ciao Antonio!! I asked around, did some research... But in the end, I bought what was available in the country, fits my expectations and my budget. Turned out I made a good choice after all...😀✌️
WOW, that combination of pickups sounds great together. I have been thinking abut putting a set of Pearly Gates on a semi hollow body Ibanez. Now after hearing your demo, I'm not sure whether to use Pearly Gates at the bridge or the 59/Custom Hybrid. Would you happen to have an opinion about these two pickups? Thank you
The 59/custom hybrid is only available for the bridge and is a sweet pickup to have..i find that the pearly gates pickup set is also as good. But the 59/custom hybrid will have more of an edge☺✌
Hi from Italy, Great job, I will change the pickups in my Harley Benton T Fusion and waths do you think, I am not sure between your set or the Seymour Duncan JB? Thanks, I'm waiting for your answer...
Guitar Playing Ranking = Complete Wizard. Feel cannot be taught, all the theory in the world won't help one with feel, guitarists generally cannot learn feel it can improve or it can be innate instinctive & inimitably individual. Those with good musical feel (you either have it or you do not, 'tis a grand blessing & gift from Mother Earth, or a Division-4 Winner in the DNA ChookLotto?), like I'm fortunately life-long granted & for which I'm outrageously grateful & lucky I know..., this feel can be instantly recognised by any other musician savvy sprouting with fine feel also. Without this feel, groove, swing, know-how, nous, sage-like savvy... there is a limit to how far one may travel in terms of professionalism, with any music. There is no limit to your journey Mr. Jonathan Koh, whatsoever! wow! You are amazing soulful uber-feel guitar monster to be sure, too cool for school, blown off the stage. (I'm 51 & played for 42 years since 9yrs old & know a Complete Wizard, when I hear & see one, & I can play some myself but dips my lid here totally! Bravo mate!). I write this comment on Kabi Kabi country. Far too much guitar is nowhere near enough, woefully inadequate & grossly insufficient for human life to survive upon.
Wow... watched the evolution from the base model and this sounds great! Would it be fair to say that at this point you have about $1000 into the guitar including mods and labor? Thanks, R
Could you make video about which budget pickups would be the best upgrades for fusion pro? This upgrade you have done for this video is as expensive as the guitar is. I would be interested in could the performance be upgraded for smaller investment.
The fact is that the pickups are not that horrible.. Its just my own decision and preference. There are many owners of the same guitar who love how the guitar sounds. My advise is to play it for a period and then decide if you need to change the pickups. I'm sure there are cheaper pickup alternatives out there. Hope this helps ✌️
Hello Jonathan! Great impro. Was it difficult to put those pickups in the harley benton fusion ii? Did they fit exactly? I have red that some pickups don't fit and they need some custom work to get it done. I have the same guitar(the HH edition with FR) and I want to change mine too!!! THank you!
@@JonIsJustTooLoud good to know! I was thinking of installing some dimarzio pickups but I really like the sound of yours. Now that I know they fit exactly, I'll have a second thought on this... Keep rockin!
Hi Jonathan I was wondering if you had any issues with the pickup spacing being alittle off from where the string is?? I was planning on changing the pickups from my fusion ii and noticed my pickups don't quite align with the higher strings
There was no hum in the original roswell neck pickup as it is a humbucker. The hum was from the roswell single coil middle pickup. And that is why I changed it to a Sd Stack. And yes..this guitar does sound like a strat. 😀✌
Amazing playing, love your feel and phrasing. Came here for the pickup demo and stayed for the jam.
Glad you like it!
I'm keeping things pretty clean for the demo as I strongly believe that the only way to hear how good a pickup is , is by hearing how they perform/sound in relatively clean settings.
Nice too hear a demo of the guitar and components than the the obligatory watch how fast I can shred video. Sounded great.
@@donhancock1721 thanks Don✌️
Jonathan,
Damn.....You sound great!
Sorry mate, but in this case you are totally wrong. It may be the rule for the whimpy dimpy way of life, but if you go for deep metal this rule will not work. I played super cool sounding at cleans and they fucked up at high gain/high distortion and vice versa. I know that is not your cup of tea, but stop spreading rumours like that 😜🤷♂️❤
@@adrianojameson629 Adriano...you are referring to me?
Man, you are an awesome player! Love your melodic grove!!!
Thank you 🤓✌️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud did you changed the pots too?
Beautiful playing again Jon, that guitar sounds amazing those pick ups have so much depth , great video
Thank you William!
Great sound! Really stylish playing.
EMV thank you ✌️❤️
Awesome result, guitar sound so good. And you are very good player, it' s so delight to hear how you play!
Thank you ✌️❤️
A direct comparison from this to the stock would be amazing.
Fantastic playing as always Jonathon 🤘🏻🤘🏻👊🏻👏🏻
✌🤓
Tim Pierce of Singapore, love your playing.
hhaha Rowland!! How I wish! Tim is totally in another league ! I'm a fan of his playing since I heard him in Rick Springfield songs. Thanks for your kind comments though!!! 😀✌
Jonathan Koh dude, I love Tim, but yes, you’re up there right with him. Just keep doing what you do, it’s awesome.
I think he is THE Jonathan Koh. So skilled but still humble.
Nice Vid Jon!! Love the sound with the new SD Pickups and your playing is Great man. Please keep up the Good Work!!
Thank you Rick!!!✌😀 . Welcome to the channel!!!
Sounds sweet Jonathan. Nice upgrades. Twin roller trees looks more the part too. Enjoy!
Thanks man ✌️😊
I took your idea and did the same thing with a HB Fusion-II with excellent results. I usually play a Charvel Guthrie. The HB Fusion-II feels very similar in shape, size, weight and how the neck plays (superstrat). Also both come with an HSH configuration that I prefer. The Fusion II guitar is a replica of the Suhr Modern which costs nearly 10 times as much. HB's fit and finish on mine is impeccable. Really beautiful looking guitar that plays well. It plays much better for me that other more expensive guitars I have owned such as a Gibson Les Paul, Jackson Soloist, Ibanez RG, and PRS 24CE. The only things I changed on the HB were the pickups and strings. The Roswell p/u's seemed a bit harsh to me even with adjusting EQ. I run it through my Helix Floor. I had a Luthier install the actual Suhr pickups that come with the Suhr Modern, since this is so obviously a clone, and I'm very happy with the results. (Suhr SSH+ 53mm Bridge; Middle RWRP V60 LP; and SSV Neck 50mm, all in black). Nice warm tones on the neck pickup and strong crunch on my bridge for the classic rock I play. I only use the middle pickup for acoustic presets. I also changed the strings from 10's to 9's and had the guitar set up for that. The result is really nice. It is now one of my all time favorite guitars to play. So easy to play. Very happy with this. Also I was shocked that Thomann somehow managed to ship it to me by UPS in one day from Europe to New Jersey. Jonathan - thanks for posting your videos. It gave me the trust to rely on Thomann and try this mod. Also I enjoy your playing. You sound and play great!
Thank you for your sharing...it helps a lot!✌❤
Just bought one fusion II because of your videos. Thank you!
Hope you enjoy the guitar!!
Dude, great tone!!!! Very surprisingly vintage LP, possibly SG ish. Thank you brother, GodBless!
My pleasure✌️❤️
HI! just to let you know if you like this video and want to show your appreciation, you can buy me a cup of coffee with the "Thanks" button which is just next to the share button! ✌❤
Please support me in what I do thru Patreon! www.patreon.com/Jonathankoh
Love your very informative videos. One thing I'd like to add is your style of playing. I find it full of melodic character. In other words, take away the back tracks and only leave the solos, and it STILL holds up on its own. Sort of like when a guitar solo on a famous song is indistinguishable to that song. Nothing flashy, but MAN, lots of personality! Unlike shredders who think that faster is better, they lose the quality of the song. Good example of less is better. Also, I'm glad you review guitars with the natural tones instead adding pedals to the signal. Never understood guitar reviewers when they distort the guitar and expect a solid review for a youtuber.
Thank you man for the comments. Appreciate it✌️🤓
Adding Duncans to a HB really makes a huge difference. I added a set to my SC-Custom and it's a wonderful upgrade. I also added a couple of Dimarzios to another HB and it's so hot! So much so, that one of the guitarists I jam with is ordering his first 2 Harley Bentons.
Thanks for sharing!✌🤓
Very exlusive combination. Sounds perfectly, especially with this clean sound. Excellent playing!
Thanks Peter! 😊✌️
Love your playing, Jonathan! 😊
Thank you so much!✌♥
Love that set up, Jonathan!
✌🤓
@@JonIsJustTooLoud which seymour's are they? I'm going to do it the Jonathan way, my man.
Michael Antoniotti the info Is in the video✌️❤️
Very tasty playing!
thank you Dennis!✌😀
You have the blues in you, man.
Thanks so much! Helped me a lot. Amazing sound and playing. Good luck!
with such effects and your way to play guitar i thing so the most guits are give a sound like this,nice guit and nice playing....thanls for posting.
Thank you Manfred✌️🤭
With your playing this guitar sounds like it's worth thousands of pounds. Keep doing your stuff, tasty playing, got my sub
Thank you Alex! Welcome to the channel!✌😀
It's off-tap mate, exactly my thoughts Alex, sounds like a ten grand guitar through state-of-the-art gear. I reckon Jonathon could use a rusty grimy 4-stringed untuned $2-shop guitar with a bent neck & 1-inch action and still blow us all off the stage like chip packets along the grass in Centennial Park!
Really nice playing! I haven't played on these Harley Benton's yet but I have a desire to make an afordable well build guitar outstanding. These HSH Benton's seem the perfect canvas for that.
Aye… it is ✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I have been going through the Seymour Duncan webpage. And I came across the SH15, which is a SH4 (the JB) with Alnico 8 magnets. Same EQ as the JB but a bit hotter. I would love that for the bridge. And the neck a 59. Probably the middle coil the same as you have. Oh and one thing. I have seen people turning the neck pickups so when it's coil split the coil that is on will be the one closer to the neck. That makes the sound rounder and not too bright.
oh yeah... some nice tone going on there !
Thank you Malcolm 🤓
@@JonIsJustTooLoud No not me... thank you ! You made the tones ( of cause with a little help from some great pickups :) And a cool guitar !
@@malcolmhardwick4258 it's a great guitar with a bit of an acquired taste..I simply love playing on it 😀
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I'd get one but I have so many guitars as it is. Maybe in the future !
@@malcolmhardwick4258 hahaha tell me about it..😂
Sick jam.
Amazing tone. Beautiful!
Thank you ✌️🤓
Thanks for the heads up in case I need to change the pickups on my Fusion Pro III HSH.
Glad to help✌️❤️
Thanks Wayne
Wonderful guitar playing Jonathan! Feeling is everything and something very few players have, and you definitely have it 👍🌟
I have Seymour Duncans and split humbuckers in my Washburn x50 pro, unbelievably versatile tone possibilities.
I will buy a HB Fusion II next. There seems to be something special to the wood combination as you mentioned in a video.
Thank you✌️❤️
Great tone and great playing!
Thank you✌️❤️
Hi Jonathan, thanks for your inputs on this sounds. I recently bought that Fusion II roasted HSH, and was prepared to change pick-ups. But I won't, I'm a stratman, so do I really like the split tones of these humbuckers as well as the tones of the middle, all being bright as you said but I like. I'm not using high gain so that the middle is not so noisy. If I was changing the humbucker , it would be for more articulte cleans. That beautiful guitar is perfectly built, no flaws at all. I just sanded the neck for a smoother/satin feel , as it was slightly raw 1st off.
That’s great!! Yea.. just play it as you see fit. Like I’ve always stressed .. everyone have different preferences.. have fun!!!✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud hi, I finally changes the pick ups for Tone Rider Birmingham humbuckers with chromium covers for Neck and Bridge , and Classic Blues in middle. More clarity and bite ( Zep tones) for the humbuckers. I may have kept the Roswell single coil in the middle which is fat enough to complement the humbuckers. What a beautiful guitar ! And a joy to play.
I think you mean coil split, not coil tap.
Your play is so inspiring, and your pickup choices are very interesting. Going to have to think about it awhile. Thanks so much for sharing! 👍
Cool, thanks!✌♥
That sounded very nice Sir!
Thank you Perry!
The Roswell LAF humbuckers sound really great in an all mahogany guitar like an SG model. Like you said, a litle P-90-ish, but I love how they sound. You just can't put them too high near the strings, the bridge will have some harsh frequencies and the neck will be too muddy.
I can imagine they sound too bright in a guitar with a maple cap and maple neck.
PS: I love your music, so nice. The world needs more nice things!
Greetings from Belgium.
Thank you!!!✌️❤️
Gold plated covers would be sick on this guitar !!! Looks awesome as is although,,, enjoy our friend !!!! I learned lots here with you over the last few days ! And just want to say Thank you !!! I enjoy your playing and seeing these HB Guitars ! Its all Awesome ! 😁🖒✌
Nice Johnathon. Interesting pickup choice too.
Thanks man! Welcome to the channel! 😊
Thank you for this video!
Great playing and great sounds!
Thank you 🤓✌
Sounds amazingn. Seems like that trem doesn't do much half the time.
No worries. BTW the upgrades you did are working very well for you. (I just went back and watched the unboxing video again)
Yes!! They are working really well for me! ✌😀
inspiring...above all musical a big thanks!
+Iakovos Stellas thank you lakovos!! Hope you enjoy the channel!!🤓✌️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I really do! wonderfull playing, great tips, keep up the great work!!!
@@iakovosstellas2566 have a great New year ahead!!!
Hi Jonathan. Thanks for putting this video and shows how good is SH-16.
You're most welcome Ready✌️🤓
Great playing and tone
Thank you@
Nice play, good sound. I like.
Glad you like it!✌❤
Very tasty guitar playing and nice tones indeed
Thank you so much!✌😀
Great video. Would have liked to see you play the same music with the original Roswell pickups and then with the Seymor Duncans so we could compare the two.
Just watch the few videos I did regarding the modifications done to this guitar ✌️
Excellent tone, and the guitar is now more responsive to your picking attack. My question to you is: Why didn't Wayne install the 59' Custom Hybrid in the Trembucker spacing (TB-16), instead of an SH-16? The magnet pole piece spacing at the bridge would match, and not appear pinched on the 1st and 6th strings; as it does now..
There wasn’t any stock available.. but it worked fine ✌️❤️
Nice guitar, remind me of Guthrie's Charvel/Suhr
My guitar (not a Harley Benton) happens to have same colour and same neck and bridge pickups as yours, but without any middle pickup.. a killer combination.
✌️❤️
Good Choice. Sounds very well
Thank you!!🤓✌
The guitar sounds great Johnathan. I have one of these ordered from thomann, i may go the same route as you with the seymour duncans. Great video buddy!
Awesome Hugh! I chose these pickup because these are available. I actually wanted a 59 on the neck..But they didnt have them in the 4 wire config (no coil tap) But i'm quite impressed with the Pearly Gates Neck pup :) Thanks for your kind comments ✌
Great fantastic upgrade!
✌️❤️
Part 2 of this video is @ ruclips.net/video/szDU8qOmUkU/видео.html
In this video, you will hear how these pickups perform in high gain situations as well as hearing them in split coil mode.
That sounded great!👍😎🎸🎶
Thanks man! 😀✌
Regarding pickup noise, for passive pickups, you can try Wilde/Bill Lawrence pickups. For active, Fishman Fluence. As of now I`m using Bill Lawrence pickups.
Sounds great!!
Do you still like the pickups you chose? I'm looking for a versatile set for my PRS SE Custom 24 that can be coil tapped. I was thinking about the 59/Custom Hybird but still not sure about the neck. The Pearly Gates sounds great in your guitar!
Conor Lee yep I like the pearly gates ✌️❤️
Sounds amazing by the way.
Thanks Clay😊
Ahah finally you did it: change of PUs ! Nice choice, great sounds, I'm seriously thinking about doing the same thing you did: buy the HB for the woods, and change the PUs .I'll use Zebra humbuckers to have a ''personnal' version. Cheers !
Yea.. Do it! I did it because the guitar is just too good to pass by. Upgrading it seems to be the right course of action for me 😊✌️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Oh yes I'm gonna do it. Just have to wait november for the next batch. Hope Thomann will have solved the retainer bar issue. 😏
Sounds Great! Remind me of Larry Carlton.Tasty playing
Thank you 🤓✌️
Very good. Thank you and you are a good guitarist !
Thank you! 🤓✌
Was thinking of doing exactly this with the lefty version. Wish there was no middle pickup though or was HSS.
Nice✌️❤️
This is a beautiful guitar! I bought one based mainly on your reviews, Jonathan, and I absolutely love it! I'm planning on doing this pickup upgrade, and am wondering: do you have a wiring diagram for the electronics? I've contacted Harley Benton about this, and the schematic is not available from them. Thanks so much for the wonderful reviews, Jonathan! I'm a big fan of your channel! Regards, Tim
Thank you Tim..I do not have the diagrams. I had my pickups changed by my luthier🤓✌️
Wow, the sound and jamn you did was so nice!
I will have to try my FUSION ll HSH with Roswel's, and see if I would be able to use them...
If I have the slightest doubt I may go your route!:-) :-)
If you ever gig or visit Spain, Madrid let me know, be great to jamn together :-)
✌️🤓
Amazing playing Jon. I have a question. With such an upgrade, do you think the Harley Benton could match up tone and playability wise with premium more expensive guitars? (USA strats and LPs). I'm currently considering such a project for a backup guitar so I thought I'd take your valuable opinion about the subject. Thanks.
It depends.. most times.. The other stuff do matters. Like fretwork and wood choices for the body and neck.. but go ahead and experiment… You will learn something!✌️❤️
Hello Jonathan, I hope you are well. Today I've ordered the HB fusion II HSH and a HB TE-52. I'm quite excited. I thought to come back on this video remembering you changed out the pick-ups on the fusion II. Just wondering now after using the guitar for some time now how you think these pickups sound compared to any others you have tried - would you still settle for these ones? I'll see how I go with the stock Roswells, however from what you are saying I will definitely want a warm sound. There are so many pickups to choose from.... I know I like AlNiCo II humbuckers, I've installed those in my HB E35 Plus and they sound so sweet, as I play mostly clean, they have a great warm Jazz tone. I've also installed Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-4 in the neck and a SH-4 JB in an Epiphone LP Standard, which I love to bits especially the Neck pickup (they are sometimes called the Hot Rodded set)
Denis Ahmet Hi brother.. well the SD pups I’ve installed in this guitar worked great for me. Again I must state that it’s all down to individual preferences.. have fun!✌️❤️
Jonathan Koh I had feeling you would say that. I’ll see how it goes. Thanks
Nice, the symours really make it sing out, all in all a great sounding guitar which is what you would expect for the price inc the luthiers work.
Yep..I'm very pleased with how they sound especially with this guitar!!! :)
Awesome playing man! How about the stainless steel frets? Are they really easier on bends?
With all the hype about stainless steel frets..i myself felt no major differences between them and the normal nickel frets. The only thing is that the ss frets will last much longer.
What actually makes a difference is the size of your frets..medium..medium jumbo ..jumbo. I love jumbo frets...but that's just me😀✌
Very tasteful playing. The beginning reminded me a bit of Jeff Beck. Did you order from Thomann to Singapore? If so, can I ask how much for freight and import fees?
It all depends on where you are.. Go to Thomann and find out 😊
I love SD pickups. What was the song you were playing in the video?
It's a jam track for jam track Central Stacy..🤓
The Harley Benton stock pickups on this guitar sound fine to me. Rather than swap over to expensive pick-ups, I would recommend adjusting pickup and polepiece height and buying an inexpensive 10 band equalizer pedal.
👍
These are great guitars, Really playable and loud a resonant..nearly as loud as my acoustic unplugged. They though do come with some terrible quality control issues. Mine came with a bent pickup selector switch, easily repairable..a large scratch in the back of the body..just in the lacquer so easily repairable and what looks like marker ink on the fretboard...though could be the grain..and a loose pickup where they didn't use enough packing in the neck. Guess you really take ownership of a guitar when it you have to pull it apart and put it back together. . Really trying to understand your playing. It seems pentatonic'eee and easy to understand but you give an absolute masterclass making the absolute most out of each those notes and it is just wonderful to watch you bend around the fretboard. Really makes me want to sit here and work it all out note for note to give me ideas.
Wish you would do a video explaining your note selection and general chops. I would watch it.
Thank you for your kind comments...Maybe in the future, I will do a video of how I approach solo lines. Glad that you are enjoying the channel!~🤓✌
Jonathan Hello! Great review, great music. Amazing. but the manufacturer does not respond to numerous reviews about pickups. Many people replace them. It would be logical to release a more expensive modification, but with a better set of pickups. A branded case, even for a small amount of money, also does not hurt. The keys and tremolo lever in the package create a risk of damage to the neck surface and body. I wish you good health. And new creative achievements. Thanks to Google for helping us translate.
Thank you!!! Harley Benton will not not do custom orders as they keep that cost down by mass production✌️❤️
Hi. Great video and pickup choice.. could you help people to put the strings trees? If could tell me the measures for holes location.
Thanks! with the advice of my friend Wayne, I installed the string tree halfway from the nut to the spool of the tuner. use the right most string as a guide. Hope this helps ✌😀
Thank you! it helps. So is half way between 1St String and Nut, and Half way 3rd string and Nut. Or is Half way between 2nd and 4th strings and Nut?
take the 1st string as a guide for the 1st string tree and the 3rd string for the 2nd string tree :)
@@JonIsJustTooLoud thanks
now i am actually hunting for these exact pickups :) already got my 59/custom. did your tech have any issues direct mounting the classic stack plus? i can see it has threaded screwholes.
Nope.. I was there during the installation.. no problems✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thank you. That gives me confidence.
Hi, Thanks for the video. Just wanted to ask if you think the 59 custom hybrid is heavy enough for metal?
Maybe you might need a pup with more output..✌️❤️
Hey Jonathon, thanks for sharing this video. I see that there are more SD Pearly Gates choices. Can you exactly describe the types that you use? They sound amazing, and your playing is great! I enjoy all of your videos, thanks!
Cheers from The Netherlands
Jos
Hi Jos... The pearly gates neck pickups have their own pages. www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/pearly-gates-neck
I used a SD 59/hybrid for the bridge.
The 59/hybrid has a much higher gain. Pickups are very subjective to each individual taste and preferences. Try to do some research and then decide. Enjoy the experience!! 🤓✌️
Hi Jonathan great playing. Did you oil the fretboard my guitar,s fretboard is a bit lighter than yours? Great choice of pick ups.
Yes I do...🤓✌️
We need some high gain comparisons! I thought the stock Pup's were good but not great with cleanish tones...they really suffered in a high gain situation IMHO.
Yea..i'm actually having a part 2 of this video planned. Thanks for the headups Dan ✌
Here you go Dan..
ruclips.net/video/szDU8qOmUkU/видео.html
You tossing those roswell? Id love the set or one of them. Lol. Try in my strat. Or make hss. 😆 love this channel!
I still have them.. lol
Hi Johnatan, very nice video. How can you select a pickup from the vast variety that can be found in S.D. pickups?
Ciao Antonio!! I asked around, did some research... But in the end, I bought what was available in the country, fits my expectations and my budget. Turned out I made a good choice after all...😀✌️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thank you Jonathan, your choice sounds really good. You play guitar very good.
Grazie Antonio!!!!🤓✌
WOW, that combination of pickups sounds great together. I have been thinking abut putting a set of Pearly Gates on a semi hollow body Ibanez. Now after hearing your demo, I'm not sure whether to use Pearly Gates at the bridge or the 59/Custom Hybrid. Would you happen to have an opinion about these two pickups?
Thank you
The 59/custom hybrid is only available for the bridge and is a sweet pickup to have..i find that the pearly gates pickup set is also as good. But the 59/custom hybrid will have more of an edge☺✌
I hear love of Floyd in that jam. Really like what you've done
Thanks Mike.. Speaking of which, here is the video about the Floyd..
ruclips.net/video/SKoEm0r4CM8/видео.html
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I could be wrong, but I think Mike means Pink Floyd :-)
Lol! Is that it mike?
Hi from Italy, Great job, I will change the pickups in my Harley Benton T Fusion and waths do you think, I am not sure between your set or the Seymour Duncan JB? Thanks, I'm waiting for your answer...
It’s really up to you.. you can’t go wrong with Seymour Duncan pickups✌️❤️
im about to buy some thornbuckers for the hb fusion 2. turn it into as close to the real thing i hope :)
Sound great🇨🇦🙏
Thank you Wayne ✌️❤️
Guitar Playing Ranking = Complete Wizard.
Feel cannot be taught, all the theory in the world won't help one with feel,
guitarists generally cannot learn feel it can improve or it can be innate instinctive
& inimitably individual. Those with good musical feel (you either have it or you do not,
'tis a grand blessing & gift from Mother Earth, or a Division-4 Winner in the DNA ChookLotto?), like I'm fortunately life-long granted & for which I'm outrageously grateful & lucky I know..., this feel can be instantly recognised by any other musician savvy sprouting with fine feel also. Without this feel, groove, swing, know-how, nous, sage-like savvy... there is a limit to how far one may travel in terms of professionalism, with any music. There is no limit to your journey Mr. Jonathan Koh, whatsoever! wow!
You are amazing soulful uber-feel guitar monster to be sure, too cool for school, blown off the stage. (I'm 51 & played for 42 years since 9yrs old & know a Complete Wizard, when I hear & see one, & I can play some myself but dips my lid here totally!
Bravo mate!). I write this comment on Kabi Kabi country.
Far too much guitar is nowhere near enough, woefully inadequate & grossly insufficient for human life to survive upon.
Thank you so much for your wonderfully kind comments✌️❤️
Wow... watched the evolution from the base model and this sounds great! Would it be fair to say that at this point you have about $1000 into the guitar including mods and labor? Thanks, R
Almost there 🤣✌️
Would you recomand this over an ibanez at the same price? Thanks. Very nice solo
It really soothes in your own preference. Ibanez has thinner necks☺️
Hi Jonathan. I was wondering how much they charge you for shipping this guitar to Singapore. BTW im from the Philippines. More power l. Cheers
Hi Andrew.. Thomann charge 50euros for delivery..max30kg ✌️🤓
@@JonIsJustTooLoud thanks
Do you still have this. Same configuration? Nice job!
Yes I do!!! and yes same configuration!
Just created a Facebook artist page for this community. Check it out @
fb.me/JonKestat
That’s sweet man
Edward McGuigan ✌️❤️
What’s the cost of fixing, painting , a new set up from a luthier and the pick ups?
all in all ....roughly about 300Euros 😬
Could you make video about which budget pickups would be the best upgrades for fusion pro?
This upgrade you have done for this video is as expensive as the guitar is. I would be interested in could the performance be upgraded for smaller investment.
The fact is that the pickups are not that horrible.. Its just my own decision and preference. There are many owners of the same guitar who love how the guitar sounds. My advise is to play it for a period and then decide if you need to change the pickups. I'm sure there are cheaper pickup alternatives out there. Hope this helps ✌️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud Thank you for your fast answer. :)
@@madvelila no worries... Have fun!!
Hello Jonathan! Great impro. Was it difficult to put those pickups in the harley benton fusion ii? Did they fit exactly? I have red that some pickups don't fit and they need some custom work to get it done. I have the same guitar(the HH edition with FR) and I want to change mine too!!! THank you!
no they have no problem in fitting..✌🤓
@@JonIsJustTooLoud good to know! I was thinking of installing some dimarzio pickups but I really like the sound of yours. Now that I know they fit exactly, I'll have a second thought on this... Keep rockin!
Hi Jonathan, a quich question...Are the SD pickups you installed in the guitar f-spaced?
No they are not ✌️❤️
Hi, sorry did you changed just the pickups or something else like the potentiometers?
Hi.. watch part 2!!✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud I saw it but I don't noticed you changed it
@@santibu ruclips.net/video/vtT3tVApGCI/видео.html
@5:25
@@JonIsJustTooLoud thanks so much, I have just seen the video... Interesting :-) happy new year!!
Have a great new year Santiago✌️❤️
Hi Jonathan I was wondering if you had any issues with the pickup spacing being alittle off from where the string is??
I was planning on changing the pickups from my fusion ii and noticed my pickups don't quite align with the higher strings
Yes they don’t align as I didn’t get the trem buckers but it ok. Guitar still sound fine✌️❤️
@@JonIsJustTooLoud awesome thank you for replying! Great informative videos btw! Keep safe and thank you again ✌️
@@lgguzman470 :)
I dont understand the humb i the neck position. Does is sound like a strat?
There was no hum in the original roswell neck pickup as it is a humbucker. The hum was from the roswell single coil middle pickup. And that is why I changed it to a Sd Stack. And yes..this guitar does sound like a strat. 😀✌
When you purchased this guitar from Thomann did you also purchase a case to go with it ? If so which case did you get ?
Hi Rich! No I did not get any case..i have too many cases as it is! Haha ✌😀