4 Guitar Mods To Unleash The Full Potential Of Your Harley Benton Fusion-II

[@joeyedwards253]

Great job. My brian was fired from all the work. Love the out of phase sounds.

[@autobotsNdecepticons]

Max really sets the standard for gear videos. Super clear and informative.

[@johnbenton3691]

You just gave me the confidence to buy the HB Fusion-II without worrying if I made the right decision or not. Thanks!

[@gabrielem.9690]

Never worry about a new guitar especially when it's so well rated

[@TheTruth70777]

And if you got the same last name. JK. It's a really nice guitar, indeed

[@vir-daw]

My HB Fusion-II Silver Sparkle arrived at my door right after your live video premier ended! x)

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Yay! That might be the most beautiful Fusion guitar

[@PooNinja]

Congratulations 🎊 Sir

[@mastrojollyroger1322]

you're the best for me. vehicles complex concepts with a simple and direct linearity that makes anything clear. Max Docet

[@georgebarry3153]

Max is an EXCELLENT Teacher and Communicator. Direct. Concise. To the point, and constructive. he is also will occasionally say "Somethings wrong here"..and that honesty goes along way for people who are learning. They need to know there may be obstacles, but they can be overcome. Thank you again, max..I think I owe you some patreon money.

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks George

[@Trackformers]

First time here .. Put intro to loop.. MAn i love that!

[@REBELSCL]

I’m really impressed with your wiring skills…. amazing job!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davidperez6964]

Great video. A lot of good ideas. Thank you. The 3-way split coil blew my mind. I have a fusion II HH FR, I have a pair of Dimarzios ready, and now that trick will be in the bag :-)

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Sounds like a plan :)

[@dasczwo]

Lol! So glad of having healed the wiring bug. Ok still got the es335 cooy with the jimi page wiring. 95& i only use the coil split. ... but both split in series is awesome. Dreaming of a single p90 junior. To get to the sound in the fingers.

[@jessestaton167]

Will make many of those modifications for my fusion 3. Thanks a heap

[@Hiro.the.God.]

I love this channel already.

[@BonzoNaphtol]

Your videos are very informative, well explained. I am a big fan!

[@RevuitNet]

So you basically created all the pick-up combinations Brian May has but added extra for the humbuckers over his single coils…! Nice!

[@BrianMundays]

I am so doing this to my Steinberger Spirit GU Deluxe once I get new frets installed and put in new pickups! This is so cool!

[@wilmer33086]

Bro. You killed it!!!!! That’s all I can say. Great great job and video!!

[@bill.clifford.59]

This was the best@ thank you for doing this mod!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@Grandpa.Dan8881]

Too Cool and I really like how you do not hide the mistake and show the fixed version. Really like your channel...

[@cloudhemlock3211]

Thank you for this ideas it's very helpful. Kudos to ur channel sir👏🙌

[@rasmusolesen5307]

Love the video :) You should do a gain demo of the Out of Phase mod, where it really shines. Personally i always do the "Out of Phase mod" and "bridge series/parallel mod" on HH guitars. Another cool "mod" is to flip the neck humbucker and raise the pole pieces a bit, which gives a very clear sound and acoustic feel.

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Sounds like a good topic for another video. I agree, out-of-phase works great with high gain. I used it a lot when I played heavy stuff on stage years ago

[@Jydmd]

Quick tip for the Treble bleed if you want to try how it sounds before actually soldering anything : since you don't actually have to rewire anything for the mod, you can just hook the capacitor to the volume pot with alligator clips. This will also allow you to test different capacitor values. Also if you're gonna do all the following mods, do the treble bleed mod after you change the volume pot!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Good point! Thanks

[@eldercirillo554]

Thanks for sharing, this mods.

[@jrr832]

Thanks

[@tacos666]

Really interesting for an electronic newbie like me. Thanks ! ...i'm tempted to try those mods on my guitar now ...maybe...or not ^^

[@xoulio2388]

Fantastic job!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@PooNinja]

I got caps and 3 way switch’s now I just need a fusion II 🤣 great in-depth DIY Sir

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks :) Well, most of these mods work with other guitars too

[@PooNinja]

Max Solo Music 😂

[@aleksandrpermski9449]

Отличное полезное видео, Макс! Спасибо!

[@Jydmd]

Finally got my Fusion II! I saw they released the Fusion III without the toggle switch, so I decided to jump on the Fusion II while it was still available.

[@stigsy5609]

Instead of the phase mod I suggest to use a superswitch and get both humbuckers instead of the middle single. Together with 2 individual 3 way switches you get a lot of options. Keep going...

[@GiannisSKonstantinidis25]

If every channel would make videos as you do, KZbin would be perfect! Great work!

[@mattmartinez7135]

Im a simple player. I like guitars with only a single humbucker and a push/pull volume pot. But still I enjoyed this video!! 👍

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Well, one humbucker and a single volume control may be enough for 95% of rock music :) And a single channel high gain amp, no pedals. That was me 10 years ago!

[@chrisjeneson5091]

Very good vid Max, I thought most tones very bright and metallic but that could be a good thing and it must be possible to mediate the effect by the EQ on the amp. All links clicked!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks Chris

[@Bmanhaas]

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

[@paulsmith6090]

This video smashed it! I can't wait to apply what you've taught us 👏👍

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@victorres7]

Thanks.. really cool...

[@philips4074]

Could add one more thing. All three pickups at once, and all of the splits an series and phase. An idea. Nice job!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

That's possible but will require additional switches

[@KinottoIt]

Thank you so much, very helpful your mods. It would be fine to add the chance to turn off the middle PU to get a true humbucker. I used the first mod (resistor and capacitor to volume) only. After that I installed a push pull tone to exclude the middle PU. Grateful!

[@MichaelMacherey]

Perfect! That`s what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

You are welcome!

[@bullyakker]

Before and after soldering use a Q-tip with 91+ iso alcohol to clean the contacts.. you'll thank me later. It'll clean the contacts before and rid the flux after (let the solder solidify first then give it a quick wipe while still warm)

[@yamill36]

Super Cool project!

[@mountainman8775]

Thanks so much for this, it‘s extremely useful. I will be installing at least the treble bleed. Where did you get the backing track?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Nice! Those are my recordings from different videos across my channel, guitar demos etc

[@mountainman8775]

nice Max, there‘s actually decent bass playing on them which makes a change for a lot of self-recorded stuff

[@MaxSoloMusic]

@@mountainman8775 Thanks :) yep, it took some time to nail those parts

[@simoncossettini9680]

Very Nice. I was wondering if it was worth it but watched to the end and sounded like you had lots of tones. I am working on simpler electrical experiment adding 2 kill buttons (Momentary) and either on/off push button or volume push/pull hooked to condenser and resistor to give a adjustable choke/bright/volume that is controlled by the 2nd kill button. The first kill button just operating as kill switch grounding to earth. The second trying to give a volume drop/bright, I am calling it "choke" because I don't want the kill the signal just make it splutter.

[@espertempo]

Impressive job!

[@sebjulien3]

You really are a good teacher. If I weren't so sick because of Lyme disease eating my brain I would try those mods. I just don't understand why is Harley Benton not doing this to give us more freedom. I would gladly pay more to have these already installed. This is my Fusion II I just received it a couple of weeks ago: imgur.com/gallery/tm45Yo7

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Nice, the FR version! Fusions are considered as a perfect guitar for mods and upgrades. Apparently many people buy them to have pickups changed and stuff like that

[@thomasteauju5870]

Very good job, thanks dude.

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Glad you liked it!

[@user-um6tk6xr9c]

Отлично Макс!

[@Hendrek81]

Perfect video, Max!! Thank you! What upgrades do you recomend for Harley Benton Fusion-II HH EB PSP Pro? Treble bleed looks like easy one, I have thought about it already before. And the other one upgrade with splitting coils with posibility of changing inner and outer coils with DPDT toggle switch will be also possible, I assume. Another upgrade is not possibble because lack of SC pickup, am I right? I've already changed unreliable pickup selector switch for Göldo EL3PL and in future it will be replaced for Göldo US003 CRL 3-Way Switch (good user references), l already got it.

[@MaxSoloMusic]

For that one I'd go for a 5-way super switch. It works great for HH guitars, giving 5 tones. I usually wire out-of-phase parallel and out-of-phase series combinations for positions 2 and 4. I've never tried pickups with covers but some people say their inner coils are not really useful in split settings. But that would be easy to implement and try with any Fusion-II by replacing the switch

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

Would of been nice to hear how much it changes the sound for hi-gain applications. Your demos were clean and a bit of low gain crunch. Maybe the guitar was naturally overdriving the amp but i wasnt too sure.

[@Leemuzhko]

Я еще не дорос до такого разнообразия )))

[@erickeman10]

5:06 what about 4 conductors humbucker pickups

[@bas5984]

ok now I need to google what out of phase etc means :D

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Hey Max, I have no issues with soldering or replacing pots. The only thing I'm wondering is whether I should actually get a HB Fusion II or buy something "name brand". I currently have an Epiphone Les Paul which I'm not super happy with (needs fretwork) and I'm looking to get a guitar that will hopefully be with me for another decade. Would you say the quality on the HB is good enough for that? I've looked at expensive name brand guitars but they all need work imho unless I'm spending 800+ euros which I think is a bit steep. The Fusion has locking tuners, easily adjustable truss rod and stainless steel frets which I'm really excited about. I don't doubt that sometime down the line I might do a coil swap (maybe even wrap my own, who knows). How happy have you been with yours so far?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

I'm happy with my Fusions so far. Just had them tested in a outdoor live gig situation and they did fine with temperatures going down during the gig. If you're hard on a trem it may eventually need some maintenance but other than that these guitars are solid

[@cranedao7281]

I would like to use just the 2 humbuckers, each with its own volume knob. I always like to add just a lil bit of the neck volume with the bridge the get a fatter tone. So i guess i have to drill another hole in it. Or use a dubble volume knob like those on the jazzbass an option ?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Yep, something like that. Or reuse the tone pot as a second volume knob

[@noygitarista1943]

love the tones.. Sir how about adding that parrallel/series switch on my Fender Blacktop HH prototype which has already inside and outside coil splitting in positions 2 & 4, how would i wire it?? pls help..thanks in advance

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Hey. I think i'd rewire coil splits to push-pulls and use positions 2 and 4 of the super switch for out-of-phase and out-of-phase-in-series wirings. That would be my standard approach to an HH guitar with a 5-way switch. The are other ways as well, but that all depends on the type of switch used in the guitar

[@MinhPhamGators]

If I do all those mods, I'll be happy if the guitar still works, regardless of how they sound afterward.

[@neilrobinson7615]

Great video, subbed! Quick question: On a HSH guitar, is the single coil reverse wound with reversed magnets like a standard Strat middle pickup or not?

[@Ukobold]

Did anybody try to add a middle single coil pickup to a Fusion II HH FR. The mods here are great, but I need a Floyd Rose and HB doesn’t seem to want to get the best of their Fusion II Line...

[@00SunLover00]

Great job! Do you have any pickup-switch recommendations? Which pickups would you choose for the fusion 2?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

I used different types of super switch by Fender and Schaller over the years, they work fine. I'd keep Fusion-II's original pickups - the Roswell HAF

[@00SunLover00]

@@MaxSoloMusic Thanks!

[@AlexisGuitars]

Loved this video! Really cool! Question: will the on-off-on switch mod be much different with an HSS configuration?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks! The mod for an HSS will look the same. Just one side of the switch will be used since you only need to split one pickup

[@AlexisGuitars]

@@MaxSoloMusic awesome, that's me next project on the list sorted!

[@donald-parker]

Really clever! I was wondering if there would be any issues with the size of those push pull pots fitting in a cavity not designed for them , but apparently not. Its all a matter of taste but I think I could live without the phase reversal. But the series option was quite dramatic. Your comment at the end about getting the Brian May sound has me wondering about mods to my BMG special. All PU are in series with standard wiring, but I wonder what they would sound like if I could hear them in parallel (more like a normal strat-like guitar). For any mods like this I think I would be tempted to test the sounds first by just putting extension wires on all PU that could be combined on the bench, so you don't have to commit to a mod before you hear it. Thoughts?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks! BMG Special is awesome! I had one and played many of them. Yeah, I guess that may be tested without any soldering. And it has two pots which may be replaced with push-pulls for even more sound options without altering the look

[@diegodelacuadra2617]

Hey Max! Great video! I just wanted to ask you a question though, I tried out the 3 way split mod and everything is going well, however as is natural with split humbuckers I am facing a noticeable output drop when the switch is engaged, I've heard about the PRS resistor mod for a partial coil split, and I was wondering if there was any way to apply this partial split to the 3 way split wiring, or if you know of any other way to enhance the output of the individual coils when split, Thanks in advance!

[@georgebarry3153]

Max. Brilliant Video, as always! Just a quick question..what wattage soldering iron? And do you use 60/40 solder or pure silver? Your joints welded so easily. Well done!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Thanks George. It says 48W. I had no idea until you've asked :) I randomly bought some solder years ago. It worked and I stuck with it. It says 60%Sn, 38%Pb, 2%Cu

[@georgebarry3153]

@@MaxSoloMusic well..it sure is working fine!!!

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

Any recommendations for good tutorials/videos/books about this kind of modding for a total beginner? This stuff seems really cool but I got totally lost instantly. I don't know much about all the wiring and parts that go along with it. Great video though! Cheers

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Maybe some electronic circuits for beginners kind of books or videos on youtube. Never used any though, therefore can't recommend anything specific

[@melman4119]

Is there any was to add a switch to skip the middle pick up, so you can just use two humbuckers or their splitted versions together?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

That can be done. As always with mods, you decide what you want first and then work towards that goal

[@JoseLuisVasquezGiraldo]

Hi, made it to the end and now I'm subscribed. Can this be done to Seymour Duncan blackouts active pickups?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Hi. All mods with the exception of coil split may be applied to blackouts

[@JoseLuisVasquezGiraldo]

@@MaxSoloMusic thanks, I've been watching your channel. You deserve more subscribers. If shipping wasn't a rip-off I would buy that modded fusion Harley Benton.

[@semyonboyk0]

It still lacks one interesting mode: humbucker coils in parallel. Have you ever tried it? It's hum cancelling unlike coil splitting, and with some humbuckers it sounds much better.

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Yep. I have that option on some of my guitars, although I figured I never use it. On this particular guitar it would be tricky to implement without adding additional switches. But on the HH version that could be done via a 5-way super switch while having phase and series switches on push-pulls

[@Jydmd]

Max Solo Music That's exactly what I have on my guitar, except I went with a half out-of-phase mod instead, I found it to be more usable than fully out of phase.

[@carlking9009]

Sup bro i would totally love all those combinations i couldn't possibly part with any of them nice im a natural at electronics but sequence wiring and soldering i will learn i wonder whou that or a similar set up work and epiphone les Paul special model special edition flat style body 3 way switch in the middle volume above tone below neck and bridge double humbuckers

[@MaxSoloMusic]

LP style guitars have a toggle switch, there isn't much you can do with it. It can be replaced with DiMarzio EP 1111 or some other super switch to get more options

[@carlking9009]

@@MaxSoloMusic thanks max solo and a great musician i wonder where your from im from Pontiac Michigan usa

[@MaxSoloMusic]

@@carlking9009 I'm in Germany now, was born in Russia though

[@carlking9009]

@@MaxSoloMusicthat's cool man i remember that it isn't where you are from it's who you are and you are definitely cool man i know one thing i have to lower my toon "o matic bridge i cannot triad tap on it action not that great it's like why put special model special edition custom shop when it's not living up to the advertised quality

[@THBakker69]

Hi

[@rodolfoamaralguitar]

Hi Max. Which is your favorite treble bleed type?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Hey Rodolfo! Good question. That would be the "Duncan" type

[@gjm1971]

GOD

[@Jydmd]

I'm a big guitar modder myself and would be very interested in this guitar. However, there's one thing missing for me : the possibility to get both humbuckers at the same time. I never liked the middle position alone, so I think I could just install a super switch instead of the regular 5 way, would fit in the cavity? It doesn't looks very spacious. Also that brings me to another problem : the phase in series mod would only work in position 2 and 4, since it's the pickup that's actually switched out of phase/added in series. What do you think?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

There's enough space for a super switch and yeah, it can be wired to have both humbuckers at the same time. As for the phase in series - check what pickups are active in every position. With the stock switch it's not wired the way you'd expect

[@Jydmd]

Max Solo Music Quick follow-up question : I’m assuming only one of the two split positions (inner/outer) will be hum cancelling in the 2 and 4 positions, is that right? Like, the bridge inner coil + middle might be hum cancelling while the bridge outer coil + middle wouldn’t be, since one coil will be the same polarity as the middle while the other will not. Am I understanding this correctly?

[@richiechen1085]

Bro, thanks so much for this introductory video. Can I ask for the resistor for tone bleed, should i be selecting 100K Ohm for my fusion pro II? Thanks!

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Hey. Yeah, 100K Ohm is what I used in the video. If after installing it you feel like the taper of the pot has changed too much, you can try higher resistance, up to 220K

[@richiechen1085]

@@MaxSoloMusic thanks very much!

[@XL-up7ij]

hi

[@Markleford]

Hi for example

[@thoms4092]

I bought the same HB (but in purple) I'm looking at getting a Free-Way switch. Don't suppose you fancy making a video on that?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Are you talking about that fancy 6-way (or more-way?) switch? Always wanted to try that! I know there are a few different models for both blade and toggle replacements. Sooner or later I'll definitely try them!

[@thoms4092]

@@MaxSoloMusic No there is a 10-way switch available (www.freewayswitch.com/) I emailed them, and they provided me with a custom schematic for £25. Can't wait for it to arrive and I'll try modding my HB fusion too!

[@ludak357]

when will you do guitar cables comparison (diy cables would be nice) i'm looking to buy a good cable and i'm having noise problems,

[@MaxSoloMusic]

I'll be making some general tests this year. No plans for DIY cables though.

[@loveaboveall2382]

The single coils sound sooo thin

[@user-ye8hq3kq1n]

Моя комбинация ето два выхода джек с гитары .на один идет с нека в 1 усилок.на второй усилок с бриджа.типа стерео.так вроде играет басист стива вая

[@deanhallett6815]

Every electric guitar should have the treble bleed circuit as standard! Why don't they?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

I agree! Shall we protest? :) Our voices must be heard!

[@Dmitry_92]

How are you going to use this guitar? At home or at performances?

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Can't wait to try it on stage actually

[@kuzWich]

Max Solo Music , a so called ‘solo switch’ mod is really great for stage use. Strongly advise you to give it a go. I run it on almost all of my guitars (except for LP style, as I don’t find it as useful with 50s wiring). It’s a control cavity full bypass mod engaging the bridge PU straight to output jack. Used on Guthrie’s signature suhr, which sure had been somewhat inspiring with the HB crew I guess)))

[@Ognjen19]

dont like the out of phase , other modes sounded great :)

[@rasmusolesen5307]

Out of Phase is an awesome mod when using gain (sounds kinda like a fixed wah pedal). It doesn't really work with clean sounds unless you use a ton of compression. It's a no-brainer on HH style guitars in my opinion :)

[@airoguitar]

жесть-то какая... ))) паяльник и я вещи несовместимые, преклоняюсь перед теми кто паять умеет и любит

[@quasar8744]

Why do your face looks like Tash Wolf?

[@Mifisto_SNZ]

Блин, это не гитара, а какой-то центр управления полётами получается))))))) Можно поехать в дурку от количества вариантов звучания.)))))

[@pcxuatp]

Главное записать и распечатать таблицу, что куда комутируется. Вот, Макс заморочился)))

[@MaxSoloMusic]

@@pcxuatp Там все примерно логично, кроме серийного/параллельного режима. Можно было и его сделать логично, но только через Super Switch, а это еще 20-30$. Тут же задача стояла при минимуме расходов. Непривычно это на HSH гитаре. На HH или HS переключение более интуитивное получается. У меня на всех рабочих гитарах подобные моды

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Пульт управления космическим пылесосом :)

[@pcxuatp]

@@MaxSoloMusic круть!)

[@patrolduty8715]

To me, as mainly rock and metal player, 3 tones from 3-way switch are already enough (or sometimes, too much). I really dont like too many options for tone in a instrument. It just pull us away from creativity. You upgraded a lot of tonal variation, but the pickups are still low quality - Roswell ones. To me, it is not worth it. My approach will be much different. I do not upgrade tonal variation. I upgrade the QUALITY of the available tonal options (pickups, vol pot, tone pot). That way I will have excellent sound from all basic positions, plus high quality tone+volume pot will give me WAY more high quality tone options.

[@bgt7874]

Hife

[@MarkRigler]

Thanks

[@RaimoLis]

Hi

[@MaxSoloMusic]

Hey!