£400 Harley Benton Resonator Vs £4,000 Mule Resonator

[@JayTheJolly]

I really love both but I kinda fell in love with the thinner sound of the Harley Benton that almost gave it kind of a slight banjo character. It resonates well too, sustain isn't too short. :)

[@SisGuitarGAS]

Me 10 minutes ago: what’s a resonator? Me now: where’s my credit card? Expertly done Rob - keep it coming!

[@BubnHubn]

Even did not ask your wife? Very risky

[@SisGuitarGAS]

@@BubnHubn 😆 easier to ask for forgiveness than permission

[@ТимурГиев]

Oh, yeaaah😂

[@voyager7]

I honestly found the sound of the 'electrified' HB more pleasing and full than that of the Mule. Unplugged however, the Mule mule-kicked the HP into oblivion.

[@ksiazepaweek1064]

Yeah, maybe because the guitar body is twice HB's size...

[@DVRMNaitor]

Amplified the HB sounds so clear and “genuine”. The kinda guitar a producer would ask you to use on a track even though you really want to use the expensive stuff lol.

[@ChaslyMat]

I've had my HB reso for just over a year now and love it. I find it brighter than a few other makes I've tried at a similar price point (Ozark , Dean, Recording king), and has plenty of presence that cuts through a live mix well. I use slide in open tunings a fair bit, but in standard tuning the intonation is spot on when fretting a note rather than slide. I found other brands I tried sounded a bit off above the 10th fret. If you're on a tight budget, well worth considering the HB.

[@donpattonjr]

I have been considering an electric resonator guitar for awhile but just couldn't make up my mind...well you sold me on the Harley Benton CLR reso electric, and I just ordered one ,! Great sound, looks and quality for the cost💯🎵🎶👍

[@mrtelechi]

I am surprised to realise that they both sound wondeful, different, yes, but both sound amazing to my ears. Great review.

[@jacobash3723]

Love these types of vids. Keep reviewing stuff!

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

Well gee thanks Rob! Just when I'm trying to curb my addiction to guitars. I guess I know what the next guitar is going to be! Damn you! :-)

[@DTGuitarTech]

Nice. Preferred the acoustic tone of the mule. But wouldn’t/couldn’t bring myself to part with that kind of money for a resonator. The Harley Benton looks and sounds great! It would have been good if they had gone a bit deeper with the body depth just for that extra volume.

[@bullbapp]

There are other Harely Bentons you can chooes from, if you have different preferences... both metal and wood bodies. I have one just like the one tested, and I'm so pleased with it, both amplfied and natural. It holds the tuning well too, and no problem with "out of tone frets". I often have a digital tuner attach to it, but I rearly have to do any adjustments. In fact it's all I hoped for, and more.

[@StickerBook3SO]

Yeah I'd say the Mule does sound a lot warmer with more depth and that sells it for me. Cosmetically I'd prefer the the HB if it wasn't so shiny. The laser etchings look really nice though.

[@kellygallagher7148]

I prefer the mule slightly, because it does sound a lot more "solid". If you're recording, though, I think you could get the HB a little closer to the sound of the Mule with some simple EQ and maybe a little compression. I mean, It won't be magic but...

[@michaelsnydermusic]

There was this great mellow instrumental band from Chicago called Pullman that did two albums featuring resonators and various other acoustic instruments. The band featured the best indie musicians of area. That guitars sound is so iconic and those wonderful albums feature it heavily. I highly recommend them.

[@RobertFisher1969]

The Mule sounded warmer and more subtle, but-for my purposes-I wouldn’t want subtle out of a resonator. If I played a lot of resonator, then I’d probably want the Mule. But as someone who would just use one for some different color where I really want it to stand out as different, the HB seems a better fit. Not that I could justify the Mule’s price in any case. 🙂

[@jasonsapp792]

Dare I say the Harley Benton sounds more resonator-ish than the Mule? Wow Harley Benton really is impressive...thanks Rob

[@HammerFang]

That Mule ate HB acousticly. HB sounded thin, but as you said, it is thinner actually. Plugged in HB sounded not too bad.

[@andrewnell287]

Thanks for the video very helpful to a newbie

[@lordcustard-smythe-smith9153]

Wow that's an absolute steal at £400. I liked the brighter sound for cutting through a mix better, and the thinner neck would be my preference having suffered with thick neck guitars before. Plus I can't afford the other one !

[@glenclarkchidley3637]

That HB has a Swampy/Banjo quality to it!

[@-CrippledNinja-]

I bought a HB reso for 139€ many years ago. It's a single cut wooden spider-cone black goodness. Although Initially my first producer didn't "felt" it, my second producer absolutely loved it and made it to the record. It has its own mojo for sure. But it has that same kind of pickup, as in "lacking the tone". For the money, it's absolutely worth it! So yes, I'd definetly buy that HB reso as it is stunning to look at!

[@elizabethanderson2968]

Just what I needed... research on Dobros with Rob doing the work! 100% right about inspirational to create with

[@sayantanutbe]

The mule sounded better without a question. The HB sounds alright. Gretsch also makes some affordable resonators. Feature them on your channel sometime.

[@modelcitizen1977]

The HB sounds more like what I expect a resonator to sound like, so they nailed the tone.

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

The mule sounds far better, as one would expect. Your playing is great, as always. The video would have been much better, however, without the mic stand in the middle of the shot, blocking the view of the guitars.

[@barrywebber100]

I love the Harley Benton range, beautiful and amazing value for money. Thanks for posting.

[@EastCoastDave]

Unplugged, it was no contest. The Mule ate the HB for lunch, probably because of the deeper body. Plugged in, they both sounded pretty good. I'd do a plugged in gig with either one and be happy.

[@skullheadwater9839]

If I had $5,000 to blow it would be on a vintage 40's Gibson L-7 but that's just me. The mule obviously sounded WAY better than the HB.

[@alexanderroesch2287]

Great Demo! The relic'd looks of the mule make it look very authentic. The gold/silver combo looks horribly kitschy in contrast - it would have to go straight into an etching- bath, if it was mine! Sound-wise, they are both very cool!

[@anekdilos1]

The Benton unplugged sounds like a toy . There is a great technician in the UK Bournemouth, that sells the icarus resonator guitars. He installs the continental cone inside. The sound is a lot more like the mule resonator and in my ears a lot better than the national cone(more projecting and resonating with 1db less attack from the nationals). He uses bell brass for the body and he sells them around 800 euros or less. You should try them. Greetings from a reso player from Greece . Great video from a great player

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

Totally different sounds. Both very good. The Mule has a lot more depth, warmth, and bottom end. The HB is clearer, brighter, with bell like tones. I think the HB would cut through a mix better, while the Mule stands on it's own better. At the end of the day, I suppose it depends on the price, and what your needs are. Funny. I never remember resonators, until someone brings them up. Then, I think, "damn! I need a resonator." Then, promptly, forget all about them, again. Maybe, someday, the stars will align in just the right way...

[@jameskurvers]

just bye one

[@raviolitrail]

Dang those sound cool. Good thing epiphone makes a few. I will be checking out these immediately. Thanks for the idea!

[@achanonymous]

Acoustically, the Mule by a mile, but it does have that larger body, so there's absolutely no surprise there. The Harley Benton still sounded great though, and add in a bass to fill out that low end, and it'll be perfect. Plugged in, they were definitely different still, but it was a lot harder to choose between them based on what you were playing. I feel like the HB might work slightly better in a band context, while the Mule just sounds full and rich, making it wonderful solo. The HB sounds great, but the Mule sounds like it's been dowsed in whiskey and cigarettes and it's partner has just kicked it out on the road, and it's got nothing left but it's strings, and they're getting pretty worn out too. The Mule sounds like it's got a story to tell in some dark smokey bar, while the HB just sounds like a decent resonator.

[@6StringPsychedelic]

They both sound great.. different paint brushes as i say lol... The Mule to me sounded like it was up front more. kind of like "presence" turned up. I am researching as Id like to get one but I tend to like finding a cheap gem that plays and sounds great.. just have to try many out but hard to find electric resonators in my area and i dont order guitars online. Even the same model made the same day, they just all feel unique with variation in quality of setups. I wonder how you set intonation on these guys? -- Great video sir

[@what1864]

that Mule Resonator f---ing wow , nothing wrong with the harley but that mule is special ...

[@PedroGelliPereiraTinocoAlves]

Loved the rock rif you played at min 5.. Can you tell me what song was that? Thank You!

[@mangmiketeamtaiaha7256]

Will the £400 resonator play nice with out the cable and speaker attached. I love the look of the gold one, and ofcourse affordable for a poor carer. If you would be so kind to let me know if I can play it with out the amp attached? Kindest regards Michael

[@terrystephens7479]

Matching up fine amp and low end effects would help the Harley greatly

[@TheBladepolisher]

All these people are pretty quick to jump on board with the mule. I noticed you had a little more distortion on with the mule and it sounded as though there wasn't as much as with the mule. I kind of liked the HB. Maybe the Mule does a little more tone wise, but I wouldn't feel bad about buying the HB before the Mule.

[@jasonking2976]

The Mule sounded a lot better to me, but for what it costs, the HB was pretty good tbh.

[@charlie-obrien]

The Mule sounds like a baritone and the HB like a tenor. Both sound good, but different of course. I've always thought that a lot of bluesy rock songs could be improved with a bit of Resonator in the mix. BTW, that HB looks to be a copy of a Royall Palmulator that featured primarily nickel and copper finishes. But since Thomann carries that brand I'm pretty sure they licensed the guitar and if it's of the same build quality, that's around a $300 discount.

[@brianmckinley6177]

I think the Mule sounded miles and miles better, plugged and unplugged as would be expected. If you’re looking for a lower priced entry level resonator go with a Michael Messer model. The quality build and sound are much better than the mass produced budget models.

[@Bejaardenbus]

And now we know how both those sound when you don't, you know, use a slide. On a guitar pretty much built just for that.

[@allanmills6540]

Extra reverb for the word 'Resonator', or am i tripping? 🤯

[@chuckplainview4085]

I almost turned the video off once i realized i was halfway through and there was no slide yet. Glad I held out though as that was wonderfully played rob 👍

[@asterisk606]

Unplugged the Harley Benton leaves quite a bit to be desired, especially compared to the Mule, but plugged in it sounds pretty good! The Harley Benton is miles brighter when unplugged, and some people may actually like that. For me personally, it sounded too boxed in and focused.

[@Jamie-js3qw]

unplugged it sounded like a box, plugged I preferred it to the mule. Ironical.y, it has more kick, but stubbornly, it only sounds good amplified.

[@Paul-D]

Maybe ive just got the wrong impression of how a resonator should sound (romeo and juliet) but i thought the HB didnt really have that iconic sound. Looks good though which is half the reason id have a resonator. Just for the vibe lol.

[@davidmacleod9313]

3:27 Looks Like a Zippo. Do they make resonators?

[@banditsbikeco3439]

Hey Rob, big fan. I just purchased a Gretche resonator this week and your video has inspired me to plug it in and see what kind of sounds I can find. I’m curious what tuning you have both the guitars in the video?

[@GeoffTaucer]

Honestly I gotta give it to the HB, especially if it's going to be playing in the context of a band, or a recording. I can see the Mule's low end being a lot more satisfying to play solo, but that HB sounds like it will slice right through a mix and sit at the front with little to no EQ required. I think my next guitar purchase will probably be an HB reso.

[@JaniceLalla]

Both sound great

[@mankenybom9344]

You are absolutely right, one should own lots of guitars... and harmonicas. I now possess two Telecasters (replikas), one Strat clone, a Gibson ES 335 (replika). One Harley Benton all metal single cone resonator with a single coil pick up...(exactly like the one you're testing...), three aqustic guitars (two 6-string and one 12-string), an electric lapsteele and a Banjitar. Most of them are from Harely Benton, and I haven't yet had any reasons to complain on any of them. Some minor tweeks and adjustments, and a personal choice of strings... but that's all. Ps. I do love the Mule but I can't afford it. Ds

[@RONNYMORRISMUSIC]

Shiiiit could not recognize you without the hair!!! Well as always great videos champ!!!

[@MrDrTheJniac]

If they just made that HB with a bigger body to better round out the the low end (this is purely a physics thing; bigger boxes have lower resonant frequencies) they would probably be selling a few from this video. Something to think about Thomann. EDIT: the size difference is pretty small actually, so I wonder what is producing the stark difference in low-end response. Hard to say without taking the two apart though. Hey Mr. Chapman, feeling adventurous?

[@bernardg.muller5581]

The sound from the Mule comes from a different construction inside which lets the back vibrate much more plus there is more/thicker steel used in the Mule. Buying a mule is more than buying a reso. It’s something you realize when you do it. Saddle up the Mule….

[@thcarter123]

I bought a Mule. Paid nearly $4k US and waited eight months for it. I thought it was a forever guitar. Loved the tone, but it never felt comfortable. You nailed it. The big chunky neck, too big, too chunky, for me. That was a surprise, as Matt shaped necks at Huss&Dalton, guitars I’ve played and loved. After a year of trying to fall in love, sold it. I’ve been without a resonator since, but bought a Harley Benton last week. Still in transit. Hoping you are right about the neck being more like a Taylor. But even if not perfect, a $400 mistake is easier to live with than a $4000 one.

[@amiderfenn]

Hi, did you fall in love with your HB Resonator? I got one today and the tone is a bit thin for my opinion. How about you as former Mule-owner?

[@thcarter123]

@@amiderfenn Yes. I love my Harley Benton. It plays like a very nice acoustic. The neck is comfortable and easy to navigate. The action was very low, where I like it, right out of the box. The tone is thinner than the Mule, but that doesnt bother me. Id prefer a bit more bass in the tone, but when I plug it in and run it thru pedals, I can beef it up. Ive been playing a fair amount of Open G - finger picking Romeo and Juliet - Mark Knopfler and Water Song - Hot Tuna. Had it out for some slide blues the other day. Thinking about attempting some Little Feat - Fat Man or Roll Em Easy, maybe some Blind Owl Canned Heat…Anyway, to answer your question. Im fat, dumb and happy w this HB resonator. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5upoXuprJqiesUsi=0HY7OmIfpobf05Sj

[@amiderfenn]

​@@thcarter123 Thanks, that's nice to read! Did you ever thought of replacing the cone? Right now I have an Ortega RRG30E and the Harley Benton here. The Ortega PU transports the reso-sound much better then the HB PU does and the Ortega is lighter. THe action of the Ortega is very high and I won't fidle around with the trussrod. The HB is so beautifully exotic. Two resos is one too much, at least for me. But which on has to go? Time will tell, soon.

[@paulmaartensphotography9950]

The Mule was beautiful and definitely had a better sound but it is a Mule after all. Nice video sir.

[@bluesrockguitaristmikesall2708]

Harley Benton made a jackass out of the Mule when plugged in.However the Mule made a complete ass out of the Harley Benton, when played in acoustic mode.The takeaway is ,if you work a day job to drop $4,000 on a guitar,y you won't have time to play as good as Johnny Winter,and people will think you're asinine.

[@mlameirixlameirix3668]

Chapman in "IN"... lol. The mule is a fantastic balanced sound guitar. The HB is a good compromise price/quality only. Great video.

[@giemmi76]

Hi rob what tuning do you use?

[@stevegarner]

The Mule had more low end and I liked the warmer tone more. However, not having 4000 for a Mule, I would have no problem dropping 400 on the HB. The HB sounded similar to my no-pickup Goldtone PB GRS that I picked up for $750 used.

[@24FretsGuitar]

It looks very bling Rob, but if it does what it says on the tin. My Resonator's wooden and double bound. It sounds nice, well they both do actually.

[@MrChris5254]

The Hb is loverly.

[@jasonsapp792]

Serious question.....do you think we could compare Harley Benton to the 70's-85 Hondo Guitars ? Hondo had as many as 400+ different offerings before they closed in 85.....they made guitars, bass guitars, acoustic, mandolin, banjo, pedals, ect . I think a loose comparison is fair....long live Harley Benton. I liked the Harley Benton more

[@seankeggans9082]

Up until the Crossroads Movie I'd never really heard of slide guitar, then my mate told me all about Ry Cooder. I decided to learn on a cheap Ozark. Eventually I got myself a Tricone from Busker Guitars. Anyway to cut a short story long I prefer the sound of the HB 😂

[@richardgordon-davis707]

Hi Rob. This is a fantastic video thank you and I really enjoyed the HB more as it has more of a Ry Cooder sound which I adore. But having said that you as a musician can make anything sound good.... I mean that you could probably take a piece of dental floss stuck in your teeth and turn it into a riff to die for!

[@daveg.4772]

To my ear, it sounds like the Mule has a Dobro style spider cone giving it a less twangy attack, but more sustain and a mellower tone. The HB has a typical biscuit bridge single cone which gives it the brighter sound, but very little sustain.I like them both, but I'd rather sit and listen to that mellow Mule.

[@LandRover300]

They both do an excellent job, just in a slightly different manner. But when you factor in the price, the Mule got its arse kicked.

[@roughcutguitars]

Rob, of all folks, should revisit this topic - but with Royall this time. They nail the quality-price point.

[@jameskurvers]

Great clip . I have the HB and i love it same as the price . can't afford a Mule or other expencive resonator's

[@jeromewong6173]

What strings are you use on the HB resonator? Electric or acoustic strings?

[@glenproctor1999]

The HB sounded more like your brain thinks a resonator sounds but the Mule has a beautiful tone.

[@granvillebashleigh7612]

For 6k I would expect to see a cover over the truss rod access hole but the Mule did sound good.

[@jetporter]

I watch a lot of these videos, where a very expensive guitar is compared with its affordable version. I always have trouble deciding which one I "Like Better". Here, the Mule guitar is warmer and has a more articulate sound. The HB one is so treble-ey and loud that the notes drown each other out to a certain extent. However, it has that distinctive biscuit-bridge metal guitar sound. I'm pretty sure that most of the tone in a resonator is down to the cone itself, which is a part that can be upgraded fairly easily. The Mule sounds much more like an original 1930s instrument, while the HB one sounds more like what I feel is the modern idea of what one of these things is supposed to sound like. Also, it looks to me li,e the Mule guitar is actually brass-bodied, while the HB is steel. Brass bodied resonators are known to have a warmer sound. I like them both very much. I suppose I like the Mule a bit better. But I agree, the HB guitar is very impressive, especially considering the price.

[@margarethouse404]

This is Very Expensive vs Very Inexpensive comparison . If you stretched " reasonably affordable" to about twice the price of the HB , but still under $ 1k , the Republic ( Asian bodies , but essentially rebuilt in Texas ) would sound much closer to the Mule .

[@labellguitare9578]

Hello, how is your guitar tuned to 6’58 ? Thank you

[@Gornflyin]

Mule for me, seems to have more character. The HB sounded a bit too thin

[@wulfgold]

May I ask how heavy is the HB? Age + back pain aren't my favourite combination 🤣

[@basementriffs]

I much preferred the tone of the Mule, but this is an apples to oranges comparison. The HB is a single cone and the Mule is a tri-cone, so they are going to sound very different. That is actually one of the reasons the Mule is so unique. It looks like a single cone, but sounds like (and is) a tri-cone. I don't think there is another resonator builder who does that. A more relevant comparison would be a National single cone vs the HB single cone.

[@MatLinnett1]

I can kinda understand Rob not having access to multiple high-end resonators considering the prices they command however :D

[@JDStoneCreations]

The Harley Benton would look more appealing to more people (probably) with a bit of a relic job. Not with hammers and screwdrivers and dragging it across the floor, just with some wire wool and oil-based paint to dull the finish a little bit, the paint would sit in the etched patterns and give it a much duller but more refined look to it. I wonder if it would change the tone too 🤔😉

[@brymills]

Tone paint?

[@ryanferris7841]

No contest!! When it comes to acoustics and the likes you need to spend to money, however the HB still sounds great

[@ronj9448]

I use a Gold Tone "Beard" model with a wonderful cone! If I could afford more I would buy a National.

[@mrslowly9985]

Always wanted a resi since I saw one on the cover of a Dire Straits album. Can't justify the mule, might give the HB a shot though!

[@pedersenist]

I am always thinking about Mark Knopler when I see that guitar type.

[@daziwg456]

Sorry Rob but my wife liked the HB more than your Mule

[@nebojsaciric4656]

The Mule Resonator is much much better with a warmer sound. But if you don't have much money and you need a Resonator guitar to had some different flavor to your songs on your demos, the Harley Benton seems alright.

[@philknight6844]

If you want a resonator that sounds exactly like a national and as good as a mule check out the Michael Messer lightning. Awesome and well affordable.

[@PooNinja]

MetaaaaaaaaaL 🤘🏽

[@boykeschaafsma1117]

First impression: mule is a guitar. HB sounds like a can with strings. Plugged in its quite decent though!

[@patrickkimberguitar8967]

Man I wish there was a fully metal left handed resonator. Would love to play one 😢

[@yaram.bahram6715]

Just flip the strings and it works like a charm. I'm left handed and I play a HB resoelectric.

[@robertspelman-marriott2366]

Bought that Mule Resonator to record some tracks at £4k plus.... Yet you are still crowd funding to record the album?! WTF.....

[@Geoff.Snow56]

I just ordered the Harley Benton 😊

[@gamezilla2271]

That harley benton sounds so sweet.

[@D.Miller]

Really enjoyed this change of pace vid. Rob you're a busy man but I think KZbin shorts needs some of your old characters from skits, I still laugh at 'oops I've dropped my plectrum'. Take care boss

[@davidfloyd4472]

Well, the metallic guitar sound that made me fall in love with was of course Romeo & Juliette from Mark Knopfler. If I compare both, I feel the Benton is the closest to the National played by the amazing Mark Knopfler. So I vote Benton ☝️ I just ordered it 🎉

[@bigtguitars7312]

I’ve been a big fan of Mule for years since they had aquaman giving axe throwing lessons. The HB sounds impressive but why so shinny needs leaving in the garden for a week

[@iwct]

The Mule was better, but the HB might be a good intro to resonators. I started my reso journey with a Vintage (the brand) single cone, eventually upgraded the cone, but then it suffered a neck break, so I moved up to a Czech made Amistar Tricone, which was far better. I now have a National Resophonic single cone. The National sounds awesome, but has a baseball neck and high action, if I had started in that I would have given up! So for a first reso the HB is not a bad idea 🤔

[@DavidPiper-l7w]

Great 😊👍🎸

[@Lez325]

How does the Harley Benton compare to a Honey Dipper ???

[@joecontreras5068]

I’m gonna buy one as soon as I figure out where to buy one

[@Colosus23]

This is the type of thing where blind sound samples would have been good... I can hear it now: "The mule just sounds more focused and bright and would cut through a mix well..." Lol

[@richfiryn]

Since we're talkin Reso's ya might as well test drive a Recording King Tri-Cone too, that would blow your mind.

[@ElectromaticG5120]

The HB sounds thinner. I’m not counting electric performance as that is no resonator characteristic. One could buy a Michael Messer reso and be done.

[@BadMotivator66]

thf they've got different styles of pickup in, by the looks of it.