Are cheaper guitars the way to go?

In this video, lets take a look at whether cheaper guitars are the way to go..
Please note that at 6:03 the price for the G&L Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow should be USD478 and not YSD4787!!
G&L Tribute ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow (Natural Gloss)
glguitars.com/p...
Guitar purchased @ City Music Singapore
www.citymusic....
Harley Benton TE-70 Black Paisley
www.thomann.de...
Seymour Duncan Hot Tele Set
www.seymourdun...
PQ-5000-00 : TUSQ NUT FENDER STYLE SLOTTED
www.graphtech.c...
EMERSON PAPER IN OIL TONE CAPACITORS
emersoncustom....
Recorded with the
UAD Apollo Twin Duo
thru
Line 6 Helix Native
on
Digital Performer 9.5
Backing track from:
Jam Tracks for Guitar

[@zerep11]

Jonathan proves every time that no matter the guitar, the ability to play musically comes from the Heart, Soul, and HANDS.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you kindly ✌💚

[@sublyme2157]

I love this topic, Jonathan, and you made some really great points. My 2 cents (worth about 1 cent): To the beginner: Buy the guitar that makes your heart sing whenever you look at it, not the one that people tell you to get. This will be your first love :) To the intermediate: Go ahead and buy that cheap guitar and mod it to your heart's content. Maybe it'll turn out nice; maybe it'll be a pile of garbage with expensive mods. Either way, you'll gain knowledge and experience, and have fun along the way. To my fellow old cats: You know what you like, and you know what you don't. So do whatever you like!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Great sharing!! More than 2 cents!!lol

[@davidamooreii1805]

I've noticed a lot of people mentioning you can't re-sell a modded guitar for what you paid for upgrades … why would you try? You can always put the original parts back on it before you re-sell it; just move the aftermarket parts to a new guitar, or sell them off separately. I always buy used and I've never lost any money; as long as you didn't get ripped off when you originally purchased them, you should be able to sell used parts/guitars for what you paid for the used parts/guitars. If buying new you'll always lose some money when reselling, (it's just regular depreciation), but it has nothing to do with the quality of the parts or modifications (unless you did the woodwork with a hatchet and damaged it).

[@EdBender]

My 2 cents: if you know how to change pickups, level/crown frets and setup the nut, bridge etc, then a low price guitar well chosen is a great deal. If, however, you don't know how to do all that, go w/ more expensive. I'm an 'old cat' like you and I am a maker (have all the tools to build anything and love building things), so for me it makes no sense to spend a thousand dollars on a guitar when I can shop around, find good instruments w/ sound construction, and then spend a couple of nights and a couple hundred dollars and turn that into a killer guitar, par for the course w/ the thousand dollar one. I just bought a harley benton telecaster and after a weekend of work, it plays and feels like a thousand dollars. And I had fun doing it! Win win situation! Hehhehe

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Awesome! ✌🤓

[@juanziegler1471]

add the fact that sooooo many videos can teach skills and walk a beginner through the steps , its a no brainer plus if u have a hiccup , it doesn't hurt the wallet as much . Great way of learning a hobby and saving money .

[@user-hc7mi7ft9x]

cant agree more. have been rocking my yamaha pacifica and recently got a fender player and fender pro II. did a set up and playability isn't any better than my pacifica. had to send both back and will not be purchasing high end guitars for better playability. however i would buy them for the sake of owning one. I am pretty sure my pacifica is as good as any custom shop with the amount of work i have done on it. i cant believe how people would complain about the grub screws sticking out and would upgrade the saddles or even the entire tremolo when u can actually get short screws...(ok maybe the material can affect tone)

[@monsirto]

The G & L s are gorgeous. Better than most of the Fenders under 3K IMO.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I think so too...✌🤓

My main guitars right now are a G&L Tribute Fallout and a Harley Benton HP42 Oopsie. The Fallout costs around 440€ but I got it at discount and the HB costed me 287€ plus another 100€ on IronGear pickups. They have the same P90+humbucker configuration, fixed brige, split coil push-push, etc, so they make a good pair for main and backup guitars. I have other more costly guitars, but they are staying in the closet for now :) My take on this is that nowadays there's a sweet spot around 400€ where you can either build or directly purchase very nice gear that will give you many satisfactions, sound professional and at the same time give you the peace of mind when travelling or going to gigs.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice! 🤓✌

[@jamescreswell9037]

Another superb topic choice and video Jonathon. The manner in which you present your opinions is appreciated, and your insight valued.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you James! ✌🤓

[@EdBender]

Dear Jonathan, do the world a favor: make short instructional videos about guitar. How you think about the fretboard, how you compose licks, things like that. Your playing is sooooooo good, you need to share your skills w/ us. :) I have a hunch those vd Videos will be VERY popular... Just saying... :D

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

lol!!! yea..let me chew on it fer a while ✌🤓

[@SeasonedSalmon]

I agree with this, you are a very underrated musician but an incredible one nonetheless. More people would love to be able to play the guitar like you. Good job with the video and track as usual.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Anthony ✌️❤️

[@SeasonedSalmon]

You are Very welcome 👍

[@cresshead]

I'm no guitar guru as i'm VERY new to guitars (synth nerd for decades) but i'm really happy with my harley benton CST 24 LH ocean flame so far and my katana 100w, a great way to get a guitar into my mix at an affordable price point.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Great choice! 🤓✌

[@demofactory]

The Harley Benton looks great, but in my opinion the G&L sounds better to me. I like some cheap guitars, but some guitars are truly worth more. That's factoring in materials, vintage value, workmanship, and most of all sound quality. You demonstrated a G&L Comanche recently, and it sounded amazing. The G&L pickups that came stock on it won't ever come on a cheap new guitar without modding it. Like you said, after putting expensive parts on a cheap guitar, it might now cost as much as the more expensive instrument, but it also may still lack defining qualities of the more expensive instruments. Sometimes you just get lucky with a great cheaper guitar though. I own several Martins and Taylors, but I have a 30 year old budget Samick acoustic that shines in the studio. That Samick is the one I most record with. In that case, my ears won over my eyes. Thanks for sharing Jonathan. Stay well friend!!!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you, brother! I didnt want to come on too strong for G&L..but you are right about the pickups from G&L.. They are just great! 🤓✌

[@rutiger6901]

Cheap guitars rule. I'm a no talent bedroom player, I've fumbled my way into being a pretty good luthier. No gigging. Just as you do with every guitar you introduce us to, I take immense pleasure from my 50 to 200 dollar used acquisitions. If it weren't for cheap guitars, I'd still be playing the radio, I'm pretty good at that. I'm glad you're keeping your videos coming, I look fwd to each and I revisit old ones already seen. I'm old, your vids are my soap opera.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Lol.. thank you ✌️❤️

[@donaldhatcher8179]

Great intro piece. You handle those volume swells like a master. I like to build my own parts guitars and I’ve done several over the years with varying degrees of success. Still, it’s a lot of fun and I keep tweaking and changing stuff until I get it right. For me the toughest part has been fret leveling but I have a couple of Frankenstein Stratocasters that I would put up against any out there. Great video Jonathan, as always.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you kindly Donald ✌🤓

[@christopherdtugman7468]

Just now ran across this channel, WOW....Jonny Boy is for REALS! You have Soul brother. Gary Moore type phrasing, killer tone. I'm subbed, let's go.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌♥ and welcome to the channel!!✌♥

[@ramspencer5492]

I want a bluesboy.... It's a great configuration... Semi-hollow.... Cool pick-up combo.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Go for it!!✌️❤️

[@hermannmaier0]

With strats,...partscasters are a great way to learn, and then to build the quality you desire.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

true!

[@simontemplar3359]

I love that folks are talking about this and thank you for sharing it! I've learned a ton from youtube and various builders and upgraders out there, and generally, I look for lower end instruments to upgrade. My most recent was an Indio telecaster knockoff- all I had to do was to replace the pickups with Fender MIM pickups, tuners, and a bridge. Some parts I had on hand, but when it was done, I had a guitar that played and sounded better than I think even an off the shelf lower end Fender. The cool thing is that there is so much knowledge out there that a competent player turned confident builder can really make a lower end instrument into something one-of-a-kind and very awesome for not a lot ot loot, AND you get the benefit of getting to build the thing. That's cool. I feel like I'm tighter with my modded or home-built guitars than my 20 year old Fender stratocaster. I know what went into them and what they can do. Anyway, thanks for sharing, and those riffs were tasty! Great playing, great video, much respect!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you 🤓✌

[@d3agl350cal]

once again a tasty jam, i hope one day you get to go on Andertons The Captain meets lol

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌😂

[@rickoszpar9513]

I am a bass player,but enjoy playing guitar also. About a year ago I bought my first Harley Benton guitar. The TE 70 RW. Like you I do all my own work and really enjoy the results get. I'm just starting the mods on my tele but in my bass gear, I have a squire vintage70's ON that is my main big and recording bass. Only the neck and body are original. I have had Fenders and tried other high end basses, for feel and playing and now tone, I will take my Squier bass any day.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Cool!!! Is the TE70RW heavy on the shoulders?

[@rickoszpar9513]

I don't find it heavy personally, but being a bass player I'm not sure if I can judge properly. I do use an 11 cm wide padded strap!. Also from Thomann. I am in Canada and it was very affordable. I think the weight is comparable to you black paisley.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@rickoszpar9513 nice!! 😊

[@rickoszpar9513]

There is a website, GFS ,Guitar fetish in the USA. They do lots and parts. I might try their pickups. They are very affordable compared to other high end parts. Have you ever tried their products?

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

I love and thoroughly enjoy getting low cost guitars and making them sound like high dollar guitars for much less than the retail price of the expensive ones. The side benefit is who's going to steal a Squire or Epiphone when there's a Fender or Gibson headstock showing ;).

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@arnyarny77]

i have a g&l tribute, made in indonesia, i had musikraft build me a neck, i changed the electronics and pickguard, i love it , but it would be easier to buy a usa made! but it was fun to tinker, that's what i love about fender as well, the parts are easy to replace and its fun to modify to make unique for yourself

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice 🤓✌️

[@Mr.Batsu12]

I'm a big fan of "affordable" guitars. I have some basic guitar repair/setup knowledge so I'm able to do a few things that greatly improve the playability of guitars and it makes a world of difference. I have a few Squires, a Epiphone LP, and even a Orangewood acoustic I really like. Thanks to a number of KZbin videos, including yours, I took the plunge and bought my first Harley Benton guitar and got a CTS-24T in Emerald Green a few months ago. It's not only great looking but plays really good. Today I just ordered a Harley Benton Fusion II HSS with Roasted maple neck in a "Flamed Bengal Burst" color. For $370 it has stainless steel frets, TUSQ XL nut, and the roasted maple neck which I've really wanted to try for a while now. Oh yea, and it looks beautiful. For almost $400 it's one of the higher priced HBs but it's still very affordable. If anybody is unsure about getting a very affordable guitar they should try out one of the lower priced HBs, for about $150 you can't really go wrong.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Enjoy your new guitar!!! ✌🤓

[@joeshmoe8310]

I ordered the same one about 10 days ago... I check UPS like some kind of addict

[@Mr.Batsu12]

@@joeshmoe8310 HAHA, I know that feeling. I'm 50 years old now but opening a box for a new guitar makes me feel like a 7 year old on Christmas morning still. :)

[@cliffordrollins6888]

Jonathan, when I hot rod a cheap guitar I look at it as a bank, I keep the hardware that came in it and if I find a better body then I put the new "hot rod" parts in the new body and put the parts that came with the cheap guitar back in the cheap guitar. Another great show! Thank you!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Totally get it!! Thanks!✌♥

[@pitfrr]

Got a Squier and just bought Alnico V pickups in China for less then 20€, and I'm happy with it. Works fine for me. But I'm not a pro, just want to have fun.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

nice...✌♥

[@justinrayguitars6024]

I have several guitars in the$1000 and up range. I find myself playing one of my modified Partscasters most of the time. But I enjoy changing things around and ungrading them as much as playing them.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

yep....some of us just wants to do LEGO stuff with our guitars...lol🤓✌

[@PeteAxeShields]

Just dropping by to listen to the silky tones and the beautifully expressive playing of one of my favourite guitarist's on KZbin. As for the question of " Are cheap guitars the way to go ? " I believe we should always encourage, and seek, perfect balance in all aspects of our lives, with musical instruments being no exception. I have some amazing luthier friends who are a credit to their exquisite craft. The amount of knowledge, dedication and love they employ in their work is a total joy to behold. As with everything, this amount of attention to the most minuscule of detail can only ever result in a product of the very highest order. That said ; there is an equal justification for " production line " instruments for those on a restricted budget. Many of these manufacturers have greatly " upped " their game over the last decade, so much so that we can now purchase a high quality instrument for a relatively small outlay. It is also important to have a basic understanding of the construction of your guitar, so buying a " cheaper " alternative is a great way of making alterations and upgrades in hardware etc. whilst learning how to set, and adjust, the action and intonation etc. - another great video Jonathan - blessings brother x

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Peter!!

[@Steven_SK]

It’s a wonderful time for instruments! I like em all. I have a 74 Les Paul Deluxe.... 2019 Player Strat... and a TE-20 HB and a SC-450 P90 GT on order. I don’t want to miss anything. I will say I can’t justify a Custom Shop anything. Sweet playing there!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

nice collection you have there! 🤓✌

[@shartne]

YES DEFINITELY IF YOU DONT HAVE DEEP POCKETS. You can always up grade anything that needs to be upgraded as you go.

[@gscgold]

I like buying used guitars, last guitar I bought was in 2019, it's a parts guitar that is a Japanese fender strat body, warmoth neck, Lindy Fralin pickups, schauler locking tuners and a hipsot bridge...I payed 500 usd for it.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice ✌️❤️

[@shartne]

Nice playing Jonathan sounded very relaxing.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ✌️❤️

[@HC_GUITAR]

Great advice Jonathan! I just bought a new offset Revelation jaguar style guitar as you can see in my avatar picture :) It was under £150 b-stock model and i have made only slight mods to it at a cost of about £60. It is now better than my Fender jag which i have just sold. Sometimes you get lucky and find a gem! Have a great day brother.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Hi Hugh!! That's a great catch!! I can see that you are mighty happy with your purchase!! Enjoy yourself ✌️🤓

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

To me the choice is easy since I am just starting to learn and don't have much money for guitars. That's why I'm enjoying my Harley Benton SC Custom VB! For two weeks now. Maybe a more experienced player would have more objections about it, but I am more than happy.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

And as long as you are happy...continue playing that guitar!!!! ✌🤓

[@mikaeljohansson125]

Always beautiful playing and tone in your videos Jonathan :) This video was extra interesting since it's thanks to you and other youtubers I recently got a HB SC450 P90 and I'm superhappy about it:) It's a great guitar and dirtcheap have no complaints really. And it's not going to be my last HB I'm planning several more buys from Thomann. So thank's man you are an inspiration in so many ways.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

You're most welcome Mikael! Thats has always been the intention of this channel...To help out players ✌🤓

[@ovash1]

When I was very constrained, almost constipated, by my lack of budget, for a guitar, I would buy pawnshop guitars. I purchased an El Maya, guitar, in 1984, for $50.00, and loved it. Later I gave it away, because I was able to afford more expensive guitars. I bought a Fender Stratocaster, 57 reissue, in tobacco sunburst. In theory, my dream guitar. And, yes the hardware and electronics were better, but I didn't like the feel of it anywhere as much as that, $50.00 Maya guitar with the horrible spray can paint job. Now I know better. I actually prefer my Indonesian, Cort made, Squier, Gold label from 2001, and my Indonesian, Cort, made G&L Tribute, over my US made Fender SRV, Signature Stratocaster. There is just something about those Indonesian Corts, they are very comfortable, and have a great feel. I will never get my El Maya back, the last I heard, it was being used in a church in Bogota Colombia, but I now have my G&L, in Tobacco sunburst, to comfort me. Great video, and music Jon, I love your channel and your playing, thank you, God Bless.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you so much!!✌️❤️

[@alexdattel2757]

On topic: I have a lot of midrange guitars but I only have one bass now. I spent a lot of money on it, I love it, it sounds great and it never goes out of tune. Get a good guitar if you can. If you can't just take what you think looks cool, plays great and sounds decent.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Great addon! Bottom line...you have to make sure you really like the guitar if you wanna spend more money on it,,,✌🤓

[@753Jackson]

Good advice. Thanks for this informative video and show of excellent guitar skills. I think it will help a lot of people. I'm off to watch another one of your videos. 👍

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

You're welcome ✌🤓

[@Alzapuas100]

Man, I would love to see you play some classic heavy metal with your technique

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌🤓

[@FlowforthInstruments]

There are lots of economic options on the market - but most will require substantial set up. If someone can do that work (or have someone do it) then there's no reason to be afraid of lesser known brands. I've upgraded Harley Benton (Thomann), Douglas, Agile, SX (all Rondo), Indio, Idyllwild (Monoprice), Firefly, IYV, Shengze (Badcat), just to name a few.... and they all made excellent guitars for the money.

[@Deneteus]

It's actually cheaper now to build a better guitar than to fix a cheap guitar that has a bad setup, fit and finish problems, and crappy pickups. I don't see a G&L as a cheap guitar, maybe if you buy it used or from a pawn shop. I have a G&L ASAT Classic and I found it at a pawn shop for less than you paid. Most cheap guitars need at least a setup and some new pickups to sound good. If you are 'budget limited' then buy a PRS SE guitar and get new pickups and a setup and you are pretty much there and they can be had for less than $500. When I got my first electric guitar it was a Strat clone it cost me $60 and it was a total waste of money. It wasn't until I bought my first Ibanez guitars when I was fighting issues like the guitar staying in tune or the pickups sounding so bad and it made me practice more because I liked the sound I was getting. If you learn how to shop you won't have to spend alot of money to put together a decent amount of gear.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

🤓✌

[@LuxscapeMusic]

Thanks for the advice and great vids. If you can’t afford a guitar with reliable out of the box good specs (build and hardware) then I think its best to go the harley benton route and invest in mods. I took an hb te 52 tele and replaced nut, tuners and bridge for 90 €. Then put in fender vintage pickups for 150€ the pair. Total cost (guitar 129 + pups 150 + hardware 90) = 369€. It plays and sounds better than any squire or mex tele I have played. Upgrading a squire or mexican would bring the total price closer to an fsr japanese, fsr mex or US guitar. So makes more sense to mod a cheaper instrument or save and get the better guitar instead of a midrange guitar. HBs often come with good necks and body material so make a nice platform for hardware upgrades. The big drawback is that a modded hb won’t have a good resale price but you have a keeper.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yep the key word here is a "Keeper" That modified will have poor resale value just because it's not a branded guitar. Well...thats the way the world turns I guess...

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

Have a few fairly set. Playability very helpful. It is the tone from amp i noticed that makes difference. Also, that good build up to solo like you do. Do not hurry it. I see great guitarist but they do way to much. It's the tone n frequency that inspires.

[@ClausGamborg]

Hi Jonathan. I've seen some of your reviews and they good. In this video I think you nail it. I've got 9 guitars, some cheap and some very expensive, and was thinking of buying one of the Harley Benton due to a special feature. However. What will happen as you hint in this video is I'm going to upgrade it later on. New Seymour Duncan Humbucker pickups etc. After watching this video I'm sure it's better to put the extra money away and get a proper guitar in my case another original Fender Strat. Your videos are much appreciated.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Claus! ✌🤓

[@HaraldEngels]

Seen from my subjective perspective you can improve any guitar in the < $1000 price range. Nothing prevents you from also modding a $400 or $800 guitar. The advantages of starting your customization with a cheap guitar (e.g. a Harley Benton or Squier) are a) the lower level of hesitation to "mess around" with your guitar, b) the things you learn and c) the emotional relationship you create with your "very own" guitar. But I have to say again: So better the substance you are starting from - so better the outcome (if you know what you are doing).

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Agreed!!✌🤓

[@gerryloughran1676]

its a difficult one !...upgrading cheap guitars don't always make them better unless you fully understand the correct guitar setup procedure and they differ depending on the guitar style!...would not advise a beginner to order online, go to a guitar shop play a few styles and well known brands of guitar, take your time to decide but buy a good mid range amp... it takes time to know any guitar, never mind setting them up...always have found that any cheap or modified guitar can be a great guitar, but it's not a Gibson, Fender, PRS or any other banded guitar and in most case it does not sound like them !

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thanks for your input!✌🤓

[@GiannisSKonstantinidis25]

Great video once again Jonathan! I bought a guitar online a few days ago, since I'm lefthanded and I can't find guitars for me at the local stores to try. Anyway, it was a guitar of 1000 dollars price and I was looking forward to get it for quite a long time because I couldn't find it in stock easily. When I received it, I saw some issues that I couldn't believe a guitar of this price would have. The nut was scratching my hand when playing at the first frets. The side dots were not centered on the neck binding. The volume pot was in full volume from 2 to 10 and when you were going to 1, it would turn the volume off. Sure, these issues can be fixed but I couldn't accept things on a 1000$ guitar that my 2 Harley Bentons were better. All these, just because I thought, ok I'm a professional, I have to get a better guitar than my HB's and my squier Tele. Of course I returned the guitar back. And now I don't know what to do. This was really a frustrating experience.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

If you have no shops around you that carry a guitar you want, you have no other options other than to order them online. In which case, its usually a touch and go situation. Take your time to shop and like most online shopping, check the reviews. May you find the guitar you desire! ✌🤓

[@50Something]

The paisley tele sounds fabulous Johnathan, it was really worth the mods!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you 🤓✌️

[@milehigh1762]

I've owned 100 guitars but the mugig strat I just got for 79 dollars on Amazon is top notch,I love it!!!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌🤓

[@gregt4202]

I'm pretty happy with my HB telecaster with new tuners and nut. I wasn't thrilled with the HB Les Paul as it required fret work a new bridge and would require an electronics upgrade to make it road worthy. My new favorite is a Yamaha 612. Outstanding guitar for the price.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Whatcha got? Locking tuners?✌🤓

[@gregt4202]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud Pacifica 612. www.kraftmusic.com/yamaha-pacifica-pac612viifm-electric-guitar-blue-performer-pak.html

[@andreaskragh9464]

Hi Jonathan, I got the Harley Benton JA-60, which at that time cost 129 Euro (!!). I can tell that the hardware and the electronics are cheap, but everything works and the guitar sounds and feels great. I really love it and haven't felt the need to mod it. Another HB I had to do some stuff to, which was a little annoying and in the end it wasn't so cheap anymore. My point is: sometimes you can get away with a cheap guitar with no mods. Sorry for rambling :-) Love from Denmark.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Hahaha don't worry about it 🤓✌️

[@Terry3Gs]

great video !!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thanks! 🤓✌

[@electroKrunch]

I'd bought a couple Harley Benton guitars & cases for about $406 US recently. Not bad guitars! Some stuff like trimming & rounding fret ends which is too easy. 2 Guitars & 2 Cases for about $406?? Not an issue! The Tele copy is American ash with a Canadian maple neck! The LP copy is dense basswood with a Canadian maple neck! As a player of decades, some fit & finish was off. BUT WHO CARES AT THIS PRICE POINT!! Sure, I'll file a little & setup killer playability. But $400 for TWO GUITARS + CASES!!. Get over bagina on HB stuff. I'll post videos showing the merch....

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

nice ✌✌

[@monsirto]

Love your tone, brother. Lovely stuff.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thanks!🤓✌

[@SkepticGamer]

Genius level mastery of that instrument

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you 🤓✌

[@remalistochastis]

Hi, Jonathan! Thanks for the video and for many others that I have watched. By the way, I really like your style of playing, emotional and technical perfect. I could use your advise. I own a Yamaha SG 2000s from the early 80s, I had a rock band (great guitar!). I am an amateur player, owning a very small "studio" trying to set up a blog and a podcast with a MacBook Pro, a Behringer 4ch interface, a Behringer condense microphone and a small 15watt Marshall amp. I am thinking of buying a Strat style cheap guitar for two reasons. One is the Strat sound and the second is the weight/playability, the Yamaha is really heavy and sometimes I just want to grab a lighter and more convenient guitar. I am between a Harley Benton ST-57DG Black Tribute or even a cheaper (I don't really know if there is a noticeable -for me - difference between this (185 euros) and Harley Benton ST-62MN BK Vintage Series (122 euros). The second guitar, which i am considering is the YAMAHA PAC-112VMX YNS (250 euros) I have tried the Yamaha, the neck feels confortable to me, as you know I cannot try Harley Bentons until I order and get one. So, in conclusion, I like a good strat sound, I like small and thin necks and to be honest, at that period of my life, even 50 euros matter to me if there is no reason to spend (Yes, the crisis in Greece was not so kind to me the last decade :) ) Thanks a lot for your attention and for your wonderful videos.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Well for one thing the HB strats do not have thin necks..I rather you get a guitar thank you are comfortable with✌️❤️

[@remalistochastis]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud thanks a lot for your prompt reply!!!

[@samikchaudhury4281]

Your volume swirls are simply epppicccccc !!!!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you ! 🤓✌

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I also have a Harley Benton TE-70 Black Paisley and a TE-52. Both are great and I haven't modded them at all. I also have a ton of other guitars - some cheap, some not so. Having said that, my main guitar is an American Tele and this will always be number 1. Re the coffee spill - you are very lucky! I spilled a glass of red wine on my laptop and it was fried! ;)

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

hahahah..I know it's just divine intervention! ✌🤓

[@ruiseartalcorn]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud I think so ;)

[@dixee6498]

Thank you for sharing Jonathan! And I love your playing style! Subbed 😀

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Welcome to the channel!! ,✌️🤓

[@mugginsdot]

Dude After 4 minutes I subscribed I love your playing,your outlook and your style And I'm all about about high quality guitars that are economical And they are out there massively If you were to put most of these super nice guitars into the hands of any of the masters they would make it sound like the master they are! The cheap guitars today make the old department store guitars of the early 70s cry in shame Epi's,Good Squiers and on and on and on!!! SUPER Nice Channel!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Richard...Welcome to the channel 🤓✌

[@tonakkie635]

I had no Harley Bentons, now I have three in my guitar collection...i would not hesitate to use them in a gig.. even the TE-40 is no problem...it plays great after a better setup by myself, no tuning issues after applying some penil grahite in the nut and sound is great too. It's also the fun of making cheap guitars play like my expensive Luke and Godin 😜Thanks, great video again👍

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice!! ✌️🤓

[@chadwaller6072]

Always good vids. Thx Jonathan

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

My pleasure Chad! ✌🤓

[@sisajtegabre]

I agree with you, but i would pay more then 500 $ anyhow , i did in past long long ago but thx to new amazing guitars and some forgotten brands from 80's there are some killer good instruments which cost max 3004 with no need for any upgrades at all. that CTS HB that looks a like PRS is guitar hat doesn't need upgrade except maybe to add locking tuners but good Locking t. today cost 30$ like Wilkinson etc. Quality of wood is equal to a some PRS USA made only for PRS people have to spent 10 times more. Anyhow i'm glad you went into such direction of modding guitars, i only hope that one day you will realize that is no need for S Duncan pickups except if you like that brand name per se. Wish that i love closer would gladly reshape any guitar you choose as ''project'' and wind pickups for you, well i hope so one day..not in order to sell nor anything similar, just due to you are saving rock n roll. Regarding paper in oil i would honestly advice you Jonathan to stay away from them, you are professional and i know some other pro use it but papir in oil is worse, i don't know who hyped that..but lot of people seek for Emerson or Russian military caps etc. Good Wima red which are top of the line and cot like few for 1$ are probably the best for guitars, made in Germany, give warm sound and much much safer then oil caps. Oil caps can couse some signal interfirance depending from place were person play, it happen that my friend picked up radio in midle of concert...ok today radio stations aren't so popular as they were in the past ☺ . For pots there are Japan made cosmo sealed and dust proof one cost like dolar and bit over max 2us$ (dunlop sell ar worse dust proff for like 20$ but dunlop is well known name among players...so ..) , then Alpha that got some silly reputation as ''cheap pot from import guitars'' is better pot them Fender CTS, Di Marzio, Dunlop etc etc. Of course orginal alpha they are also like max 1,5 US$. Long ago one friend told me ''Remove names of well known brands from headstock'' i asked ''why i would do that'' he answer ''and why would do free marketing for them? hey don't pay you so cover it'' ☺, i wasn't sure..then i start to think a bit and conclude he have right 100%, since then i cover names, except in small gigs etc. I talk to much..Great video as usually, cheers.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you! 🤓✌

[@graemero5532]

Variety is the spice of life. I have an affordable Indonesian G&L legacy for practice on the couch, but when I get a chance to turn on the amp I bring out my USA guitars (Gibson Les Paul Standard and G&L custom build Bluesboy). Nothing sounds like a real LP, and the American G&L is awesome, there is a joy to owning great guitars, and they inspire you. However a great player (not me) can make most guitars sound great. Different strokes for different folks.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Did you like the G&L Tribute Legacy when you play it thru the amp? 🤓✌

[@graemero5532]

​@@JonIsJustTooLoud I've never put a lead in it to be honest, it was cheap (secondhand but barely used) and it's purpose is practice. I wore out the frets on my last affordable guitar in three years, repitition, repitition, repitition, you know how it goes at the start Jonathon. I am lucky to have a couple of my dream guitars that I play through the amp.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@graemero5532 😀 I know...You should try running that Tribute legacy thru the amp one day....you might get a pleasant surprise ✌🤓

[@graemero5532]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud I will give it a go, I'm intrigued now.

[@leftymadrid]

Well, I agree with some of the comments down below, my humble opinion is, you buy a thousand dollar guitar and most would seem decent at that price, you buy a cheap guitar and put all the upgrades on it and you may save 150 or so... I personally would buy a ( for example) Standard Stratocaster USA made for 1.100 and not change a thing... Also I have a 10-year old Mexican made standard Stratocaster that sounds and feels superb, for half the price! This is all a very personal subject, in the end you get what your heart desires... AND you learn from that. I spent a bundle on an Elite Stratocaster and really loved how it played, but the sound was ok, I guess it was all the bells and whistles I didn't like... Some folks are super happy with Harley Benton guitars at those GREAT prices. I can not say as I have never bought one. I think a got a grand surprise when I played the made in Mexico Stratocaster, it was just incredible how it rang out when I played the darn thing... Also, these price/quality differences would be way more noticeable if played straight through an amp, WITH NO EFFECTS AT ALL... let's not kid ourselves, nowadays The effects in the market make most anything sound pretty good. Great video, thx for sharing, and tasty playing there :-)

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

You are right... Nothing sounds closer to the truth than a guitar plugged in to an amp. With no other effects other than some subtle and reverb✌️🤓

[@FabrizioPeretti]

Nice one man. Your impros are superb as always!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Grazie!!! ✌🤓

[@FabrizioPeretti]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud prego! Ahah

[@jimm8594]

Here in the US, buying from guitar center used items is the way to go. They’ll ship it to your house and you’ve got 45 days to return it. You can even bring it right back to a guitar center store. I’ve even made money buying used then selling on reverb after using it for a while. You’ve just got to be smart and stay with the popular models and brands.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes... Buying online in the states/Europe will afford you the options.. But some are not so blessed to have that. ✌️🤓

[@guycapilli546]

I think the road you travel in purchasing guitars varies. At 65, I started out with a Breedlove acoustic guitar and moved to an older 2001 American Fender strat in mint condition. I really liked the feel and the sound that came from the Strat. I sold the Strat and moved to Suhr guitar, I figured I only had several years to play at my age and the thought of getting rid of a cheap guitar was not worth the aggravation. So I made payments on the Suhr and looking back it was the way for me to go. Do I have more guitar than I need, most definitely? But I enjoy every time I pick it up to play. Since then I have purchased a few guitars and the best bang for the buck is a used G&L, great quality for the money.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Hi Guy! you have ways to go , playing the guitar! God bless!✌🤓

[@wakinginfinity]

Great playing Jonathan!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you 🤓✌️

[@DenisAhmet]

It's difficult in the London UK to find musical instrument shops local, you have to travel to central London, and me being a lefty makes it all the more difficult to try out guitars, which as you say is the most important. If it don't feel right, you'll never be happy with it. One topic you have not covered is buying used guitars. If you do your research you can buy a good quality guitar for at least 50% of the normal price, like Epiphone and Squire. I've purchased a couple and very pleased with what I got. Also you can upgrade hardware going for less well known brands that are very good quality, however you need to do a lot of research. I actually like doing research and have recently bought Vanson Alnico II humbucker pick ups for under £30.00. They have been well reviewed, so I took a chance and very happy with them. I also got some high ratio 1:19 Wilkinson tuners for about £25.00, which are awesome value, really great quality for the money. I took the plunge and installed the pickups myself in a semi hollow guitar after finding KZbin tutorials. I was lucky I bought a Used top of the range Tanglewood Sundance dreadnought for £180.00 that retails for around £600.00 and it the best acoustic I've ever had. Once set up properly, it feels like no other acoustic guitar I've played,, the sound is incredible, it's very well made and finished, I could go on and on. If you buy a used guitar for a good price, you should get your money back if you want to sell it. I've done that with a few guitars. I love the look of your paisley Harley Benton, I wanted to get one, but they don't do them left handed, I've heard very good reviews of the Squire classic vibe Tele, I may get one, very hard to find a lefty second hand though? In terms of investment if you have money, there are many high end guitars once reached over thirty years old, generally then classed as vintage, increase in value over time depending on it's condition, no point in getting one under very good condition. As a guitarist you can never have enough guitars. Keep up the great work and playing Jonathan!!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you for sharing Denis! ✌🤓

[@matereo]

If you are a leftie you should check out awesome and quite affordable Pure Salem Guitars. They make all models left handed. I have one of their discontinued models called "the Sad Fester" and its an awesome guitar. I think what they call "the Jimmy" is prettu much the same soundwise. Puresalemguitars.com

[@Just-Michael]

My problem with guitars is that I'm left handed and the things I look for either don't exist or aren't in my price range. The most compelling guitar that I've seen in a while is the Fender Sixty-Six, but I contacted Fender and they said there are no plans to make left handed ones at the moment. And even if I did get it, I'd still modify it by splitting the humbucker. So I just buy cheap guitars that are mathematically good, but just need some hardware upgrades. I got a Harley Benton JA-60 and replaced the tuners with Hipshot locking tuners, Graphtech string trees, and I'm waiting for a certain bridge to get back in stock so I can replace that. Other than that, the frets needed some work and the nut was a little high, but now it plays great. The new parts and labour probably costs as much as the guitar but in the end I get exactly what I want.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yea... my heart goes out to all the lefties out there. It can be a pain as most manufacturers dont produce much left handed versions. In your case..you did the best you could. By just getting a right..sorry left guitar and just play. 🤓✌

[@aliengrey6052]

In my view I wouldn’t mod a guitar. There is so many variants. The biggest one is the wood. You can’t change that.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌️❤️

[@claudiajay8291]

Yes! Starting off with a good cheaper guitar is the way to go, in my view. Thank God your coffee didn’t ruin your equipment. I’m a PC / Systems person for my career and have witnessed many a disaster with spills.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

lol!!! yea...I cant imagine what damages that spill would have cost in the long term!!

[@omarsharif927]

Mmmm love that tone

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌🤓

[@SarangaBora]

I absolutely loved the sound of g&l...but unfortunately it's not available here...what do you think about the squier affinity telecaster? Would just love to hear your opinion, you being a much more experienced musician... Awesome music bdw... I love this channel!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I think the Squire Affinity series are a great value! 🤓✌

[@TheOpengraves]

love your style of playing.love listing to you thanks

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you🤓✌

[@TDGinge]

Any chance you can share your Line 6 tones? They’re heavenly.

[@FabrizioPeretti]

YES

[@ronvonryan]

Great playing as usual mate.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Ron!! ✌🤓

[@michaelb2211]

Liked and subscribed! I am debating getting a Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat (from Sweetwater) for under USD 900. Thought it is a good compromise, or mid ground in their arsenal. Any thoughts on that model for the price or any considerations I should make before purchase? Thanks for your videos, you have a relaxing playing/talking style

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Michael..sorry Icant help you here..have no experience with the Roadhouse strat at all...stay safe!

[@FLITT]

I enjoy modding guitars, for me it's all part of the guitar "experience" also a guitar I have modded to my own specs just feels like it's mine, I have a connection to it because it is a labour of love rather than just being picked off a rack of hundreds of identical guitars. I see the appeal of both and some guitars will just bond and speak to people straight out of the store but for me personally I love to make instruments my own 😁

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes...that's the other thing about modding..you get to personalize that particular guitar 🤓✌

[@gillesgenete9598]

Hi, thanks for your point of view that I agree with. Interesting enough is the John Robson Guitar Tuition on KZbin, John's point of view on this topic is that Harley Benton guitars are of a sufficient quality to be professionally played. And he demonstrates it. Now I'm wandering if you kept and modded the HB Strat ST62DLX VW ?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes it is still with me

[@gillesgenete9598]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud modded ? Swapped the pick ups ? Fitted the white PG ?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@gillesgenete9598 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2W2iquAicxjotk

[@danellsworth6203]

Love the Black Paisley! 🤘

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Me too! ✌🤓

[@LVR1957]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud I bought the HB Paisley Strat. Replaced with locking tuners, Wilkinson trem and EMG David Gilmore set. Now it sounds like a $2,000 guitar.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@LVR1957 Nice!!!

[@detlevcohrs4319]

Hi, Modify your cheap guitar makes a lot fun and i think it is cheaper as buy a Fender or Gibson. LG Detlev

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes...it depends on what you are modifying and what sort of parts you are replacing ✌🤓

[@93greenstrat]

With cheap guitars, I am of the opinion that it's not generally worth it to put money into upgrades. If you have, for example, a Squier Bullet that plays and sounds great, then just enjoy it as is.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I guess it depends on that individual's needs...I might find a really nice looking Squire Bullet but if I dont fancy the pickups...I'll change them But if it sounds great...hey then all is well!✌🤓

[@troyfrost1980]

Man that was so tasty , I haven't heard anything like that in a while . Your guitar playing is excellent . 🤟🎸🎵🎶🎶🎶 Thanks TroyFrost / Troyster 😎 CoolRiffs 😎 Cool🎸 🤘🤘 🤘

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you Troy ✌️🤓

[@thomasbrookes3085]

i would love to see your pedal board youve got a great sound

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

No pedal board..I'm using the Line 6 Helix Native plugin ✌💙

[@massimos6863]

Thanks very much Jonathan for all your Great videos really enjoy Can i please ask wich of the Harley Bennton guitars you prefer i love the tele with the Humbuckers! All the Best Brother Jonathan you are awesome.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Grazie millie Massimo!! so far..I rather like the Black Paisley Tele, the CST24T and the new Fusion T HH🤓✌

[@davelanciani-dimaensionx]

I only have one guitar that I paid $325.00 for (an Agile AL-3010), and that's the most I've ever paid. And all my guitars work and sound great.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

cool!!! Thats a nice looking guitar! ✌🤓

[@dannyfisher5086]

I own a prs which cost me cringe worthy amount its fantastic and would never part with and yet it's not my favourite! the guitar I like the most in my collection is a t style guitar I payed £50 for 8 years ago I then spent another £100 on years later this is now my most played guitar it just feels right and sound so sweet and warm to my ear so my advice is forget about cost and try to find one that feel comfortable to you then go from there

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

✌🤓

[@homeboyjon4885]

So, should I buy one G&L Tribute, or maybe a nice Epiphone or two or three HB’s? I’m a bedroom player and occasionally get together with friends. Part of me wants to own something really good, but part of me wants the variety or having different instruments to choose from. I am double-minded.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Its your call brother 🤣

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Very tasty playing there my man !

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Thank you man :)

[@bluesman7119]

I would go with mid-range, like my Ibanez RGA FM 42 it would make more sense to mod a mid range that's just my view point,

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes..Ibanez are great guitars...:)

[@bluesman7119]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud when go into guitar shops try out various guitars, it's the feel of the instrument , you understand that is screams at you to play it all the time you just cannot put it down, that's my Ibanez, I will swap the pups I love the Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Humbuckers, but as I mention in a other coment really try the Vintage Brand guitars, I would be really interested in your view on them, oh great play as always !!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

@@bluesman7119 I hear you.... Which vintage guitars are you referring to?

[@bluesman7119]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud VINTAGE V72 CUSTOM SPEC TL ELECTRIC GUITAR ~ FLAME TOBACCO BURST and VINTAGE V6 JOHN VERITY SIGNATURE ELECTRIC GUITAR ~ CANDY APPLE BLUE they other models but those two I like the V72 sounds great , the other is new but from videos it sounds amazing,

[@spharr]

@@bluesman7119 I have the Fret King John Verity Corona FKV6JV, on which the Vintage model is based (as it states on their website). I've had it a few weeks now and its a cracking guitar. I have also tried and liked a natural ash V6. In fact that very nearly was "the one". In line with this video you could say: if you're a beginner or with serious budget constraint yet may mod - get a Vintage; if you're more experienced, can afford a bit more and don't want/can't mod - try a Fret King Black Label series; if you want to have a go at ripping it up and trying things out, get a Harley Benton; if you simply must have label on the headstock - get a Fender Player Series. Whatever you do have fun, be it through buying, building, or playing, all are valid.

[@MrRafaelMatiazoguita]

Great. Make a video with strats

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/anLNk6SHat2njdk kzbin.info/www/bejne/amKYZZyppd55msU kzbin.info/www/bejne/amKYZZyppd55msU

[@mixodorians12]

It is all pretty simple, if you want to re-sell the guitar when you are done with it, buy a more expensive (brand named) guitar. Even upgraded Harley Benton's won't be worth anywhere near the cost of the upgrade on the resale market. They will even struggle to make the purchase price. There is absolutely no point buying two or three Harley Bentons when you can buy a decent mid range guitar. By the time you have upgraded two or three you are looking at serious money. I have an Ibanez Jem vbk777 from the eighties and a Harley Benton Pro Fusion 2 Roasted Maple neck. Let's just say the Jem is worth ten times as much (saw one recently go for 3000 GBP)..and it really is ten times the guitar, and I quite like the Harley Benton. But at the end of the day they are only tools to create music. If they work as intended they are litterally priceless. How much did Van Halen spend on the superstrat he created in his Garage? 170 dollars?

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes..they are indeed just tools of the trade. For some..especially beginners, it can be quite daunting for them to make a good decision. Thanks for your input brother! ✌🤓

[@Zion-18]

So if your wife did make you keep just one guitar, what would you keep? Love your videos!

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Please don’t stress me by asking this question… lol🤣✌️

[@Zion-18]

@@JonIsJustTooLoud 😂

[@rowley5784]

Interestin Jonathan, just an add, you will not get anywhere near what paid for the modded cheap guitar if you sell, whereas a notn modded reasonable priced good guitar will hold its value better. Unless your like me and cannot bare to sell any of my guitars.😎

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Yes agreed! That's why most of my guitars are keepers..The only option is to give them to dear friends ✌🤓

[@cirimaxg651]

Merci Jon ! Personally I love HB because I'm a very mediocre musician. But also, I'm not going to spend my time tinkering with it....I prefer to progress and play. Moreover, for me, if I had to change the pickups and some parts, it would double the price of the guitar....for me, it's useless, I'm not a pro......

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Have fun!✌️❤️

[@vmat1000]

Gotta be choosie. I have 12 guitars i hardly play but gigged abit in the '80s and '05. All are copies (Epis, Ibz ,Etc...) but worked. ok, the Predator 5 way is failing,,,20 year old guitar. It still plays great. MIA, $199, $230 as a kit. Fave though is my Delta Tone HSS strato. This brand was part of a group of local stores (NoCalMusic) that failed.This was 2010 or so. I go into one of the shops one morning and see this semi CSB/TS strato and had to play it. Sweet then i saw the sale price, $75.00 !! i'm like WTF!!! Plugged it into a Fender Frontman 212 and blazed thru evey M Schenker solo i knew. Sounded great. Didn't buy it. Went home for lunch and my wife is like "Go back and get it" which i did. Fondly named PaddleFoot for its semi ugly 3 on a side head stock and a nod to my childhood..."Clutch Cargo with his pals Spinner and Paddlefoot". It sits on a stand ready to go, apt life now so sometimes plugged in (roland micro cube) mostly not. still in love.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Awesome!!✌️🤓

[@sh4969]

I like cheap guitars but just got into diy guitar I gear4musc in house brand and benson hollow guitars.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

Nice:)

[@matereo]

I think sometimes they can be the way to go. You should definately try out sepecially the Yamaha Pacifica 611 and perhaps the 612 here on your channel. you might be surprised if you do.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

matereo better you go!! Yamaha Pacifica 612IIVFM. A review kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6W7gpR9rLJrkMU

[@ronrobins3513]

Well I think there is an assumption that Fender G&L Are always the better value. So what do we mean by better pick ups do we mean louder pick ups. Do we mean less noise. With modern recording equipment DAWs, plug-ins it’s no problem to deal with noisy or even lower output pick ups. Some very sought after vintage guitars have lower output pick ups, Does that make them less than compared to modern guitars with higher gain pick ups?? You can easily bring up the audio to unity gain and normalization. Obviously Play ability and tuning stability are the most important, And on that note bridge saddles for a fender Strat and a graph tech nut would cost you about maybe 40 $45. So maybe you have to dress the frets Even if you have to buy the tools to do that you’re still only out 10 bucks. With this scenario on a Harley Benton $200 guitar maybe you spend 250 or $300. A new Base model Fender will cost you at least $600

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

I agree with you with the other upgrades...With the issue of pickups, there is more than just noise and output. There is the question of tones. And not all guitarists have DAWs and interfaces at their disposal. So it depends on each individual needs. 🤓✌

[@Kacee2]

I own 5 Harley Benton guitars and I love all of them but one. I adjusted the neck and intonation on the LP and the Fusion and they play great. I also own a PRS S2 and many other guitars . Harley Benton are great for the price.

[@zepp3lin]

So you're a regular City Music customer? I bought my 1st guitar in 1986 at City Music and they've been there till now surviving in the same old place. Forward to 2019, I'm building guitars now, trying to source out cheaper parts. I hate going to the luthiers in SG, most of them knock you off big dollars for a simple job. I'm a self-thought amateur luthier now, setting up or changing frets on all my old guitars. Luthiers in SG charge super exorbitant just for changing frets. So rather than paying for it, I use that money to buy me Luthier tools and I can refrets all my guitar myself. Recently just bought myself an HB SC550, can't wait to get my hands on it and that will be in a months time.

[@JonIsJustTooLoud]

cool!!! Like you ..i am also doing minor work on my guitars...but thats because I have a great luthier friend who gives me advice ✌🤓