Beatles on a Budget - Harley Benton RB600 & Beatbass - Review

These extremely inexpensive Instruments can help you to recreate the sounds of yesteryear... nap, that's a word, look it up!
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[@JimijaymesProductions]

It would be cool to comapre the HB Beatle bass to the Epiphone Viola and the Hofner Ignition all under 300 dollar Hofner Viola Style basses.

[@davidbarlow431]

A long, long time ago my first bass was a genuine 60's Hofner violin bass in its original case. I can honestly say that this beat bass sounds pretty damned close. I would guess a set of flat wounds would get it even closer.

[@ryban1001]

New viewer here. An important tone note for Beatles tunes. Macca uses flat wound strings.Also, the quality of the band’s instruments got much better as you progress through their catalogue. On bass, McCartney added a Rickenbacker 4001 on Rubber Soul in 1965. He started throwing in a Fender Jazz Bass when recording the White Album. Harrison seems to be the gearhead in the Beatles. His Gretsch guitars were top quality and so was Rocky, Fender Strat (Lennon got on, too) he used in Rubber Soul, the Gibson SG he added in 1966, the Gibson Les Paul Eric Clapton gave him in 1968, and the Fender rosewood Telecaster Fender gave him in 1969. Lennon played that Rick 325 throughout his life. It’s on Please Please Me and Double Fantasy. He and Harrison got Epiphone Casinos like McCartney.

[@kimhansen6384]

Lennons 325 was a ´58 with very low output ´Toaster´ single coil pickups, Toasters became medium output in the mid 60´s, and now they use High Gain PU´s.

[@kitko33]

Spot on comment on Beatles using cheap instruments. George Harrison used Resonet Gracioso, made in Czechoslovakia by Delicia and imported to the UK as Selmer or Futurama. He used on recording Cry for shadows.

[@RonnieDeeLightful]

I have the BeatBass with D'darrio flatwounds. It plays/sounds awesome especially when I'm doing Sir Paul note for note with a crack band.

[@timothytobin1481]

WOW! I've owned several Rickenbackers over the years and this SOUNDS 100% like a REAL Rickenbacker! I've had to sell my Rickys for various reasons, but lately I've been looking to reacquire one, and I'm convinced that THIS is the one I want (my wallet's convinced too!). This is NO BS. It has that "chime" that (until now) only a Rickenbacker could give you! (And, you don't get Rickys for "crunch". You get them for "chime")

[@FloridaManRacer]

15:14 RIP Tom Petty... I own this guitar because of him. (And because I can't afford a real one lol)

[@Todesnuss]

The original Harley Benton Dog Hair would be a novelty for sure.

[@RickRomanelli]

Henning, Henning, Henning. I love all of your other videos.

[@ronlight7013]

@EytschPi42 Did you use a bass amp for the Beatbass? From what I read I gather a bass amp is de rigueur for playing any bass guitar? True??? Thanks, Henning.

[@Squazzoo68]

Nice job even tho you're not a Beatles but Henning! I have the 12 string version of the the RB & it's awesome. I compared it to the feel and sound of a real Ric 12 string & it's very close. You can actually get the Ric style tone with a Tele & a Fender amp, but you'll always nail it with a Ricky clone & a Vox. Love the bass 2, but I think I'll spend $100-200 more for a Chinese made Hofner. Great vid

[@EasyHeat]

OMG! Why am I just not discovering this?!!! This is incredible!! LMFAO!!!

[@JimijaymesProductions]

Here comes my stoning haha, 60s rickenbackers and AC30s are pretty good not really beat up not made well instruments and amps. Those AC30s are definately better then current ones. Also anything post hard days night has alot of clarity in the recording. Rubber Soul, Revolver and Abbey Road sound great!

[@Guitarman1959]

Former Ricky owner here 360/6, 370/12 McGuinn, 660/12Tom Petty, 330/6, 360/12 Harrison. I always wanted a 325 c64, but not for 4k ! I could get it, but this will do just fine…and I have some money left for lunch, and a movie rental…probably a European vacation as well. No more Ricks!! Purchased Harley Benton RB 600-BK !!

[@ploeteQ]

You also get such a "Do not throw away sticker" when buying a 3000 € Roland accordion with synthesizer functions like my music school teacher had. And I hated playing it, it felt so rough compared to a normal accordion which plays rather smoothly when you got used to play it.

[@doabchoabc1836]

Will Thoman send you the 12-String Version as well by chance? For all the effort you put in those Reviews I hope they´ll let you keep the Bass ;-) Verdient hättest Du es...

[@nerkoids]

That bass needs some flatwounds and a bit of foam right at the bridge. Either some D'Addario Chromes (medium scale) or some Rotosound Monel 77s. A little foam between the bridge and the bridge pickup, and you'll get a great deep sounding tone.

[@PanoramaUnion]

Yep. You won't get McCartney sound without flatwounds.

[@eliolopez3107]

Actually they had some pedals back then. There's an advert in a newspaper of the time where George's image is used to sell a fuzz pedal. Very few people used them and they only had that and a volume pedal in those days.

[@rogerfelez7478]

Is Harley Benton going to do a Rickenbacker 4001 bass?

[@mrihavenoname1512]

+Roger Felez-Morales I hope they eventually do

[@5150stephen]

+Roger Felez-Morales they used to, but its sold out www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_rb_414cs.htm

[@DMSProduktions]

+5150stephen So did TOKAI but they got stomped on! Tokai's were far closer a copy than the HB's! I got the Rebelrocker 330/6 copy guitar.

[@5150stephen]

nice, would love to pick a couple of these up, but funds dont allow haha

[@nicke.424]

Like that guy said, they did but I'm willing to bet the reason they don't anymore is because rickenbacker threatened to sue. They did the same thing not too long ago when a bunch of diy kits of the bass were on the market

[@JimijaymesProductions]

Rewatching this but seriously had to point out, a mid 60s rickenbacker and VOX AC30 even beat up is seriously high quality equipment.

[@1961jscofield]

LOL, the wig was a good touch!

[@alexburton4113]

When you have one of those and you turn Treble or bass on it actually turns off a pickup, that bass doesn’t have original switching like hofners do

[@alanhardman2447]

Perfect TP impersonation @ 15:40 !!!

[@musicsoundgear]

I can't wait to get home to see this video. I was going to request a review of the RB600. Now I don't have to. Thanks for posting this. (Do you have any reviews scheduled for any lower priced Warwick Basses???)

[@kenvorland]

Awesome video I have the bass and the 6 string and 12 string changed the nuts to brass and now they stay in tune rock on man🎸🎸🎸😎

[@BeforeTheDarkAge]

Well one thing to remember is that George played Gretsch's and you can get a Gretsch pro jet for 400$.(got mine for 360$) So you can get close with one of the brands for a little less. I like the look of the RB 600 shaped similar to my Rickenbacker 620 I had 20 years ago. (solid body ironically) Ricks have single coil those are more in the Filtron kind of thing there. Nice finky guitars but getting one here to the states it might end up that my Gretsch is cheaper.

[@d.michaelmcbridedc1082]

is that a rug? I visit Thomann often have 3 Harley Bentons that I purchased there. Awesome value....

[@LeeLucas]

Well some people do go to extremes to make video these days but have to say that was hilarious. A mate of mine only about 6 months ago now brought one these basses it was of coarse a copy but it cost quite a bit more than this one here, and I think he paid over £500 for it. It was absolutely dreadful and picking it up it was that light it was as if it was made out of Balsa Wood. Must admit this Harley Benton bass sounds really well good in comparison to what he got. Cannot say I favour the guitar that much in this video though. But for die hard Beatles and Petty fans I think it will do nicely.

[@DMSProduktions]

TOKAI make a copy of the Hofner bass as well, it's more expensive, so probably somewhat better made, with authentic headstock shape. I am NOT sure if JADE Aust stocks this model, even though it is listed in their latest catalogues! They have the EB3 Gibson SG copy bass, as well, but all vendors/shops I have seen that stock Tokai guitars/basses, do NOT seem to have the Hofner style bass. I am WAITING for the JADE rep to visit my shop so I can ask him. If the Tokai isn't available, i might get the EB3, and later get 1 of these Harley Benton beat basses as a back up bass. It sounds VERY good for a cheap replica! Tip: IF you keep it, restring it it short scale flat wounds! This IS short (30") scale ja?

[@danmar007]

That was crazy cool. Of all the KZbinrs I follow your vids are the awesomest.

[@rubencoliveira]

@EytschPi42 in the beatbass i think the controls are mixed like that because that's how the original Hofner was

[@happyhippy326]

I've just bought the bass second hand with a hard case for £160 , I will let you know if the switches are revered , great review by the way

[@45zapatero]

If you compare this to a Italia guitar which has also a rickenbacker vibe , what are your conclusions ?

[@paulsummerside]

Its a pity that Harley Benton decided to go for the Gretsch style Filtertron Humbucker, rather than Rickenbacker Toaster style single coils. Hence why the Ricky isn't giving that jangle. Its a shame as quite like the fact Harley Benton have actually gone for the lesser know Rickenbacker shapes, but still does give a nod towards Beatles and Byrds. If I were to get one I would need to source a set of single coil toaster pickups. Which if Harley Benton had thought ahead, should have been unnecessary. Like it. The Hofner style bass is a far better effort.

[@soulagent79]

I use the Harley Benton AC-Tone with my 12-string Rickenbacker. Sounds 100% original.

[@cricketbat09]

If you can't afford expensive brands, Harley Benton is the answer.

[@noi5emaker]

The Beatles were given brand new amps by Vox. As for newer technology, Rickenbackers are made exactly the same way they were in the sixties, perhaps with the exception of the CNCs they use now. HOW you get a piece of maple to be hollowed out to that shape is irrelevant - the end product is exactly the same! But I will agree that today we have access to a lot of affordable options. Fun video, Henning! Good to see you had a haircut shortly after this video... :)

[@kimhansen6384]

No, they don´t use Toaster single coil PU´s anymore.

[@greatvanzini]

The bass looks almost identical to the inexpensive Chinese Hofner. Controls are the same too. The bridge really looks the same. I love my cheap Hofner but am think of going for the mid model of the Club bass.

[@greatvanzini]

+greatvanzinni Whoa! A thick neck of the bass? Ok that is different. I think Hofner had thicker necks early on then switched to a thinner profile like in 64 or 5, I think I've heard that but might be off. Like the thin option myself.

[@deepschulzz]

The same here. Bought it in february 2016. The pick-ups are reversed. That annoys me. Except of this the bass is great.

[@Cheguebuddha]

that bass sound on 24:47 is just awesome!

[@brendonjwarren]

Hey John!, Where's Yoko? Sorry Henning, had to say it!!! hahahahaha!!

[@StamatisStabos]

19:14 "This is what McCartney played"........"clink" McCartney sends e-mail

[@lpbrookes2175]

Hey Henning where do you get the moon shaped guitar stand? My life depends on it. Ringo c1964 is the answer

[@EytschPi42]

Bulldog Music Gear

[@mikenaykki2173]

Keep up the great videos!👍👍😎

[@marmc05]

12:18 I don´t think you´ll respond but... If I want to change the knobs, I´ll be able to??

[@LarsEBruhn]

I got a nice 12 string version of that guitar and I love it. Not perfect but pretty close. I would have wanted the six string version in black, to not having two look-alike guitars but what can you do! In this review you stated that you didn't know any Beatles stuff to play...? How old are you? Everybody today and their mother knows some Beatles stuff, except you? I love your reviews including this one but come on, in a review that starts off mimicking Beatles, you should be better prepared!

[@ResoBridge]

This is funny to English people (well to some of them) - the Hofner 'Teacup' knobs originally used on these basses Hofner refers to as Potiknobs. I seem to remember there is something odd about the pickup switches - on for each switch is the reverse of what you expect. I think the original Hofners were also like this. The original Hofners have a unique sound - quite dull and thumpy. This HB bass sounds a bit too lively for a true Beatles sound.

[@kimhansen6384]

But it sounds very good.

[@golfboy83]

It should sound darker with flatwounds. I believe that's what McCartney would have played with

[@haraldschuster3067]

That's 'cuz at that pricepoint they can't throw in flatwounds. String that one up with flatwounds and the brilliance is gone and you get more "dull and thumpy".

[@josearaujo8616]

On the Hofner violin bass On is off and off is On... does not make much sense, but all are like that

[@stonedstones9708]

Is the Harley better or at least equal to the hofner violin bass?

[@scottbecker3485]

Listen to many R.E.M. tracks and enjoy the special, jangly sound of a Ricky. I’m getting this copy just for playing their songs and Tom Petty stuff.

[@eliolopez3107]

Love the Beatles wig!

[@frostflame51]

Why all the hate for the certain f brand these days? Did something change? Even JM swapped to PRS :/ did I miss something

[@bronzesnake7004]

McCartney still uses the exact same unaltered Hofner bass he bought in Hamburg on his massive eeyuge concert tours. By the way...Hamburg? Yes please! thank you

[@DRguitar918]

I actually read that he uses a copy and has the original hofner as a backup

[@martijnvandenakker803]

Dominic Rossi it's the other way around... He still use his first Hofner that he used at the Hamburg-concerts and at Ed Sullivan, and has a backup that he rarely use

[@theleetguy2]

He uses his '63 Höfner when he's playing concerts(He played his '61 in Hamburg). You can see that, because his '63's pickups have a long space between them, and the pick-ups on the '61 are sitting close to each other :-)

[@user-je8dg4ev5k]

When will you make coffee review? It participates in every video)

[@shckltnebay]

Ric 660/12 is smaller than the 330 or the 360 like Harrison played

[@absolving]

The Beatbass has way too much high end. That's one of my only beefs with it

[@theroadhogs6227]

Need to change the strings to flatwounds

[@cristovaopt]

hi there i'm thinking in buying a cheap bass,cause im a bassist and my concern is the neck, if the neck get bended can i fix it without damaging the bass? i know that bass is cheap but i want something that will worth it xD btw the one i wanna buy is in the thomann - Harley Benton MB-5 SB Deluxe Series

[@rexrobards7407]

About "They didn't have pedals then." The first stompbox that I remember seeing was a pedal made by Gibson with the Maestro brand name. It was the Maestro Fuzztone pedal. I think it was the first stompbox and it was a distortion pedal, available around 1964. Gibson, at that time, also made amplifiers and they got the idea for the Fuzztone from a wiring error in a solid-state amp. The first recording that I heard that used a Fuzztone was "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones.

[@katsarosfiat]

can someone tell if this hollow bass will make extra sound with no amp?

[@breathingtube]

The bass on turns the bridge pickup off and vies versa.

[@Muppio]

Everytime i've ordered HB branded things, i've recieved it broken. Admittadly, i live in sweden and that shit kind of happens, but the packing should have been sufficient for the trip.

[@kurtb.hansen378]

Muppio i just bought 2 guitars and they arrived in Denmark ok unbroken

[@miguelabreumacedo]

Muppio that's probably just bad luck. I've ordered a guitar (Epiphone, the packaging is as bad) and even a 88 key keyboard from thomann and everything arrived in perfect condition. Let's not forget that I live on a Portuguese Island in the middle of the Atlantic closer to Africa than to Europe.

[@stevenirons8564]

Sehr unterhaltsam... Ich habe gelächelt.....

[@rael6168]

You look like a mix of Bono Vox and Sean Penn😂😂

[@MrAugustone78]

el bajo viene con la peluca?

[@viljarvikan7230]

Does anybody know why thomann wont ship many of their harley benton products to Norway? Including these two.

[@-Pol-]

Might it be because Norway's outside the EU? The new CITES regulations make it a nightmare to ship anything with rosewood or similar endangered wood species in and out of the EU. Thomann are striving to ensure their Harley Benton instruments are made from sustainable resources, but anything with rosewood requires extensive paperwork.

[@vincentkoster6291]

What is he playing at 25:15 ?

[@simonpowell7189]

Dude you're insane ahaha I love it

[@marquee6]

My theory on the controls on the bass is: they are all reversed. Pretty much all the asian copies I have seen. I have had a Rogue and a Greco, both reversed. I think they copied McCartney's bass exactly. See, when Hofner made a lefty bass all they did was reverse the right hand models. So when they copied Pauls bass, they copied his reversed control plate, even though now it is incorrect for right handed bases. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

[@kimhansen6384]

Höffner themselves have made a video about the controls, and they show that the volume controls are reversed and that On means Off, so your story does not hold water.

[@robertclarkguitar]

Lennon. Oops I meant Henning lmao

[@bronzesnake7004]

Vocals are dead on!!!

[@lordisern3024]

Aren't the sides made of PLYWOOD?

[@frankjuster8726]

i would'nt be surprised if all imitation beatle basses are made of plywood ; it's the only way to keep the price down.

[@noi5emaker]

Where's Ringo?

[@llennord]

I dont know which one but one of them was stolen from the studio

[@SuicidalGrind]

He was probably somewhere having a seizure on some drums playing drum comp one on repeat

[@davewalsh3885]

I use my RB600 for Tom Petty tunes.

[@fossilmatic]

I almost forgave your lack of knowledge about The Beatles. Until that song played at the end.

[@ThePanchofrasse]

I have the bass

[@MiglFr]

Les cheveux vous vont très bien :-)

[@Iggytommy]

get an italia rimini

[@christianschulz931]

Alter du siehst aus wie ein junger Otto Walkes, mit Haaren. TOP!!!

[@StephenFinkNRP]

Does Thomann ship to the US?

[@EytschPi42]

yes

[@StephenFinkNRP]

Thanks. I ordered an RB-600CS from them last night.

[@dirkbonesteel]

Must suck to live in a world where no old Vox amps., Hofners or Rickenbackers aren't all over the friggin place and stereos can't reproduce original sounds

[@theblytonian3906]

"...because I don't know any Beatles stuff". ....???? o.O

[@lennon1482]

you couldn't even learn ticket to ride?

[@milwaukeebrewhouse]

Beatallica hahaha

[@dansbl]

Am Beginn, In den "Arpegios" klingt out of tune.

[@evananderson1753]

Das bootles

[@roman14032]

you dont know any beatles tunes? you ought to be ashamed of yourself you MUST know every beatles tune you MUST know every rush tune THOSE ARE THE RULES you can fix the neck dive by moving the end strap button up towards the top or bass side of the guitar, that will shift the center of gravity its an easy fix for any neck diving guitar you dont even have to move the strap button just add another one

[@eb3bnj]

Cualquier parecido al sonido de los instrumentos originales es pura coincidencia. Chatarra.

[@butteo]

Where's the bald bloke?

[@flipflopmcgurt3403]

Don't waste your money. Save for a real bass

[@222rich]

mine is the same