Does This $200 Metal Guitar Suck?

[@almostclement4975]

I love the fact that no matter how experienced a person is at guitar they will still always miss the hole when plugging in!

[@brettfavor_2502]

Like sex

[@almostclement4975]

Fretboy _ exactly 😂

[@donnykees5848]

Almost Clement And forget to check the battery

[@mxragesantz4274]

Strat plug's pretty easy jkk

[@shadowspeakeasy310]

Hahahahaha 100%

[@dk70]

Honestly HB are just insulting every guitar manufacturer out there by taking their designs and making them very very cheap and still sound amazing. Cant beat that.

[@zachary4670]

D k do they make baritones? Cos I want a baritone. Or a 7 string, but I’d prefer a baritone

[@martingarricks6209]

Zachary Harward yeah

[@martingarricks6209]

They need a nine string

[@digitaldeathsquid3448]

I've used some HB stuff before. Can confirm they sound pretty nice for the price point, but the bodies are quite uncomfortable to play sometimes

[@xRepoUKx]

@@zachary4670 Yes, they have a few + 7 strings and 8 strings too.

[@StuntcatTV]

The HB on the trussrod cover even stands for "Hetfields Baby" :)

[@peteplaysmusic]

Haha :)

[@Ned-Ryerson]

"Zed", surely. :P

[@titod8392]

@@peteplaysmusic hey, for 400 bucks, a bc Rich v (the headstock is like the KK one) a good guitar for metal?

[@mrgreenfr6216]

Gotta admit : that guitar look gorgeous... And cheap! Perfect for my broke ass

[@Dennis.Hamann]

I got the Black & Gold version and it's a beast mate! I owned and played dozens of different guitars such as: Dean, Jackson, ESP and besides the ESP LTD F-250 this is the best guitar I've ever had.

[@mrgreenfr6216]

@@Dennis.Hamann dude, that look like a must have guitar!

[@Dennis.Hamann]

@@mrgreenfr6216 It is mate I promise! :D I'll get my hands on a green screen next month, and I'll be uploading right after if you wanna see the beauty and what it can do, feel free to pay me a visit! :D

[@mrgreenfr6216]

@@Dennis.Hamann ok I will check it mate!

[@Dennis.Hamann]

@@mrgreenfr6216 Sick mate! :D

[@xbaqqq]

4:35 massive blackened vibes

[@will_stevens]

Yep

[@metfan4l]

The thrash riffs gave me some nice Testament and Metallica vibes, good stuff!

[@leovulinovic914]

not metallica

[@THEshaggyrogers]

@@leovulinovic914 is metallica

[@benjammn2157]

that first riff feels like behemoth to me

[@yaschenkoyar6088]

more like Sodom mixed with Exodus and Testament, not metallica

[@thebigbadbone7238]

I heard some blackened in there, I say metallica

[@Sam-vg9ru]

My first electric guitar was the black version of this and I still have it now 3 years down the line. It's ageing so well and the black is falling off so well it's looks like perfect relic'ing. I love the tone these pickups provide and I love the heavy weight of the guitar.

[@FISHYFILMPRODUCTIONS]

I have a an actual ESP, and still want this one Getting some BFMV vibes out of the first set of riffs

[@dehasim]

Even the headstock is similar xD

[@tokiwartooth1442]

Thought I was the only one that got bfmv sorta vibes from the first few riffs lol 🤘🏻

[@FISHYFILMPRODUCTIONS]

@@tokiwartooth1442 yeah specifically the poison era

[@tokiwartooth1442]

@@FISHYFILMPRODUCTIONS best bfmv era tbh

[@FISHYFILMPRODUCTIONS]

@@tokiwartooth1442 I liked all the eras myself, Temper Temper was a grower, same with Gravity.

[@RubenLopez-fh1ix]

Everybody talking about that he wrote a black metal song while doing this, but nobody notices the Gojira riff that he unintentially created at 1:32.

[@IbevanRijn]

Yea exactly... Imma need a full version

[@cunjoz]

yeah, those upward harmonic sweeps are so Gojira

[@DavidNwokoye]

What's next, ESP suing Harley Benton for stealing their Eclipse.

[@andrep0wly35]

Play authentic!!!!!

[@hadleymanmusic]

All guitars are copys

[@LeDechaine]

Might want to buy it quick in case they get sued lol

[@swerk3433]

I see you fucking everywhere on guitar videos

[@JaysWave75]

lol...except THIS guitar is actually TRYING to (shamelessly/fearlessly) rip off ESP/LTD It's all a bunch of Millionaires trying to make $$$ off of each other (ex. EVERY INDUSTRY ON EARTH)

[@jav6665]

It never ceases to amaze just how much of a riff machine you are Pete.

[@kotokid31]

Well, ok that's kool. Shout out to HB for knowing everybody can't afford the Eclipse. Gotta appreciate that.

[@peteplaysmusic]

It’s clearly a strategy that’s working for them. Thanks for watching! :)

[@kotokid31]

Yeah man! Personally I couldn't settle for HB version, I would undoubtedly still go for the EC 1000. I got a used one for like 300. Loved that one! Good stuff!

[@Firing_Order]

I own a Deluxe EC-1000 and recently got a EC-256 for all of $299 used. Only difference is cosmetics and pickups.

[@nickletourneau5044]

Woah. Somone else who spells kool with a "k" !:)

Pete makes everything sound HUGE!

[@thegoodguy44]

Not really...

[@duffman18]

@@thegoodguy44 yes really

[@DMSProduktions]

That's what HE said! ;oP

[@PinetopJackson]

Even your mom!

[@braapbraaap5281]

@@thegoodguy44 Lol, you scrub.

[@josephanders4769]

That old school Pete Cottrell Deviate riff made me happy to hear. \m/

[@peteplaysmusic]

Haven’t played that one in 5 years haha, it was fun playing it again. Thanks for watching! :)

[@harveydjent_]

That black metal track was instant Emperor vibes.

[@peteplaysmusic]

Love Emperor and Ihsahn :)

[@ChadMojito]

I thought it sounded like something straight off Anaal Nathrakh's "Eschaton"!

[@saintluciaofficial2019]

@@peteplaysmusic me too. Reason why I have a 7 and 8 string haha.

[@metalligeek093]

Those harmonics at 5:50 made me audibly say “That’s Emperor as fuck”

[@yaguitar]

Reviewed the passive pickup version of this the other day. They are amazing guitars for the money! Great video, the Active pickups sound amazing!!

[@Zummeli]

That black metal jam session sounded a bit like some of the stuff from the Finnish band, Stam1na! And I fucking LOVE Stam1na!

[@vpguitarcovers4088]

So true man so true..

[@SynnUnsworth]

i just bought a HB fan fret to mess about with as i wasn't sure i'd get on with the jump to 7 strings and fanned frets... so glad I did, the guitar has totally blown me away so far. I really want to know how they manage to get such an impressive guitar made so cheap!

[@AnthonyHarivel]

How ? with underpayed workers in Asia combined with unkown but cheap wood supply, without talking about the furniture like the paint, etc... There is no "magic" behind such a price.

[@bradlong7651]

You should record a black metal album, that riff was amazing. Keep rocking man

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! :)

[@samanthaadams619]

I agree. That was a most tasty riff.

[@bigt6889]

Very much so.... collab with simon smith

[@bradlong7651]

@@bigt6889 love Simon smiths vids, that would be a great collaboration for sure

[@nooralamgir3703]

@@bigt6889 yess

[@aserpentshandofficial]

I love how many people hear trivium in those riffs. Such a great band.

[@LoreAccurateHusky]

Where was this when I started playing almost 6 years ago? Back then my parents got me a Les Paul Special II for literally the same amount as that guitar. I would have loved to have a Les Paul with a carved top, 24 frets, and active pickups when I started out. Though honestly, I want to get one of these in the future as it looks like a great guitar for gigging, jamming, and general travel. It seems like a solid guitar that can easily be replaced if anything happens to it.

[@zsaz4453]

I started 22years ago on a block of wood that cut my fingers open XD

[@LeeJoRo]

That black metal riff was quite tasty

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! :)

[@malinator111]

I've been looking at a lot of guitars these past few days since I wanna buy one and therefore I've watched a lot of reviews like this one, and I gotta say, I love your idea of showing how different styles can be pulled off on it. That's actually really helpful! Cheers

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! Yeah I thought it was a good way to show what it can do! If you do decide to pick one of these up, consider using my affiliate link in the description :)

[@matiasmorales073]

So pretty! And I'm not talking of the guitar ;) Nice Spam in the back

[@kaizoku1190]

Metalcore and Trash Metal kinda sounds like a Trivium song lol! This is definitely a good looking guitar though

[@user-pu7wp1fc4f]

Trash metal? That's dem fightin' words.

[@rejectedcovers8790]

Nathan Mann Apparently no one can spell thrash

[@darthshaggy9970]

well, matt heafy says that trivium its a mix from metalcore/thrash/black metal xD so this video and guitar are perfect

[@chizza6537]

To me sounds like inflames 😅

[@mysteriousdelta9203]

Diego Saez I can actually hear how it sounds like in flames, they are amazing

[@MetalHeadHippie]

I like the Revv 2 and 4 in the background. Thanks. Pete.

[@peteplaysmusic]

I have the G3 too, gonna try and get them in a video soon. Thanks for watching! :)

[@MetalHeadHippie]

@@peteplaysmusic Sweet. I'm saving up for the G4.

[@Chtulushotsauce]

As soon as I saw this guitar I instantly thought of Nick Hipa’s Ibanez from back in the day! Sounds fucking great man. 🤘🏻 and what a steal of a price!

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@darksplash873]

I'm looking for a replcaement or compliment to my old strat that came in an 80 euro beginner set to start recording and maybe do some small live performances, and came across this. It's absolutely stunning and caught my eye, especially the black one, so I'm glad to hear it's actually a decent intrument for a low budget.

[@JMal883]

I bought one of these about 18 months back, managed to get an absolute lemon. Needed to replace the tuners with locking tuners and fit a roller bridge before it was playable. I also sanded back quite a lot of the neck to remove the gloopy gloss finish. Was tempted to send it back but glad I didn’t as it now plays well and is a joy to play. However it cost me about £50 to put right, so I may have been better off going for a SC550.

[@eddyguizonde401]

i think that's the main problem with harley benton: well assembled, sound good, but man, can't they shell out a bit more cash for decent tuners? i've got the same problem on my 335 copy...

[@nobuna2114]

@@eddyguizonde401 Well yes they could (and should) get better tuners but be happy that it is only the tuners and not something else which would be more expensive and harder to fix

[@kazzTrismus]

SC1000 FR satin black

[@tibi1687]

If you can, do a high-end parts upgrade on this.

[@joshuablume807]

I'm running behind watching KZbin subscriptions and I finally got to this. After watching it last night I ordered it. But it'll be back in stock in March. Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@peteplaysmusic]

Awesome! :)

[@barrywebber100]

Harley Benton guitars are fantastic value for money. I've just received the SC550 Desert Flame Burst Les Paul style guitar and it's a beauty! I like your T-shirt, it's really funny so I have ordered one. Thanks for the great review.

[@ghoulfather]

I bought this after I sold the Eclipse (I regret it) it's a bit too thick for me in the body but my wife wanted it so it's still here ;) it's definitely a bang for the buck! Originally the guitar came with a faulty pick up switch but Thomann were amazing with their service and covered it all.

[@MadGunny]

That first song he played is what he plays in his JB/Jazz demo. One of my favorites by him \m/

[@andrewrochester4448]

3:18 reminds me of a song that i head years back i cant quite grasp the name if anyone knows it please tell me!!

[@jawfaln]

Those black metal riffs were awesome - really reminds me of Teloch from Mayhem's style :)

[@jasonstallworth]

Cool riffs, dude!

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! :)

[@hernesc]

Hey Pete, can you consider showing us, how do you master your sound? Guitar it self sounds awfully (1:35) but once you edit it (2:58) it sounds great. I can find any video how to make that "raw" disgusting guitar sound, sounds like "album" sound. Thanks

[@hunterxiaoyan1986]

Great review but would be better if the volume of the background music is lower

[@blahuhm6782]

It's a drum sample library demo ^_^

[@kylegriffiths91]

At 3:18 that sounds like As I Lay Dying - The Darkest Nights with some notes left out. Sounds awesome like that 👌

[@TheOddKris]

The intro song is the one with the home built Tele, and I still think that track slaps!!

[@oyepvokadub6522]

Wow juicy riffs in all three styles Pete. Cheers from Bulgiaria.

[@RDanteish]

Hey Pete!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah dude !!! That sounds dope !!!! The metalcore part sounds like KSE song awesome!!!!

[@thed3m0n0id9]

Dude, I swear I learn something new every time I watch a new video of yours, dude! I love your dedication to really nailing the black metal style, MAJOR Emperor/Ihsahn vibes goin' there :D You also got me back into playing guitar, which I'd somehow forgotten I needed in my damn daily life!!

[@gtr362012]

Thanks for the review was looking for a lesser expensive model in that design appreciate your input on it thanks !

[@yaschenkoyar6088]

5:15 this first riff reminds me Unhallowed by Dissection with some Emperor elements

[@sverrekolman4841]

I use a Harley Benton SC-custom and I absolutly love it!

[@nordicomsystems8841]

I have the SC Custom with gold hardware and gold EMG Hetfield pickups...one of my favorite guitars .

[@zsaz4453]

My new guitar a 200e HB with Blackouts.I love it. Sound dope,plays very well. Idk, but respect

[@chrisstevens9323]

Awesome! I LOVE my HB SC Custom. It is the next one up from this one for about $50 more. It has Roswell actives in it and has a shorter front horn cut just like the ESP almost dead on shape more so then this one. I got the flat black. Was torn between the white. I now want a white one of these. The SC Custom has mahogany body this I thought was basswood. Awesome video dude and great playing!!!

[@bamboozledboy20]

Chugs on the Metalcore riff were badass

[@ericvernon1182]

Can attest that this guitar does not suck for metal...I bought the SC-Custom II Active...almost the exact same guitar as this one...because you know...Papa Het!!! Rock on Pete!!!

[@narendrakrane]

Pete, you are a monster of player!\m/. Impeccable!!

[@johnsimmonds2540]

Got it for Christmas! Amazing Guitar!

[@Slormer]

HB is puttin' out some solid axes. Nice job Pete.

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@MilkoOfficialChannel]

A video on how you cord, adjust and tune the guitars would be awesome, you have em perfect.

[@Johnnycoretv]

Getting me this one thanks to this review, thank you mate

[@needsLITHIUM]

The metalcore track is old school As I Lay Dying vibes. The thrash tune is very Death Angel. Both together sounds like Trivium, for real. LOL. That Black Metal is very Emperor meets newer music from Abigail Williams and I love it.

[@Xelyk_]

What drum program are you using? EzDrummer? Superior drummer? Sounds really good mate!

[@DreamersMatter]

The metal ore track sounds like older As I Lay Dying and I love it

[@saintluciaofficial2019]

Might end up getting this. I wonder how it sounds in Drop B.

[@DrumeRGray]

I bought the matte black version of this guitar with the gold hardware and the only issue I had with it was the pickup selector keeps cutting out. Other than that I love it. Best $147 I spent.

[@homestudioculture]

Superb vide!, I'm curious though, did you have a hard time working on the distorted tones, personally whenever I record this guitar my clean DI before even processing has tons of resonance! witch makes it tough to do high gain stuff because it almost always forces me to start notching things, especially when playing fast trem riffs. And of ours I end up with an unusable tone because of the over equing. Would love to know your opinion on the subject.

[@thebasspedalshow]

Nice dude. Been wanting to try some of their gear for a while. Looks good. Wasnt keen on the new video format, I miss the old room it had character but its growing on me man. Good work.

[@fredriksvard2603]

I have it and for home use where finish and ultimate build quality isnt critical i don't miss anything. I used to have two esp (not ltd) eclipses.

[@adamhajnal4758]

Absolutely great BM right there.

[@thed3m0n0id9]

I LOVE your Emperor chops, dude!

[@JaviCS016]

Pete, which plug-in where you using at 1:32? Sounded pretty good!

[@hedbngr18]

Great video as always. I am praying that you use that Thrash Metal section in a full length song one day. It was sweet! Thank you for the review Pete!

[@peteplaysmusic]

Maybe I’ll use it in a full song. Thanks for watching! :)

[@JimmyBairagee]

Do you have a sound patch for the sound you were using for the metalcore segment? Or what is the sound setup? Really digging that sound!

[@claytonicForce]

Great video. Awesome riffs man!

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! :)

[@ToroKchannel]

I've tried this guitar not so long ago. Plays good, sounds good on hi gain (but expect no clean sound from these HBZ) but what stopped me from keeping it is the neck heel that made the 24th fret unreachable for my fingers. If they make it in an easy access version, I'll buy it instantly ! Thanks for the demo Pete !

[@bastardofbodom07]

Fuck these riffs were ridiculously amazing. Think I remember that first metalcore riff back in the day when you played the DV8 haha.

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! Yep that’s the riff from Deviate and the JB/Jazz video :)

[@w1923]

Dude you nailed each genre. Your a sick guitarist👍🏻👍🏻

[@alexhelms8048]

I just bought a Harley Benton. I started playing around with guitar about 2 or 3 months ago. The reason I got a Harley Benton is because, unlike a Squire or Epiphone(neither of which are bad guitars), I found that seeing my Harley Benton SC Custom (ESP Eclipse clone) just made me want to pick up the guitar and play more. And I think that is the most important thing for beginners like myself. Surround yourself with stuff that makes you want to play.

[@Owen_plays_music1049]

The looks also reminds me of Steve Jone's weird Les Paul. Also i have exactly the same thought you have about a White guitar with black active pickups, i need one !

[@marks9197]

Now THAT was some tasty black metal! Well done Pete. Could you please publish the whole song? I'd love to buy it.

[@isaacdenton2944]

Hey Pete awesome vid! what was the signal chain?

[@celestialode]

Great review, and damn these riffs!!!!!!!!

[@peteplaysmusic]

Thanks! :)

[@Wythaneye]

Awesome riffs, as always.

[@evilutionltd]

Pete could make a kids fishing net sound good.

[@JohnnyStauf]

I bought this exact same guitar and it was awful. Fret ends were so sharp it cut my hand, and the foam block for the headstock was too short and it cracked the neck at the joint during shipping. Not to mention the pickup selector was missing the ring so it fell inside the guitar. I swear HB just pays extra attention to KZbin people to make sure they get a good one. Still a good video Pete, great song too

[@peteplaysmusic]

Sorry to hear you got a bad one, Thomann has a returns policy so make sure you contact them. I think this one was on display in the shop for a while and might have been setup but had nothing close to what you described. Everything was working all fine and was well put together. I have 4 Harley Benton’s and the only one that had issues had some high frets, and all were in need of a setup so there’s no preferential treatment towards KZbinrs. Thanks for watching :)

[@JohnnyStauf]

@@peteplaysmusic I was able to get my money back, it wasn't worth it to them to ship it back from the states so they told me to keep it. I want to try HB again, maybe I'll do it now. Thanks for replying 😊

[@j012275]

Just got mine 2 days ago and it plays, looks, and sounds awesome.

[@Atzu0110]

I actually have a Halrey Benton 8-String Guitar, and even tho it sound muddy sometimes, it's a really good guitar for that price! If you can't afford something more expensive, i really recommend Harley Benton!

[@Manu-vh8ri]

Is that the diy guitar riff that im hearing in the beginning? Dope video as always btw!

[@alanmares8643]

When are they gonna make an explorer and V version of this

[@zsaz4453]

They have. I own both D no joke

[@bigt6889]

Already is the 84 tribute is a belter

[@chrisstevens9323]

They have some new Explorers coming out very very soon. In fact an EET FUK clone...

[@TheCoronaMortis]

I swear from the thumbnail i thought this was an ESP LTD

[@peteplaysmusic]

And that’s exactly why the guitar looks so similar, I think it’s even made in the same factory as the ESP. Thanks for watching! :)

[@DebtOfLife]

Sounds badass granted not sure how much editing was done

[@RyTube996]

Nice chops!

[@bertperry2829]

Cool demo , thanks man

[@YannisZaminos]

What about lower tunings. I mostly use D tuning with 11-56 strings.

[@IStabz]

that's pretty tight Pete!! Might have to pick one up..It's within the budget ha ha!! \,,,/ Thanks for sharing!! Cheers Mate!! Great playing too btw!!

[@benscott6247]

During the thrash metal bit, I completely forgot this was a product demo lol. Well done to you and Harley Benton!

[@siemradder1909]

Damn, i have the eclipse myself. Haven’t used it in a while. Might pick it up again now. The only thing i don’t love about this is the headstock, its so big.

[@hadleymanmusic]

Me too its not proportional looking

[@galaxys9658]

Siem Radder eclipse headsock is a bit midgety vs gibson or this. Truss rod cover size and placement is super weird on esp for shure.

[@AtifMetal]

Pete when are you gonna get a signature Harley Benton?

[@JBPlaysGames1]

I have the smallest gripe, but that still really bugs me. They copied the inlays, and the matching headstock shape, but then flipped the headstock shape... And that really messes with my brain.

[@dariomendoza3008]

3:18 papa roach is that you? Amazind, anyway lml

[@BettyTheRaccoon]

The song at 1:25 pleaseee!!!

[@myownscratchpad6569]

bridge is on backwards. hope it doesn't need the intonation adjusted.

[@iang6243]

Matt Pickrell all the harley benton tune-o-matics are like that. My Flying V has that too.

[@ronc4762]

Hey Pete, would you mind sharing what you tuned the guitar to for this video? Really like your sound! Great demonstration of the guitar..