Good or Garbage❓ Harley Benton SC Custom II Vintage Black Review & demo

[@TheToneLounge]

⚡ 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼𝘀: 🔴 VFP series: kzbin.info/aero/PLeAo3au6SN1kfdYcyp8bvHttqkPinQ2Wt 🔴 AC15 series: kzbin.info/aero/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Yeah, I found that in a lot of the Harley Benton’s with them pick up so I know what I do is change the magnet to a alnico twos

[@Supernautiloid]

A while back I bought a Harley Benton SC-550 Silverburst. It was around the same time the Adam Jones signature Les Paul was announced and I figured the HB would be a nice cheap alternative. Turns out I was right because the guitar is awesome and plays like a dream. I haven’t modded it yet but I plan to. It sounded great right out of the box though.

[@TheToneLounge]

Very cool! Mine will require much better pickups, but overall it is a cool guitar.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

My 335 hb is great my 450 is great my tele is great

[@PixelForgeLab]

Hi, thanks for the video, Question: so this one has passive pickups ? The other model that has active ones, are black, which kinda sucks , would be possible to replace the cover of the pickups ?

[@TheToneLounge]

I believe you are referring to the one with EMG. I don't think that you can.

[@aaronlichow278]

From yor description of the neck pickup and the finihing, Looks like you got a multi issue B-stock, that explains the price. Thoman typically reduce 5-15% on B-stock instruments, you got 40% off.

[@TheToneLounge]

That could very well be. Like all reviews, this was more about the two that I received as opposed to the whole line in general.

[@brandonanderson2066]

Great review/ playing man. Intro jam really rocked. Cool sht!

[@TheToneLounge]

Glad you liked it!!

[@sandrocavali9810]

I've got all kinds of guitars. I love them all. My HB SC custom II has now three plus years. It's my Swiss army axe, I can jazz I can shred. I can do acoustic. I love it

[@TheToneLounge]

Very cool. Is yours the one with EMG pickups?

[@sandrocavali9810]

@@TheToneLounge actually I have the Rosswell zebra. Very standard. But I equalize all my guitars.

[@johnanthony6742]

July 2022 I just bought a HB custom with the Floyd Rose. 2 things surprised me. One the 3 day shipping I literally ordered it July 2nd and by July 5th I was playing it. Had no issues at all with it.. Just put a set of Ernies 9's on it tuned up and been jamming ever since. Stays in tune well....

[@TheToneLounge]

I'm glad that it worked out for you. How's the Floyd on yours?

[@tangedy]

What country are you?

[@nenadbozic4816]

I was wondering about these guitars, they look too good for the money, but obviously just from afar. Maybe still unbeatable price-wise, even if just for fun playing. Sad to see there are so many imprefections; yes, they looked too good to be true lol Thanks so much for this great in-depth review, very useful!

[@Supernautiloid]

My HB has a lot of the same issues. Visual glitches, cheap hardware, etc. But the guitar is solid and plays as good or better than any Epiphone I’ve ever picked up. And at half the price.

[@TheToneLounge]

My pleasure. Of course, we can expect certain corners to be cut short at this price point. It's not any worse than paying thousands of dollars for a relic'ed guitar. In both instances, someone went out of their way to bang up that guitar. lol

[@themplar]

Mine are nearly perfect. Minor flaws maybe. Get a new one (not B stock) and one of the slightly higher end versions and you generally are good. Dont like it send it back.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Oh I got several good ones no I got an SG that I could not do anything with the low E until I remove the spring from the bridge so that it can go forward further not happy. I’m thinking of putting a roller bridge on it now I am going to put the roller bridge on it. They make great platforms for updating.

[@pablohill4048]

He said at the beginning of the video that it's a b-stock. He shouldn't be judging the guitar's aesthetics with a magnifying glass. When you buy a B STOCK. You actually know that you are saving a few bucks for some possible aesthetic defects.

[@winnipegmusic]

When you reviewed the finish on your guitar you should have mentioned that it was a "B" stock guitar (to be fair to Harley Benton). I have an "A" stock Harley Benton and the finish on the guitar is outstanding.

[@TheToneLounge]

At 2:20 in the video I mention that it's a B-stock. ;)

[@AlexToba]

Great review, really well done! Would you recomend buying one and a Fender Mustang LT 25? I haven't played guitar in years but I'm eager to start again. Much love from Romania!

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, I would recommend that guitar. As for the amp, I don't have any experience with it. Have you considered a BOSS Katana? I played one and really liked it.

[@PJandtheBeard]

Great review! Like I said before, we picked up a double cut junior. It’s a sweet little guitar. I thought we would do a video on it and flip it but it is still around. Fills a gap quite nicely.

[@TheToneLounge]

The one I have needs a bit of TLC, but I'm more then likely going to keep it.

[@benfisher2672]

This isn’t related to the guitar at all, but I’ve seen you do lots of videos on the vox ac15. I have one and was planning on getting a soul food by ehx. Does that work well with the ac15? Also nice playing.

[@TheToneLounge]

Got you covered right here my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJmzZYGeepiIrsk

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I got a left-handed Harley, Benton, SG, Junior, and the bridge sucked kept going out a tune on the high E and the low either nut is too deep so it gets buzz so now I got a change the Nut

[@TheRitualist]

"Prophecy " !!!! OMG !!!! Such an amazing piece !!!!

[@TheToneLounge]

It's my favourite on the album.

[@chizorama]

Thank you for the honest & in depth review, very insightful. I'm a bass player, just starting to dabble in guitar. Picked up a Epiphone SG Special VE in walnut, plays nice, but the neck is super weak, doesn't stay in tune, sounds like it's out of tune even after I set the intonation & replaced the nut & tuners(Graph Tech & Gotoh respectively). Don't feel like dumping more money into it & looking for a budget LP that I can mod. That's why I appreciate an honest review, thank you, new subsciber.

[@TheToneLounge]

My pleasure. Gibson SGs can be a pain with tuning stability sometimes. It all depends on the model. This guitar stayed in tune just fine. This would be a great little guitar for someone who loves to mod guitars.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Yeah, I’m a lefty and I bought a 400 change the magnets from ceramic to alnico two and it’s great. I just got done playing a little bit ago it just stays in tune because I change them tuners on all my Guitars anyway I like this thing called ninja, locking tuners, Amazon, or eBay doesn’t matter it on eBay they’re cheaper but by the time they put in shipping and handling exactly the same price

[@texacomann]

The matt black finish looks great as long as it is new and just unboxed! But the problem comes when it gets highgloss after more or less short time, the very abrasive used areas will look like crap and you can not reverse the matt finish! Thats really the bad news about matt. On the other hand, active pickups are having a special sounddesign, you must like it. Mosttime it is love or hate. Thats just my experience.

[@TheToneLounge]

Mine has the passive pickups, which are really not that good. I love the neck on it, it's thin but very comfortable. I don't mind the paint job, the matt finish is cool. It's not my most played guitar, but I do take it for a spin once in a while.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I've had this same guitar for a couple of years now. I also have an SC 500 BK Vintage Series, which is more like your L.P. Custom than this SC Custom here.

[@TheToneLounge]

I'll have to look into that SC 500 BK Vintage Series. This particular model is more like ab ESP/LTD.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@TheToneLounge The 500 BK VINTAGE has a sucky one ply black pickguard, but an Epiphone LP Custom pickguard will fit it. It looks much better.

[@lordimpaler3899]

Im very tempted by this guitar... aesthetic imperfections are fine on an inexpensive guitar...thats just character...the fret scratches would bug me to no end tho

[@TheToneLounge]

Both of the guitars I received had the scratched up frets. It's weird, but like I stated, it does not affect playability. If it's something you don't mind living with, then it's worth grabbing. It's a cool guitar. At some point I will upgrade it for sure.

[@Metallex]

Nice video! I don't know if you've seen but in March production was moved to Indonesia and the Roswells have been replaced with EMGs!

[@TheToneLounge]

I did not know that, that is pretty cool. Active pickups?

[@Metallex]

@@TheToneLounge Yeah, an 81 and a 60!

[@Metallex]

@@TheToneLounge Oh sorry I've made a bit of a boob here - The SC-Custom has the EMGs, not the SC-II! But still definitely worth a look in if you want some better pickups/overall build quality improvements.

[@garmisra7841]

Listened to the Red Emperor. Heavy S**t man! Keep it up! Digging the demo vids too, looking forward to more.

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks Gar! I am a Metalhead playing Blues and Dad Rock. Oh how things change. lol Cheers

[@jamesmarkham7489]

Did you end up keeping this guitar? What’s your opinion now?

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah I still own it and play it in videos! 😉

[@mike1967sam]

Ha! I started playing guitar also in the 80's back in early february of 1986 I was a late bloomer I was 18 when I started playing and man in those days you either had 2000 semolians for a Fender or a Gibson or you were basically screwed. When I started playing I had just moved from the US to Portugal and I couldn't afford a Fender so I bought this Maison guitar yeah, Maison with an "i" and it was total crap. Only in 1991 when I got signed to a big label (as a gun for hire basically) did the label buy gear for me, they actually gave me free gear, but that was then good luck trying to get that today. Dude just subbed your channel. Cheers. Mike.

[@TheToneLounge]

Welcome aboard Purple Haze! Glad to have you. Portugal, huh? Interesting! If it weren't for all the lock downs I'd go spend the weekend there for sure. I'm a Canadian living in Belgium, so I sort of understand what you mean about the brands. Mind you, I have access to all the brands imaginable here, it's just that there are these odd cookie brands I've never heard of either lol

[@famtoonen18]

Like you, my first guitar was a black Hondo Les Paul model. And although I own a real Les Paul, I still like to have a black Les Paul in my collection, for sentimental reasons. Anyways, thanks for the honest review. I can do maintenance myself, and will upgrade with Tonerider Slash pickups.

[@TheToneLounge]

My pleasure, Edwin! I wish I could get that Les Paul back, but they are so darned pricey now. I'll have to settle for what I have at home lol

[@famtoonen18]

@@TheToneLounge Have you considered a used Les Paul tribute? They are great guitars and affordable-ish. Not sure if they have a black version, mine is tobacco sunburst.

[@oncameramastery]

I was really impressed with how they could afford to include the grover tuners... then you showed the QC issues and it all made sense! 😂

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, don't get me wrong, the guitar is not bad at all. They do put some sweet parts on it which increases the durability and value, but it's the attention to details that explains the cost. If they increased the QC on these things, they could rival much more expensive guitars. QC falls on the consumer, but given your channel and your talent for upgrades, I bet you could work miracles with this guitar.

[@themplar]

QC generally isnt bad at all. Specially not with the "higher end" versions. But yeah some get through, and this is B stock. I have 2 SCs the SC500 is okay, no defects. And the SC550 which is alot better, with 1 or 2 very minor flaws. Setup is alot better on this one.

[@bencarpenter5711]

@@TheToneLounge Artist in Australia is the LP6 STEALTH..All Good stuff 🤙.rad demo mate 🇦🇺

[@TheToneLounge]

@@bencarpenter5711 Thanks Ben, I'll check it out.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

@@TheToneLounge Talking QC - I had to return TWO Gibson Flying V's due them not being fit for the purpose they were designed for. Took Gibson 3 attempts to get me a V that was having and it wasn't even the model I wanted. My HB Custom SC FL is better than the first two pieces of junk Gibson tried to palm me off with.

[@thegethza]

Hello, I hope it's not too late to ask, I have the option of buying this guitar or a Harley Benton CST 24t too, which one would you recommend more? both are the same price

[@TheToneLounge]

That's a tough question. I have no experience with the Harley Benton CST 24t. I would go with the SC Custom II Vintage only for the fact that it has a Gibson style Tuneomatic bridge, which will be easier to intonate than the one on the CST 24t. Cheers

[@thegethza]

@@TheToneLounge thanks!

[@TheToneLounge]

my pleasure

[@Dave062YT]

Odd question but what type of truss rod cover is it ,would one off a PRS fit? Just that I've got an sc custom plus on order and think one saying custom would look a bit better than the HB logo and found one on ebay.

[@TheToneLounge]

You know, I can't remember. I sold the guitar a while back. Have you looked at the pictures on the Thomann website?

[@Dave062YT]

@@TheToneLounge yes they don't seem to zoom in enough .No probs I can have a good look tomorrow. Very minor point cheers

[@saarthakchowdhury1475]

i was looking for a detailed review on this one and man you nailed it, well just one question, is the neck comfortable to use ?

[@TheToneLounge]

It is a thinner neck and it’s very comfortable to play!

[@dh25]

Combined with the boss katana its a great set up for beginners or people like me who haven't the money to buy a ESP Eclipse and some 100w tube head

[@TheToneLounge]

Very true. I don't know if you've seen it, but I used the HB in almost all my demos since I got it.

[@dh25]

The risk of becoming addicted to this piece of fun is quite high:)

[@kiivje]

Great video man! Got some myself, had some issues too, cheap and good enough I think!

[@davidbarlow431]

Crappy strap locks are a common complaint with HB's. They would be better just not supplying them.

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. They are a bit of a joke to be honest.

[@tidi1764]

Have it with the fr tremendous let me just say have had many guitars in and around 50 years. Had it set up for the money big score. Verry happy with it. I would say by this bad boy.... I got a good one....

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks for sharing! Cheers

[@williammorris5411]

Great video :) My experience is similar to your own! I like the neck, the grovers hold tuning pretty well (and I found are actually pretty smooth!). I'm on the fence about whether to sell mine... or fix up the frets, slap some duncans in and have a half-decent, inexpensive metal guitar. Meeting with my luthier this week to seek his opinion as a possible good base for modding. :) Mine's a mk1, before they made improvements to the neck joint.

[@TheToneLounge]

With a proper setup, and some better pickups I can't see why this guitar couldn't be a keeper. The foundation is good, and the neck is pleasant to play. Let me know what you end up doing, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@williammorris5411]

@@TheToneLounge Just got back from my luthier - I'm going for it! For now, it's in for a full fret service (they were pretty wobbly all over, I could see the fret rocker working hard lol). I asked if this is probably a good time to upgrade the nut, but he said that he was impressed with the stock nut on the guitar and didn't see any reason to change it. Obviously, he would get more money from me if he'd agreed to do it, so I take that as a genuine compliment about this guitar's build quality from a man that builds high-end custom guitars for a living. Once it plays well, I'll throw some Seymour Duncan pups in it, and have a decent metal guitar. So yeh, brilliant guitar for beginners as it is, and a great base option for anyone wanting to throw a bit of money at it and end up with something really quite nice. :)

[@TheRealSerg]

If the guitar is in that state you can send it back, they will replace/fix it for you ! But than again if you come from america shipping will also cost a lot :(

[@TheToneLounge]

The one I reviewed is the second one they sent me. It's functional but looks like a bit of a mess. I might try to fix those things myself at some point.

[@OrbitlynX]

Hi Man, I fully I agree. Bought 3 B-Stocks in Black, kept 2 that I liked more and after some love and time spent I really do appreciate both gutiars. Tomorrow should I receive 2 more, also B-Stocks 1 in Silverburst and 1 in Paradise Amber. Probably I will give one to cousin. I have much more expensive Fenders but I also find myself grabbing one of those way too often :D. Btw I would recommend to try Yamaha Revstar if you will have a chance :)

[@TheToneLounge]

Hi Jozef! Yeah, once modified these guitars are very cool. So the Revstar, is there just one model or many? I’ll look it up. Cheers

[@OrbitlynX]

@@TheToneLounge Hi, I personally have RS502T with P90s. I got bit lucky there because I managed to get it mint for 300 Euros but even for original price it feels like more expensive instrument. In my case 1 Knob moves bit too easy, Tuners are okeish (I like Grovers on these Bentons better), binding is nice but at 1 place not perfectly cut, but the things that really matter are really great. Neck feels thick and nice, plays and sounds great and it is a looker. It says it should be green but it is essentially black (only on direct sunlight you can see that it is green). Couple of smaller things but overall great instrument. One more thing, I thing the tailpiece influences bit playability, bending seems somewhat more flexible if that makes sense, but that might be subjective. Cheers.

[@TheToneLounge]

@@OrbitlynX ok cool! I will look into it. Believe it or not , I’ve never played a Yamaha guitar or bass.

[@OrbitlynX]

@@TheToneLounge TBH that Revstar is my only encounter in Yamaha waters but really love that guitar. Just wanted to update since I got today 2 extra B-Stocks of these HB SC Customs II. Paradise Flame looked unfortunately nothing like the picture. Was not dark brown-red-ish but rather bland light brown + neck felt somehow thinner. So I am returning that one. However Silverburst is a different story. Quite similar to my black ones, however unlike those it has Grover Locking Tuners. I didn't see it on pictures or in description. So that is bit of a surprise. This one was even only 149 euros as a B-Stock. BTW Strap Locks were only only on that Paradise Flame one that I am returning anyways. On all the others are standard ones. Seems like production plant is rather inconsistent, so really hit or miss with these guitars. But when it is hit it is well worth it :)

[@Gamingwithgabe]

hey man, just had a quick question, i just received one of the floyd rose guitars the other day and the pickups have this weird hum that my other humbucker guitars don’t have, is that normal?

[@TheToneLounge]

No it's not normal. Have you checked the wiring for a loose connection?

[@Gamingwithgabe]

@@TheToneLounge turns out there is some messed up wiring, i found this out when the pickups started sporadically not working, i contacted harley benton and they told me they’d cover any costs of getting it fixed

[@deHelli]

Hi man, can you recommend them?

[@TheToneLounge]

As a second guitar, with modding in mind, absolutely.

[@deHelli]

@@TheToneLounge Thank you

[@denniskrajicek2058]

That ax sounds great

[@TheToneLounge]

It is indeed a good guitar.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Do you have any complete tracks? That intro was incredible dude, loved it.

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, it's from my album that came out in 2016. The song is called Prophecy. Just put "0" and you can grab the album for free. theastroplex.bandcamp.com/album/the-chronicles-of-azhultar

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

@@TheToneLounge cheers dude. BTW, this is the HB I have: www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_sc_custom_ii_fr_vintage_black.htm

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Also got a Gibson Flying V. These big names are pricing themselves out of the market. Especially with people losing their jobs due to corona virus, people will be looking for cheaper alternatives.

[@TheToneLounge]

@@chrisdaviesguitar very true!

[@TheToneLounge]

Basically the same as mine but with a FR?

[@ronaldperez8602]

Hi. Nice review. Sorry to hear about your LP. Difficult times. I'm in love with the Blue flame finish of this guitar. Would you recommend this guitar for a complete beginner? Thanks!!

[@TheToneLounge]

I think this would be a good guitar for a beginner. As I mention in the video, getting a proper setup done is going to make it a far superior instrument. I would suggest avoiding the B-stock since, as a beginner, you would not be able to spot all of the issues with the guitar. No matter what you decide on, do take the instrument in for a proper setup. I've learned to do my own setups over the years, but when I started, I would bring my guitars to my local music store and ask them to watch how they did it. That's how I learned.

[@ronaldperez8602]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. And also doing it so quick!! Great advice. Those B-stock are tempting but as a first guitar I want a full warranty. Thanks again!!! Really helpful.

[@ronaldperez8602]

My Head tells me to buy a Yamaha Pacifica 112v or similar, as a first guitar, but I've always loved the single cut design. It is really difficult to find a budget, good value for the money all round up, for LP like models.

[@TheToneLounge]

@@ronaldperez8602 the Pacifica are great guitars. For LP style guitars, LTD and Schecter are also great.

[@ronaldperez8602]

@@TheToneLounge Thanks again sir!!! Will definitely check those ones out. It's always been a dream to play electric guitar. Thanks a million for your advice. Keep on rocking 🎸🎶🎶. You sound just awesome.

[@oncameramastery]

Great review, love hearing the good the bad and the ugly!

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, it's important to voice our satisfaction as well as things that we are not so happy about. Some have called me out for being silly for buying a B-stock and expecting it to be functional. Clearly, there is a difference between blemishes and down right not playable, or messy paint job. lol

[@DizzyKrissi]

Thanks - very helpful review.

[@TheToneLounge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tzungfuniti]

Wow your vdo is really high quality, you really deserve more subscribe, subs ald btw

[@TheToneLounge]

Thank you! What do you think of the guitar?

[@exionem]

This or the same version with Floyd Rose? Thanks!

[@TheToneLounge]

Depends if you want a FR or not ;)

[@WeeFreeMan78]

Well, did the inlays pop right out of the fretboard? Cause all three of my Gibson did. Along with all the other paint issues you mentioned 🙄 Other than that, this is the best review for an inexpensive guitar I've ever seen. And great tones those you pulled at the beginning, awesome job man!

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks. I have heard others say that they had major issues with their Gibson guitars. I've had a few myself over the years. This is why I mostly play inexpensive guitars these days. The QC is really good and it does not cost me an arm and a leg to upgrade it to my own standards. Have you tried any HB guitar?

[@WeeFreeMan78]

@@TheToneLounge Unfortunately I had some big issues with my Gibsons, worst of them being the neck on my Clasic which moved in its socket causing mayhem to the instrument. But when you find a good LP, there's nothing to compare with it... Haven't tried any Benton so far but I'm about to pull the trigger on one like yours, hence watching your video which is te best out there 💪 Found a b-stock for 200 euros, 220 with their fat gigbag. Also, I've fallen in love with the Daphne Blue SC dlx. Now, that's really loaded for 300 with a gigbag 😍

[@martinvannostrand8488]

Did you know if your feet inlays pop out then you’re legally allowed to chuck the guitar through the front windows of Gibson’s main office?

[@WeeFreeMan78]

@@martinvannostrand8488 It must have been in fine print because I missed that one. Thanks for the info brother, I'll pay them a visit 😁

[@felixgrf2885]

Thomann told my friend, which has sent his B-Stock SC-Custom back because of the same cons like you showed in the video, that the actual B-Stocks are the „really first series“ which are made. They aren’t really „Sent back guitars“ they are like a Advanced Prototype series. Thanks for the video, great Intro btw and greetings from Bavaria 👋🏼

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks for the info Felix. I did not know that. Thanks for your kind words as well. Do you own any HB gear?

[@felixgrf2885]

@@TheToneLounge no Problem 😉. Yes, I was interested in the „TE-20“ and the „SC-450 BK Classic“ and they sound quite nice 👍🏼 They cost almost nothing but you get a lot of Twang and fun.

[@damongardiner4133]

just bought a b stock model and it is nothing like this if I did not love it so much id send it back but I'm in love with it so guess il have to buy a newer version next yr

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I got a B stock SG and it won’t stay in tune for loving her money on the low Estring. Well, it’s the bridge so I ordered a roll or bread one of them fancy ones.

[@Truthosaurus]

Sir .... selling that Les Paul you proved to be the virtuoso of fathers God Bless you. My father would give us empty birthday/Christmas cards. That was our gift. Sad thing is he had a very successful business and LOTS of money. My mother told me how loaded he was and I seen the roll of cash he would carry to add weight to his bloated ego.

[@TheToneLounge]

That's a mighty compliment, but it's what any good father would do. My old man was not better then what you described yours being. I think being raised that way forces us to choose either going down the same path or doing better. :)

[@keithclark486]

Are the Grover's knockoffs or the real thing ?

[@TheToneLounge]

I'm certain that they are, as I wouldn't think Thomann would risk putting fake ones on these guitars.

[@Wabin22]

Great stuff man, thanks for sharing all your thoughts on this! I've been checking out some different guitars that I can use for my Black Metal playing, usually I'm just going for my Fender Strats and did so back in the days with my old bands.. but now I've been wanting to get me an all blacked out Metal machine. But here's the thing.. I love the Les Paul and Eclipse style guitars, but I've always had a horrible time playing them xD And being used to Fenders way of shaping the neck and the fretboard radius I'm not sure that I want to spend that much money on an LTD or Epiphone. But I'm also a snob and don't want my guitar to look like trash ;)

[@TheToneLounge]

I see two possibilities here: 1. You take your current guitar and modify it to your needs, ie; change the pickguard to a double humbucker, find two hot humbuckers that are metal AF, and keep playing on something that is comfortable and familiar. I use to play my Les Paul in a Goth/Industrial band when everyone had pointy guitars. 2. You get this guitar, and mod the living life out of it and make it suit your needs. By the way, since you like Black Metal, my project (The Astroplex) is a blackened death concept album with Lindsay Schoolcraft (formerly of Cradle of Filth).

[@savvasdarkthrone7964]

For metal which is better this one or the other black sc with the active hbz pickups???

[@TheToneLounge]

@@savvasdarkthrone7964 I would go with the active pickups. These are lower output and won’t do as good of a job.

[@jamesmarkham7489]

I was looking at this exact guitar a little while back. Funny happenstance.

[@TheToneLounge]

Are you thinking of buying one?

[@jamesmarkham7489]

@@TheToneLounge i was for sure, i too love the aestethics. But with a new baby, another guitar purchase isn't going to happen for a bit.

[@TheToneLounge]

@@jamesmarkham7489 congratulations on the new bundle of joy!

[@alexandrehopeson3048]

This was really really good review.

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks! What do you think if this guitar?

[@AndyyWandyy]

Bought a B-Stock Guitar....Continues to review the fit and finish as if its a full price A-Tier item. B-Stock is what it is, for all we know it was a run of trainees and it wasn't bad enough to yeet into a wood chipper. B-stock/demo shop/damaged but playable guitars are a great way for a new player to save some hard earned coin. It sounded fine enough for me to get one (a b-stock one at that).

[@TheToneLounge]

Because it is an inexpensive guitar, I should omit what it is that a person gets when they buy a B-stock? As I stated in the video, the first B-stock I bought was unplayable. The second one was playable but still had aesthetics flaws that in my humble opinion don't quite satisfy the B for blemish categorization. I've bought many B stock items over the years, and for 90% of the cases I could not find what made that piece of a gear worthy to be a B-stock. Now, this review is my user experience and does not mean that you experienced the same thing with your purchase. Regardless, this is my experience! I'm being transparent about all the details because of the very fact that you mentioned: these are aimed at beginners! Someone wondering if they should pay for a B-stock to save money, or buy one full price will know that there might be a bit of a gamble if they try and save some money...then again perhaps not. That's the point of the video. My experience buying a B-stock.

[@para1210]

I love honest non paid reviews 😅

[@TheToneLounge]

When companies sound out products, they don't tell reviewers what to say...at least they don't with me. A paid demo is fine, but a paid review is just plain weird. So I would rather review products that I purchase myself.

[@bandoneonmidi1841]

4:35 you say you sold that guitar to buy christmas gifts to your kids? I hope they remember that (I don't remember much of my gifts when I was a kid and you loosed a great guitar)

[@TheToneLounge]

They don't know. It wasn't their fault if I was in a bad financial situation. Life is hard at times, this type of stuff can happen to anyone. What did you think of the guitar?

[@bandoneonmidi1841]

@@TheToneLounge Anyway, you are the owner of your acts... In relation with this guitar, after sending back a brand new epiphone ebony custom due to major quality disasters ( a 3x5 mm piece of fretboard missing), I have decide to go for a harley... SC-DLX Gotoh Black and the first impression (and still) was way much better. Half the price, better specs, quality and seted up almost correctly! I can´t believe it yet! Thank you for your video!

[@MehdiS-music]

Harley Bentons are hit or miss guitars QC isn't the best. I have the same SC Custom II that i got as B-stock for 142€, the nut came off when changing strings and the Roswell pickups are low output & muddy, other than that a very good guitar specially for the price paid.

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, HB's definition of B-stock should be revised lol. It's more like "discount priced because of technical flaws". Once you take care of some of those issues, they are very cool guitars.

[@kenvorland]

Awesome cool song very melodic rock on

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks Ken! It's a song called Prophecy from my musical project called The Astroplex!

[@DingleDut]

Would also mention HB guitars aren't always in this condition, it kinda gives it the wrong impression to potential buyers. There are people who have gotten their guitars in beautiful 10/10 condition and people who haven't and you're just one of those unfortunate people. The better argument to make is rather, not every guitar you get will come in top pristine condition and it's either a hit or miss.. But that's just the unfortunate case with guitars made overseas overall.

[@TheToneLounge]

Of course, I'm not saying they all come that way. But, I did receive two, back to back, in this condition. I'd rather be honest and say what I've experienced and not mislead anyone into thinking this guitar came to me in a 10/10 condition.

[@milankotevski1663]

12:50 it was a b stock guitar you got after all.

[@TheToneLounge]

B-stock usually doesn't mean "unusable". Blemishes or slight imperfections in esthetics is fine. A guitar that requires a luthier to repair design flaws is not what I call B-stock.

[@franckgauthier1978]

it's good or garbage, nothing in between !

[@TheToneLounge]

Adding more adjectives would have made for a pretty long title. 😉

[@franckgauthier1978]

I understand, I understand that people are extremists but it's ok... does it make us friends or ennemies ? lol so, how the Harley Benton sounds like ? As an owner of one of this, I would say that it sounds like it fits my needs. Is it better with or without an amp ? Wow, huge question ! Don't worry, I just like to mock people sometimes

[@TheToneLounge]

It’s not so much extremism as much as it’s about knowing whether it’s right for you or not. Being ambiguous and not being able to answer a popular question means that people will tune out. I think my review is more nuanced that yes or no, good or bad. I still own the guitar and keep using it in videos.

[@franckgauthier1978]

​@@TheToneLounge yes I understand, it is definitly not against you or anyone, arguing isn't needed, I didn't even watch your video but it's just the kind of title I often see, at some point it reflects the duality of our lives and it makes me want to react. So, rejoy my friend because you have been chosen lol

[@TheToneLounge]

@@franckgauthier1978 no worries! The video is far more important than the title of the video. 😉 En passant, tu est francophone?

[@ToneD5150]

Get to know what Good really is...!!! Harley Benton

[@TheToneLounge]

What do you like about HB products?

[@isaclindberg7292]

You bought a B-Stock, obviously you’ll see some scratches and marks here and there. If you buy it factory new I promise you will be more satisfied

[@TheToneLounge]

Well the first B-stock I bought was unplayable. The second plays well but certainly looks like someone’s first time finishing a guitar lol. Next one will be new for sure.

[@isaclindberg7292]

@@TheToneLounge But as a beginner, like me, would you recommend it? It’ll be my second guitar since my first one was very crap

[@TheToneLounge]

Absolutely Isac. Mine is a very good guitar. Heck, I would have loved to have started on such a good guitar!

[@isaclindberg7292]

@@TheToneLounge thanks for the responses!

[@azagrial]

Yeh pretty good guitar but the neck pickup is just garbage. I never use it. Bridge pickup is actually very good for the price.

[@TheToneLounge]

I'm thinking of completely changing the pickups and electronics in this guitar. It has all the makings of a good guitar. It can be improved upon with better electronics.

[@PegeCovers]

Very good song

[@TheToneLounge]

Thanks Pege! It's a song called Prophecy from my musical project called The Astroplex. You can get the album for free here: theastroplex.bandcamp.com/album/the-chronicles-of-azhultar

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

It’s A esp copy

[@TheToneLounge]

Yeah, and a fairly good one too.

[@sisajtegabre]

Just another guitar YT guru aka snob ? I didn't have that specific guitar in my hands but i had min few SC custom HB in my shop and they are amazing. Hardware is 1st class sorry, you people get the same pickups with a difrent name for a lot more. Grover tuners are superb, bridge comes from a factory which use the same material for some overpriced brand you have mentioned. fret wire again is used on prs, jacksons, low priced Gibi's etc. But the one you got is with some small issues, nothing that a metal polish or super fine sand paper can't repair in a few minutes. Any guitar need set up, have worked on 3-5000$ guitars that needed also fret polishing, leveling etc. it al depends if it stayed for months in shop plus long transport and climat change so for sure some frets will stick out e a bit. Wood quality on all HB above 200$ is good and often on a custom models above 250-300$ is top of the line. It is possible to get a bad axe which will need more work as it happen with any brand, but far as i know thoman have great customer service. i can bet if instead of the HB there is another name with specific made in and price above 1000$ people would say that it's amazing pro guitar. Cool video

[@TheToneLounge]

I agree with just about everything you said. Where I don't agree is that I am far from a "snob". I own a lot of affordable gear, and I am pretty happy with using cheap gear that plays well and sounds good. My experience, my opinions are from a user perspective. There are plenty of flattering reviews towards HB products, I prefer being honest as opposed to leading people to think that both guitars that I received were awesome. They were not. If that makes me a snob, then so be it.

[@sisajtegabre]

@@TheToneLounge thx for the answer, all good, i put a ''?'' it was more as question, pardon me if it sounded bad. That is good to say what you have experienced, honesty is in my book one of the most important personal characteristics. I also agree with you that any issue even a small one can seems like a huge deal for a player. Anyhow IMHO it is good to know or to learn some of the basics guitar respiring / set up. For a small $ people can have a basic good tools, for example a sprtit level made from aluminum is perfect for fret leveling etc. A good one which cost like 10$ is often better then ''guitar fret beams'' some pro shops sell. In the end it help us save a lot of $ and it's a joy for people who like DIY. Once more cool video, wish you all the best, Cheers.

[@TheToneLounge]

@@sisajtegabre no worries my friend. I was under the impression that you had interpreted my intentions as that of a snob. We are very fortunate to have so much good gear for such a low price. It really is the golden age of gear. Thank you for all the information you shared. It's always great for me to read replies from viewers that have more knowledge than I. It brings value not only to myself, but anyone who happens to read the comment section. Cheers

[@Sonic.Echoes.Drummer]

Eh you bought a b-stock what did you expect

[@TheToneLounge]

Better.

[@garry7901]

What u expect from a b stock lol

[@TheToneLounge]

Better. lol

[@ParagonGarage]

Wow it looks like crap up close finish and work is crap

[@TheToneLounge]

Unfortunately, it does.

[@ParagonGarage]

@@TheToneLounge well thanks for letting us know i was gonna get one but wont now i had a chibson it was junk got rid of it but i just got a Burny LPC and it is absolutely amazing quality 👍🏻 and plays better than most gibsons i have played next is a Greco, Orville and Tokai