Harley Benton curious! I look at the SC-Special

Ever since I first heard of Harley Benton I've wondered if they could really be any good at those crazy low prices. In this video I set out to answer that question. I bought a model that appealed to me, the SC-Special, the company's take on the classic dual P90, mahogany body single cutaway. I give my honest assessment of the guitar's quality, features, and value for money. Of course I provide the usual sound and playing demos, plugging into my Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Neo-Creamback speaker.
www.patreon.com/leonardgriffieblues
#harleybentonguitars #scspecial #bluesguitar #tonemaster #p90pickups

[@frankcarter6427]

I got a used 550 (LP customish) for £180 6 months ago - the bridge p/up is pretty rough - nasal and a bit harsh - but the neck HB is rich and fat and jazzy and it's really nice to play - if only we had guitars like this when I was a teen in the 70s

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I’ve been curious about the humbuckers, since, in general they’re a little harder to get right. A P90 is such a simple design, even inexpensive versions can sound decent. Thanks so much for watching.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

It’s scary- Like you read my mind. I’ve been on such a Gibson-type of kick recently from all kinds of Gibsons, Epiphones, Tokais and so on. The one that’s escaped my attention recently, is the “Special-Type”, and I’ve known for a few days I’m missing some good video content about these guitars. And then your video appeared. There’s nothing I don’t like here. I think one of these could sound GREAT in the Modern Country band I’m in. I already have a great P-90 Tele and a great P-90 Dot, yet the stripped down esthetics, the low price and your great presentation make me feel like I could easily pull the trigger on this P-90 guitar, despite never having played anything from this brand- guitar or bass. This video is just what I wanted to see and hear today, and no doubt I’ll enjoy watching it a few more times. Thanks a bunch.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great to hear. Hopefully they’re consistently good, but from what I’ve read, the vast majority of buyers are happy.

[@thelastnic]

He did a Gretsch P90 video and it's at a good price point. That could be another option so check out that video

[@steveburrows1679]

Good stuff Leonard. I have the HB TE-52 vintage tele model, it was c. £120 (GBP) when I bought it three years ago, still playing it most days for preference despite owning several guitars costing 10 - 20 times more, because it's simple, very playable, and sounds good. It's my only HB so far, but it has given me confidence that I would be happy to buy another if I get a dose of GAS.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much. Yes, I’ve heard good things about the Tele style HBs. I’ll have to get around to featuring one.

[@philnewton2011]

Best reviews on the Net. Great playing.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks as always.

[@markdakel9253]

Great review, it was fair and honest. A great description of what the guitar is and what it is not. And as always, the playing was fantastic

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend. I was very favorably impressed at this price point.

[@1scooterpilot1]

NIce review....thanks for taking the time to do the review.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. It was an interesting one to do. Thanks for watching.

[@RichardPerrymanGuitarist]

I mostly play Gibsons. But a Gibson Double Cut Junior just costs to much imo for me to buy. So I bought the Harley Benton DC-Junior "Pelham Blue". $180. It looks great, play nicely and sounds pretty good too. I gigged with it while it was still stock and it did the job nicely. I felt the Roswell P90 did not have a lot of output. So since this is an inexpensive guitar I decided to customize it. I put in a Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 and replaced all the pots, the jack and wiring to make it more professional. I also repainted the headstock and put a decal on it with my Grandaughters name and made the model name "BlueSky" after one of my favorite Allman Brothers songs. So now it's a smokin hot gigging guitar. But honestly - even if I'd of left it stock it was just fine.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s great. Yeah, the stock pickups sound more than decent, but it’s a perfect guitar for upgrades. Thanks for watching.

[@thomasd9237]

Hey, my name's junior special.!!. Thanks Gibson ☺️ That looks like a pretty straight forward working man's guitar without having to pay for a headstock logo. I like it. Thanks for posting this 👍👍

[@TheRange7]

Amen Thomas. I've seen more and more local band members sporting HB models on stage. That speaks volumes.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

😆 Yes it’s certainly a perfectly good gigging guitar. Thanks so much for watching.

[@TheNemorosa]

Another great review, Leonard! I've heard mixed things about HB guitars, but coming from you I would trust that it's good.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I’ve read some mixed reviews as well, but that’s hardly surprising given the number of different suppliers that build their guitars. Some models do score consistently higher than others so that should be helpful.

[@johnwalsh3919]

Brilliant review Leonard, I wish there were guitars like that when I was a kid, looks and sounds the part to me, take care ✌️🧷🎸

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks so much my friend. I was one of the very lucky ones. My Dad was a pro and bought me a Jazzmaster when I began (in 1962!). I know the vast majority started on crap guitars and kids these days have it so much better.

[@richdonn]

Hi. I like your videos, nice job abd playing.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Well thanks so much, and thanks for watching.

[@mortonwilson795]

Cool. I see Harley Benton & Victory mentioned a lot but have never actually played one . . . there's another one, 'Grass Roots' (?) that has recently popped up here in HK . . . not in a hurry to chase any of these down but always interested to see what's going on - you never know when something really interesting might turn up!

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

That’s never been more true. Not hard for me to remember when the choices were far more limited. Thanks for watching.

[@jaunianise4172]

If you get the chance, try the Harley Benton TE-52 NA ! On the other hand, avoid standard ST. Fusions ST are good !

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thanks. I keep hearing good things about the HB Tele style guitars.

[@sanduendo]

🎉🎉🎉

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you. 😎

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I have 12 Harley Benton’s I’m a lefty so I got that guitar from agile good guitar

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Nice. Thanks so much for watching.

[@thelastnic]

Great demo but missed the picture of your Stew Mac fret file

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

🤣🤣🤣 Thanks. I’ll tell ya, I’d be perfectly happy leaving that thing in the box, but these manufacturers are determined to force me to keep using it!

[@8153max]

You give great reviews… and love your playing… would love jam with you

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

Thank you my friend. Much appreciated.

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

What do you think about the difference between these p90s and say those from an sg with p90s? It's funny how expectations based on how much stuff costs determines for most people whether it's better. Of course, most of the time, the more you pay, the better, but look at PRS...S2s and Cores are heralded as the best sounding and actually if you pay more and more, they might just get more sterile. This Harley Benton stuff might sound better than it's supposed to.

[@leonardgriffieblues5845]

I was genuinely impressed for a guitar at this price point. The P90s sounding sweet but less of a sharp treble edge than most Gibson P90s I’ve played. Thanks so much for watching.