Harley Benton Fusion III In Depth Review

[@ChuckChrome]

Great playing and review! Showing the tuning before and after using the Floyd was a very useful data point.

[@ToroKchannel]

thanks ! :)

[@juanpiticuan2005]

The best review of this guitar that I have seen on You tube, congratulations. I have just bought the guitar and it arrives in a couple of months, I would like to change the pickups to an EMG 81/85. It would be possible to do it even if the guitar does not have a place to house the stack of pickups. Keep it up Torok is doing great

[@Raybowman6923]

You shred brother beautiful review thanks for the great info

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks !

[@cupidstunt66]

Have watched a few of your reviews on the HB gear and they're really good. You do very comprehensive reviews, backed by actual measurements i.e. like using the tuner before and after using the Floyd etc. That's great work sol i'll keep watching and have subscribed! Keep up the great work and hi from Australia! Oh and sorry about the submarine deal... we don't elect our politicians, Rupert Murdoch does that for us...

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks a lot ! I'll keep doing my best :) And no problem for the submarine deal, I guess that's not your fault ;)

[@mountainman8775]

I have a few of these with the Floyd Roses. In truth I can‘t put them out of tune even if I want to, they hold tune completely and I‘ve never once done a dive and have them not come back 100%. It‘s more likely the springs at the back not putting on enough tension to pull it back properly. Don‘t angle the springs is my suggestion.

[@ToroKchannel]

thanks for this suggestion ! I think it's also due to the strings that are sometimes too fresh or too old. I've realized that I often play my FR axes when the strings are old, then I change it and I play again. And then, well, I make a new video with a new axe :)

[@bqbhhhh]

Actually discusses the single most distinctive part of any guitar in every review: THE NECK. SUBSCRIBED.

[@ToroKchannel]

For me the neck is very important, if it doesn't suit you, it's very complicated to change its shape. Thanks for subscribing and welcome :)

[@Bas1lio]

I’m still upset about your popularity. It’s growing too slow for such warm and friendly content. 😕

[@ToroKchannel]

That's nice thanks ! Maybe I should advertise around the chan a bit more...

[@Bas1lio]

@@ToroKchannel cannot give you any advice. Not a pro in such things. But it’s all about purpose. If you want to do some commercials afterwards, than do so, but if it’s only for yourself and “closest subscribers”, than only warm atmosphere will help. 😁

[@ToroKchannel]

@@Bas1lio the chan is growing up slowly but safely and I love that. This warm atmosphere is really cool, I don't wanna lose it. I don't intend on becoming a full time youtuber, I would just like the chan to be profitable, so if do advertise a bit more, it will be through some forums of FB groups in which I feel there's a nice state of mind and no troll or haters :)

[@dansca72]

Useful video! Thanx. And yes, pls make a video about setting Floyd rose. Just subscribed your Channel :-)

[@ToroKchannel]

I thought noone would be interested in a video about setting a floyd rose up, but well, ok, I'll do it :)

[@scottdunn2178]

@@ToroKchannel Don't bother there are tons of Floyd Rose setup videos on KZbin.

[@omgnerv]

great video! BIG THANKS for reviewing the fusion iii FR. this helps me so much because i'm thinking about getting this model for a long time now. but i wanted to hear a trustworthy review on it first. your opinion is very helpful to me bc I also play metal and have small hands/short fingers. can you pls explain why having 24 frets is better suited for small fingers than 22? I didn't know that (I'm still fairly new to guitars...). also: the second you talked about setting up the FR in the beginning I immediately thought "oh pls make a video on how to do that" :-) I'm sure there are videos out there of other creators but I'm sure you would do a great job explaining it. I'd definitely watch that! for me it will be my first FR :-) but you don't need to hurry... i'm still waiting for the new fusion FR colors... hop they will be released somewhat soon too. Damn. I hoped it would have the same neck shape as the sc 550...

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks for your trust Maggie ! Why is 24 frets better than 22 for short fingers ? If there are more frets, there is less space between each frets, so less stretching on 24 (considering you have the same scale lenght, of course !) Don't worry about the neck shape there's not a massive difference. These are not super special neck shapes like some Ibanez Wizard, these are pretty common shapes, pretty versatile anyway so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. About the FR video, well it looks like you're not the only one wanting it, so I'm gonna start thinking about how to make it as efficient as possible :)

[@omgnerv]

yay thanks for the explanation on the 24 frets! now i get it (relation to scale length) :-) well the C profile on the 550 suits me best while (to me) it feels very different on the sc custom. but the sc custom also has a different fretboard radius... so maybe it's this combination. would you say it feels more like the 550 or custom? (i don't have an amarok for comparison) looking forward to your FR video! :-)

[@ToroKchannel]

@@omgnerv I don't have a SC custom at home any more but, when I have reviewed the Custom Plus, I was feeling no difference of neck shape with the 550 plus. Can'y remember how was the Custom II, but reallu the difference is minor. The neck on the fusion is 1mm thicker and a bit rounder in the middle than what you have on the SC 550. You should not encounter any problem palying it and the satin finish makes it very smooth.

[@omgnerv]

@@ToroKchannel merci!

[@alextaylor6216]

@@ToroKchannel Sorry, but You are completely wrong on this point. The space between frets has NOTHING to do with the number of frets, it only depends on the scale. The distance between the nut and the first fret (or the 2nd and 3rd fret) is exactly the same on this Harley Benton and a 21 Fret-Vintage Strat - take a measure... BTW: A Les Paul has 22 Frets, but the space between nut and 1st fret is actually SHORTER, because it's got a shorter scale.

[@MattWhatsGoinOn]

You do realize, of course, that, with a given scale (such as 25.5” in this case), the finger reach is the same with 22 frets as it is with 24 for the same given notes.

[@ToroKchannel]

that's what I have realized especially after talking here with Phil Vic. But I still need to sove the problem of my old M-10 I gave to the son of a fried, that had a 22 frets 25.5" scale and I'm damn sure there was more space between the frets than on my other 25.5".

[@Lavakun]

I wish they would make this color with FLAMED MAPLE, WOULD LOOK EPIC!

[@ToroKchannel]

I agree !

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Heyhey, super interesting review. I love the Fusion series. My favorite guitar is the F2 with a roasted maple neck, 24 stainless steel frets and Floyd. The F3 costs € 349 and the F2 costs € 449. The F2 is 100 € more expensive because of the roasted neck in combination with the floyd, otherwise both are identical. I think the floyd on your F3 is not quite stable because the strings are not yet fully stretched. At the very beginning I had to retune mine once even though I had already stretched the strings with my hands. After that, the floyd is absolutely stable, but you should make sure that the tremolo is treated with teflon grease, including the knife edges. Thanks for your great video 👏👏👏👍😄 🐈 I really love your channel 🤷‍♂️😄

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks Yetimatze ! I've been using this axe for something like 1 week before recording the demo of the FR so I guess the string were not fully streteched . I have seen nothing bad on the knives there had to be enough teflon grease. In general with FR 1000 you don't have this kind of problem when it's new (at least in my experience :) )

[@BFHPET]

its crazy it looks like a expensive guitar how does it feel compared to a expensive guitar?

[@ToroKchannel]

@@BFHPET I don't have really expensive guitars, so I'm gonna compare it with my Schecter Damien Platinum FR that is worth 850€ or something. The neck on the Schecter is a bit thinner and feels more modern, but it's a minor difference. The main difference, apart from the tone (the schecter has EMG 81/85) comes from the size of the frets. This Fusion III has medium jumbo when the Schecter has XJumbo, so the Schecter is a bit more comfortable to play and a bit more reactive. So, considering the difference of price between the 2, this Fusion III is a really nice deal !

[@KimmeU]

Great video. I would love if you did an Floyd Rose setup on this guitar. I have an Floyd Rose guitar, the HB SC-550 II FR, and it's an pain to get it properly set-up..

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanls Kimme ! Ok for the FR video, it will take a bit of time for me to make it as efficient as possible but I will do it :)

[@jollyca]

I stayed away from the FR models for exactly this reason - difficult to setup, difficult to drop-tune... and I don't use the FR that much anyway.

[@ryant3600]

FR 1000 series are good, way better than the FR specials. Yes, they mass produced in Korea, but they are made of the same materials as the German made FR. A lot of people argue w/ me on this., but I talked to a tech from Floyd Rose and he swore that the only difference between the two are that the 1000 series is mass produced for imported guitar companies, like Jackson, Charvels, Hb's, Cort etc. However, same metals. The Special is not, it's a cheaper zinc alloy. If it's not setting up, might need to get new springs. My Jackson has a 1000, I put noiseless springs on, world of difference. Setting up Floyds can sort of time consuming and people today seem to not have the patience for it, where as I remember back in my teens in the 80s floyds was what you wanted. But once they're set and locked in, they won't let you down.

[@ToroKchannel]

I've never tried those noiseless springs, it's not easy finding them but I think I'll buy some, just to see how they work and what the differences are.

[@ryant3600]

@@ToroKchannel Yeah I get them from Amazon or sometimes either Stew Mac, Floyd Rose or FU, Amazon I think was the quickest and cheapest

[@ToroKchannel]

@@ryant3600 ok thanks !

[@Alfredo78666]

Great tunes man, congrats!

[@ToroKchannel]

thanks !

[@xRepoUKx]

Nice review and it's great you finally got a Fusion! I have the II version of that with the maple standard neck, which they don't seem to do anymore & that's a shame. I had a ebony neck version also and it just wasn't as nice to play. On another note, you found the major weakness of this guitar, the FR that just can't stand up to serious use. The rest of the guitar is fantastic for the money but that FR...

[@ToroKchannel]

The FR moves a little bit but maybe it's because the strings were almost new and didn't have enough play time. Now, you can always block the FR if you don't wanna use it. hen you have a guitar with a locking nut, which makes your tuning very stable :) But, yes, this guitar is a very nice player !

[@jordandayman1356]

Its an FR-1000 on these....they are very good quality floyds. If it isn't staying in tune you have it set up wrong.

[@map7y7o]

Make the video for floyd rose tunning if it's not already done

[@robertclarkguitar]

Awesome review my friend. I love HB guitars and own still, and currently use often the Fusion T HH FNT.

[@robertclarkguitar]

I need to make an affiliate USA link. Haha I've made tons of vids for the HB hahah

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks man ! Those Fusion are relly amazing for the price !

[@ToroKchannel]

try it ! That's for free :)

[@danielrenner6493]

I don't wish to be overly critical and please... I'm not pointing directly at anyone. I'm referencing something that puzzles me because I see it so often in guitar reviews. WHY... would anyone (especially someone familiar with guitars), comment on whether or not the guitar is in tune when it arrives out of the box? We know these guitars have brand new strings. We know that taking time to pre-stretch the strings would cost far more than it's worth to the manufacturer/supplier. We know absolutely that if a guitar is in tune, is placed in a box, and shipped half way around the world it SHOULD NOT be in tune when it arrives! Many of us seem to know that a guitar with stretched strings SHOULD NOT be shipped with the strings in tune. It should be de-tuned (flat), before being shipped, to avoid unnecessary stresses as the guitar moves from hot to cold, dry to humid, and thin atmospheric to thick atmospheric conditions. So why comment that the guitar isn't in tune out of the box, as though that's a black mark against the guitar?

[@ToroKchannel]

A guitar with FR that’s out of tune is has its bridge not parallel to the body of the guitar. If you never had a FR and don’t know how to set it up, you might believe it’s unplayable and return it. Every time I have bought a guitar with FR, apart from this one, the guitar was in tune and ready to play. If it was a guitar with a hardtail, I wouldn’t care. When I comment about a guitar I don’t think only about myself, I think about people who could be interested in the guitar. A lot of early beginners consider buying Harley Benton guitars so I try to think about them.

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

I like this tune.. nice Groove reminds of Scorpions

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks !

[@t-rex3859]

The Floyd rose stability is also influenced by the strings' quality... That might be a hysteresis problem from your strings

[@ToroKchannel]

Could be, but since those strings are Daddario, I would be surprised.

[@Oilid]

Nice!

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks !

[@sbrave]

Gorgeous finish, even if a veneer. How would you or anyone else compare to a Chibson, as far as parts, quality, etc?

[@ToroKchannel]

Never had a Chibson in my hands, they're not worth buying here in Europe because of taxes and fees.

[@FreddyKrueger]

The pickups on this guitar and on the CST24 are the same? Apparently are both Roswell HAF aren't they? If so, why they sound so different? I just found your channel and really like it, congrats

[@ToroKchannel]

Thanks for your appreciations man ! Your question made me search in the far depth of my hard disk to try and find the reasons for this difference of tone. The only thing I have changed in my signal chain between these 2 videos is the Harley Benton GPA-100 that I've been using with the CST-24 and not with the Fusion III. Without the GPA-100 my tone is a bit brighter, with more presence. Of course my setup has changed a bit too. Now, these two guitars are not made with the same woods : mahogany body and pau ferro fingerboard for the CST-24 and Nyatoh body with canadian maple for the Fusion III. So I guess there would be differences even if I had used the exact same rig and setup. Hope it helps :)

[@FreddyKrueger]

@@ToroKchannel thanks man, keep up the good work

[@carlosclaptrix]

If Harley Benton would make thinner Ibanez-like necks on these I would order one today. I even think about getting one and sanding the neck down 2mm to 19/21mm (1./12.fret).

[@ToroKchannel]

I would love them to make slightly thinner necks, and they tend to go there little by little. Hopefully the next generation will be ok.

[@kenpg31]

Tune it before you look at the floyd rose level. Tunning it might level l it out.

[@ToroKchannel]

that's what I did.

[@AnneMalao]

Yes plisssss y need a tutto about setup de FR!!!!!!!

[@Herman138]

Hi,how is the neck on new ones roasted venner compare to wizard III on Ibanez RG For example?

[@ToroKchannel]

The roasted neck is no differen from what you will find on the other Fusion III and on the Amarok series. It's a modern C with 21 to 23mm thickness. It's 2mm thicker and a bit rounder that the Ibanez Wizard III

[@laellyn6487]

Vivement la version en Français :D

[@ToroKchannel]

Je suis au regret de t’informer qu’il n’y aura pas de VF sur cette vidéo, j’ai renvoyé la guitare depuis quelques temps.

[@KaosII1968]

Try an Ibanez Original Edge trem.... IMO the best by far. I have honestly gone months without going out of tune to the point of having to unlock the nut.

[@ToroKchannel]

I've had an Ibanez RG 3120 with the Ibanez trem and, yes, it was working very well.

[@purnendudevsaha6216]

Sir, plz give me your valuable opinion sir. I'm so much confused. As an intermediate student is this Guitar perfect or I should go for others. Plz tell me. Thanks sir 😃😃

[@ToroKchannel]

I'm afraid no guitar is perfect ! The main questions are : 1- do you really want a Floyd Rose ? (If the answer is "yes", this guitar makes a lot of sense). 2- are you prepared to put some extra money on a set of better pickups ? As you develop your skills you might feel like changing the stock Roswell HAF. DOn't get me wrong, this guitar is a really excellent axe to play, and for the price it is a real bargain. But if I was buying it for myself, I would change the pickups in no time :)

[@purnendudevsaha6216]

Sir, Firstly Thanks a lot. Main fact is I need a overall type axe for developing my legatos and moods. So, I think I have to go with fr tremolo. Sir, I also like JHS Vintage Guitars. Mainly V624 fr guitar. Tell me a lil about this one. Which one is right for me?? Again Thanks and love in advance.

[@Bas1lio]

Niiiiiiice!!!

[@ToroKchannel]

Thaaaanks !

[@Bas1lio]

@@ToroKchannel 🤘😂🤘

[@AhmetOmerOzgen]

Hi i bought it the pink version with maple neck Fusion-III fr fpu. I want to ask you something, the cavity for FR is slim thus i can't sharpen the noted by pulling the whammy other way. How did you solve this issue?

[@ToroKchannel]

I can't remember having encountered this issue. And since I have returned the guitar, I'm sorry but I can't help you.

[@notalkguitarampplug-insrev784]

What IR plugin do you use? Thanks

[@ToroKchannel]

I'm using torpedo Wall Of Sound by 2 notes audio. In this track I'm using 3 different cab : Recto Over and Califrect2 for the rhythm (left / right) and rit VintC for the lead.

[@davidmartinez927]

CST 24T, Fusion III or SC Custom II? Leaving apart the difference on style of music

[@ToroKchannel]

3 very different guitars ! The Fusion III is great if you want a FR but the neck is a bit thicker than on the CST-24 and the Custom II. I haven't tried the CST-24T with stainless steel frets but I was not a fan of the trem and the wraparound bridge might imply serious intonation problems. I have loved the Custom II active in satin black for its playability and this might be my fav of the 3 but never forget I am a metal player and what I want from a guitar (slim neck but not too much, esy access to the 24th fret, satin neck, good balance to play sitting) might be different from what you want.

[@davidmartinez927]

@@ToroKchannel Honestly, If I had much money I would bought the 3 haha. But finally I decided to go to CST24T, It's like a mix of a Strat and LP, seems comfortable and versatile and I friend of mine has bought one three months ago, and offered me the guitar with an interesting price because he's not using it. Thanks for your reply!

[@AhmetOmerOzgen]

I want w Floyd rose that stays in tune. Which version should i buy? Fusion-II fr or Fusion-III fr?

[@ToroKchannel]

Never tried the Fusion II. On the Fusion III and especially on this review, the lack of stability was due to some brave new strings.

[@Fuhrdaddy]

What do you think is a better metal guitar for the money.. the SC-550 II or this? I have been really wanting a single cut but IDK anymore man lol

[@ToroKchannel]

hard choice cos' both are very good ! I think the pickups are better on the SC 550 II and maybe you don't need to change them when the Roswell HAF of the Fusion III really need to be replaced. Playability is veru good on both, the neck on the 550 II is a tiny bit thinner. Now if you wanna shred with 24 frets, this one is a must have !

[@Fuhrdaddy]

@@ToroKchannel Appreciate the response! Not much of a solo player more rhythm so having not having 24 frets isnt a dealbreaker! Thank you so much!

[@ToroKchannel]

@@Fuhrdaddy my pleasure :)

[@hadleymanmusic]

German floyd?

[@ToroKchannel]

On this guitar you've got a floyd rose 1000 that's made in South Korea. The Originale floyd roses, the 1500 is made in Germany with highest quality standards. I guess you'll never find one in a Harley Benton.

[@wxcvb555]

24 and 22 frets guitars have the same scale lenght , don't wory about your finger size

[@ToroKchannel]

Yes of course but if you have 22 frets on the same scale lenght you have more space between each fret. When your fingers are a bit short like mine trust me it makes a real difference.

[@wxcvb555]

@@ToroKchannel je t'explique, je vais t'apprendre un truc, je suis sur et certain de moi, en fait le longeur du diapason de 25,5 pouces sur la plupart des guitares type fender (24,75 sur gibson), c'est enfait la distance entre le sillet et la 12ème frette puis multiplier par 2. Donc ici les deux version 22 et 24 frettes sont en diapason fender 25,5 pouces, donc par exemple la distance entre le sillet et la 15 emme frttes sera identique sur les deux guitare, distance entre chaque frette est la meme.

[@ToroKchannel]

@@wxcvb555 tu as raison ce sera plus simple en français. Il y a environ un an, j'ai donné au fils d'un ami une LTD M-10, qui a un diapason de 25.5 et 22 cases. Après l'avoir nettoyée, je l'ai jouée et je me suis aperçu que l'espace des frettes était plus grand que sur mes autres guitares de diapason identique. D'ailleurs, ça m'avait surpris car je n'ai pas fait le même constat sur mes single cuts au diapason Gibson entre les 22 et les 24 cases. Cela dit, là je viens de mesurer la taille des manches entre le bord intérieur du sillet et le bord extérieur de la dernière frette (22 ou 24 selon les cas) et à nombre de cases identiques, j'ai des valeurs différentes. Sur ma LTD EC 256 j'ai 45.8 cms alors que je n'en ai que 45.2 sur ma Harley Benton SC 550 plus (22 cases toutes les deux et diapason 24.75). Sur ma LTD MH-417 j'ai 48.1 mm et 48.8mm sur ma Harley Benton S-620 (24 cases, diapason 25.5). Etrange, non ?

[@wxcvb555]

@@ToroKchannel c'est intéressant mais il faut prendre le centre de la frette, le point de contacte qvec la corde Mais demain je vais mesurer mes guitare, pour voir si je vois des différences, j'ai un peut toutes les marques et une 22 frette

[@wxcvb555]

@@ToroKchannel voilà, j'ai mesurer sur mes guitare annoncée en 25,5 pouces, ibanez Sa160 korea, jackson warrior india , ltd m1000 korea, ibanez rg japan. Au départ j'avais des différences en prennant la mesure du sillet jusqu'à une frette, mais je me suis rappelé que les sillets sont rarement positionné a la bonne distance de la premiere frette, je dois souvent les faire repositionner chez mon lutier pour mes nouvelles guitare, donc j'ai pris mes mesure a partir de la premiere frette jusqu'à la 19 eme et j'ai toujours la même distance en 22 ou 24 cases ,en prenant bien le parcours de la corde c'est vraiment au dixieme de mm la meme chose, mais apres il est possible que certaines guitares sont parfois annoncée en 25,5 et ne le sont pas vraiment

[@nonya5475]

Thanks but you say "uh" so much it is cringe. Not saying to hurt your feelings but it's way too much. Just listen to yourself and you will cure the problem in just a minute. Thanks again for the good review!

[@ToroKchannel]

Oh well I didn't relize that... Uh... I'm gonna try and improve that :)

[@guyincognito320]

​@@ToroKchannelYou speak great with your hands, all that matters here.

[@richkellett2418]

@@ToroKchannel😂

[@MultiGuitarDave]

The neck is great from the Fusion. The tuners are also good but the Wilkinson tremolo is really crap. This has no fixed central point so the guitar does not stay in tune for long. I have a love-hate relationship with the pickups. I miss the punch and attack of funky rhythms. These pickups are great for the studio. Harley Benton could have put in a decent tremolo for an extra cost. Now you pay for crap tremolo. For me now comes a VegaTrem and as pickups Dimarzio Transitions or Lambertones Grinders.

[@ToroKchannel]

Too bad that the Wilkinson trem is so poor. This guitar deserve quality hardware !

[@MultiGuitarDave]

@@ToroKchannel Absolutely. Too bad for this guitar. They can put a better tremolo on it for an extra charge. The guitar is well worth it!

[@mnkyball]

@@MultiGuitarDave I've heard lot's of good things about the tremolo, but also things to improve the tuning if need be. Of course set the tremolo correctly, use nut sauce to lube the tremolo and other points of contact for the string, change the strings the guitar comes with of course, and lastly someone mentioned that removing 1 of the 3 springs on the trem helped to completely keep tune as well. Just thought I'd share it here, just in case!

[@MultiGuitarDave]

@@mnkyball Thanks for the tips! But unfortunately I already did all of these but to no avail. Several luthiers have tried to adjust this tremolo but also without success. I have a guitar with a Floyd Rose Lo Pro Edge and one with a Jazzmaster trem. Both remain 100% tuned. So there is no other option to replace it.

[@mnkyball]

@@MultiGuitarDave Very interesting, and too bad! Would've been nice if it stayed in tune of course haha. Wonder what it was that made it so wonky then.

[@chugmania320]

Floyd Rose trem should never be a deterrent even for a beginner, it's just something you learn and adapt to. If you can learn to walk you can learn to deal with this too.

[@ToroKchannel]

Can't agre with that cos I know many beginners who had a very hard time learning on a hardtail. Some gave up, some were about to do it but kept trying. If they had to manage a FR in their early weeks or months, more would have given up. And of course, eventhough I find it's a very cool feature, FR is not made for everyone. Best way to learn is one step at a time.

[@JoelDubay]

Next time you do a demo, take the plastic off of the pick ups

[@ToroKchannel]

Next time you write a comment, make sure it is justified : no plastic on the pickups during the demo, only on the thumbnail !

[@Unknown-ko7xt]

A 🥖 is much better sounding than this isn't it fons?