| Harley Benton Guitars Should Be Banned | Here's Why I Disagree |

Some comments from viewers suggest that #HarleyBenton #Guitars should be banned for looking too much like othe guitars such as #Fender etc. Here's my response.

I think the real issue these people have is that if someone else choose to get a decent looking guitar at an appealing budget price (I dont mean chinese big brand fakes) it makes their high priced premium guitar look less special and unique. At the end of the day, everyone should support guitars at any budget because the hobby isn't as popular as it used to be and the more people playing the guitar the better for music and guitars in general.

[@michaelruocco6690]

The real problem is guitars coming out of China that look exatly like higer quality guitars that either are branded as the higher quality guitar, or can eaisly be rebranded. Them you run into an issue of fraud and having to be fairly knowledgeable about the brand in question to be safe buying a guitar. This is obviously not the case with the guitars pictured here, as they all have headstocks shaped differently from the instuments they are copying, but I suspect it may be more a case of strangely expressed brand loyalty than people being concerned with the value of their guitars.

[@michaelruocco6690]

And further watching the video I see he has already adressed all that, so my apologies for the unnecessary comment.

[@robertsartino6610]

The problem like you said are guitars coming out of China branded with Gibson logos and those are fake, but there are guitar companies that are building their own LP copies with their own designed headstock & their company name on them. These guitars are like HB guitars are fine in my opinion. If they play and sound better than a $1200-6000 dollar Gibson than that’s even better. There are other Guitar companies that build better guitars than Gibson and Fender and that are made overseas. I think the diehard Gibson & Fender players should realize this point and get over it. It’s a brave new world!!!!

[@michaelruocco6690]

@@robertsartino6610 the funny thing is that I don't even have to realize that point to get over it. So maybe I have never played an overseas guitar that felt as good as my Gibson or PRS. That's no reason for me to get upset at you if you think they are better. You play what you like, I play what I like, we should all just be happy at that.

[@jamesmcdonald3501]

Michael Ruocco well said sir.

[@mitchbennpatreon3997]

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say a lot of people bitching about HBs are the ones who ponied up £2k or £3k for a Fender/Gibson/PRS and are now feeling like twats upon discovering that they could have bought an almost indistinguishably good guitar for two hundred quid

[@soto44123]

Not me. I got my 3 strats and 1 SG when the prices were sane. they're all vintage because I bought them in the late 70s.I have 1990s Epiphone Sheraton II that was a bit pricey when I got it and although it sounds goo and a gorgeous guitar it has wonky electronics.

[@mrfarenheit0323]

Not me. I paid for the Gibson name, happy with it.

[@nutball73]

You're speaking way too much sense to be on KZbin. It'll never catch on...

[@rdsjr64]

what he said........way to much sense

[@WrestlingWithSpirits]

I completely agree! I just purchased a Harley Benton fusion pro hh and it’s is one amazing instrument! I only paid $300 US and it comes with Grover tuners, stainless steel frets, and a licensed Floyd Rose 1000. Not to mention a coil split. If I got a Ibanez or Any other brand loaded with all that it would have cost me at least $1000 US. Haters are going to hate, I say let them. I completely love my Harley Benton. Much love! 💚🤘🏻

[@jeffreyquinonez8964]

Shane Hilliard how is the fretwork on it? Does it buzz with low action? Im tempted to get one but im worried bout having to level stainless steel frets lol

[@Cyclobomber]

@@jeffreyquinonez8964 On both my 5 string bass and 7 string fanfret HB guitar, there are a few high frets that need a little sanding on the sides, but otherwise just adjust string height (setting the bridge is easy), put on your favourite strings and it should be fine as far as I can tell. The stock strings are way too light and buzz a lot to me (less on the bass but still).

[@cyberpunk3656]

@@jeffreyquinonez8964 The fretwork on these guitars is amazing. No buzzing at low action. I own a Fusion Pro Roasted HSH and a Fusion Pro Rosted HH. The Necks have ModernC-Profile and are very well manufactured. Unbeatable value for the money. Go for it!

[@soto44123]

YOu made a great choice. It you love it and it sounds good to you , that's all that matters. But the fact that you didn't spend huge money makes it a sweet deal.

[@thepatterpatrol26]

It isn't a licensed floyd rose it is a genuine one

[@projectz975]

personally i think ALL guitars should be banned. the Accordion revolution is upon us!

[@charlesharper7292]

Trading mine for a kazoo!

[@ModernGolfer]

@@thinkingworldwide3578 - No, no, no! It was "...those who cling to their guns and Bibles", not "guns and guitars"! 😁

[@JJDoole]

I’m calling the police.

[@jubaldurden4638]

The accordion is just a ripoff of the concertina.

[@jfitz458]

Jews Harp here!

[@roychan2160]

I assembled a guitar using Allparts parts and Fender decal. Some old timer musicians commented how my sound improved now that I switched from Ibanezes to Fender. Douche bags.

[@roychan2160]

To be honest Simon there was this one guy who I told straight to the face cause he was giving me loads of shit when I was starting out. Didn't stay long in the band quit after 1 1/2 mth. Years later when he saw me with the guitar and came up to compliment my tone and to disparage my old guitars which I still love and play, I just told him he knew shit and was listening with his eyes. Others i just give a smile along with a shake of the head. Nowadays i sometimes gig with a Sterling sub 30. many assume its a Musicman when they find out what it is they go speechless. I really don't know what to say about them. If it does the job why care about whats on the headstock> Thanks for reading Simon CHEERS

[@simoncoulston7223]

Roy Chan, I couldn’t agree more. It’s supposed to be about music and believe that it should be something anyone can take part in and enjoy. I have been truly shocked by the elitist attitude of some here. I’m actually ashamed of a reply I recently sent to someone. If my fifteen year old son saw it, he’d be disappointed 😔. Your post is possibly the last one I’ll read from this thread. I really enjoyed them both. Thank you. Have a great Sunday. Cheers, Si.

[@nunyabusiness3437]

ive been offered ridiculous amounts of money for partscasters cobbled together from whatever junk i could obtain at the time right up until i told them thats what it was. suddenly i wasnt so cool anymore and i "needed to get a real guitar".

[@kensheppard4748]

I wanted an electric guitar to further my playing, after seeing your review on the SC 450 plus I opted to buy one! As a retiree I did not have a limitless budget so I was pleased with my Les Paul copy as it played well and needed very little setting up. I don't consider this instrument a fake by any stretch of the imagination as it has subtle changes in design and it doesn't purport to be anything other than a Harley Benton. The point about the big company's copying rivals is extremely valid, my friend has an Ibanez which is an obvious copy of a Gibson 335 and nobody bats an eyelid. Harley Benton make quality guitars not unplayable rip offs like some other Chinese based companys and I for one love mine! By the way John I chose a Harley Benton SC450 plus after seeing your review, I cannot thank you enough for the valid and in depth information that you provided! Yours Ken Sheppard, a very satisfied Harley Benton player

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Exactly!! Us oldies don't have a ton of disposable cash to deal with! Retirement isn't easy and budgets need to be CLOSELY shaved!

[@gregt4202]

I've bought 2 HB electrics for the same reason. I decided I like the TE style better and sent the SC off to my son who is going to experiment on the electronics.

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Spot on as a retired person now it's Harley Benton rather than overpriced brands such as Gibson

[@leesbassment6393]

I agree 100%. A copy is a copy. Applying different rules to cheaper copies than you apply to boutique copies is BS. Great video!!

[@guitarchords-n-more4338]

#BOOM

[@phililpb]

just because everybody does it that does not make it right. But the cat is already out of the bag. The big brands have enough unique features to separate them from a copy and the customer can make their choice. As said in the video fakes are a different story especially if some tries to pass it off as genuine and charges a premium price

[@Axess-sv8nq]

A lot of these gear snobs don't realize, know, or probably care, that Slash - Gibson's 'Ambassador' - recorded all but ONE track on the famous Guns N Roses album 'Appetite For Destruction' with a custom made LES PAUL COPY. It wasn't even a Gibson. When I mention that, Gibson Fanboys and other gear snobs get VERY angry with me.

[@pdp977]

In that case don't mention that at least one of the Gibson Slash "signature" guitars is a copy of it. Or that the Tony Iommi SG is a copy of an SG made for him by John Diggins in Birmingham (UK, not Alabama). Their heads will explode.

[@billthornton847]

Over the course of music history. There have been numerous songs written with guitars of lesser value. Peter Frampton used endorse "Greco" Les Paul copies. Used to see the ads in Rock and guitar magazines. And there were others. Just too old to remember

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Now, Peter Frampton has an Epiphone signature model.

[@billthornton847]

Glad to see Frampton getting the notoriety he deserves. Those Greco guitar ads were back in the 70's. Yeah I know, a long time ago. Yeah I'm old. Gibson custom shop has version of his famous '54 Les Paul.

[@JMal883]

Excellent video, as always. You made your points very well. Every guitar borrows from each other in terms of styling and build design, only deliberate fakes should be criticised and banned.

[@manbearpig2164]

I don't think any guitar should be banned

[@Ottophil]

Except for those fucking slant frets

[@ashleyjohansson230]

Only guitar that should be banned is the one that copies the branding itself, so if someone made a guitar with Gibson on the headstock.

[@RobotischeHilfe]

@@ashleyjohansson230 i disagree if a copy is good as the original and people can't see the difference than is the original nothing more than a marketing label

[@HampshireGary]

Well said John. I bought a Harley Benton single cut because I simply can’t afford a Gibson. It has however inspired me, the HB is a good guitar, if and when I can afford one I will certainly buy a Gibson, all because I own a HB. Hopefully that’s a positive for the big name manufacturers. I would NOT buy a Chibson

[@kensheppard4748]

Don't bother with a Gibson, stick with the Harley Benton and perhaps upgrade it a bit! In the past I owned a Gibson Les Paul Special, a decent guitar but not necessarily better than an HB. In fact my HB SC450 plus plays better than the Gibson ever did, and the tone is great even with the much maligned Roswell pick ups! Another plus is that the pick ups have a coil tapping capability and you can get a fairly decent Tele sound. Keep on pickin'

[@HampshireGary]

Ken Sheppard I bought a SC custom from them and it’s plays really well, I’ve never played a Gibson but funnily a friend of mine collects them and has offered to let me play some of them. It’ll be interesting to see if they really are better than the HB (in my humble opinion!). Ps, I have Roswell pickups in the HB, they sound pretty good to me, and they coil tap 👍

[@HampshireGary]

DMSProduktions ooops sorry,you’re of course right 🤐

[@jimmyhaley727]

sold all my Martins and Gibson ES 335,,, why??? because I finally got a Peavey T60,,, and Ibanez, MIM tele, MIM strat,, Gretsch 5022, Seagull, Ovation, and others,,, and still had money left over for other items,,,, sound and quality were just as good as the Martins and the Gibson,,, waaaaay over priced,,, just my opinion ,,, ole USN vet

[@mindcrazer]

@@kensheppard4748 to be fair a Gibson LP special is the cheapest you can get. Try a custom,standard,etc and you will change your mind. HB are good for the money but you can't compare them with high end guitars.

[@4034miguel]

Nice analysis. Shows knowledge and well thought arguments. Thank you for the video

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

HB is just the latest (and probably most successful) brand in a _long_ line of manufacturers who have copied the _designs_ of the two big brands while *never* selling their instruments under a false name. Fender and Gibson had all the time in the world to sue the first copycats (and probably did from time to time). This list includes such well-respected manufacturers as Gretsch, Epiphone, Höfner, ESP, and Duesenberg. Musicman copied the body and neck design of the Fender basses, but added their own tweaks to make their products stand out. The Ibanez JEM is basically a Super Strat with tons of refinements over Fender's design. And let's be blunt: there is only so much variation a functional design can take before breaking apart. There is very little in radically new designs that is functionally _possible,_ so why not use proven shapes and put your name on it clearly for everyone to see? Nobody complains that classical guitars all but look the same because the original design is old enough for the origin to have fallen almost into obscurity. Every manufacturer is free to patent their own developments and reap the profits of licensed copies as long as the patent lasts, and I am sure Fender and Gibson did just that wherever they could. And after your patent has run out after 20 years (google it!), you are in no position to complain about others using your design *as long as they do not try to pass it off as **_your_** product,* i.e., counterfeiting.

[@bryantcrawford214]

Hey brother I'm a long time viewer from Tennessee in the United States and for some reason I just now subscribed to your channel. I thought I was already a subscriber cause I always get a notice that you have a new video so I assumed I was a subscriber lol.but I am now.i always enjoy your channel and what you cover and it blows my mind that someone put negative comments on your channel.you do very well on your channel covering the instruments and have a very good outlook on what your reviewing and do very well on covering them and I love your outlook on the life of being a musician.and you can tell that you want to teach as many people as you can and spread the gift of music to the masses.and on the copying,good Lord there only so many ways you can design a guitar and it's not like your designing them yourself your just covering them and showing them off.good Lord people grow up.id say most of the people who comment on the copy right argument has something in there home or life that had been copied at some point.but if a company has licensed a instrument and are selling it legally on the open market they have come to terms on the copy laws and has a legal right to sell there products so you shouldn't be judged for what your doing.love your channel and keep up the good work.cheers from Tennessee

[@woodyuk9717]

I bought my first Harley Benton (the very guitar you have there, only the other way round) for exactly the same reason! Needed a rockabilly sound, didn't have one (my job is in gaming audio). You're bang on, sir; I've got loads of these now, and yes they may need a bit of fettling but value for money is incredible.

[@intheblues]

Well said John. Great video! :-)

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Cheers Shane. Love your channel, by the way 👍

[@81giorikas]

@@JRobsonGuitar Did bigsby patent the headstock design though? If he didn't it's not theft. Just ask randall smith. You should point out that (as shown in other videos) harley benton parts are usually NOT interchangeable with fender parts. Different string spacing, different drilling for tuners AND pickguard would not let you counterfeit anything in the long run and in their beginning, there were blatant copies. Headstock and all. Now they are not. As long as they are sold with their own brand, through thomann and legaly the other companies have settled, it is not a case at all. China counterfeit copies on the other hand.

[@blsw]

As long as it's completely honest with what it is, shouldn't be a problem. Kind of expected some reference to the Ibanez lawsued in 70-80

[@unitednationsspacecommand6502]

Yeah that was Ibanez lawsuit years....Funny later They blown up with Jem Universe 7s 8s later on.....

[@rowdyjohnson6026]

Oh that wasnt just Ibanez they went after back then. Yamaha, kay, cort, I believe even carvin got dragged into that madness.

[@Tezzanoo]

Good video John and I totally agree. IMHO (& many others) the two main basic solid bodied guitars are the Stratocaster and the Les Paul. I appreciate there are also the Tele and the SG but the first two are the iconic models from which most others spring. I am an unashamed Fender man but now I play the John Suhr Strat that you referred and it is fantastic. It is my main axe and I wanted the best I could afford, but I also want to try other types of guitars from time to time and I don't necessarily want to pay £2 to £3K for the privilege. So I look to guys like you, not shop owners trying to shift gear, for honest opinions of the more budget end. A number of KZbin guys were waxing lyrically about the Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster. So much so that I bough a used one for £230.00 and it has to be the best bang for bucks in the world. It's more important that people are encouraged to play guitar and if they had to stump up silly money to do so, they just wouldn't bother. Keep on reviewing the good the bad and the ugly.

[@johna5087]

Very well said John, Im here in the states waiting for my first HB 35 .I love buying guitars like HBs and modding them myself. Looking forward to hearing your guitar after you change the magnets.

[@waynetykocki3964]

Very well put if you do a quick web search for Strat style guitars 🎸 there are loads I know of near on 30 fairly well known brands (Stag etc) none of which are claiming to be the real deal. But Fender Corp will agree that these tributes in fact are what promote or make theirs more desirable as there is a market for people who want the real deal. I used to only want the real thing but now retired and looking at the true value for money find a guitar that’s slightly better costing a grand more doesn’t make sense. Yes “ I used to be a headstock snob but I’m all right now” lol 😂

[@perthguitar5160]

Well said John! I agree wholeheartedly.

[@DonnaKae]

Spot on. Love the honest summarizing. I was skeptical about HB till I bought one. Gets the job done.

[@Zzander]

Found you while seraching for a new Telecaster to buy. Now stuck between the beautiful Harley Benton Rosewood copy you reviewed, and a MIJ Telecaster! Would love to hear a more detailed opinion, or perhaps in the future, comparison videoes between big brands like Fender, PRS and Gibson versus the Harley Benton / Vintage / Etc. Copies! You're really humble and very wholesome to listen to, and you have some absolute sage wisdom! Subbed!

[@andyplatt6692]

Well said John. I agree with you 100%

[@slanford6767]

You'll get people to bitch about getting slapped in the head .than be kissing the he'll out of it in 10 minutes. 😂

[@slanford6767]

I just have one bitch,it's when every one says I have 4 strats and 2 prs and 5 les Paul's than he brings them out and he has I fender strat not 4 has 1 Yamaha a 1 peavey 2 or brands you have never heard of same goes for the prs and les pauls. I say call an eppi an eppi squires a Squier the same for the rest call later a spade a spade don't hide it behind some other name use your oun .

[@stevetrusler1958]

Common sense video. So many cork sniffers out there who pontificate without ever trying the equipment first. 👍 Just to add, I've got three HB speaker cabs. The 2x12 vintage contains two Celestion vintage 30's and cost less than buying the speakers alone. And the cabs are solid !

[@zane.walker]

Well stated John and your argument makes sense to me! I wasn't aware of the early Bigsby guitar - thanks for the enlightenment. I also applaud you for addressing this issue!

[@stevelogan1699]

I DID enjoy the video, John. Thank you for taking some of the heat out of this discussion by calming presenting some crucial facts of guitar history and also by not engaging in any quarrels, just looking at each comment on its merits. You're in the position of being able to show what can be done to get great results from inexpensive gear--and also from some of the more expensive stuff like your recent signature guitar and this helps restore balance and cool-headedness. It's perhaps worth mentioning that in the 50s and 60s guitars were in real terms usually far more expensive than now and cheaper options were more restricted. Otherwise we'd probably know of some guitar heroes who played less-well known brands and liked them.

[@unclestubs5697]

Thank you for not turning this video into a personal rant. You very calmly and politely made several points and comparisons on how various companies copy one another. This is found with all manner of products, not just guitars! People tend to forget that imitation is the highest form of flattery!

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Wow! What kind of a nutter would say HB guitars need to be banned??! Sounds like gear snobbery to me! Budget guitars exist for a reason - to give those of us on fixed incomes the ability to buy decent guitars we can fix up and improve if we so desire! And it also takes away that cost barrier for entry which a parent may balk at because they're not sure their child will stick with learning the instrument. Unless they're extremely wealthy, NO parent is going to drop 1,000 on a guitar for their kid to learn on!

[@Axess-sv8nq]

That could very well be!

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Very true! The KZbin comments sections are legendary for all sorts of insanity!

[@simoncoulston7223]

Good evening Axess2084, too true. There is a genuine need for manufacturers of good quality, value for money instruments like those provided by HB. Talk of banning them is ridiculous in the extreme. The price and recent build quality of some guitars made by long established and desirable manufacturers appears to now be inversely proportionate. I think it’s regrettable and very sad to witness. I’m certainly not saying it’s all and I personally believe it is a problem brought about by the people sat in the very top management positions of these legendary institutions. I must make it clear that my thoughts are in no way whatsoever a criticism of the craftsmen and women employed at these companies. I couldn’t agree more with your point made regarding the cost of providing an instrument being a deal breaker for parents of a young, budding musician. It could potentially result in a huge talent may never be nurtured and realised. If that came to happen due to restrictive finances it would be a tremendous pity. I’d claim, with confidence, that the majority of parents (especially those with more than one dependent child) just don’t have that kind of disposable income to take that chance and invest in an instrument that may become only a passing fancy. To be able to buy a guitar of the quality produced by HB for under £160 is nothing short of fantastic. I wish similar choices had been available when I started to play. I didn’t have access to anything half decent until I finished my apprenticeship. With almost every penny of my first month’s wages and also having to trade in my secondhand KAY pile of crap, bought my very first. For myself it was a massive purchase and nothing like the quality available today. I could have bought a pretty decent second hand car for the same kind of money. There is also nothing more likely to very quickly dishearten a beginner than an instrument that even if it looks the part, sounds like shite. Made even worse if you or your parents have had to stump up a small fortune for it. Sorry for rambling on, but access to music for all youngsters to enjoy is something I’m passionate about. Along with value for money, good quality instruments available from the likes of HB which the opportunity to own isn’t massive financially restrictive. Some schools now in a position to loan students either for very little money and on occasion for free, the situation is improving greatly. Cheers, Si.

[@simoncoulston7223]

Good evening Axess2084, too true. There is a genuine need for manufacturers of good quality, value for money instruments like those provided by HB. Talk of banning them is ridiculous in the extreme. The price and recent build quality of some guitars made by long established and desirable manufacturers appears to now be inversely proportionate. I think it’s regrettable and so very sad to see. I’m certainly not saying it’s all and I personally believe it is a problem brought about by the people sat in the very top management positions of these legendary institutions. I must make it clear that my thoughts are in no way whatsoever a criticism of the craftsmen and women employed at these companies. I couldn’t agree more with your point made regarding the cost of providing an instrument being a deal breaker for parents of a young, budding musician. It could potentially result in a huge talent may never be nurtured and realised. If that came to happen due to restrictive finances it would be a tremendous pity. I’d claim, with confidence, that the majority of parents (especially those with more than one dependent child) just don’t have that kind of disposable income to take that chance and invest in an instrument that may become only a passing fancy. To be able to buy a guitar of the quality produced by HB for under £160 is nothing short of fantastic. I wish similar choices had been available when I started to play. I didn’t have access to anything half decent until I finished my apprenticeship. With almost every penny of my first month’s wages and also having to trade in my secondhand KAY pile of crap, bought my very first. For myself it was a massive purchase and nothing like the quality available today. I could have bought a pretty decent second hand car for the same kind of money. There is also nothing more likely to very quickly dishearten a beginner than an instrument that even if it looks the part, sounds like shite. Made even worse if you or your parents have had to stump up a small fortune for it. Sorry for rambling on, but access to music for all youngsters to enjoy is something I’m passionate about. Along with value for money, good quality instruments available from the likes of HB which the opportunity to own isn’t massive financially restrictive. Some schools now in a position to loan students either for very little money and on occasion for free, the situation is improving greatly. Cheers, Si.

[@Axess-sv8nq]

Hello Simon! -- I absolutely agree with you 100%! Spot on! Back in the late 70's, I started on a Barth guitar with one very weak single coil pickup. I got something weird with switches next. And then, I got a Gran Prix brand, Chinese-made, Strat. It was passable and got me through a couple bands. Those guitars I started on PALE in comparison to the Epiphone, Squier, Ibanez GIO, Glarry, Ammoon, and even the unbranded guitars being offered by Chinese companies on Ebay these days! Like I've said before, I used primarily starter guitars these days and they all sound excellent! I've owned the expensive guitars before. These 'starter' or 'budget' guitars are VERY comparable to the Gibson, Fender, and Ibanez guitars I played through the 80's and 90's! The sound from my Jackson JS22 ($200) is incredible! It's so versatile and the Jackson branded pickups handle quiet playing and loud playing to where I don't even have to mess with the volume (if I'm not using a pedal)! And to add to all of this, for others reading this as well, let me list some names: Elvis Presley Jimi Hendrix Jimmy Page John Lennon George Harrison Paul McCartney Eddie Van Halen Stevie Ray Vaughan Roy Clark B.B. King And MANY, MANY, more!! What do they all have in common? They ALL grew up with very limited means to buy an instrument to start out with. They ALL started out on very cheap guitars which are nowhere near the quality of our 'budget'/'starter' guitars that we have now. They ALL went on to become legendary! So, if those people became legends with guitars that were nearly unplayable by today's standards, imagine what the youth of today can do with guitars of excellent quality at affordable prices. I feel a lot of elitists within the guitar/musician realm these days have forgotten that we're all in this together. Everyone deserves a chance to learn an instrument REGARDLESS of their financial situation. Taking away that ability would be appalling! The fact that anyone would advocate to take away decent affordable instruments forever is just pure lunacy, in my opinion! Cheers!

[@pdp977]

Hi John - only thing I'd disagree with is the need to replace pickups. That depends on the sound you want. I recently bought the CS24 with P90s and I really can't see myself replacing them - they're exactly what I wanted. It's - like everything about sound - a personal preference. I sometimes see people replacing pickups when what they actually need is a multiband equaliser, which I use when recording guitar to tweak the sound a little.

[@Strangways]

John, THANK YOU for a heart-to-heart that (for a change regarding this issue) rings with clarity. Spot on sir👍🏻!

[@petelawler2199]

Well said, John. Good vid and well reasoned points. Totally agree.

[@jeremyballance2641]

Extremely well stated John! I own 8 Harleys and love them all. They are an outstanding value for the price allowing folks who can't afford paying $1-$3 thousand dollars. There will always be those who whine and complain. Keep the great videos coming. Thank you!

[@MrVishnuu]

I love the thinking and the way you expressed these ideas. Simply put and miles way from any sensationalism. I'd also like to thank you for the diamond mine of great tips. Bravo and thank you for all this!

[@markkennedy5712]

Great videos. When I look at the new crop of autos, they resemble each other also. Fords look like Hondas, Mercedes look like Kias. My Squire plays as well as my Fenders. Keep up the great work.

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

It should be forbidden for any company to make guitars out of wood anymore, since it's clearly ripping off whoever got that idea first, I say...

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

And now that I think of it, maybe that's why many famous companies lately have been making them out of shi....so I'd much rather spend my money on a Harley Benton than on a guitar that's twice as expensive, though maybe half as good, but just has a famous brand logo on it

[@simoncoulston7223]

Morning Jeronimo, before you know it these cheeky counterfeiters will be putting six strings on them to. I say they need to produce something from their own ideas. Bast**ds.

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

@@simoncoulston7223 Cheers Simon, Counterfeiters? Chibsons are counterfeit since they are fake Gibsons pretending to be Gibsons (and of the worst quality possible, couldn't be done worse by design); just like counterfeit money looks like real money but is worthless, not to mention rightfully illegal. Harley Bentons, or whatever other company that produces their own take on a pre-existing model (and as you can see in Johns video practically all the big names have done it for ages), aren't counterfeit as they do not intend to cheat anybody into thinking it's something they are not, nor do they infringe any copyright or intelectual property whatsoever, they just do what everybody else has done more affordably and with a quality level that blows away any counterfeit...maybe even some of the budget guitars produced by the big names If one day H&B or Vintage, or whoever, comes up with something never seen before (and when was the last time anybody did that? How many decades ago? Gibsons robo tuners don't count, don't make me laugh) then more power; but that doesn't mean what they do is wrong. If that's the case neither Gibson, nor Fender nor G&L nor MusicMan nor ESP.... are free from the same fault. :)

[@simoncoulston7223]

Good evening Jeronimo, I agree with you wholeheartedly and that is why I am the proud and very happy owner of two HB’s. A SC500 VINTAGE BLK and a SC450 VINTAGE Plus. I apologise if I have somehow managed to upset you, as you’ve obviously got the impression that I was knocking them. Based on my experiences with both HB and Thomann it’s something I’m unable to do in any way whatsoever. My reply to your initial post was made in the very same manner as your own and was written to make light of these ridiculous copyright arguments. Cheers, Si.

[@jeronimomartinezfabregas]

@@simoncoulston7223 In no way did you upset me Simon; I do admit I failed to sense you were being sarcastic as I was :) But even if you weren't, it's an opinion that although may differ from mine is respectable. I see you were joining in on the same note as I was, silly of me not to have got it...Glad you enjoy playing those wonderful guitars!! I'll join the club as soon as I'm able, and as a new guitar student nonetheless, which doesn't hinder me from researching the guitar world and making my own opinions as though I were some sort of expert!! Thanks and cheers!

[@paulmearing9192]

Spot on John I have owned USA Gibsons and use a USA strat from 87 (I'm knocking on now been at it 40 years) I use 70% of the time a Telecaster i put together myself with nothing on the headstock but it'll run rings round any USA tele ive played and owned also ive just ordered a HB450 plus for the studio and odd gig, people forget Guitarists like SLash used a les paul copy for his first album and it sounded ace. 90% of tone comes from the player and if the guitar HB or Epiphone floats your boat and it sounds great fill your boots.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Slash's LP replica was made by a highly skilled individual luthier. Not a $200 copy

[@paulmearing9192]

@@aaronperrotta7055 I agree with you totally I didn't mention price or quality just the fact it was a copy just like other copies out there some are good and some are rubbish. I've played custom shop guitars and some new Gibson's with questionable set ups that don't play as good as they can be.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Right Paul I agree. I've played some good and bad one's myself. Have a '16 Studio LP I love. On the other hand tried quite a few '18 models that were all dissapointing. However, beside dirt cheap labor which I despise, I can't see how they are producing these Harley bentons at this price point.

[@paulmearing9192]

@@aaronperrotta7055 I believe they are made in Vietnam/far east in the same factory as the Vintage Range? Thomann don't have a distributor to pay for so they pass the saving on to the customer which is great for us but not so good for JHS who distribute Vintage Brand guitars, specs do differ but the 450 does have a maple cap under the veneer which at this price point is bonkers, I'll give my 2p's worth when i get it and let you know. ;-)

[@aaronperrotta7055]

OK cool thanks. Those features at that price is just unbelievable. I've had a cpl Epi pros that were soso, PRS Se, and Mexican Tele I particularly love, but these are all 5-7 hundred. So less than 2 hundred is mind boggling. Have a good day.

[@blistery1875]

Excellent discussion! From my perspective, of all of the excellent comparisons you provide in the video , I find the HB copy of the PRS Custom 24, the least distinguishable from the original design. This includes the design of the bridge, the shape of the headstock(and hand writing) to the very PRS specific body shape and flame. Copywrite infringement?......very possibly. It is very possible that some users of that instrument would be trying to portray they have another make of guitar. The other examples, in my opinion are quite different from the original designs. There is no mistaking them from each other.

[@9999plato]

Obviously they are copies. There would be no need for a video trying to claim they are not copies if they did not closely resemble the original shapes and features in a cheapened manner. that is the whole point of Thomans marketing strategy. Get people to believe they are getting a guitar, not just a guitar but an iconic guitar, just as good but for far less money, while claiming its not a copy. Well you cant have it both ways and in this case they miss on all cylinders. The quality is not there and they are copies.

[@henryhunter5026]

Enjoyed the video, you raised some interesting points. I have a rather large collection of guitars, alongside instruments by Gibson, Gretsch, Guild, Martin, Taylor, Fender and PRS etc I also own quite a few less expensive guitars, among them a few Harley Benton’s. Why did I buy them? Mainly out of curiosity and I like tinkering. To be honest I’ve yet to receive a Harley Benton that’s unplayable but on the other hand they’ve all needed some work done in order to suit my tastes, mind you I’m pretty sure that at some time or another I’ve carried out adjustments or modifications to most of my guitars. Regarding the copyright thing, the classic basic electric guitar body designs were mostly drawn up in the middle of the last century so it would be very difficult to come up with a totally new shape that people would buy, (us guitarists are a very conservative lot). I started playing guitar over 50 years ago and would have loved a Harley Benton, the budget guitars available in the UK in the early 60s were absolutely terrible. Harley Benton’s not only look like the kind of premium brand many new players are aspiring to but also play and sound good.

[@mistacoz]

Nothing but facts here. Nobody ever complained about all acoustics made by anyone looking pretty much the same shape. If the dimensions aren't exactly the same, it's not a copy.

[@niaralosusa]

...great point! If you remove the headstock on most of the "name brand" acoustic guitars, they look identical. Where is the outrage over that? LOL!!

[@gregorwalton]

I have a Vintage(-brand) VSA500, which is a 335-like semi-hollow. It has asymmetric cutouts (allowing better access to the high frets). I have seen it said that this is because Gibson took exception to the previous version's similarity to the 335. It's kinda great that they turned Gibson's arsiness into an improvement. I nearly bought the HB-35 but chose the VSA500 because I couldn't be arsed to setup and mod yet another HB. I'd rather play

[@garydunlap676]

I'll have to check them out i don't know if i've seen the 500.

[@gregorwalton]

rguitars.co.uk/products/vintage-vsa500-honey-burst-inc-over-100-set-up-value-added-service - it does come in other colours

[@kjd9634]

Hello, great video. I've been playing accoustic for 4 months and really enjoy it but want to get an electric, do you think the hb cs 24 would be a good guitar for a beginner?

[@JRobsonGuitar]

That would be a good choice 👍

[@kjd9634]

@@JRobsonGuitar thanks for the reply mate. 👍

[@brwhyon]

Thanks for putting this info out there, I have been thinking of picking up one of HB Gold Top Single cuts. My only problem is I live in the states and worry about the shipping and shipping packaging. Any thoughts ?

[@RobertStiles]

Which brand guitar did Eddie Van Halen use again? Yeah. Exactly.

[@marlonvanwijland1428]

Harley Bentons guitars are not "copies" but Look a likes... A fordable look a likes... They differ enough in details, and do not use the renowned brand names or style names... Better to buy a HB than a fake (whom wil cost the same)...

[@mickedanielsson]

Thanks John, great clip 😊👍 I laughed out loud at 07:58 when you really killed any further discussion on the subject by proving that everybody copies everybody.

[@celestelongway7315]

We like your vids here in LA!! ... such a great 2019 guitar discussion topic! Nice work John ! ...Michael T Wyman fellow KZbinr & jam night guitarist in LA CA USA yeah double thumbs up to ya!

[@alsuncat]

One reason I buy cheap guitars, Can you say LEFTY ?

[@thediminished98]

Amen brother

[@bumlebubbi]

The pain is real

[@rowdyjohnson6026]

No joke. I have a buddy with this issue and harley benton has a nice range of affordable lefty guitars that still play and sound pretty great, and ya cant treat em rough live without feeling bad about it haha.

[@Ottophil]

You mean wrong handed?

[@alsuncat]

@@Ottophil If Jimmy Hendrix was wrong handed... then wrong handed.

[@tolvajakos]

Point well made. Unrelated note: I have a Harley Benton and it's great.

[@PatrickBatty]

Hey John. Well stated and completely understandable IMO. I agree fully. I don't have a HB, although have been looking for a while. (Shipping to Canada is a bit on the pricey side, so cuts some of the advantage.)

[@billygage6899]

Well put and on point, I’ve heard nothing but Good things about HB guitars myself. I’m looking forward to adding a few to my collection.

[@ClevyTR6]

I have 3 Harley Bentons. Sold my " nice" Gibson and bought 3 better ones .

[@olafschwenn6881]

Can't believe

[@rowdyjohnson6026]

Neh, I love these guitars but lets not spin fairy tales. I would put them up against many guitars costing 2 and 3 times as much, however, the fretwork is not equal to a 1500 dollar or above " nice" gibson, the edges wont be rolled as much, it will be made of more pieces of wood, have inferior tuners and hardware in general. They are killer guitars for the buck and it's rare that a guitar under 500 bucks is gig worthy. They are a better bang FOR THE BUCK, but nobody sells a guitar with superior build, and higher resale etc. Epiphone I would believe, chibson fake, I would believe, those horrible bottom shelf gibsons that sell for 5-900 bucks maybe, but no, nobody is selling a nice Gibson les paul standard or even a nice studio for a few Harley Benton's. If yer on a Gibson budget, ya just buy the harley b., ya dont dump the gibson haha. I love my vietnamese marshall origin but I ain't dumping a 77 jmp to get a couple of origins haha

[@hbguitar]

So now you have 6 guitars- winning!

[@generalcone6756]

@@rowdyjohnson6026 The HB SG copy sounds exactly the same as your run of the mill Gibson SG. There's even a video proving this if you'd care to listen for yourself.

[@rowdyjohnson6026]

@@generalcone6756 skipping over the fact he didnt say "run of the mill gibson", he made a distinction... i think you may have started responding before ya got past the first sentence, in defense of hb when no offense was given . i have seen plenty of vids and i get what is being perceived but read the rest of what i wrote before jumping to that defense. youll find i am not knocking the hb, and i was really specific on why that "as good as gibson" simply isnt true, and never said they didnt sound similiar or that they couldnt be tweaked to be identical SOUNDING for vids sake. are hbs as good as a gibson that costs 799 to 1000 bucks new? sure, now and again , but not always and those arent "nice"gibsons, those are cheap gibsons, and i have many of the same beefs with those. i dont disagree hb is twice as good as what they charge. you do get a 400-500 dollar guitar for 200 bucks, great deal, but lets not sell it as a 2500 dollar guitar for 200 because it simply isnt. i just had to reglue and press down 3 frets on one for a buddy along with some electronics and hardware improvements..... killer sounding guitar especially for the cash but it isnt a "nice" gibson. its a great looking gold top for a great price and with some upgrades it is a pretty sweet guitar. lots of bang for the buck, but the fretwork, fit and finish, hardware, electronics as it came... not even close to comparable

[@MariusVideoOfficial]

I got a Sgt400 gold, I love its sound, I have changed only the tuners and done a little normal setting and it sounds very well, very playable instrument for only 100€ not bad. Obviously the finishing is not wow but it looks nice too and it's in line with the price. Banning 😂 We should ban the 99% of the guitars/brands on thr market...I understand the purists but it's ridicoulous what can We read in some comments

[@BrianGay57]

I agree about copies vs forgeries, but I was hoping to hear you play some. Oh, and I’ve subbed as well!

[@davidspelmans9438]

You made your point and I do support you're point of view. My dreamcar for years is an Audi TT. Did I buy one? No. Could I effort one? Yes. Could I use it for what I need a car for? No, so I didn't buy that TT, I bougt a car that fullfilled my needs. Now over to guitars: since a month of 6 I play a second hand classic guitar I bought for 25EUR. Now I'm up to a new one, brand new or second hand doesn't matter. So I'm looking around on the internet what could be an interesting guitar for my needs. At first I was attrackted to a Squier Bullet Mustang, now, 2 months later, I really do like the HB TE62. I'm even thinking of buying the TE kit from HB and build it myself. Why? I can save some money and with my playskills, as cheap as possible is ok for me. My point is, I try to find something, in this case a guitar, that meets my skills, my needs and my wallet. But I wouldn't buy something that certainly wouldn't be a non-licenced copy. Just my 2 cents. David

[@ogri214]

At the end of the day it is down to the copyright owner , in this case Gibson to sue if they feel their rights have been infringed and not for some internet expert( usually a 12 year old ) to scream about banning. Harley Benton make good value kit . If you dont like them spend your cash elsewhere Simples.

[@Raul1971xxx]

Well, for me, Harley Benton is an opportunity to play a good guitar for every pocket.

[@yippy327]

Haven't owed a HB yet, but I really like how you handled this subject. Also, I happen to agree with your stance on relic guitars.

[@Alkiyan]

Thanks for this objective video on an interesting topic of controversy. That manufacturers are allowed to copy each other is an essential element of technological improvement, and talking about intellectual (or industrial) property is a rather complex subject about what is protected. I'm not sure I'll ever own a Fender or a Gibson, just because I find them too expensive to be the tool that does the job. But I will try some Strat ou some Les Paul, just to know. (I am currently playing on a very old fashioned 1963 Eko 500 4V).

[@RKseekeroftruth]

And the famous (it was in my time anyway) Gibson suing Ibanez over their single cut and V shape guitar. Btw, I played the Ibanez V back in the day and it smoked Gibson's imo.

[@unitednationsspacecommand6502]

Haha Ibanez rocks! I have 3 Ibanez 's

[@SteamvilleQuintet]

400 years ago the size and shape of a violin was perfected and every maker used it. Would it be intellectual theft to make a solitaire ring that looks strikingly similar to a million others? No. How else would you do a single stone ring. And Gibson is the last company that would have any right to claim copyright infringement.

[@9999plato]

The Chinese dont care one bit about stealing others designs. It does not need to be copyright theft to be a copy. Just face the fact, these guitars are Gibson and PRS copies with minor changes and lower quality materials and craftsmanship built to a price point. Even if they were identical copies China would not care. Thoman would probably get cut off by Gibson and PRS and Thoman would care about that so they make certain that they dont copy things too closely. Aside from that copying all the details of a PRS or Gibson would become more costly. There is no way they could replicate a Les Pauls neck binding for $200.

[@SteamvilleQuintet]

Actually they seem to have done that LP neck and body binding for $149. Harley Benton SC-450Plus LD Vintage Series, first one on the electric guitar page. I'm not sure these kind of debates all fit copyright - some of these issues might fall under patents.

[@johnmiller7682]

@@9999plato You know who else doesn't care about copying other peoples designs? That would be Gibson. Gibson made mandolins, until they stole Matins bracing designs and started making guitars.

[@waltonsimons9082]

@@johnmiller7682 Same goes for the Fender headstock... Same goes for pretty much any product on the planet. People getting upset over shapes of guitars is pathetic.

[@drdbailey]

Well said, John. It made perfect sense. I was unaware of the Bigsby 1948 model style. So, ideas often come from the ideas of others.....and so on. I'm looking forward to getting my first HB, but not sure which to start with. A good conundrum, indeed.

[@tramlad2]

Ordered one of these John, along with a 40watt HB amp, i know the guitar will need a wee tweak , but i have a local guitar shop who will give it a set up for little cost, they are a bargain guitar. You are still one of the best and most honest guitar gurus on the toob, always fantastic content and man you are a tasty player. Big fan.

[@steveparkes]

These people moaning don't have a clue. A massive German company isn't going to infringe on copyrights or sell absolute shit :) I'm amazed at the quality on every review of these I've ever seen and they aren't being reviewed by shills or people who know nothing either. EDIT: Further in to the video now. I think the HB 335 looks more like the Ibanez clone than the actual Gibson one ;) It might be the radius of the cutouts or the position of the plug but it screams late 70's Ibanez to me.

[@daw162]

They are OK for the price, but so is every other copy guitar that's not a chibson. Companies like Cort, etc, have been making good inexpensive guitars for eons. The marketing effort for harley benton just makes people think that this is some new trick, just as people thought there was something magical about chapman guitars. It's like seeing a new vacuum salesman come around once a year and forgetting about all of the other vacuums that are already the same. What I've seen of cort is generally the guitars that are slightly more than HB are better guitars and not as cheap looking, but same as HBs, a lot of people can't get over their own ego and wouldn't be seen with one. I like them all, from Cort to Collings. As far as moaning, peghead shape is regarded in most organized markets as the indicator of a company's trade dress. Notice that Cort and others don't copy Fender and Gibson's pegheads (yamaha, too, add whoever you want to groups making low cost guitars). If someone takes HB to court in the US, they'll be changing their pegheads if they want to sell them here. If they can't, it's no real loss to us - there's nothing special about them other than the social media push.

[@somekindofdude1130]

Harley Benton makes great guitars for very very cheap.

[@chriswhitehouse919]

I hope you do the re wiring at some point. I wouldn't mind seeing how it's done. Ive got a semi acoustic and I'm terrified of pulling the wiring out.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

Fishing line tied to the components is the only way I know to do it.

[@michaelschmidt5384]

Just ordered a HB TE 70 Paisley after sawing your rewiew about it! Great Videos👌

[@stuarthossack7906]

Yep, well researched, sound reasoning, logical and evidence based presentation .............. someone ain't gonna like this, you'll get banned doing stuff like this, you just mark my words!! ......... nurse?? ..................... :o)

[@daniellarson3068]

Perhaps the thing that is always omitted is that nobody recalls how good a guitarist Harley Benton was. It's too bad. God bless his soul.

[@warpighammer3760]

I have two 2019 Gibson les Paul’s both for sale . Enough said .

[@americanmetalhead3954]

War pig Hammer Price?

[@charlesharper7292]

Yup, not what they used to be.

[@mickp9261]

Thanks John for sensible balanced advice and vids. Not many ordinary folk can just walk in a store and purchase a genuine high end guitar just like that but copy guitars like Bentons give mortals a real chance to experience the vibe and maybe later on they might well go buy the "real thing?" Or maybe not because Bentons are so damn good with a little tweaking. I have some high end guitars but while they are precious pieces of art, they most definitely not 10X plus better than my two LP Bentons which are (with a little work) perfectly servicable working guitars.

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

You are totally right...! Already tried on of the "Harley Benton Fusion-II" - models? These guitars are high quality now, too!!!

[@bpix7804]

I think... Mmm ahhhh Harley Benton guitars ROCK!

[@unitednationsspacecommand6502]

They don't suck for price still affordable rather 5k gibson. Gibson fanboys upset......haha

[@emilbergdahl3063]

With you all the way. I find HBs are great guitars aswell.

[@MrPoilleke]

I am very happy with my two sc (550-custom) and flying V. Play great and feel nice...

[@emilbergdahl3063]

@@MrPoilleke yeah i got the custom too along with 5 more HBs and they are all phenomenal. One had sharp fret edges but that took me 15 min to fix.

[@MrPoilleke]

@@emilbergdahl3063 indeed. Quality is rather good with some exceptions indeed. Had also à small issue. Bought a b stock. Needed to work à little on the pots wiring. And plugged into my marshall it's almost as if slash plays along with me haha

[@emilbergdahl3063]

@@MrPoilleke yeah i totally get that. The sound is there and so are the looks. One in ten might need some work for playability but in the end you get everything för almost nothing. Great guitars indeed and i wouldnt wanna part with any of mine. Only thing i can tell is different are the strats. I can really both hear and feel a huge difference between my fender mim strat and the st62. On the other hand that might just be me and my ears. Lol

[@emilbergdahl3063]

Btw try the Fusion II if you missed it. Its such an amazing instrument and under 300 euro. I love mine and you can really tell its stacked with cool features out of the box.

[@garydunlap676]

Hey John i'm thinking about ordering a new HB SW 41. Cause it does look like a Martin but i do like the look. If you have done a review i would appreciate your opinion

[@wanderingfirbolg6738]

I own two cheap basses, a Squier Affinity PJ and an Harley Benton B-450 and I'm super happy with both. The Squier is a bit too heavy for my injured shoulder but the Benton is perfect. Currently refinishing it with a satin cerused look and fixing one fret. Do note it was a B-stock, not a brand new bass. And for me, after 20 years of not playing, they are probably even too good for me! Great upload and could not agree more with you!

[@amkwisme8843]

I sold a Mexican fender telecaster,so I could buy more Benton's.

[@powbobs]

Well that was stupid. Mexican Fenders are far better than H B’s.

[@amkwisme8843]

What Harley Benton's have you owned and been disappointed by Bob?

[@amkwisme8843]

@mike dothan that's bad luck, did you try thomanns customer service? Out of 5 Benton's, I have had 1 high fret,and a couple of tarnished strings,and a tiny run in finish.

[@scottconnors8419]

good you built your own wall,im awaiting a sc450 bk..I'm hoping since long wait that quality control hasn't gone to dirt...hoping for nice working platform for total $150us.. can't buy pair DiMarzio for that .

[@unitednationsspacecommand6502]

For the price well I will buy one damn HB 8 or 7 fanfret dude!

[@a.khaosnarine9118]

Good guitars are just good guitars. Cheap or expensive... real players just loves GUITARS in general.

[@RobinOsborne2312]

I agree with you 100% John. I am a lefty and have found over the many years of playing that very few “budget” manufacturers produce left handed versions of their models and it is almost unheard of for me to go into a guitar shop and have a proper choice of similar instruments. All manufacturers copy each other to a certain extent and Suhr in particular do not make a single model that is not based on a Fender - No problem to me - but they are certainly copies. Because I am a lefty I probably have a lot more nice guitars than I would have if I had been a righty. PRS are lambasted by just about every player who has never or rarely played one of the instruments. The main criticism is price - but in all honesty have you looked at the price of a Les Paul Standard or a mid range Fender Strat recently? There is definitely a market for Harley Benton and similarly priced guitars and I have heard the vast majority of people who have played such instruments praise them greatly. I am now teaching a very close friend to play guitar and as a first electric instrument he chose the Squier starter pack. What great value for money!! The amp isn’t great but will certainly get you started and after I did a complete set-up on the guitar it sounds great. Now after 18 months of playing he has upgraded the amp to a Boss Katana 50 Combo - huge difference. We bought him a Pocket Pod for him to practice on and to get more used to a greater variety of effects. Great Channel and in no way pretentious. Keep the vids coming

[@drveejay]

Hello Mr Robson, great channel you have here. It is a very helpful resource. I was wondering if you had a chance to play any of the Ibanez semi hollow body guitars and what your thoughts are on them. Thanks!

[@SirVicc]

Totally agree with you. It's the same with pedals and amps. If a Chinese company makes a clone of a pedal or amp, it's a ripoff or counterfeit. If a European or American company make a direct copy and charges 10x the price, it's a tribute or "boutique."

[@waynetykocki3964]

Exactly and what about the big names creating there own Knock offs such as Martin with Sigma ? I’ve a Korean Sigma that’s an absolutely amazing beautiful guitar

[@jamesbryant6484]

Kudos to Marco. Harley-Bentons are not illegal fakes. They are super high quality instruments with a company behind them,a warranty,a customer service department. I agree that they hurt the feelings of those who spent $4000.00,and theirs looks,and sounds no better than the Harley-Benton. John Robson is awesome as well. Always learn something watching him,and very enjoyable.

[@briansmith7205]

Hello John there, could you recommend any good tuners for the Harley Benton black paisley Tele. Reasonably priced of course..

[@JRobsonGuitar]

I've used Vsnson tuners a few times now & been impressed each time. You'll find them on eBay 😁

[@rodnocker505]

I love budget guitars. In my profile pic here I’m holding a Donner strat copy and it was a little over $100 with a very nice padded gig bag and quite a few accessories. The neck and frets were flawless and the frets were actually crowned and polished. The tuners are junk (cheap easy fix) however it plays and sounds great and stays in tune and came intonated quite well but there’s always some give and take with budget instruments. Cool video man I can’t agree with you more.

[@lucassurgeon4122]

Well said man! It's amazing people actually take issue with Harley Benton. Never thought that was a thing before

[@lgnd6188]

Very well stated. I agree with you completely. Very nice history lesson as well. All that aside, l find your videos to be a wealth of knowledge. I'm a life-long drummer and am I'm finally going to become a guitar student at 50. Love the Harley's, the ST-20 will soon be my first, already plotting on how l can persuade the wife to follow up with a TE-40 TBK soon after. Keep up the great work, I've learned more about theory from a just few of your videos than l ever did in college. Thanks so much. Great playing, by the way. Lastly, how can a Yankee make a donation from the States?

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Thanks mate. Here's the GoFundMe link... www.gofundme.com/guitarsforgoodcauses I use the funds to buy gear to feature on the channel (which gets me views & earns me revenue) and then the gear gets sold with proceeds going to www.zoes-place.org.uk/middlesbrough/default.aspx Or if you prefer, you can simply donate directly to the charity. Thanks again 👍

[@keithspillett7312]

Brilliant video! I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't 'get' the whole relic 'thing'. I have instruments that I've owned for over forty years which are still in about as good condition as any well used instruments CAN be. My band hosts a regular jam night, and all the guitars people turn up with are in a similar condition, irrespective of their age. I suppose the whole tele/strat/single cut 'copy' thing, is because the original designer of these iconic models got it right at the time, and pretty much everything since doffs its hat to one of these. At the end of the day, even the PRS Custom 24 could be described as a 'Super Strat'! I think you hit the nail RIGHT on the head when you talk about spending £200 on a guitar you might play once in a blue moon, against paying ten times that amount for something you'll play every day.

[@rkb4444]

You are right John. The info on Fender/Bixby sealed the deal for me. Good one.

[@obeleco]

I've been following your channel for a while, I love your work. I have some basses from different brands, some from Harley Benton. I recently acquired some Harley Benton guitars, one of them was the HB35 plus. I must say that the quality of Harley Benton instruments far exceeds the price they charge. It's good that there are people who make cheaper instruments so that we can all make music. And if it looks good with good quality, even better. Orlando Beleco

[@stephenwade2069]

Hi John, nice informative video. I own a Fender custom shop Strat and a 1974 Gibson Sg standard. Guess what, my go to guitars are a Vintage ( trev wilkinson) Strat and a Harley Benton telecaster copy. As you said whatever gets the job done.

[@Terry3Gs]

Excellent video in same vein as your fellow countryman whom I know well China Guitar Sceptic !!! Subbed !! :)

[@Bob48]

Just saw this but honestly, it's timeless. Excellent; thanks so much. Took up guitar after I retired and there's no way I can drop 2K on an acoustic on a fixed pension. But I can do 350 for the same solid wood model Martin offers for 1700$. Perhaps not quite as good sounding, but I play for me, and am happy to have the options. Keep well John.

[@Watzline]

Bravo, Very good sensible, explanation, good research, wish this explains, and shuts up some of these know it all guitar snobs. I have a Harley Benton on the way. Will set it next to my Gibson, that I paid $3000, and my $2400 Gretsch, etc. I plan on playing the HB on gig as soon as I get it!

[@pauljenkins2501]

Thank you for a calmly expressed, well argued statement of your opinion. I happen to agree with you, but like you, I accept that others may think differently.....

[@donkeevney]

Very well put together video, you raised points that I have never thought of. I agree 100%.

[@jakenogard9667]

Very well said sir, this is my first time i have watched your video but it seems like you deserve my subscription so here we go. Subscribed. Great job sir 🤘🤘🤘

[@kenmasters007]

Your sentiments are honest.. and you make good points.. however many think HB a rogue business... Ibanez and PRS has a history of lawsuits and they are settled in court.. amends are made, licenses are paid or designs are modified after consultation... However chibsons are illegal and no amount of legal action has been able to stop them. Hopefully HB is not in the same boat.

[@danratcliffe4849]

Great video. My first guitar was a £15 second hand stray copy. My second was a £120 Vester which was an Ibanez copy. Cheap guitars are great and accessible for beginners and when you want to extend your sound palette. Whilst I've "progressed" to Music Man's, I look at Harley Bentons with great interest and if I had a £300 spare, I'd certainly give one a go. Too much big brand snobbery....

[@carstenfunk6075]

John, your arguments are just on the spot! I prefer owning 10 Harley Bentons and with that always the right tool for the job instead of one expensive brand guitar. Ok, I would love to own some more expensive giitars like a Charvel, Blade or Schecter, but these are strat design "copies" as well. So, the only thing I don't see yet in the HB programm is a cool super strat with FR and a really flat fingerboard.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

They have those. I can't remember the model, but it has a Floyd Rose 1000 on it stock.

[@conartist267]

Very well explained. You taught me a few things today!