Harley Benton ST-62 & Fender 60's Player Road Worn Comparison - ResQ Gear

In this video i'm comparing the Harley Benton ST-62 SB and the Fender 60's Player Road Worn. Hope you find this video as interesting as i did making it! Which guitar did you like the best? The affordable Harley Benton or the more expensive Fender Stratocaster? Be sure to leave a comment discussing it in the comment section down below! :D
Find out more or buy the instruments here (Affiliate link):
Harley Benton:
redir.love/thoprod/309878?par...
Fender (It's the old road worn used in the video, but here's a link to a newer 2020 version):
redir.love/thoprod/468285?par...
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:15 Build Quality
2:36 Setup
3:07 Harley Benton First Sound
3:31 Fender Stratocaster First Sound
3:56 Rest Of The Sounds
13:44 Outro
Gear we tend to use:
Camera's: Lumix DMC-G7 x3, Nikon D5300, Samsung Galaxy S10
Microphones: Lewitt LCT 440 Pure, Antelope Verge, SE Electronic Voodoo 2 Antelope Edge Duo, Shure SM7B
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul Standard 2019, Fender Stratocaster 60's Road Worn, Fender Duo Sonic, Seagull Performer CW Western Guitar
Guitar Amps: Laney Cubhead 15, Fender Hotrod Deluxe III
Guitar Cabs: Two Notes Torpedo Captor X, Laney Cubcab
Mixer: Studio Master Mixdown 8
Audio Interface: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core, Discrete Synergy Core, Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen
DAW: Studio One 5
Audio & Video by: Victor Elias Thomsen
Special thanks to:
Harley Benton, Lewitt, Antelope Audio, iZotope Inc. & Thomann
Find out more and follow ResQ Studio here:
Website: www.resqstudio.com
Instagram: / resq.studio
Facebook: / resqstudio

[@resqgear1918]

If you end up enjoying this video, be sure to leave a like and a comment! And here's some timestamps for the people in need: 0:00 Intro 0:15 Build Quality 2:36 Setup 3:07 Harley Benton First Sound 3:31 Fender Stratocaster First Sound 3:56 Rest Of The Sounds 13:44 Outro

[@81giorikas]

By the way, they both use a zinc block on the tremolo (what you refered to as steel plate). They both cheap out on this. If it does something to the sound> Well maybe. But they both use cheap pot metal. Not bad but fender cheaps out more because it costs more!!!

[@panan7777]

Guitar VS POS? Spare yourself the money, save some more and buy yourself a guitar. Bought one, speaking from experience. In short: without a lot of work and expense, HB is unplayable. Period.

[@LokisDivinity]

Not gonna lie.. before seeing the headstock.. I thought the HB was the Fender.

[@resqgear1918]

Well, is that good or bad? 🙃😂

[@LokisDivinity]

@@resqgear1918 that's probably good for the HB. Fender is already established as a maker of epic guitar's

[@maxgregory2227]

I did too

[@panan7777]

Buy one, and you'll be able to hear the difference in a nano second. Mine was unplayable out of the box. This was one of the biggest scams I've ever encountered. Send properly set up guitars to KZbinrs and sell a truckload of shit to the public. STAY AWAY!

[@resqgear1918]

I have to tell you had ordered many many Harley Bentons before I became a KZbin. And yes there are flaws on a lot of them. But I've never had a flaw so bad I couldn't fix it myself, have it not matter or anything like that. There's flaws on inexpensive guitars. There's just no way around it. If you got an instrument you couldn't play or there was a horrible mistake made, either by Harley Benton or by the currier, you can always return it and get a new one for free. Reach out to Harley Benton. They are happy to help and good, hard working people! 🤗

[@homeforguitar3680]

This type comparision almost always proofs that we pay for logo on headstock. Electric guitar is not complicated thing, and adding to this myths that some brands have some secret knowledge is not true. Also, the production technology today is the same or very similar in different countries.

[@Yellow_Magpie]

I think it's amazing that these HBs are being compared to premium pro standard instruments. It's literally a 120euro guitar, the kind of guitar a child plays in school for 2 weeks and leaves in the attic but it's built so solid and sounds good enough to actually merit comparing to the 'serious' instruments. I love it. I've ordered a HB ST-62 to sit next to my fender and musicman basses haha Fingers crossed it meets the hype!

[@resqgear1918]

I hope you find it as enjoyable as I find mine! 🤗🎉

[@kamarienedwards1757]

Did it meet the hype?

[@jonathanwentz8105]

In a blind test I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. HB is extremely impressive. I own the big tone trem and man it's awesome.

[@resqgear1918]

The HB is miles above the Squiers I played when I first started playing guitar. If I didn't already have more expensive instruments, then I wouldn't mind gigging with these guitars at all!

[@donalddemille5910]

I just ordered my ST62 today. For the price, can't beat it! I have a Harley Benton "PRS" guitar already and it is amazing.

[@papafsb444]

I’ve had one for a year. I love it. Needed setting up but after that it’s really nice to play.

[@patrickunderwood5662]

I’ve watched dozens of these comparison videos, and keep coming to the same conclusion. Anyone who isn’t a pro, doesn’t have a choice. It’s the HB every time. Tonally, and even in terms of build quality, it’s a wash. Factor in the price, and why would you ever choose the more expensive instrument? Now if you are swimming in cash from royalties, okay, get the Fender. Because it is .01% better for five times the price. But you can afford it, because you’re a Rock Star.

[@panan7777]

I nave one, worst POS I've ever bought.

[@veganpower7825]

In time the HB will fret sprout like hell, tuning stability is trash especially when use dive bar. You will be fortunate if the electronics don't crap out on you from corrosion. Just the tuning instability alone can deter a beginner from playing. The used market on a higher end guitar(besides fender) would be a better value imo like a yamaha or ibanez for starters. I would only recommend these if you wanna learn to setup a guitar without being afraid to mess it up or it's just a one off that wouldn't put a dent in you're pocket. Also resale value is overall better if you regret it in time you might get lucky and turn profit, lol. At the end of the day most guitars are great guitars in the hands of the right player. All the best.

[@veganpower7825]

Is that the fender you have or hb that is trash?

[@connoroflynn1750]

@@veganpower7825 Buy a tuner lol

[@thomasjones8732]

@@veganpower7825 this is what happens when you deprive the human body of bacon sandwiches. Anger, hungry anger

[@jonnietube]

Thank you very much for this - your playing is fantastic and the Harley Benton does, it must be said, sound amazing!

[@resqgear1918]

Thank you so much for your comment and kind words! The Harley Benton's are truly getting scary good! :D

[@jonnietube]

@@resqgear1918 Thanks ResQ Gear, I appreciate that. I'm not pretending that your Strat doesn't sound fantastic - it does! I don't have a lot of money. I have the HB ST62 - it's just nice to hear a much better player show what it is capable of and I'm especially grateful for that. All the Best, Bud.

[@brianm9902]

Another brand the Vintage V6 which I encourage you to compare, it's incredible the value you get these days,

[@resqgear1918]

I know of Vintage and have played a couple of their guitars. I don't know anyone over at Vintage though, so i dont think i'll be able to do a comparison in the near future :o

[@bobbya8622]

Great review!

[@resqgear1918]

Thank you! 😍

[@big6649]

Harley Benton is simply the best . Very snappy, very 60’s oriented sound. Gorgeous.

[@resqgear1918]

To each their own! I like the Fender better but the HB is 90% of the way!

[@GlorifyGodInEverything]

i'll be honest, with our options today, I don't see why anyone buys expensive guitars. Unless you really just want that name brand.

[@guitarkis49]

I feel the HB was brighter and a bit more responsive to the picking. I owned an 84'ish Fender Korean Strat for years but sold it. I now own this ST 62 HB and love it. No issues, fret work is great for the price, and pickups have a nice vintage tone. I have no need for a more expensive guitar. I can do it all on my Harley.

[@carriediamond3131]

The Benton is a good guitar for beginners. Tough to beat the price. If you look around you might be able to find a used Godin for about the same price as the HB.

[@jayteesgear]

Both look and sound great

[@deHelli]

Often I didn't notice any significant difference. Only in the last comparison I could hear that the Fender sounded a bit cleaner and softer in the heights. But when I see the price, HB clearly wins.

[@650thunderbird5]

Good shoot out! HBs are hard to beat in the value for money department.

[@resqgear1918]

Thank you! And i agree. I'm very suprised of how good the Harley Benton stuff has become!

[@aussierednecksinger28]

The HB looked and sounded beautiful. The Fender sounded like heaven's butter.

[@resqgear1918]

So i Presume you liked the fender better? 😉

[@aussierednecksinger28]

@@resqgear1918 you'd play the HB and I'd think that's so nice. Then you'd play the Fender and I'd think, "oh wow!"

[@stephenz2822]

I have been playing for years and have many guitars bought the cheapest Harley Benton strat copy available to relic it and much to my surprise it's a pretty decent guitar.

[@tutatis96]

Jeez that fender has some the sexiest color scheme ive ever seen, ill probably buy a st62 in vintage white an put on a mint pickguard, all thanks to this video lol.

[@resqgear1918]

Haha sounds like a great idea! And yeah i agree, my strat is defo cool to look at! 😂

[@Action-sd7bs]

I think the HB is very nice if I compare with its price. This video is great!

[@resqgear1918]

The HB is pretty incredible for the price to be completely honest with you. If i had that guitar when i started out playing it would have my beginner days as a musician so much easier!

[@larseikind666]

Well well well, what have we got here... Not only did the HB hold up against the Fender. In my opinion it even had a clearer sound! So, yeah, I went straight to Thomann and bought one for myself. If the tremolo block is a bit flimsy then it's no big problem changing it. Apparently it's standard size, so any old block will fit right in. Maybe locking tuners would be worth the money as well? I don't know. But yes, this was a pleasant surprise!

[@rickroberts9182]

The HB has an imperfection just above the pick guard at your wrist that shows up at certain angles. There also is a bit of fret buzz in certain positions but it's easy to deal with it, I'm sure. I have two HB's. One is the paisley ST70 which is pretty good and the other is the Fusion ll that I bought because the ST70 was a great deal for the money. I use the Fusion in a gigging situation along with my Squier CV Telecaster. The Fusion is unbelievably well built and set up. I did change out the middle and neck pickups but the originals were pretty good.

[@watchaddicts1213]

It’s amazing that they [H. B.] can do that for $140!

[@johnforrest6887]

The Fender has a sweeter tone to my ears , but depending on what you're playing the Fender sounded muddy and muted . The HB was much brighter and bordered on to tin sounding . I cant help thinking the tin sound may have been adjusted using the tone controls. End the end , dollar for dollar I'd definitely go with the HB !

[@resqgear1918]

The Harley Benton is also insane value for the money! Can't argue with that!

[@you2vertigo]

Considering that difference in sound....HB, HB and HB - and money left to buy another HB modell 😊

[@tonakkie635]

Great vid ResQ, can please tell me the weight of the HB? Can't find it easily. Thanks Ton

[@terryodonnell5739]

The Harley Benton seems like a good alternative for those of use that cannot shell out the $$$ bucks for the Road Worn Stratocaster. The 62' is going to be my next guitar after I save up for it. I'm sure the fender is worth the money but for those of us with budgets in the lower price range the HB is all that we need.

[@resqgear1918]

To be honest? The Harley Benton is 95% of what the Fender is. But it's also 10% the price of the Fender. I would honestly recommend the ST-62 to anyone looking for an affordable instrument to add to their current lineup of guitars or even if you are just starting out as a new player. It's crazy how much value there is in these guitars, and they have really come a long way. And they are still improving. It's exciting to see where the brand Harley Benton is in 10 years!

[@kbbl102.5]

@@resqgear1918 so good to see a reviewer, especially a professional one, not getting their panties in a wad over there not being a fender logo on the headstock of the guitar that is obviously the better value

[@ejb5034]

"I'm sure the fender is worth the money". After seeing this comparison you still think the Fender is worth paying 10 times the price of the HB? I think you've just got your heart set on owning a "vintage" style Fender Strat. I know it's hard to be unconvinced something is worth more than it is when your mind is made up but still, really?

[@vincenzogiannella]

I can't believe it, I prefer the HB. It's not just "for the price" that put it on a "justification" of "why", I really like the HB "more full", warm and clear sound! I think that if they were on the same price, people could think they are equals. Maybe HB has less quality on components like bridge or tuners, I Don't know as I don't own it, but only on the "tone topic" hb wins. And for me it's difficult to say it... I love Fenders, and Stratocasters in particular, from the sound of the name, the logo (the less important things) to all they are from any point of view.

[@resqgear1918]

The HB is great. But when you play these two against each other you can definitely tell that the Fender is 10 times the price. Components are just waaay better. However, i would feel totally comfortable giging with the HB and I would have loved anything in that quality the first years of my music career!

[@etpslick100]

I really like the HB. Great guitar for the price. Plus it’s ‘mod’ friendly. I have a 1985 squier strat and the stock pickups were hum crazy (back then, budget guitars had bad pickups.) I replaced them with EMG Steve Lukather set SSS and it screams now. I can see doing it to one of the HB’s. Like the review. Fender sounds like should; but that HB strat can hold it’s on.😕🎶👍🏾

[@rossettivictor]

May I ask a couple of questions? Did the HB had the same string gauge and brand of the Fender? Did the HB was properly setup after you received it (Neck relief, action, intonation, pickup height) ? I always like the cheap vs expensive comparisons, because it shows us that 80% of the sound is in the hands and heart of the player.

[@resqgear1918]

You may! Whenever i recieve a new guitar, the first thing i do is change to my favorite string gauge and brand. Therefore whenever i do a video, whether it being about an acoustic guitar or electric, it will always be Elixir strings on there :) I didn't do anything about the setup on the HB. I would have liked to maybe make the trem system usable, but as i wanted to show how it comes out of the box, i didn't touch the intonation or relief or anything at all. And thank you for your comment and questions! Have a good one!

[@thapthoptheep2076]

Nice video. You know I've watched a lot of these comparisons and HB reviews and they're mostly good videos but you did something many do not, you balanced your audio well so that I don't constantly have to crank the volume up when to hear you talk then turn it down when you play or wake the entire city up. That aside it was a clear and very concise comparison with great playing, very nice. Next...maybe you can offer me up some advice. I have a MiM stratocaster, about 10 years old and it's a gorgeous guitar, maple neck and lake placid blue finish, nice sounds and feels great to play. I recently took a chance on HB having heard so many great things and got a telecaster and a nice electro acoustic and they blew me away, the tele isn't as great as my Fender but I still love it, it feels nice to play and the pickups are decent enough but I'll probably mod it at some point. I'd kinda got bored with my strat after 10 years, it's attachment more than anything now, so I was seriously thinking of selling it - I'm coming to a point where I care more about the sounds I can make than branding of the gear I use. I want something heavier but not an LP or SG, both of whichI've had and didn't care much for. So have been eyeing up a cool Ibanez and I've also been thinking of buying an HB strat, specifically their ST-62DLX VW model. The Ibanez has dual humbuckers so I'd need something that's going to replace the strat, it doesn't need to be as good as the Fender but good enough to get at least close to similar tones and feel nice enough to play. Do you think it's worth selling my Fender in exchange for those guitars? Would you do it? The HB tele impressed me enough to really think about it and consider it. I don't want to keep the Fender and buy more, I've honestly spent a fortune on gear over the last 6 months and running out of space. .I'm really not sure what to do, part of me thinks I'd be throwing away something great, other part of me thinks I've been rather silly for many years, the HB guitars I've played are honestly pretty amazing - I'd probably get about 400 for the Fender and the guitars I'm eyeing up come to about 350...I'd even have spare change for strings! Any opinions appreciated...great video, btw...ama sub.

[@thapthoptheep2076]

Forgot to say, in all honestly I reckon the HB sounded a bit thin at times and lacked the sustain but there could be any number of factors that account for this. They both sound really nice in their own way, I really like the clean tones of the HB and to be frank that's mainly what I'd want a Fender or strat style guitar for, anyway - that's personal preference of course, I understand the strat is a versatile instrument. I think with Fender it's really it's as much the feel of it as anything, every Fender - be it made in USA or Mexico I've ever played felt really good, and I've played a few. I've also played many cheap knock-offs over the years, from the trashiest Encore to the most abysmal brands like Burswood...good God. I'd say the HB's I've played are on a par with some of the Epiphone guitars I've owned. I had an SG and an LP and the quality of them was actually really good, they looked fantastic, I just couldn't get used to the fretboards on them, something about them. But they were well made and not as cheap as a HB, they were in the 3-400 price range...but yeah, similar in quality I'd say, very impressive compared to the 'cheap' guitars going around 20 or 30 years ago.

[@Luckyrider1958]

@@thapthoptheep2076 Buy the HB.. swap in Pick ups of your choosing, set it up, and enjoy the savings...

[@customconcern1]

@@Luckyrider1958 just did that. With aged pickups and pots.

[@ejb5034]

@@customconcern1 Way to go!

[@Armankessilon]

I have ordered one HB and while it's on the way already thinking of buying another one) Dangerous brand)

[@resqgear1918]

Dangerous but good! 🤗 Enjoy your new instrument! 😄

[@Plaw01]

How you finding it? I got the Strat the other week and it keeps better tuning than my Mexican Fender Telecaster. Thinking of getting the SG version.

[@donalddemille5910]

My Harley Benton CST24, kind of a PRS style guitar. I can't believe the guitar I got for SO little money. Looking at getting a Fusion 2 as well.

[@donalddemille5910]

Oh, I have V62 Strat in Aztec Silver, too. $145 US. Insane! It is a great guitar. Went with silver cause that is all they have left but now have grown quite fond of that color. got me out of my sunburst "comfort zone". I have a Vintage Brand Strat showing up tomorrow. They are a brand out of the UK. Supposed to be a lot of guitar for the money as well, but I don't think anyone can beat Harley Benton!

[@aliengrey6052]

@@donalddemille5910 yes my two cst24 hard tails are unbelievable.

[@generatornoiseheavy_a6546]

The Harley Benton is a gorgeous guitar, that 3 tone sunburst is the real deal. It sounds good too, gotta tame the highs a bit though. The only thing I don’t like about it is that dent on the body. I hope it didn’t come out the box like that. I’ll probably check out your review on it.

[@resqgear1918]

Well i haven't dropped it, but it's been awhile since i shot the video. Did i mention a dent? Cause i can't find a den haha :D

[@jarco_]

i build the harley benton strat kit and love it. the pick ups are pretty hot and remind me a bit off p90's breaks up a bit quicker than normal single coils. i've had it for over a year and only play that haha even though its very cheap it just sounds great! (only upgraded the tuners to some vintage ones, the one in the kit are pretty bad)

[@_luck_4481]

Pretty fair comparison.... I have just bumped into a tribute series HB (David Gilmour) with more vintagey pups probably they might be closer together with the big F :). Thank you for the video.

[@resqgear1918]

My pleasure!

[@lubos1207]

HB is a great choice for beginners. Deficiencies can be easily upgraded (massive "Wilkinson" Tremolo System Bridge with new Saddles Made in Korea - approx. 20 USD + "Kaynes" Lock String Tuners - approx. 17 USD). For that money you have a very decent guitar ... ;-).

[@resqgear1918]

I agree with you 100%!

[@ovash1]

I own five Fender guitars that I have purchased over the course of my lifetime, and love them all except one. Even the one I don't like is still a very good guitar, but I'm drawn to the Harley Benton's. They remind me of the, Kent, Memphis, Hondo, Maya, and Tokai guitar brands of the 60's and 70's. The difference is that the HB's live up to the hype. I won't give up my Fender guitars, but will add the Harley Bentons to my playing rotation, and take them to places I won't take my more expensive guitars. My first HB arrives tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[@kambenvenkatachellan5312]

Im impressed 👏 😎 👌 harley benton nailed it

[@gillesgenete9598]

Hi, thanks for demo. I do prefer the tones of the Fender, richer, more balanced. Look wise both looks good, but I prefer again the Fender Vintage White, which would look even better with a true dark rosewood fretboard. The Harley Benton is a real good deal for beginners, but I think the Fender would be more reliable in the long term. Nowadays the Mexican made Fender are as good as their US counterpart.

[@resqgear1918]

You are very welcome! (I like the Fender better too, but i am really really biased in that opinion haha)

[@ejb5034]

"Nowadays the Mexican made Fender are as good as their US counterpart." Try telling that to a dyed in the wool Fender owner who dropped a load on an overpriced chunk of wood that can be easily duplicated for a fraction of the cost of the Fender.

[@gillesgenete9598]

@@ejb5034 this is my opinion, based on my several Fender MIM and MIU.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

The HB brighter mids/highs are better to my ears. At least you can get them out but can tone them down as desired. Unfortunately the fender doesn't have that range and no possibility of getting it out of it. Depending on the music style you play the fender may be perfect. My choice ST-62

[@resqgear1918]

The HB is also a pretty good choice. There's just some mojo lacking in the tone for my taste. But to each their own! I don't think either or is better to be honest. It all comes down to what you are looking for. There's some minor things that makes the HB feel a little cheaper, but then again, the fender is literally 10x the price of the HB, so that is to be expected :o

[@luigiriccardi5947]

Harley Benton are great value for money, I tried some myself. But fender guitars, a strat even more, are so unique in sound and feel. It's the most versatile guitar and at the same time the guitar and most recognizable. Hb are very good for starters and for the ones who like to tryout mods but a strat is a strat. Great video!

[@mikehawke2172]

The Harley Benton Fusion-II w/ a pair of DiMarzio pickups would blow that Fender out of the water on specs alone, roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, locking tuners. Only guitar brand I buy now, can't justify dropping 1k on Fenders and Gibson's especially road worns, if I wanted a worn guitar I'd just play tons of shows.

[@resqgear1918]

Hey Mike! I 100% agree with you, that on paper it beats the Fender! But it is and always will be, hard to judge whats "worth" it! Get whatever makes you happy and that you can afford. I love my strat and I will never sell it. There's some mojo in it, and I Will have you know, i have worn it quite a bit more than the state it arrived in 😉 Thanks for you comment Mike! I'll see if i can catch the fusion for a comparison on my Gibson or something alike! 😁

[@chancemiller9340]

Harley Benton's fretboard radius is awful. 13.78" for a Strat? Perhaps after you buy pickups and a new neck, then you can have a decent guitar.

[@jonnietube]

@@resqgear1918 Honestly, that would be an AWESOME comparison video! Don't blame you for a millisecond, for loving your Strat!

[@ejb5034]

@@chancemiller9340 Nitpicker.

[@chancemiller9340]

@@ejb5034- If wanting a guitar to be playable is "nitpicking", then okay. I also want my car do "go". I want my phone to make calls and surf the web. I'm crazy like that.

[@silvansky]

Hmmmm.... HB sounded better to me in some cases. But the Fender's sound is more rich, bell-like on clean sounds. I think you could put a descent pups on HB and get even better sounds.

[@resqgear1918]

The price of the Harley Benton definitely leaves some room for some better pickups! The Harley Benton plays great, so with the right pickups, then you'd have a beast on your hands! :D

[@massimoturchi6819]

Thanks great video....

[@resqgear1918]

My pleasure 🤗

[@dreamspheree]

The fender has more Body and lauder, also you can hear the snap of the picking more pronounced. to the sound i listening with good head phones. Compared the money the change is definitely something minor. However maybe the febder has a better setup overall and its just and you can achieve the playability and tone of the fender closer wirh a good setup?

[@stealthbum34]

Nice vid man, do you know if the Benton is routed for a bridge humbucker pickup?

[@resqgear1918]

It is not 😱

[@stealthbum34]

@@resqgear1918 well in that case it’ll have to be a stacked humbucker :)

[@resqgear1918]

Mine is a couple of years old by now, so it might be different these days. But i just opened it up to look for you 🤗

[@vture]

now I gona buy Hb....thanks for this great comparison

[@resqgear1918]

Pleasure is all mine! 😊

[@57RickH]

For the cost-to-value ratio, to my ears the HB won.

[@resqgear1918]

Probably right 😅

[@alienbookman]

Let's see...I could buy 10 different models of the HB for the cost of 1 Fender. I played an HB ST 20 a few months ago it was not as good as a Fender. But, it was d*mn close! $100 dollars worth of improvements an a good setup, I'll take the HB!

[@oklive4021]

At this pricepoint the ST62 sounds incredible - what about the neck playability ? If it's good I might just upgrade the PU and the trem and have a decent guitar at a killer price

[@resqgear1918]

Neck? To be completely honest haha? It is AMAZING! 😱😍

[@resqgear1918]

If i may give you an advise, i would go for one of the solid colors so you wont be able to tell whether or not its a solid piece or multiple piece body! 😄 Crazy value for the money non the less. Put some good PU's in it and it would be an insane guitar

[@stephenhookings1985]

@@resqgear1918 so on my channel I plan to put some EMG DG20 onto a HB ST20 CAR maple fingerboard - i wonder why :-). 100% agree on the solid colour tip. The more I play the stock HB the more I wonder if it makes sense to change it. It is so good.as it is. And if I use a cheap Multi FX pedal I can get some Gilmour tones. I seen some dude put one thru a Kemper. Wow. My only criticism? Why didn't I try one of these earlier!! I already had a HB bass that is one of my favourites.

[@daveydoodle1916]

I’ll but a Harley just ta goof around.sounds good enough.Close sound or just change pick ups. I mean the price is ridiculously low!

[@resqgear1918]

I agree! 😄

[@billsedge7360]

I just got a hb Gilmore, trouble is it sounds tinny and metally, ( is that a word?),, it play ok and looks great , at rehearsal the other night though one guy said it sounds like a sitar ,! And it does , so,, how do I get it to sound more like fender?

[@resqgear1918]

May I ask what amp you are using? And/or pedals? The Gilmore would sound thinner is my suspicion. Haven’t played it so I can’t tell for sure 😱

[@billsedge7360]

@@resqgear1918 blackstar ht 20, blues driver , it just sounds “ not good “,! My fender sounds ok my other hb is fine just this one ,🥴

[@kenhall6525]

HB sounds great at 1/10th the price

[@resqgear1918]

I agree with you!

[@papafsb444]

I’ve had one for a year now. I was going to get a new set of pickups but I’m happy with how it’s sounds. Needed setting up but after that it’s really nice to play.

[@pdp977]

It would take about 30 seconds to match the Harley Benton level and sound - to the Fender with my EQ pedal. Am I the only guitarist in the world with one of these? I have 30+ guitars and the idea that a sound is more 'refined' than another is stupid. BTW- the tone controls on your amp are expressly for adjusting these kinds of differences as well. When you record a guitar do you EQ/Compress it? Of course you do. So, surprise, the only differences relevant in the comparison are build quality and playability, As Fender have kindly pre-damaged yours the build quality comparison is going to be a bit difficult. What you essentially have discovered is that similar guitars with different pickups sound slightly different and that the difference is probably not worth the £900 or so price differential.

[@resqgear1918]

I agree with you 90% of the way. Guitars are different and whether or not you talk explicitely about the sound, theres also a huge factor in how the instrument feels in your hands and what it inspires you to play. Take something as simple as Sweet Child o' Mine. Just the fact that people play a Les Paul and plays that song, and then goes over to a Strat only to play some Dire Straits. Everything goes, but different guitars call for a different feel, a different tone. It's not about tone matching. I never wanted this video to be a this or that is better. All I wanted was to showcase two guitars and try and get the price factor out of the way. But people should indeed buy more EQ pedals!

[@ejb5034]

@@resqgear1918 Many people can't get the price factor out of their heads for various reasons and the consensus for most is that more expensive means better. Add in the name on the headstock and they'll likely to waste, literally waste, their money on a name brand. I think HBs are going to be more successful than most of the lower priced competition. I've already bought 4 of them including 2 Strat style, 1Lp style and 1 PRS style. I do minimal setup work as they come pretty well set up from the factory with all the guitars I've bought so far and are super platforms for upgrading.

[@callalaaa]

this video is probably sponsored by HB or thomann but for the price hb definately gets the w

[@itsrobertos]

can I ask beginner start with HB ST 62

[@liamberesford3099]

62 fender perfect as always.

[@resqgear1918]

Agreed

[@samchonich9035]

Is that a custom pick guard on the Harley benton ? I can’t find that guitar.

[@resqgear1918]

Its very much the stock pickguard: www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_st_62_rw_sb_vintage_series.htm?i11l=en_GB%3ADK.DKK

[@tiefseegurke_]

I’ve tied some Mexican Fenders in the last months. I was so disappointed. The neck was not aligned, frets uneven, and it had some other minor issues. A HB might have the same problems, but it is much cheaper. For 1/4 of the Fenders price these issues are acceptable.

[@peskypesky]

The Harley Benton sounded as good or better. Crazy.

[@creativitycell]

You see two equally good looking women in a bar, one is dressed in very expensive designer fashion gear drinking a glass of red wine, the other in jeans, boots and t-shirt drinking a 🍺.....I know which I'll have more fun with....and my bank account will be healthier.......I'm getting a HB.....even if I lose it out partying.....who cares! I friggin luv HB......you can't smash a Fender Stratocaster up, or set it on fire n chuck it out the window and not worry about the cost.......

[@lukather1]

I actually think the HB sounds better with the hotter pickups 😎❤️

[@resqgear1918]

Well it is by no means a bad guitar, and when i made this video i was pretty sure alot of people would chose the HB over the Fender. They are both incredible!

[@mitchconnerandsometimesjlotoo]

Jonathan Koh said they are a tad low output. Each to their own opinion.

[@TheStefanGuitar]

To me the HB sounds a little harsh compared to the fender.

[@resqgear1918]

Fair observation Stefan! 😄

[@seerattan]

Well duuuuuh, a change of pickups and it will sound better.

[@ces69]

Is the pickup heights similar?

[@resqgear1918]

I honestly don't know. Let me check when I'm in the studio tomorrow! 😊

[@themplar]

Soundwise with this one i like the Fender a bit more. Weirdly enough i heared a blind test on the cheapest TE with some fenders, and i choose the HB every time as the best sounding. The fender here looks amazing, but since i dont have fender moneys and i happen to like HBs (have 2 LP styles now) i'm going for the HBs.

[@resqgear1918]

The Harley Bentons are great value for the money. It's insane what you get for the price, so I support the HB chase!

[@jimme8499]

Soundwise if you want it to sound exactly the same is to change the pick ups to the same make. Still saves a fortune for a brand new guitar rather that buying the same value second hand Fender then having to spend a fortune getting new frets etc.

[@elsenorpendelton6568]

the tuners of HB works ok?

[@resqgear1918]

Surprisingly well yes! 😄

[@DMSProduktions]

The Fender sounded more 'refined' however, the HB kept up nicely. They might be $1Ks difference, but do they SOUND $1Ks different? NO!

[@resqgear1918]

I would agree, but im lowkey biased over my own strat 😅 But the value for money is not to argue about when it comes to the Harley Benton! 😱

[@DMSProduktions]

@@resqgear1918 Definitely not!

[@TheBbtlegit]

Yes i have one harley benton and getting another one.

[@resqgear1918]

Which one?! 😍

[@TheBbtlegit]

@@resqgear1918 The st 59 m.

[@TheBbtlegit]

​@@resqgear1918 St. 62.

[@mitchconnerandsometimesjlotoo]

Turn the gain down on the hb and it would be really close.

[@theveguido]

This Harley benton or squier classic vibe?

[@resqgear1918]

They Squier classic vibe if you're talking the old ones. For the price the Harley Benton beats the new classic vibes if you ask me!

[@isthereanybodyoutthere9397]

G&L Indo makes are halfway between the two.....

[@Alfredo78666]

Not pretending to be the working class guitar player here, but in all honesty I dug the HB better. PS: Is the neck the vintage "fatty" style?

[@resqgear1918]

The neck is pretty slim actually. A bit slimmer than I prefer 🤗

[@lebahdichannel2626]

H.B 👍👍👍

[@patrickgaynor9984]

I have had a few harley bentons , and they have been ok, but they can't really compare to an american Fender guitar. I have an american performer strat and to say a harley benton come's close is just not true. The quality of the american guitar is superb. I waited years to get an american fender and it was worth it. I have had all sorts of strats and the best ones were tokai's and squiers.

[@akgico7677]

Fender sounds good

[@mariorojas3724]

Sounds better HB to me😂👍🙏😁

[@creativitycell]

I done two months research into guitar brands and cost......and I'm convinced HB is the best all round regarding quality, sound, build, aesthetics, and cost. I put out £569 on a black Fender Telecaster, and £70+£13 postage on an HB T-style in stealth Matt black/dark red pick guard......which should arrive next few days......guess which one I'm more excited about!

[@dragan4658]

Unless you find a used fender and even then the Hb is much more affordable even once you replace pups, tuners and trem block, making it an amazing instrument but it still doesn't have the appeal of the fender.

[@Siyanvdd]

What are the songs that you played?

[@resqgear1918]

Uhm I don't know honestly 😅 Usually I make something up, or play my own stuff. But nothing you can find on Spotify. I try to keep it copyright safe and not play songs that are already made. Sometimes the muscle memory gets the better of me, but then I just cut it out of the video 😄 Sorry if you were looking for anything in particular! 😱

[@Siyanvdd]

@@resqgear1918 oh okay, but what you played sounds really cool :)

[@kct9967]

The only problem with HB is that they are stupid good for the price.

[@resqgear1918]

I don't know if i would call it a problem for consumers, but defo for the competition! I agree with you! ;)

[@willybilly51]

I find the Harley Benton Sound is cleaner and i love it ..for me Harley Benton. Best Regards from Germany

[@resqgear1918]

The HB's are great guitars indeed! 😍

[@taylor12elementvb]

To me it's like the HB (a lightweight boxer) going up against the F3nd3r (heavyweight boxer). In my opinion the HB more than held its own and for what it is worth scored a TKO (IMHO) over the F3nd3r. Nice job with the vid. Well done Harley Benton.

[@freereacher]

If you are comparing two pieces of the same wood the lighter piece is better quality. Heavy is NOT necessarily good. Also you only said that the HB pickups are hotter. Whether or not the cheaper guitar has ceramic pickups or not is probably more useful knowledge. All you are confirming is that the cheap HB guitar sounds like a Strat. The real Stat sounds warm. The HB sounds like cheap strat

[@resqgear1918]

I really thought I made it clear that I was sarcastic when I said heavier is better 😂 Heavier can be better. Depends on what you are after! 😂 I prefer lighter woods though!

[@giovannidaminato1717]

Si continua a dire che le Harley Benton sono per principianti solo perché, a volte, si rifanno a marchi blasonati, solo che poi si suonano e viene voglia di comprarne più d'una, dimenticando tranquillamente l'esistenza di quelle altre

[@kct9967]

Instead of comparing cheap vs expencive guitars, how about taking HBs most expencive guitar vs any guitar at the same price range.

[@resqgear1918]

I will do that the first chance I get to do so!

[@mike5177]

Harley Bentons are no joke.

[@resqgear1918]

They are really not!

[@nicirvin1994]

I know.. I know I feel a bit of a prick as you've probably been asked this over a million times but..why.. Or how do you *compare* two guitars with well over a thousand pounds difference between them ?

[@resqgear1918]

You're not a prick at all! It's a good question.. Well think of it from a beginners perspective. If you are in the market for a guitar and all the old dogs says fender is the only way? Then it's good to know there's instruments out there that for the 10th of the price can get you 95% of the way. Not everybody can afford a fender that's well over a thousand quid. And just for this comparison I wanted to see the difference myself, so why not record it and throw it out there in case anyone were interested in seeing how an affordable Harley Benton holds up against a fairly expensive Mexico Fender 😄 Don't feel bad for you comment, I understand what you are coming from 😄

[@ejb5034]

What would be the point in comparing two expensive guitars just because they're in the same price range? If there's a point to doing that, then there's even more of a point to be made comparing instruments of vastly difference price points and, blindfolded, most people cannot tell the difference. Not saying blindfolded so they can't appreciate the paint job or other details of it's construction which is part of what makes a guitar appealing for the prospective buyer but, honesty please, if a blind comparison reveals an ambiguous result and 95% of the value of either guitar is satisfied within the first 10% of the cost of the expensive guitar the rest of the value is illusion, or rather, self-imposed delusion nearly all for the sake of having a marque name on the headstock. This doesn't apply universally 100% of the time but I'll bet it's good for 95% of the time.

[@pads-zr9ln]

I think its just a standard shuttle,mind you in the books Ripley has turnee up olenty of times on the way hime

[@sasalekic3120]

Iako sam fan Fendera ali HB je dosta bolji ton.

[@dawoud8013]

@4:08 .... freeezyyy beeuurk

[@resqgear1918]

What? 😂

[@dawoud8013]

@@resqgear1918 I would like to say : "bumblebee is coming" ^^

[@hajianekena6909]

Fender sound seem have a compressor, this is the difference for me!

[@resqgear1918]

Fair point 😄

[@TheOnlyCAVEMAN]

Did you sell this ,if not how much (American)....don't know other currency...lol

[@resqgear1918]

I didn't sell any of them, but they are not up for sale at the moment 🤗

[@TheOnlyCAVEMAN]

Ok.thank you

[@janstaugaard4098]

I don't understand why the Harley Benton sounds just as great comparing to the fender???😊😊😊😊

[@resqgear1918]

Cause it's a great guitar!

[@ejb5034]

Because the science of making (especially) solid body electric guitars is not limited to the name brands that we're brainwashed to lust for. Are you in it to enjoy playing (which can be accomplished with many instruments both cheap and expensive)? Or are you into gawking at the instrument? While playing and the guitar is being made to be musical, your concentration is on you. When it's sitting in a stand and you're admiring the instrument it is silent. Is it a painting or something that you pick up and play with? Granted, you've got to like the way the guitar plays because you'll play your best if the instrument's shortcomings don't get in the way. But you really don't have to drop a bundle on a guitar to get a great one.

[@GarryWan666]

0:50 I am not sure I agree with you on this. Weight does not contribute better/worse in tone and there is no scientific proof. Two of my Gibson Les Paul Jr weight very very different. One weights almost as much as my Les Paul with 9 holes relief and the other one feels as light as a Strat. Even though same model same wood same material same brand but a huge difference in weight. That doesn’t mean one of them is a piece of junk does it? ;)

[@resqgear1918]

Haha i 100% agree with you! 😂 I was trying to come across as sarcastic and try to banter a little bit! But no, i would not say that heavy = good. BUT! Heavy does mean = Different 😄 Sorry if it came across as i really meant it! 😮

[@GarryWan666]

ResQ Gear No Prob mate! You deserve more views! Have a great day!

[@resqgear1918]

You too mate, and thank you so much! 😍

[@bobbya8622]

@@resqgear1918 you didn’t. It was obvious you were saying that “tongue in cheek.”

[@resqgear1918]

What does "tounge in cheek" mean? 🤔😱

[@gushutchinson8758]

The competition from Harley Benton, EART,JET and the likes surely spells financial ruin for the big boys Fender ,Gibson ,PRS, Gretch and who else Ibanez, Yamaha etc. To some extent we have long been overpaying for the name ...if the innovators can't compete will it harm the research ,development and all round creativity? Or will the Johnny come lately fellas simply hire in the brains as the original companies crash from the canopy and leave open patches of sunlight for the seedlings in waiting to flourish? The budget companies , definitely HB have been getting better exponentially and have proved they can make high quality instruments too... will it depend on the direction chosen by the far eastern factories in Indonesia, China Japan where else ? Korea etc. I think there's going to have to be big mergers. At this rate half the global population will have to become guitarists or grow extra pairs of limbs . See...I went and ruined the serious point I was trying to get feedback on!!!

[@pocketstring3634]

Heavier sucks, that’s why I like hollow bodies.

[@knowitall1694]

Please, stop using the words "price point". A price point (1:57) is a point on a scale of possible prices at which something might be marketed. So, are you saying Thomann doesn't have a price for this guitar yet?

[@resqgear1918]

People in videos say price point (most i know at least) because we do a bunch of videos and it's hard to remember the exact price on every piece of equipment. I think it comes down to laziness but at least there you have an answer 🤗

[@aftertheendtimes]

As a Luthier said here on youtube "All Cheap as Expensive Strat Trems can be setup to be in tune" I was sceptic but spend some time on my HB ST-62 OW and it has held the tune since then suprisingly =) Love my HB vintage 62 OW, since then and play it ever day, before it just sat in the shadows =), so a proper setup one are good to go, and the myth is busted ;) Love cheers💚🎸

[@Saxoprane]

Thiccer is better, heavier is not

[@resqgear1918]

No no, heavier is indeed better. We all know that!