Harley Benton TE-20 HH SBK - An Unbiased Review

[@randomcitizenname]

I have this guitar, its my very first instrument (38 years old bloke), and have been taking lessons since I got it for Christmas of 2021. Now, I don't really have that much player experience, but I do have a lot of musician friends, and almost all of them said it should not play so well for the price. One even compared it to his american SG Gibson from the 90s(well over 1k bucks) and couldn't believe I only paid 90 euros. True, the fret buzz was real at the beginning, the setup was not quite 100% (action was too high, intonation was slightly off), but a full setup with a fret job/polish + a tusq nut solved that. I am blessed to have a lot of supportive musician friends, so every week I've had the opportunity to join a lot of jams and have had exponential progress. I can attribute this to this guitar. It has been my gateway into learning music and I am in love with it. Thinking of adding its Strat-style ST-20 hss sister (for the whammy bar and single coiledness), and the TB-70 Thunderbird 4 string bass for the heck of it. Of course, all of them in the same color scheme, the satin black with red pickguard. It would be under 400 euros with all 3 instruments and i would have a looooad of options of sounds to try out in my guitar journey.

[@Rosborough]

Great to hear and you're so right! A little bit of work can make these amazing instruments and to be honest I've had gibson and fenders in my workshop that need just as much, sometimes more, work! Excited for your new purchases!!

[@royrcf]

Great review , had my guitar for a year plays and sounds superb. No issues, 100% stock the pickups amazed me with their versatility.

[@Rosborough]

Great to hear! I recently did a mod on it, have to say I haven't put it down!

[@timrobinson9192]

That was a great sounding track you made. HB really do make playable guitars at a great price point. Nice playing mate!

[@Rosborough]

Thanks loads, Tim. Was on a bit of a Tool mood that day 😂 they are amazing. I'm really trying not to blow all my money buying more! I've just bought some new parts to modify this so that video will be coming soon Thanks loads for your comment, I really appreciate it!

[@timrobinson9192]

@@Rosborough I've just ordered the Harley Benton ST-20 HSS 3 days ago. Cant wait for it to arrive. I have two SG style ( an epiphone and a HB DC custom), and a Gretsch G5222. I thought a strat style HB would be nice to toy with. I never really heard much tool stuff, but I'll be sure to check them out! I'm more Sabbath, DC, Maiden,Priest, Rush etc. Also I like the harder stuff like Slayer, Anthrax, Metal Church etc. Hope you have a great weekend buddy. ☮☮👍👍

[@JM00237]

Those Roswell pickups sound EPIC. Especially for the price.

[@MisterK2000]

I just ordered it. should come around 3-5 weeks i cant wait my first guiter

[@dspetos]

Had this guitar for 5 months, came with action waaay too high and neck like a banana, adjusted saddles and truss rod, replaced the cheap tuners with ones from a USA strat I had lying around (had to make 2 small holes back of headstock for each one) and voila! Pickups on my model came at nice medium height. Plays a treat now. Totally recommend a pro setup and replacement tuners if you buy this axe

[@Rosborough]

All super advice sam, thanks for commenting!

[@joshuajaimes121]

Lmao that’s uncommon, mine came perfectly!

[@Rosborough]

Tuners on mine are still holding up well!

[@jakelionettimusic]

My Tuners came messed up on another cheap model tele (White) from HB. I’m gonna get a professional set up soon.

[@Rosborough]

What was wrong with them?

[@thomasmurray8954]

Good review! I found I had to lower my action too but to get the intonation set I had to pull my saddles waaaaayyyy back! So this suggests the entire bridge is set too far forward in mine but its budget so what can you do? Its set so its fine. As a basic guitar it's great, and I didn't have the buzz you had so perhaps its one or the other problems. I replaced the Tuners with Vansen Locking flat-sided Tuners, Graphtech PT-5010-00 Black Tusq Xl Nut and Seymour Duncan JB and Jazz pickups and plays like a dream.

[@Rosborough]

Ah the jb and jazz are such a solid combo! And I've heard great things about van vansen this past while! It sounds like you did a proper job on upgrading yours, Thomas! Think you did what's best for these and that's a solid mod base. And as you said, it's a basic guitar Guitars when I started were more expensive and awful! Think if this was your first, you'd be spoiled!

[@frankkiethebassplayer]

Another great review. Thank you! Also enjoyed your playing.

[@Rosborough]

Thanks loads Shannon, as a more than average player, I appreciate it 😂

[@sams.4388]

Thank you for this review. You said the neck is a bit chunky, but not too chunky. Is the neck profile the same as if this were an actual Fender Tele? Thank you.

[@Rosborough]

Hi, I've found most teles to be a little less chunky than this. But, that's not to say this is in anyway uncomfortable or too big to play for long periods of time. I'm still lifting it and enjoying it quite often

[@anthonysands7084]

Hey dude I bought one and also got an in case of emergency save my guitar sticker sweet touch I thought,cool channel man🤘🤠

[@Rosborough]

Haha the sticker is such a good touch! Thanks loads Anthony, really appreyour comment! 🤘

[@charlesharper7292]

If you get the opportunity, check out Harley Benton JA-40 I think? I have one. Great neck action was good out of the box. Very quiet. Probably due to a pair of active humbuckers. Same finish as your TE.

[@Rosborough]

Is it the JA20 HH? It looks like a mean machine. I'd love to have a rack of just thier matt black guitars

[@charlesharper7292]

@@Rosborough yeah, I think that's it. Looking at HB website the guitar looks textured dark gray. But it's satin black. After my black, (glossy) Ibanez, I swore I'd never get another black guitar. The satin black dose fingerprint, but not nearly as much as glossy. My TE-25 anaversary has a satin gold/copper finish that looks great! I need to know what to use to clean them. Never get polish on them.

[@charlesharper7292]

@@Rosborough I like the JA. Unique shape, very comfortable, Minimal controls. A 3 way, and a volume. Take care of the rest at the amp.

[@Rosborough]

I've the sc dlx in light blue that's satin. A damp cloth is fine for them. I had a friend tried to polish his and now it looks like it's just got an awful paint job haha

[@bob6382.]

Could I use this guitar for more like clasic rock,country and rock n roll ?

[@orchidkido3966]

I've bought this guitar recently and I'm kinda unpleasantly shocked with it. The screws on the pickups do nothing. When I was trying to adjust them, they simply spin around or fall into the pickup a bit and I'm no longer able to get them out of there. Also the buzz noise problem but I've kinda solved it more or less with having my foot placed on the audio interface. Also I believe unplugging the laptop from the charger will help, but not able to try it. The sound lacks a lot of high-end, so I have to eq the DI in order to make it sound much more clear. The neck pickup is horrible with as if you were listening to the sounds through 4 pillows so I'm not even trying to play something on it. The biggest facepalm I've experienced is the phase cancellation when listening in mono doubled DI tracks. I never thought something like that can even be. In stereo it sounds ok but the lows completely or partly disappear in mono. Facepalm. Thus, I'm not a big pro at guitars so I think I'm just doing something wrong. But what I'm definitely gonna do is throw away those stock pickups and buy something better. The tone nob works starting from around 30%. The volume nob works fine. As for the rest everything is ok but still I feel nothing but disappointment. I have an Ibanez GIO GRG170DX and it is way more better than this guitar. The only thing giving me some hope is videos in the KZbin where it sounds surprisingly good so maybe it's just me doing something wrong.

[@Rosborough]

Thanks for this comment dude, it helps me recommending stuff to hear the good and the bad! As far as the screws go, you can get them back on a string change. I'd try adjusting the pickup hieght then so you can see what is actually going on. The holes and screws might need a run or two, could be the springs are too weak etc - but it's hard to tell without opening it up I didn't notice my neck pickup being too muddy, but I always run through an amp so it might have something to do with it There's always the possibility it's just a dudd? This does happen from time to time. I hope it's not, but if you're feeling handy, I've a video on installing new pots and one on new pickups - the Wilkinson M series HOT set sound good for less than £40 In terms of your stereo. Are you using different amps? It's always best to use as much separation in tone to create the stereo tracking feel. On a song where it's not a review of a guitar I'd have 2 different guitars, 2 different amps and maybe use amp gain on one side and a distortion pedal to clean on the other so it reduces the chance of phasing. Hope that might help a bit Lastly, I just fixed up a gio for a friend there. If someone asked me which budget guitar to get to play metal, I'd recommend it everytime I have an RG myself and I constantly use it, they're not much different, and I'd be tempted by a gio to mod. I love the neck on them I hope at least some of this helps, but if you've anything else you'd like to ask, don't hesitate - I could talk gear and recording all day!

[@orchidkido3966]

@@Rosborough Thanks a lot for your reply. Tons of useful advices from your side! I'll try all of that and I'll watch the video about the Wilkinson pickups. What I forgot to mention is that I still find this guitar good for any upgrade because I like how it looks, it holds the tunning well and it feels comfortable in hands. That's the positive moments for me. Thank you again for such detailed reply!

[@Rosborough]

No problem at all! Yeah I agree with you. I really like plugging it in to just chugg dirty power chords on all day, which is where I see this guitar sitting best! I might do a full upgrade video soon on the electronics for a bit of fun. Not too soon though because I keep blowing my money on new guitar stuff and I need to calm down haha!

[@petrucci973]

I have the same guitar.. I upgraded the bridge pickup with rail hammer anvil.. it sounds better but yet that’s where tone wood comes in place.

[@Rosborough]

That's a huge pickup!! I bet it sounds immense!

[@petrucci973]

@@Rosborough check out my latest video mate did a cover of the legendary solo time by pink Floyd you'll hear it plugged in a JP2C with Harley Benton cab with V30's 2x12 vertical using an SM57 and a Joyo MOMIX interface.

[@PTRK490]

Well bought this guitar, and my main issues is that the screw holes are stripped out😅 one screw on the pickguard, the control plate, pickup selector and string tree hole. Of course it’s a cheap guitar, only 99 euros on Thomann but still, unacceptable. Output jack nut was also loose (THAT I could tighten), pickup selector rattled and can not tighten it because well.. I guess it was stripped! Conclusion: it’s a f**ked up guitar😅 i seriously don’t know what to do about it, don’t have enough money to take it to a shop. Anyway it sounds good though lol luckily it works fine. And to be honest I kinda don’t even bother anymore. Until I have enough money I will definitely take it to the shop. But still really bumped about it!

[@Rosborough]

Ahh nightmare! I would return it if you can. I know they are cheap but that list is a total let down and not as advertised! Some good wood filler can refill the holes but it's not something you should be doing with a new guitar Super disappointed for you!

[@PTRK490]

I returned it and Thomann gave me a brand new one and everything’s okay with it. No more stripped screw holes or whatever so they do took care of it immediately. Now I play lead guitar on it like crazy😜 I did changed the pickups though, and had to did some fret work.

[@Rosborough]

Ah I'm glad it all worked out well and they were on top of things!!

[@offdutyjie]

This guitar has a Matt Belemy Vibe lol! May get one and put some Mississippi Queen P90s in them lol!!

[@Rosborough]

It would be perfect for that vibe! It's so suited to heavier alternative rock!

[@davidjames7778]

Had take off the bridge on mine, and scrape some paint off to earth it, as it hummed a bit.

[@Rosborough]

Yep! My partners bass version of this is the same story

[@xulphyte]

I will get this one tomorrow! Since I'm home recording "atmospheric black metal", you guys reckon a SD black winter or nazgul at the bridge (or even a set?) will add something to the sound? Thanks!

[@Rosborough]

If it's big drones go for the black winter, the nazgul is nice and cutting for more lead type playing, the black is a lot smoother sounding

[@xulphyte]

@@Rosborough thanks Ros! +Sub

[@Rosborough]

Ah thanks loads

[@xulphyte]

@@Rosborough And about the placement of the pickups? Replacing both HB humbuckers seems advisable?

[@heggy_fpv]

Yep, there is a ground wire to the bridge, but the bridge is lackered - not conductive.

[@PegeCovers]

Kids are gonna love these guitars

[@Rosborough]

I started playing in the 90s, I cannot believe what you get for your money these days. I've tried to list problems that some people might find, but all of them are so solvable in an afternoon

[@PegeCovers]

@@Rosborough Facts. I started around 15-16 years ago. I did get a decent beginner guitar. Harley Benton ST-20. But it isn't even close to their current ST-20, which I've also tried. I have to say though. I own one cheap Ibanez acoustic and I own a harley benton acoustic that I paid like 20-30€ more for as a b-stock, and the Benton SHI*S over the Ibanez. Not even in the same universe. My Ibanez is the "Ibanez PF15" and the Benton is "Harley Benton Custom Line CLD-15MCE VS".

[@Rosborough]

Totally! I got cld d28 and it's amazing. I have a Taylor that I'm going to sell on now as the HB blows it wayyyy out of the water. I know a lot of people have negative things to say about budget guitars but it's come so far now. It's so positive that you can have a good sounding and playing instrument for so cheap AND it makes the bigger brands step up their game!

[@narcsoul]

Hello! Great review. How much is its weight ? Thanks in advance

[@Rosborough]

I'm not sure of the exact weight but I would say it is somewhere between medium to light in terms of my other guitars It's not as light as say an ibanez rg, but not as heavy as a fender telecaster It would be very comfortable to play standing up for a long time

[@MrBlackPasta]

Looks so nice!! How can they make these so cheap.

[@Rosborough]

It's mad! The finish is lovely! Robots are our friends haha

[@squayssan5352]

hi, this harley benton or ibanez gio double hambucker choice ? thanks

[@Rosborough]

Hi it's a harley benton te 20 HH

[@squayssan5352]

@@Rosborough I want to know what’s the best : this Harley benton vs Ibanez gio ?? Thanks

[@Rosborough]

If you're playing metal etc, the gio in my opinion. I much prefer the neck. The harley benton I would use more for grunge, hard rock etc

[@squayssan5352]

@@Rosborough thanks you very much 👍

[@PROPLAY-z9e]

Noise gate nao resolve o problema?

[@Rosborough]

It's too loud, especially for clean tones. Also, it shouldn't be accepted in any new guitar

[@PROPLAY-z9e]

@@Rosborough Dude, would you recommend any other in this price range? thanks.

[@Rosborough]

@@PROPLAY-z9e they have te40 which is quite nicely you could get it cheap second hand. I've found most of their guitars to be quite good, but anything with black hardware I have used has this noise issue

[@GuitarP0RN]

FYI: These are no longer string-thru body 😔

[@jabelone1]

Got one a few weeks ago and it was a string through.

[@GuitarP0RN]

@@jabelone1 I got one delivered last Monday and it's string-thru bridge and Thomann checked the new ones(5 boxes) and they were all string-thru bridge.

[@Rosborough]

Personally I don't mind top loading bridges. I know for some it's a deal breaker. I used to break strings A LOT when I was younger so I used to change mine over to string through the bridge style - always easy to change a string mid gig

[@AyJuon]

U think its good to plaay punk music???

[@Rosborough]

Yeah, I think it's well suited to any kind of harder rock music. Maybe not a true metal guitar but anything rock orientated, it'd eat it up

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Got a B-stock lemon from this. Faulty pups, crazy noise. Shame.

[@Rosborough]

They've a few that have super noise issues. Did you put some new pickups in? Is it all good again?

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

@@Rosborough nope, returned the next day. Got my money back. I got an R446 instead.

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#75_HummmAside_ShesWicked_asOuiUsedToSayIn1969🤙