Harley Benton TE-52 Telecaster vs SX VTG Series Telecaster (The Battle!)

[@ericknapp4352]

I own both, and the advantage is that you're buying a great body for almost nothing. Change out the pickups and pots, put on new strings and possibly a new nut, and you've got a tele that plays like something worth $600 and up.

[@stirlingarcher2141]

I believe the best observation to take out of videos like this is that modern lower price guitars can be great value for money as apposed to the crap of only a few years ago :-)

[@stirlingarcher2141]

@Ben Hackett That's an interesting point. I know Thomann cut out the cost of the middle man & retailers by selling direct. SX guitars do sell through distributors & retailers but don't spend much on advertising. So all this leaves me to believe a lot of the cost factored into Squier & Epiphone's etc could include a fair bit of advertising money that needs recuperating?

[@erictoniaschwab1009]

Stirling Archer absolutely. With your big name brands, you’re not necessarily paying just for quality. You’re paying overhead. The company whose name is on the headstock, the manufacturer, advertisers, distributor and retailer all are going to get their cut. The cost is passed off to the consumer. Harley Benton and SX cut out a few of those middle men.

[@TeleCathster]

Think I preferred the Harley Benton in both look and sound! I think both sound really good and I doubt whether in a mix or blind test many would know the difference between this and the real thing. I do love that see through finish on the Harley B. Great review!

[@DMSProduktions]

Both are pretty close. BOTH in the tonal ball park. Both do the Tele thing pretty well! BUT to my ears too, the HB had more clarity, esp the neck puck up was far less muddy and the treble strings had more definition. I also thought the middle pos sounded way nicer, than the SX, more jangly! The difference too is, in the pick ups themselves. The SX,(as you showed) had ceramic magnets in them. The HB have alnico magnets. (A5's)

[@landonbailey]

both sound good! Cosmetically (on camera) I prefer the look of the Harley Benton. It looks a lot like your 52 Tele. The SX kind of has a gold tint to it. Anyways both looks like great budget guitars to check out

[@davidkastin4240]

I've been waiting for this video Shane. Thanks for taking the time to make it. The SX gets my vote hands down. Besides being good guitars, with a set up like most guitars need at any price point, free shipping and returns and excellent customer service here in the U.S. and that is only some of the reasons why I have 4 different models of SX guitars.

[@leftymark8667]

From what can be seen on camera, the Harley B looks more pleasing to the eye, the SX seems to have a Werther's Original look to it. But as a lefty myself it is nice to see guitars that are not satin black.

[@ccmusic2249]

I'm hearing higher output pickups in the HB and more treble with the HB pickups in both positions. Depends on what you want. I think the SX would be great for bluesy jazz and the HB would be a chicken pickin machine.

[@jeffn2508]

I’m a fan of the SX it sounds really good and I have an SX guitar myself and can say that the build quality is impressive especially at this price point

[@TheDoobiesnatcher]

great video I got my first Harley Benton yesterday they are unbelievable for the price!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

What Harley Benton you got?

[@TheDoobiesnatcher]

@@AngelMartinez-qs3cf I got their 335 guitar it's great

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

@@TheDoobiesnatcher that's cool, can you provide me with a link?

[@mydogspet]

I own 3 Sx teles - deluxe - thineline - and a 1 piece ash body - all with stock pick-ups. I can dial in great Fender tones with all three Sx . ....HB teles look great, but I could never match Fender tones. I prefer Sx by a wide margin.

[@NickintheStates]

Hey man thanks for the shot out! I’ve owned a couple of SX guitars because their US distributors are close by. Loving the series!!!

[@rickhill6277]

Great comparison Shane. As a Telecaster player I think I prefer the HB. I like the Stringthrew body (although some say there is no difference). I also liked the sound of both Pickups better. Mellow Neck but still retains that high end if you dig in. Bridge is clear and sparky and has nice breakup dirty. It sounds closer to a Telecaster sound to me! Thanks for the review and have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New. Also please pass it along to Rick!! Cheers!

[@seanylewl]

I think I prefer the SX for sound, although there's not much in it really. Definitely prefer the HB's looks though - the paint on the SX is just too mustard coloured for me.

[@tonepilot]

Overall to my ears, the HB sounded better. But, as you always say, “tone is subjective”.

[@billsedge7360]

I think the Benton just shades it, sounds a bit more snappy as a tele should, but both are great guitars for the money

[@MattyK-USA]

Man, that didn't take long to get out! Okay, time to watch the video :) P.S. I can see why you said the other night that you liked the HB's pups - they really shine in this comparo (at least to my ear).

[@tswc42]

The Harley Benton looks much better, but that's just my preference for the finish type. I also much prefer string-through Teles, so that top-loader SX isn't my cup of tea. Both sounded pretty good for the price, though.

[@MrAntpre]

Great video. TKS. Would love to see a HB TE 52 vs squier classic vibe video/review.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

You cant go wrong with either guitar. I have a HB tele and a SX tele thinline. Actually the SX is a very surprising good guitar for th e stupid 125 euro I paid for it. But then the HB was only 90 euro new with a beautiful white blond finish.

[@stirlingarcher2141]

As regards shipping from Thomann in Germany, I've had a few Harley Benton's shipped to Australia and they have a weight limit but can fit & ship about 4 guitars in a box for about $70 au.

[@elwrongo]

Thanks! Apparently Artist is the HB brand in Australia

[@emilbergdahl3063]

I also preffer the HB over the SX. Both in looks and sound. One thing to take into account is that Thomann offers great setup and awesome customer support should you need anything.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Well I got 2 faulty guitars out of 4 orders from Thomann so there's that. Yes, even with the extra QC check they state on them. I was able to send back the stuff and get my money back but I just lost faith in that brand now.

[@Terry3Gs]

Well beside's being a lil biased as I also own a TE-52 with the wilkinson pups ... lol But overally sound-wise the benton hands down.

[@GeorgeStraughn]

Waiting on my Harley Benton Tele to arrive! Thank you for sharing this information my new friend. New supporter here. 😎

[@antoniotabacu5911]

what do you think of it?

[@steveluther4966]

Really enjoy your videos. I can’t wait for another live episode. I liked the HB sound better and the looks.

[@toddflowers8052]

Nice comparo Shane ,interesting note ,I have an older SX Tele and it has a string through body. Both are great guitars for the $ ,I also owned a CV50 but sold it because it weighed 10lbs ! Anyways, keep up the great work ! Cheers !

[@KikePeimbert]

I just bought the TE-52 Harley Benton. I can´t wait for the arrival.

[@PhillipBlanton]

I just ordered the Harley Benton - their website says it's back-ordered but should be shipping in ~3 days. The quality of the parts used in the SX vs. HB is very comparable. The fit and finish is also very comparable. I like the natural finish on the ash body of the HB; it's a beautiful guitar. I also prefer ash to the SX' alder body, but it's not a deal breaker. The SX has an ash series version that also has a nice grainy wood with a beautiful natural finish, but it's $250 more than the HB. The SX also has more of a strat-looking headstock, while the HB has the more classic tele-looking headstock. I like the strat-style headstock a little better than the tele-style generally speaking, but the HB stays closer overall, to the original tele look. The three things that pushed me toward the HB are... 1. The HB is made of American ash & Canadian maple, and it has a beautiful, slightly darker, natural finish. It is stunning. 2. The HB has a string-through body with metal ferrules in the guitar's back, while the SX strings terminate in the bridge tail. The much more expensive SX has a string-through body. 3. The HB is $100 less than the SX STL/Alder. The $380 SX Ash Series also has a string-through body, but the HB offers a comparable guitar at a much better price point. All considered, you just can't beat the value of a Harley Benton guitar! Though, it appears that both of yours suffer from a serious defect, in that they were both made backwards. Weird.

[@olivarionline]

Great reviews but I have a question. Would you be able to flip the screen horizontally so that the guitars look normal? hehe all the best for Christmas and the new year :)

[@DMSProduktions]

LOL!

[@transfixleo]

Look in a mirror?

[@petercyr3508]

April 2021 I just got the HB (I'm in Texas). I am stunned with how good it is.

[@holygoat]

Great video. Would love to see how the Xavier XV-820 stacks up next these.

[@Heavypsychoverdose]

Harley Benton sounds the best and brightest but that SX works as well

[@FretLevelMidnight]

The HB neck pup is the best pup of the 4 tested IMHO, I give a slight edge to the SX bridge pup in comparison to the HB, and I think the pups on the SX are better matched to each other than on the HB. That said, know I would (or did infact) be upgrading the bridge, nut, tuners and string trees on my purchase, I feel overall the HB may be a better end result upgrade platform with that crisp neck pup, Canadian Maple neck and American ash body, I just love my TE-52. You'd be happier than a pig in shit with either instrument, they both bring so much to the table for so little money.

[@AJgeartalk]

Great review Shane. The HB p/ups sound more articulate to me. Thanks for the comparison! HB also a better looker!

[@jonbauer4598]

Nice job again Shane, I play my HB Tele through the "Brian Burn" preset you guys made on the mustang, it's dynamite

[@jonbauer4598]

... The reason I like that preset is that it really takes that brightness off the top you're referring to on the bridge pick up of the HB

[@slimpicks2570]

The Harley Benton looks nice, love the transparency

[@9999plato]

Slightly off topic I have an SX Jazz bass and it's OK but it clearly is not a Jazz bass neck, it's between a J and P bass. That is important to me. I like the HB T type better than the SX. If not for the shipping I'd buy one. Thomann should ship a bunch to North America set up a distribution point and charge a nominal shipping charge and they would make bank.

[@KarlSheridan]

The Harley Benton TE52 is an outstanding tele, I love mine

[@hafizmarzuki9203]

Is the weight too heavy?? or just comfortably weight on your shoulder?

[@stevemandrackie1284]

Preferd the HB for tone and look although the SX looks pretty good too. Especialy at this price point.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Shane, I reckon with similar cheap guitars at similar prices it probably comes down to more play-ability and aesthetics's. And realistically, I don't think you could go wrong with either depending on where you are in the world. Personally, I prefer the look of the HB. But owning an SX, I'd still choose the SX. I just wish SX would do a similar style Tele instead of their "natural" range they do.

[@vmat1000]

The Harley sounded better. For me, it needs a white pg. A take away from the SX . Jim Campilongo has played a top load Tele ('67 ?) for years. Have a Squire 20th Anniversary Fat Tele. Gotta be a string thru for me, though.

[@powerslave88888]

What is the difference between the necks? I am looking for an tele with thin c or modern c neck. Has The sx this neckshape?

[@joeykelly5642]

To my ears, the Harley Benton sounded really thin overall. I don't think the Joyo amp did either guitar any favors, though. That thing just didn't sound very good!

[@williamf.9615]

I prefer the HB. Stringthru and the better headstock shape. Apart from that there's not much in it. All economy guitars need a bit of a setup, some fret polishing, new strings etc. After a while new tuners on some, compensated saddles, rewiring, maybe new pickups but then you'll have a very good instrument for a good price. I have the HB TE-70 black paisley. Great guitar.

[@ClubXrock]

Shane, I'm pretty sure no one sells Harley Benton guitars here in Oz. True? Thanks for the cool vid :)

[@davidkastin4240]

My mistake everyone. The shipping is not free but it usually won't beat you up.

[@jamalabdul2009]

These two guitars are so close in sound and build, you really can’t go wrong!!! The SX is a sleeper guitar that is a real value as well as the Harley Benton. I’m not sure how available SX guitars are in the states, but being that the HB is coming from Germany and any issue you may have with it you’d destroy your budget shipping the guitar back. I’ve heard Thomann is really great at customer service and will do what they can to make sure you have a great experience, so I would not have a problem getting the HB Tele. Great comparison Shane!!! Cheers!🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🎸🎸🤙🏾

[@DMSProduktions]

Well, Jam, if the guitar is faulty, and worth a return, Thomann will pay return shipping!

[@jamalabdul2009]

DMSProduktions Not sure if they will pay for the shipping coming from the USA.

[@jamalabdul2009]

Quiksilver Ok then cool! I rarely see SX guitars in stores.

[@DMSProduktions]

ASK 650, I think he had to return a Benton recently.

[@rv5585]

I live in Germany and only had issues with them they are cheaper but don't care about checking for quality of the product they sell had a guitar which did not detonate returned only after going there5 times to only have other3 faulty replacements... never again doing business with them is the same as add-ons assault to injury...

[@boxcarstewart311]

And since that SX isn't string through, I put a Bigsby style trem on it.

[@93greenstrat]

The Harley Benton has a "glassier" sounding bridge pickup. The neck pickups sound pretty close but in the middle position, the influence of the HB's bridge pickup is undeniable.

[@stevewinnall3631]

Hi Shane Great comparison - many thanks. I have the SX and love it lots. BUT I wonder if the skunk strip is real or just a vaneer or even just painted. It looks too good to be true!

[@raceface_m2579]

HB had more clarity for sure.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I prefer the Harley Benton. In fact, I think I'm going to buy one as a back-up to my Fender Tele :)

[@shadowsong1]

Both of these are better guitars than they have a right to be. The thing i hear about both though just on a consistency level is....fret work. You hear a lot of stories poorly dressed frets..like unlevel frets which reduces their utility in terms of being good upgrade platforms. This actually something is new to me in the guitar industry at large as we are seeing it on lots of guitars and I feel like ten years ago even....it was no where near as common at least on new instruments.

[@carlosclaptrix]

Definitely the HB - much clearer.

[@schreds8882]

Wow! They both sound great. I think I prefer the HB, the pickups seem to have a bit more note definition to my ears but both sound good. I wouldn't be disappointed with either. I like the headstock on the SX better but the finish on the HB is nicer. The bit of fret finishing the HB needs isn't an issue at that price point but it's always nice if you don't have to do any fret polishing out of the box. So the next question is, if all were the same price, which would you choose, the SX, the HB, or that Fender Tele you have?

[@bjunk5344]

They are both different guitars. One with string through body, one with string through the chrome bridge. Probably this affected the tone, no one was able to pick up? (no pun intended hahahahaha). Both are fine, though... I own the Vintage Series SX with the individual saddle for each string and I love the warmer sound and to my amazement... no buzz, hums when I plugged in. Rondo here in the USA must have shielded the cavities.

[@carlosalves4444]

I've bought 3 HB guitar, I can tell you the finish on Hbs arent that great, they sound good, but they really need to focus on the finishes, ie glue, some rough around the edges etc/ if thats not a deal breaker, but they sound good and play well.

[@ianleverington4676]

I have just bought a Harley madcat Prince guitar. It is fantastic!

[@davidalexbyrne]

Great video, did you have any tuning problems with the harley benton

[@JBM_71]

I am so impressed by the Harley Benton, only £122 here in UK!!

[@thr3ddy]

I have a 2015 SX VTG Series Tele as well and it has a string through body, more straight headstock, and a much nicer looking butterscotch finish. I really became my main guitar after sticking some '52 reissue pickups in it and giving it a proper fret polish and setup. The only thing I don't like is that the hardware is not the same as on a Fender, so you can't replace the stock pickguard with a standard one, for example. I wonder if they have fixed that since then.

[@andreapasillas8478]

+ I also think that both guitars are great values but that HB has the traditional Telly spank that I love while the SX doesn't.

[@shaunhouse8634]

I like the transparent finish on the Harley better, if you have beautiful wood grain, show it off

[@bigbo1865]

Refreshing... Good honest review..!!!

[@markdakel9253]

Very close call, each has its pros and cons, I found the SX was warmer with clean tone but for a HB for higher gain.

[@chedu77]

I've the a HB te-52, but I think mine was made on a different factory. They changed production from China to Vietnam. I've had only two minor issues quality wise: the screws on the bridge pickup have "eaten" the copper plate on the pickup to the point that I could not adjust its height. Pickups from a different batch might not have this problem though. And the nut was fine for the factory string gauge, but when I put 10s had some tuning issues on the first frets. Easy fix nonetheless. The one thing I don't quite like about the finish is that the poly coat is quite thick, so it has that sort of "plasticky" look to it. Then again, that might not be the case for the more recent batches

[@boxcarstewart311]

Tone wise, I like them both. I think the SX looks better, finish and headstock. I'd take that HB pickguard and put it on the SX though.

[@Claimjumper55]

I preferred the SX visually. As for tones, I thought the SX sounded better through the clean channel and the HB once there was some dirt. Pretty close though overall.

[@shaunw9270]

In '58 Fender introduced "Top Loaders" for a few months then went back to string through body . For some reason a few Top Loaders were also made around '83 ? ,just before CBS sold Fender .

[@Craig_Fussell]

Fun review!! I listened thru a pair of great Jaybird earbuds and to me, the tone differences are totally as you described...the SX is warmer and mellow and the HB is a bit more classic and spanky . It kinda reminded me of the differences between an American Strat and a MIM Strat, only not as pronounced and without the difference in loudness (due to MIM Strat’s ceramic pickups). 🤙🏻🎸😎

[@DMSProduktions]

SX's pick ups were HOTTER!

[@bill.clifford.59]

I would love your take on the Harley Benton TE-53KR BL Tribute Series

[@guitareveryone]

I prefer the look and tone of the Harley Benton

[@FunkyMonkey-ip4xy]

They both sound decent enough but I slightly preferred the SX as I found the HB a bit too twangy for my taste.

[@42ronty]

Isn't that the point? T type guitars are meant to sound twangy.

[@FunkyMonkey-ip4xy]

@@42ronty Based on my taste, on what I prefer. I'm not the biggest fan of Tele style guitars unless they've got humbuckers. It's my opinion, and opinions are like arseholes, we've all one. :)

[@42ronty]

@@FunkyMonkey-ip4xy Dude, I'm not bashing you or your preference in guitar tone. Merely pointing out that, when artists pick up t type guitars they expect a peculiar sort of tones from them. Biggest example are country music players.

[@DMSProduktions]

And THAT tone is what is expected BECAUSE the country players were the 1st adopters of the solid body, twangy sound. HAD, say Gibson done the solid LP 1st, the country sound of today could be TOTALLY different!

[@ettnollbajen9945]

A twangy Tele? We can't have that can we?

[@douglasncarter]

I have the HB TE-52 and my neck had some issues. The alignment was off which means the neck pocket was a little loose, but it was easy to adjust and hasn't moved since. The frets themselves had machine marks on all of them, so out of the box it sounded like I was bending notes across the teeth of a file. So basically I had setup and clean up to do. It plays and sounds fine now. I changed the string trees to rollers and the saddles to brass. Why? IDK, boredom I guess.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

So Shane, let me ask you, which do you prefer to play and overall feel, The Squire Classic Vibe '50s Butterscotch Telecaster or the Harley Benton '52 Tele. Which is the over "better sound and feel" on the guitar. I plan on getting one soon. Please let me know. Thanks...

[@danieljdtaylor]

To me the SX sounded more natural, the availability of SX guitars here in Australia also helps a lot

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Bought a Harley Benton pro left-handed has ham backers with a split on it sounds wonderful

[@mikemcginnis1419]

The SX Furrian tele's are string through Alder and ash bodies. also available in Dirty Dijon Mustard yellow ( their version of Butterscotch) . Im looking into getting one to mod and put a Dimarzio Tone Zone T and a Dimarzio ProTrack (strat size paf) in the neck.

[@bushcry1]

For the SX Tele and maybe HB version, the neck radius is 13.7" / 350 mm? How does it compare to 9.5" / 305mm radius on Squire CV tele in terms of feeling? Which do you like better and why?

[@vanillamuffinssugaroipunkc2456]

hi which tuners would do you replace /make on the HB ?, I'm also lefthand. can you give me a tip . im a huge HB Fan from Switzerland and LP junior especially. thanks

[@hiatus2757]

What type of pickup has the SX? Ceramic or alnico?

[@JasonWelchMusic]

Bless you!... finally someone showed me some chicken pickin on a HB demo. And you did it well.

[@wyattsdad8561]

Did he say at all if the necks felt similar?

[@legumbro]

The SX seems to have much better sustain, which is great from a telecaster which strings are not going through the body

[@wilzy30]

If I had to choose just one, it would be the Harley Benton. Just....

[@vicmanuel00]

I find the tone of the Harley Benton Telecaster rather harsh and I much prefer the Artist Tele,way smoother.

[@wyattsdad8561]

How much is that fx tele US dollars? I just ordered a Harley Benton and I’m supposed to get it tomorrow.

[@LUISCMUNIZ]

I bought the sx model several years ago. I changed the pickups to dragon fire alnico v texas model. I think that the sound is now darker than the stock one. I would like to change the pickups for a set with more brighter sound. What pickups in the low budget do you recomend to me?

[@robbielg]

I have the sx and the neck pickup sounds a little muffled to me. It's my first and only Tele

[@ScootersGroove0801]

Dude, you could make a broomstick handle sound good. Nice.

[@d.j.fowler6921]

Have an sx and will get an HB for sure soon.

[@cresshead]

not a fan of the mustard yellow..the wood looks better (harley benton)

[@terryjohinke8065]

Price of the Harley Benton ?

[@jgsheehan8810]

I think i preferred the SX, but i like the HB look better

[@toesoverthenose]

Have you ever compared the HB Tele versus the Squier?

[@wuthipongphungpipat4764]

Hello Can someone comment on the neck? How is the neck for shorter fingers/ smaller hand? No one has talked about the action on the guitar?

[@intheblues]

Action can be adjusted to however you like it. The neck on the HB is a bit fatter than the SX. If you have really small hands you might prefer a 60s/modern neck over a 50s style one.

[@fisiosaiter]

Maybe it is just my headphones but I prefer the SX.

[@egotripband]

i bought a Telecaster clone from Aldi for $79.00 dollars put in some alnico pickups for $60.00 and it sounds pretty cool . CNC machines help to produce nice axes for relatively tiny prices . most importantly , if you enjoy playing them , then you've scored a goal .

[@LLSicilia]

Hi Shane, who's selling the SX in Mel. for $199?

[@yaguitar]

New video editor?

[@intheblues]

Nope, just me. 😄

[@yaguitar]

@@intheblues loving the new video style hehe