Harley Benton TE 62 DB Telecaster copy review

[@anotherstart1]

Best Telecaster guitar for the money. I downgraded from a USA fender all Rosewood neck to this ( not a huge telecaster player) The fender was $1700 and this was $72 . The fenders not 16 times better. They are fantastic guitars and I Was a gear snob. No more spending ridiculous money

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

The tele-The most versatile guitar of all time. Metal? Yup. Rock? Ohh yes. Blues? Absolutely. Jazz? Obviously. Surf/Fusion/Funk? Ommm yeah!!!

[@northernthrifter8817]

Nice review, I got this exact model about a month ago, got to say it's incredible for £135, wipes the floor with a squier affinity I had a few years ago. I've always played epiphones but this instrument has converted me to a Tele guy, I prefer the neck pickup to the bridge, I roll the bridge tone down it's so bright. I've put some compensated brass saddles on mine. Lovely neck and all the parts are quite decent. I may upgrade the volume pot and the bridge pickup at some point but it's not essential.

[@matboy314]

Thanks Northern Thrifter. I still play that guitar regularly. My new desire is an identical model from HB but in a thinline chambered version. I know they just made a new thinline tele, but it is a maple fingerboard only, and I can't fall in love with those...weird I know. 😂

[@RobTackettCovers]

Hi man, Robert here. I've never owned a Telecaster, and I'm almost afraid to get one, because I'm concerned that it might be the electric guitar I end up using most of the time, hahaha! Paused at 36 seconds in to comment, so back to watching. Thanks for posting this, and hope you and yours are doing great!

[@matboy314]

I have been thinking about what you said. I feel as though my American Performer Telecaster is genuinely more resonant when not plugged in than my Stratocaster. I want to love my Strat, as I am a sucker for a tremolo arm, but I so often play the Tele when I am learning a song, because it feels so organic and "connected"; it's like the electric guitar version of your favourite acoustic. I miss the Harley Benton, but I didn't need two Teles.

[@Plaw01]

Got mine today. Same colour and watched this before I plugged it in. Its an absolutely stunning guitar of that theres no doubt. Sounds great as well.

[@zombiezilla]

Thank you for sharing this information! Your review is one of the reasons I bought this guitar. I ordered the black one, it arrived, and I was flabbergasted at the high build quality and the TONE! It’s become my current favorite, for sure. After shipping and taxes, mine cost $244 USD. It plays like a Fender that costs three times that!

[@matboy314]

It really is an amazing instrument. Sadly I live in a smallish house, and had to thin my guitar herd. I sold it, but I have the USA Telecaster and my Fret King Tele/Country Squire, so that should keep me happy. Thanks for your comment.

[@OnTheFritz602]

Very nice! Sounds great with those heavy strings. I have two HB's coming in about a week. High shipping warrants buying two to justify the expense. At least that's what I keep telling myself! One's a basic TE-20 in blue metallic, and the other is the TE-40 TBK Deluxe Series. Tele style, two humbuckers, really looking forward to seeing that one. The basic Tele is going to be a modding platform to experiment with.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

I think you can get 3 guitars for the same shipping cost...just saying !!

[@BoltRM]

@@malcolmhardwick4258 Then you are _forced_ to buy 3! I did it to save money hunny..

[@swissanthony]

Guitar into the Strymon...into the mixing desk...into the PA speaker. Sounds ace

[@grahamleathwood8505]

What an excellent review Matthew, thank you very much. I have a TE 62 on order which should be with me in about 10 days. You have allayed a lot of my fears regarding build quality and playability. I just hope i'm not the exception to (what seems to be) the rule from Harley Benton nowadays. Hope i'm as happy as you are with yours. Thanks again - Graham

[@matboy314]

Thank you Graham. I hope you get good QC on yours too. 🙂

[@grahamleathwood8505]

@@matboy314 Thanks Matthew will let you know how I get on. 👍

[@lazvt8469]

Got a TE-52 a few days ago...to see what the hub-bub was all about. Of the several dozen guitars I've owned of all makes/types, etc...$500-3000...the neck of this HB was just flawless in every way...even the set up from factory was very decent. The ash was also gorgeous but HEAVY as schiff. Still...like the CV50's I've recently bought to learn from...this HB is a STEAL. Won't drop Fralin or Lollars in it...but a $50 set of Bootstraps to see what the hub-bub is about those pups. Nice review and playing! Remove neck pup from tone pot...it'll brighten a bit.

[@amazingscholar5551]

This and another positive review on the same model and color, has me considering this being able to scratch my immediate "Tele Itch" -- as I don't have a Tele right now, and I'm looking for an "OK" build as a fun project to swap pickups, electronics, and give my hand at using my copper shielding tape inside a Tele -- so far just Strats with great results)

[@danchovanes2612]

And to think that I'm just one evening and a couple of beers away from owning one of these! That finish looks incredible

[@Louis-y4f]

😂😂

[@danchovanes2612]

@@Louis-y4f update: I bought one back in July or August. Damn fine guitar for the price.

[@steveburrows101]

Great. I got a TE-52 a couple of weeks ago. Similarly very impressed. Heavy guitar, but the neck is stunning, unbelievable at this price. Intonation needed ajusting but otherwise great out of the box. I too have a couple of very nice electrics which cost many time more than this, but the TE-52 is getting played constantly. Pickup height was set a little too high for my taste, just lowered them a little to reduce the output and warm-up the tone - you might want to try the same, especially with 11-52 strings.

[@matboy314]

I'll try adjusting the pickup height, oddly I didn't consider this. Thanks Steve.

[@antonakis79ohyes]

@@matboy314 hi Matthew, just wondering: did you manage to adjust the pickup height? Oddly enough, I can't lower them much - for example, as much as I can on my Te 52 HB. Perhaps this is to blame for the somewhat "muddy" sound on the neck pickup, with the volume knob at 10, at least on my guitars. I thought I might just ask you about it, thanks!

[@matboy314]

@@antonakis79ohyes I did last night, I put the neck pickup down flush with the scratchplate. It still sounds muddy to me, but quieter. I then finally installed my "Tonerider - vintage plus set. 🙂

[@BoltRM]

Get a set of the Fender pickups with appropriate wiring and pots. Still almost half the price 😁

[@lazvt8469]

@@matboy314 ...a year late...but removing neck pup from tone pot is a nice improvement in clarity and output.

[@Ddraig62SPD]

Thoroughly enjoyed your review and your great playing Matthew. Sub'd :) Miss the Scottish accent after living near Strathaven for 20+ years before moving back to Wales. I've had the TE62DB LPB and CAR models in my Thomann basket for weeks but I'm swithering between one of these and the JET JT-300 from Merchant City Music as a modding platform. Both are great VFM. I too have a Tele itch waiting to be scratched ... again! I play my 2010 Squier Tele Custom II P90 to death and also have a Fender MIM Nashville which doesn't get as much love as it has a slightly bent neck ... which GG Glasgow refused to exchange when bought in 2008 :(( Keep up the good work sir :)

[@Hyster27]

A great review and responsible for me buying one of these, yours looks and sounds superb.

[@thomasbrookes2266]

wish i,d never got onto this channel now i,m going to have to order one

[@matboy314]

Would my apology come across at all as sincere....I am shockingly susceptible to a wee online review myself. 😕

[@JJames666male]

Recording with the room echo probably hides some details, but holy schnitzel, this sounds gorgeous to me. I'm sure the beautiful play help, what an awesome player.

[@leeharris5135]

I recently received a TE-62 CC IS. What a guitar for the money! Definitely scratches my Telecaster itch.

[@matboy314]

I know, I really love the feel of their necks. They are doing something very right at the price. 🙂

[@leeharris5135]

@@matboy314 Yes, I have a Player Series Fender Strat and both of my HBs aren’t far behind quality-wise. I’m in love with that caramelised maple neck! 😍 My other HB is the JA-60, the neck on that one is gorgeous too but it’s bound with block inlays! Amazing value for money and plays like butter.

[@standingbadger]

Absolutely put a pair of the TR vintage plus pick ups in your HB and do another video. I put them in my frankentele built eight years ago, as a temporary thing, and still cannot find a reason to change them out. I love the sound of them. Great vid. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@peterhounsham5032]

yep - totally agree.... i've put a pair of ToneRider Hot Classics in my TE 62 and it sounds awesome.

[@221b-l3t]

Hey, that's exactly what I want to do are they good? I just heard about Tonerider and I'm gonna buy some Alnico 2 for my Epiphone and I was thinking the Tele pickups are a bit cheaper even and a good excuse to get a Tele. I love the look of the one in the video and 230€ for the guitar + Toneriders... which one do you recommend? I'm a Les Paul guy so I'm not sure about Teles. It looks 60s so some 60s sounding pickups would be awesome.

[@christopherramirez4131]

the only problem I have with HB is I ordered a TE -52 but it came in a lefty when I informed them, they said since it was not damaged, they would not pay for return shipping, well since I live in the US, it cost WAY more to ship it back than what I paid for the guitar. I ended up selling it at a loss, ever since I have been hesitant about buying from them. in other words, if you feel you don't like it when you receive it, you are stuck with it.

[@matboy314]

That does seem short sighted Christopher. Their reputation is growing and these stories don't help them. Perhaps they should consider holding a larger USA stock since the stories of postage costs are a regular thing?

[@robertclarkguitar]

I believe it. Ive the fusion T over a year and I cannot stop playing it.

[@Juno58]

Don't forget to breath and eat! 😁

[@Bettys_Eldest]

I have a lightly used Fender MIM Classic 60s neck, which may be about to find a new home.

[@garethpoole1645]

@Matthew Boyle thanks for an excellent review and some stellar playing there. I'm currently tossing coins to see whether I go for a Tele from the TE62 range or the TE70 Black Paisley. The maple fingerboard of the latter is just swaying me towards the latter at the moment but I'm hearing good things about the TE62 necks.

[@matboy314]

I think the roasted wood look and feel on the 62 are its best feature. My next mod will probably be compensated brass saddles as someone here has suggested, but mainly for the appearance of them.

[@garethpoole1645]

@@matboy314 many thanks for the update and advice and in return, this vid maybe of interest to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZS9m3ppbNplpK8&ab_channel=JohnRobsonGuitarist, he covers the compensated brass saddles around the 4:30 mark. BTW, I'd be interested in your findings with the new saddles. A good excuse for another video methinks! 😃

[@eliasostby2250]

Exactly how thick are the strings? What gauge? Sounds great by the way and i love your playstyle. Came for the review, but stuck around for the music!

[@matboy314]

Thanks Elias, you are kind. The strings have to have a wound 3d for me not to stretch the G in chording. D'Addario Guitar Strings - XL... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000EEHDIE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@D-8-Tone2]

I quite like this review. Can I recommend you something? For you next video can you eliminate the acoustic sound from the guitar parallel with the effected one. Probably a direct recording into a daw or something. Keep it up with the good job!❤

[@matboy314]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jimjamarch]

Great review. Thank you. And lovely little wing.

[@kiivje]

What a great looking gutar! Congratz!

[@pmay222]

i got a harley benton during lockdown.. and they proper smashed me with an extra import fee about £45 ...? i am about to buy a tele.. i fancy one of these but feeling weeny bit reluctant... is the import duty thing sorted now..? i want one...

[@matboy314]

I got that with my first HB purchase too. The thing is to go onto their UK store. Specify it in your search. They seem to hold a lot of stock here, but the default site seems to be in Germany, or somewhere in Europe.

[@ruckailo88]

This guitar is the DB (double bindig) whats the diference with the normal (no bindig) Just this?

[@davidmoss7245]

Great video.I’ve heard the split shaft tuner hole isn’t deep enough to restring as easy as it should ,do you find it is ok? I think I’ll get one of these guitars not sure if I want the black ,blue or red.Thanks

[@matboy314]

Hi David. I don’t have the guitar anymore, as I thinned the herd to focus on just my favourites (I slightly regret this one, but I have an American Performer telecaster). I restrung it a few times and don’t recall having any difficulties.

[@dxmdxt9948]

Loved your playing im prrety much beginer looking for inspiration so what players do You admire?I also love acoustic plaing. I ve just ordered this one,looks stunning.

[@iwanttoplaywithspringsteen9188]

I was the cynic . I am a very average player but I’m quite a sad middle aged man and need all the best of gear so have an American pro strat and tele . Thought at such a knockdown price it would be a tinkering tool and do the customization parts caster thing . Out of the box blown away apart from changing the strings have done zero everything is solid and think it has a lovely vintage tele twang . It’s my go to feel no need to bring the American made out their case

[@canadianintheukbrian]

It's insane what you can get these days, lovely looking guitar, what I would swap is the pots, but for the pickups I think their Korean made pretty decent, honestly the way it sounds don't do nothing with them,

[@matboy314]

I had ordered new "Tonerider" pickups "vintage" set before you kindly commented. I wonder if I can find upgraded electronics too? 🤔 I should just enjoy the guitar, but it is now my favourite neck of all my electrics.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

How did you find the intonation with the limited bridge design?

[@matboy314]

It was more than good enough, just as good as my American Performer telecaster is.

[@221b-l3t]

Nice review, I just found out about Toneriders, did you end up getting some? I want some for my Epiphone and this blue Telle has me tempted to try some TR sibgle coils too. Which ones do you recommend? I'm a humbucker guy so Teles have me confused. The 60s Vintage would fit the guitar, I think?

[@matboy314]

Hi, I did and loved the sound, but I sold the guitar to “thin the herd” and to make space at home. I can’t suggest anything about the TR pickups except that the telecaster set was “vintage”. Sorry.

[@221b-l3t]

@@matboy314 I see, thanks for the info. Luckily I got some space left :)

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

Ohhh my man looooves reverb!!! (as do I!)

[@perbacksten6149]

Is it possible to put an ashtray on this modell?, beutiful gitarr

[@matboy314]

Sorry Per, I couldn't say. I'm still relatively new to telecasters. 😕

[@JamesMc2]

Your review and enthusiasm for the quality of this instrument may have persuaded my to take the plunge. Thanks! Do you know if the body is routed for a humbucker in the neck?

[@matboy314]

Thank you. I have no idea, but I'll soon upgrade the pickups, so I'll tell you then. I have ordered Tonerider vintage pickups🙂

[@JamesMc2]

@@matboy314 thank you much, looking forward to the video!

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

No, it is not.

[@JamesMc2]

@@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist bummer, thanks for letting me know.

[@lonestar6445]

I love this colour. Is this recommended more over a squier affinity tele?

[@matboy314]

I'm so sorry, I have never played a Squier Tele. It compares scarily well though to my American Performer series Tele after the pickup upgrade.

[@lonestar6445]

@@matboy314 cheers mat. I think I will go with harley as with the binding and finish it looks great over the squier

[@matboy314]

@@lonestar6445 I can’t really comment, except that I simply love the look of my HB. The name has no real cachet, but I really have stopped caring as it is so special to play. It looks nicer than my Fender American Performer in the neck at least, and it came better set up out of the box…really! I know that seems odd, but I have always honestly commented on the need to set up a HB electric a little to extract the real value from them, but NOT with this TE 62, it just feels silky and looks a little aged from the box. Maybe I got a lucky copy, but, wow!

[@lonestar6445]

@@matboy314 thank you for the input. Pulling the trigger and buying on this weekend. Cheers

[@куглаземаљска]

Hello, nice playing. Can you tell me, which body thicknes does it have, 40mm or it is 45mm? Thanks a lot for the inf.

[@matboy314]

Sorry, I forgot to check this. It is 40mm.

[@adrian_V99]

Pretty but is it another boat anchor from the folks at HB?

[@matboy314]

"boat anchor"?

[@adrian_V99]

@@matboy314 yes, its weight... In the past HB has made ridiculously heavy telecaster clones. See the TE-52 for example. Or the pseudo- Prince model both at 9 lb. I expect this model to be lighter. Try doing a three-hour show with a Tele weighing 8 lb. or greater. Springsteen's Esquire - Tele hybrid weighs a mere 5.5 lb.

[@joachimleinfelder1200]

@adrianvye my te 62 cc is weighs 3,4kg

[@adrian_V99]

@@joachimleinfelder1200 that's pretty good being 7 lb 4 is on the dot.

[@kezstone1]

Thanks for sharing. What is the weight please?

[@matboy314]

Hi, it's 3.25 kg.

[@jakubvasek4825]

You should definitely do another HB guitar review, try some of their acoustics. I really enjoyed the video.

[@matboy314]

Thank you. I might do that. 🙂

[@jerrycratsenberg989]

Thanks for sharing!

[@antonakis79ohyes]

Nice review and a very beautiful guitar! I have the CC charcoal version but this is stunning! Nice playing, subscribed, now going to check your American tele videos, that honeyburst finish is gorgeous, you got great taste now I come to think of it, same as my taste (apparently 😄). Cheers!

[@matboy314]

Hi Anthony. Thanks for taking the time. Honestly, it was all a bit one-take-unplanned-shoddy, but I have really fallen for the guitar, and I would love to have a shot of the charcoal CC. I just ordered the Tonerider vintage pups for it, so I will do an update soon. 🙂

[@antonakis79ohyes]

@@matboy314 looking forward to the update! I have actually ordered a set of Donlis pickups after listening to some demos, if I manage to install them, it will be my first pickup upgrade ever - I'll keep you posted. But yes, these guitars are so good, quality wise, that they deserve the best pickups for your taste! Thank you for your reply!

[@robbiedingles]

Looking forward to it as well. I´m considering buying the TE62-DB in Blue and upgrading it with Tonerider Hot Classics and a 4 way switch to use the single coils in series.

[@terryjuffs9447]

Thank you for your very sound review, please could you do me a favour and weigh the guitar and let me know, I'm in two minds between the 62 and the 52. Thanks again. Terry. 👍

[@matboy314]

3.25 kg Hope this helps. 🙂

[@jacopom215]

Cool guitar and review!

[@justmadeit2]

Cool accent, you sound like one of the guys in the proclaimers

[@lemi413]

great demo ... i like it ... so i like my guitar to ... it is black one but equaly impresive ... 🙂🙂🙂

[@jonathanjohnstone428]

Thanks I’m from Motherwell so reassured it will come in one piece lol

[@iannicholls7476]

Crikey! I don’t need another Telecaster. But that looks gorgeous and at that price, hmm….

[@johnnyboywonder]

That’s a sweet geeetar man.

[@slidersson]

why not tune the guitar???

[@matboy314]

I have no defence. I must have thought I did. Embarrassing. 😕

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Flat fretboard?

[@matboy314]

Fairly flat at a 12 inch radius. I find it very comfortable, but then I'm not sure I am a typical electric guitar player, mostly playing acoustic. 🙂

[@yvandewever6518]

Ever heard about Jet guitars? JET JT-300 blows a Harley Benton right away in sound and build quality. IMO Great playing.

[@Tarsan97]

Beautiful guitar. I have the HB tele blonde. Prefer it over my US made tele from 84. The sound i mean. Tuners have to go but thats ok.

[@howardcunniffe8738]

This Harley Benton Telecaster has a beautiful finish. Has a good tone. But it still a copy make Fender. Most of the guitars I have owned were Fender related. I still have this same belief. You can disagree with me if you want. If you want a guitar that looks and plays a Fender, then get a Fender. If you can't afford a Fender, then get a Squier. I have seen too many used Harley Benton guitars on Guitar Centers web site. It makes me wonder if Harley Benton guitars are as good as they say they are. I wish I could play one to find out, but I refuse to buy a guitar on the internet. Plus I'm happy with what I have now. Don't need anymore.

[@221b-l3t]

Dude wvery guitar on Earth with a few exceptions is a copy of a Gibson or a Fender. It's all Les Pauls, Strats, SGs and Teles. You're missing out if you just stick to Squire. I have a Squire. It's aweful. My Harley Benton is one of my favourite guitars, it compares favourable to my Made in US and Japan guitars. Of course it's an SC550+ so almost triple the price but still. It did come with 170€ pickups. I'm gonna try this Telecaster next. I'm a huge Gibson fan, I have one. I also have 4 Gibson style guitars not made by Gibson. Wonderful guitars, love em. There aren't that many shapes of guitars. Everyone makes the same, if Fender can live with it...

[@howardcunniffe8738]

@@221b-l3t I've had too many people try to get me to buy another guitar. I like the 2 guitars I have now, so I'll stick with them. No need to put myself in dept.

[@221b-l3t]

@@howardcunniffe8738 Then why shit talk other guitars. You don't want anymore? Fine. No need to crap on great instruments.

[@221b-l3t]

@@howardcunniffe8738 And also why even watch the video... you're the worst kind of guitar snob. I bought it. TE62 in Lake Placid Blue. 148€ B stock. If it's not better than a 500€ Squire I'm sending it back. Also if 158€ puts you in debt maybe you should sell one of your overpriced Fenders.

[@howardcunniffe8738]

@@221b-l3t Dude ! I'm not talking shit about anything and I'm not giving up on what I play. I just made an opinion and stuck with it. If you don't like it, tough shit.

[@moi59700]

SO MUCH REVERB !!!

[@mjmb2017]

Omg. 20 years of studying English and I understand nothing. 😮