I played a Harley Benton Strat on a 100+ date ARENA / THEATRE TOUR - Review, Setup Tips & GIVEAWAY

[@michaelj.anderson1116]

This is a great truth for new guitarists to hear. You don't need expensive gear to sound and play great. Hopefully it will help a lot of new players and seasoned players save money.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

I hope so Michael 🙏👍

[@Glen_Eagles]

After moving home from central London to the North Essex coastline, at the age of 65, I am going to spend my time learning Guitar, something I promised myself when I get older, I have a few health issues and use a Wheelchair to get about, but I love live music, so hopefully get to see a bucket list of who to see, but as I am nearer Ipswich than London now, I'll have to travel back. I'm at the 💯 Club to see The Answer this month and May 4th to see Duran Duran at the o2 Greenwich..... The wise old fox called Zal Cleminson told me to plug in and enjoy the ride, if you are playing anywhere near me, I'll try to get to see you, a I managed to tick Fleetwood Mac off my list on the last tour of all 5 original members before Lindsey left. All the best Scott, keep on rocking mate 👍🏼🎸🎸🎸🙏🤘🏻

[@davidjohnson00001]

​@Ronald Glen Bayfield OK, Ronald, keep rocking. A slight quibble is that the original Fleetwood Mac members were, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and John Spencer. Add in Danny Kirwan slightly later and you have the legendary line-up.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Ronald 🙏

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Danny Kirwan, WHAT A PLAYER!!

[@forresta65]

I remember complaining about a crappy instrument and one of my real musician mates coming over, grabbing it and playing a few songs, and it sounding spot on. He said it sounds good to me. never complained again about how I could be better if I had a better guitar.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

😊 excellent!

[@anejo333]

I love how you are showing people that music is for the ears not the eyes. Everyone has played a cheap guitar that rules at some point. Inexpensive guitars are so much better than what they used to be

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much 👍🙏

[@mikefarquhar5063]

I dig that! Totally true they way it is meant to be

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@tyob1]

What a time to be a new guitarist. Compare this to the guitar you could get 30 years ago for under $100.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Exactly! Not to mention all the free lessons on KZbin

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

Pretty sure the action on my first acoustic was like a centimeter by the 12th

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Mine too!!!

[@zakkattack99]

30 years ago £100 would have got you a les paul custom mate

[@davewalkden9978]

@@ScottPoleyMusic Can you recommend anybody, mate? (Sorry...I'm a sucker for an obvious gag. 😁)

[@Robswrkshp]

I think it's best to mention that the gear does not have to be expensive, it just needs to be well made. That's all. Great video man, glad you popped up in my recommended.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Appreciate it Rob, yeah I agree. Good gear doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

[@davorsixstrings1642]

Great guitar, great sound! It gets people excited about playing, because, you've proved that you don't need expensive equipment to make great music.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

I hope so Davor, that’s the idea of the video! Thanks 🙏

[@Traumglanz]

At least in some regards. speakers seem more tricky.

[@mikefarquhar5063]

Absolutely! I bought a relatively expensive fender tele, and for the money, well, quality control- I expected more... can't say if it was covid and the impact on businesses at the time or if it was Fender management profiteering on that time by cutting corners and jumping prices up, I bought a half the cost of the Fender I have- squire for my nephew, it's definitely set up way better, fretwork, the neck is much straighter, it's lighter, better tuners, better bridge setup and parts, more TLC let's just say.

[@OST528]

With a proper set up and good pedals its all good!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Even without good pedals, straight into an amp 👍

[@alexgispertbos1951]

It's great to see professional musicians usign affordable guitars on stage and not caring about the brand. If it sounds good, let's play it!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Exactly Alex, couldn’t have put your last sentence any better myself.

[@mikewilliams1576]

aww my baby! So glad she is getting to see the world instead of collecting dust in my music room :)

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Yesss!! I was just about to send you the link Mike, your old guitar is famous now 🤣

[@mikewilliams1576]

@@ScottPoleyMusic would it be well cheeky if I entered the giveaway? Pretty convoluted way of getting a guitar setup! 🤣

[@Yakomoe]

​@@mikewilliams1576 if you won it would be epic. :) that would be a story

[@DanielPestanaTranslations]

I own a ST-62 for four years now. I bought it to play at home, since my band is 150 km away, so I didn’t have to carry my main guitars each weekend back and forward. I’ve been modding each year and trying different things, like circuits, pickups, different strings,etc. It’s a great guitar. Taking it to a gig tonight.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Hope your gig went really well Daniel

[@billflude5204]

Excellent - will look out for one!

[@DanielPestanaTranslations]

@@billflude5204 Check my channel if you want to see it in action. My channel isn’t monetized, just trying to help a fellow musician :-)

[@georgsimon3806]

When I started playing 20 years ago , I would never have thought a guitar in this price range would even work, even less sound that good... I love your message that you don't need the most expensive gear to sound great and have fun!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Georg 👍

[@StevieZero]

Plenty of decent cheap guitars in 2003 it wasn't the dark ages of the guitar world... Same now as it was then...

[@pmadamson]

Great to see a top artist promoting the lower end of guitar purchases. I used an EKO ranger 6 for 27 years almost daily as a secondary music teacher and literally wore it out. I was over the moon when The Korgis were using one on TOTP. I'm sure many guitarists of lower income will be inspired by this video and not forget their roots when they climb the ladder of success. Like #1.01k

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s awesome, I had an Eko for a while - thanks so much tor your comment.

[@czdot]

It still baffles me how many guitarists will never leave their bedroom, let alone play a dive bar gig, will complain about playability and pick ups. All these "experts" overestimate how little people care about their tone. 😅 This is a great example of a good setup and smart choices. Also, it really helps when Thomann don't send you a lemon. 🙂

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Well said! I’ve received nothing from Thomann / HB - I payed for 100% of the experiment. Sadly I don’t get to play it anymore because I gave it away - kind of miss it.

[@Neshek023]

really? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZ3OqJyAhtWGmacsi=Bda5Hc2mu9nbvWk-

[@vegasaxeman]

Thank you Scott, for PROVIDING that it's not the guitar, it's the player that makes a great "axe"! I look forward to following the rest of your career and good luck my friend! God bless and take care...

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much!!

[@TheLespauladdict]

I'm a big fan of this experiment. The budget guitars certainly present some unique challenges, but even a budget guitar in the right hands and with a proper setup make killer player instruments!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

I agree Caleb, thanks 🙏

[@k9er233]

This is so helpful for people who are starting their guitar journey to show them (us) that it does not have to be cost prohibitive to get going. A great example for us all. "Max" sent me!😁

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely. Love Max’s channel!

[@iwonatyszka4658]

Oh it sounds so enchanting! ☺️ My boyfriend would be so excited to play it and I would love to hear him play our favourite songs

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s awesome Iwona

[@martin-1965]

Nice one Scott - wish more people (especially younger players) could get to see this video, and realise that the "cheap" guitars that are available these days are not the kind of rubbish that old guys like me in my 50s had to work with back in the 1980s. I've got a Harley Benton ES335 copy and loads of Vintage (brand not age lol) guitars that I have picked up second hand, and they are more than good enough for touring and studio work. You're proving it by using the cheap HB on large stages and, with a quick setup from Phil, the guitar gives you no problems, even with a custom string set to suit your style. So much marketing and hype to keep buying guitars (and pedals - sheesh, so many pedals) to "make you better" and "find that sound" when what really makes you better and develops your sound is practise and playing and performing on a stage. Kudos to you for making this video and hope you had a great tour 😎

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Martin, I appreciate that. Making these videos came out of teaching during lockdown, a few students said, “I could play so much better on an expensive guitar”, whilst playing really decent Squier strats. It’s nonsense! I do love my expensive guitars and need their quality to do my job, but I hope this video proves that someone can get a long way on a budget instrument.

[@rafzputin]

agreed. i have the 335 style too..and man does it sound amazing!! obviously i have never touched a real 335, but this does the job for me haha

[@emilyharpist]

Hey Scott! It was so great meeting you IRL and seeing you play in Long Island! Great video!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Emilyyyy! Right, I don’t have a harp to input this text response but hey 🤣 it was wonderful to see you both and look forward to catching up again soon. It’s good to be back posting videos after some time away.

[@theyearsshallrun6641]

Brilliant that it held up so well!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

I have to admit to being surprised myself 👍

[@theyearsshallrun6641]

@@ScottPoleyMusic Your band sounds great btw! Looks like you hand an amazing tour.

[@leodanryan966]

Hey, pardner, I was watching Guitar Max, and he told us about your "Harley Benton " adventure. My brother and I review guitars, and we've been reviewing Harley Benton guitars for years. I'm not much of a guitarist personally, but Dan is the resident guitarist on the channel. I think it's really great that you are showing people that it's the musician who plays the instrument and not the other way around. You have a new subscriber 😉 👍!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thank you so much, will check out your channel.

[@mikejervis599]

I have three harley bentons: two LPs and this strat. I put new pups in it and cleaned up the frets and set the action. Plays great and sounds like strat. All in it was 250 cad. I love the hb LPs I have too. One has splits and the other one is a gold top with p90s. They both play great

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Amazing Mike!!

[@lukebdawg494]

Thank you for this! We are in an age where you can get a great touring and recording guitar for a decent price. A few years ago I had money troubles and had to sell my Fenders and Gibsons. I ended up replacing them with Harley Benton guitars and I have zero regrets. Their new 25th anniversary strats look great. Stainless Steel frets, flamed maple neck, American Alder body, locking tuners, splittable single coil sized humbucker in the bridge and a tusq nut for £266. It’s wild how you can now get top specs for a low price.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Luke

[@SRW762]

Bravo sire. I love this! There is almost an unwritten law that the more pedals you have, or the more expensive gear you have, the worse the music is. Ha ha. Great job and wish you success

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Right on! Thanks Stefan

[@rybo0072]

I recently got myself the Harley benton JA baritone as a fill in for the jazz master baritone and I have to say I love it and dare say it sounds better than the jazz master which was a pleasant surprise 😁 it's amazing what HB is doing with the cheaper models and how accessible it's making things for musicians that can't afford the more expensive gear

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely and for the guitars you don’t use every day like baritones, HB’s are a great affordable option.

[@alliweb]

Now I can... Encouraging! a real contribution to both beginner musicians and industry. Thanks for all the efforts

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thank you for your comment Ali

[@johndozer843]

It’s incredible the sounds and tones you were able to achieve with this guitar! It just goes to show once more you don’t need an over the top guitar to create amazing music :)

[@Childofbhaal]

You don’t need an over the top guitar just good amps or sound systems

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much John!!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Not at all. Plug Eric Clapton into a Line 6 Spider Amp and he’ll sound like Eric Clapton. I could happily use a budget amp on gigs, I use a Line 6 Pod 2 occasionally for throw and go gigs.

[@sanoj1969]

Fantastic. It’s a joy to see the HB being used as a professional instrument, and holds up to. I think that a much more expensive instrument also need a tweak now and then to work on a world tour. I own only Harley Benton’s and I am very happy that this brand offer users a chance to try out several models for a great price. For me it has been a eyelifter that my body and arms like more LP shaped models and I thought from the start that I was a “Strat” guy.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s ace. Harley Benton’s are a great way to find out what you like before investing in a more expensive guitar if you wanted to go down that route. Nice one 👍

[@davidgoray9631]

I Like Cheap Guitars !!! And Yours Sounds GREAT !!!!!!!!!1

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks David!

[@RaulRieraS]

Let's be honest... That guitar is better than the ones used by most our guitar heroes in the 60s

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely, scary isn’t it!

[@lwwells]

And those 60s guitars are selling for 10s of thousands today… … …

[@RaulRieraS]

@@lwwells terrible truth: in 50 years or so MGK guitars might be worth tens of thousands

[@harrykelley7131]

Very well said..

[@Meerskiiii]

This is awesome! I like to go to pawn shops and find old guitars and set them up. Any guitar will sound great with the right set up.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Rock on!

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

Just receive my Harley Benton ST-20HSS in matte black. It's the best strat I've ever played, even more playable than my American Strat. The neck is just perfection. I actually love the bridge, which I set in floating mode. I took the string trees off and it hasn't gone out of tune once, even when dive bombing heavily with the whammy bar. Pickups could be upgraded, but they sound pretty good to me as they are. This guitar is WAY too good for the price I paid for it. It also has one of the best looks I have ever seen on a guitar. I'm in love :)

[@sharonbernstein3039]

Hey Scott, it’s the artist creating the art. Some of these Harley Benton’s are really good instruments without breaking the bank. I have a HB JP-550 bass that I use for gigs and the passive simple setup just works. I haven’t tried one of their guitars yet but it looks like it could replace quite a few squires and MIM fender strats.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

I think the story is less about the Harley Benton, more about encouraging people to pick up a guitar and play - not feeling inhibited by the price. Some of the budget Squier guitars are amazing.

[@ivanhgmurrayfx]

The real secret of a good sound is in your hands. Literally. There are too many myths around music gear but most of them are only marketing techniques. A great video. Very interesting content.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Ivan 🙏

[@jameswhitty8007]

Give it to me!!! I'll keep it for you if you ever want it back. I have a set of fender noiseless from the 90's waiting to make that guitar shine even more. Love your initiative and Fleetwood Mac!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

You’re in the draw James!

[@paulvandijk2204]

"Max" sent me as well hahahaha...but....great video, love to see your guitar guru repair man having the time of his life...and his work showed off...!!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Max is a legend! Yeah phill is great, loads more videos of him on my channel.

[@garymeinen3663]

De-oxit is THE best thing to use on moving electronics and it won't destroy plastic or circuit boards. I use it on amp pots and volume controls, it's amazing.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s awesome Gary, it’s a life saver for sure. I’ve just used it to free up some very dirty original pots on a 1946 Rickenbacker Lap Steel.

[@Blueshade]

I don't play guitar but I want to learn and I think Harley Benton will be the brand I choose to start my journey.......loved the video! It sounds amazing for 30 pounds.....

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Amazing Scott, great name 👍😜

[@sie11pervan]

There's something so great about finding a dirt-cheap guitar that just 'has' it. I vividly remember bringing my 'lightly modded' (different pots + nut etc) Squier HSS metallic black sparkly guitar to my conservatorium friend who is used to playing top of the line Fenders etc. Gave it to him, and because he never actually played anything under at least a $1000,- his jaw dropped to the floor. First thing he said was; "What am I paying $2500,- more for?". Eventually he kinda figured out the differences. The humbucker has exactly what a lot of people are looking for on that Squier, but it's not very controllable which would make it's usability a little less broad when looking at genres. Apart from that, the sustain was a tad lower, but he was absolutely pleasantly surprised by it.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely. Nothing wrong with expensive guitars but nothing more rewarding than finding a bargain.

[@LukasDozer]

Wow this is a great video I think I washed it three or four times over and over I used to play guitar professionally and then unfortunately sustained major nerve damage in a hit-and-run automobile accident 2008. I recently picked up a guitar only last year and started playing again and from not being able to play again at all to just starting to play some blues and being able to work around my injuries it's been an amazing turnaround for me. Thank you for this video I didn't know that little secret there to lockdown of the strings on the tremolo. I am going to start watching more of these videos because I'm very interested in how these techs do their magic as these tips and tricks are invaluable.(Magic) Congratulations on the tour and the guitar sounds great! Please lease accept this comment as my formal entry to win this fabulous guitar contest. Continued success for you and thank you very much to you and your entire crew. Cheers! 💯

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment Christopher

[@LukasDozer]

@@ScottPoleyMusic You're most welcome. ✅

[@juanpablonunez2310]

Love this. Great Video and message: "I want to prove that to make music, you don't need expensive equipment.". I think the same. Know too many people with so expensive equipments and they don´t make even a song. In the other hand so many talented musicians making great stuff with almost nothing. Thanks!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Juan 🙏👍

[@lidbass]

This was a very interesting series of videos, particularly all the setting up. I’ve just changed all the pickups on my Squier Strat, but I think it will also have to visit the guitar doctor. Thanks!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s brilliant, glad you like the videos!

[@nathandoering9115]

Just finished watching this and then watched the 5 part series on setting up the Harley Benton. Great set of videos that will help people getting these low priced guitars playing great! Again, it's about sounding good, not being expensive. I personally enjoy going through and making all these adjustments. Once you have done this, you will have a better understanding of what to do if you hear some noise or need to make a small tweak to help dial the action in. Thanks again!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Glad you like them Nathan!

[@Briansgate]

ngl, I subbed for the Harley Benton guitar. I love that you proved that you don't have to break the bank to succeed.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely!! Thanks 🙏

[@petaks01]

I love my HB Tele and Lapsteel, great and affordable starter instruments with just minor fixes needed to be good friends for years to come. Your videos proove that the sound isn't tied to the big brand name but to the player working his/hers instrument the right way.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Right on!

[@lazylion420]

Phill Orme is a bright, shining star and Harley Benton makes the best, quality, affordable guitars on the market today. take it to the bank!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely he is!!

[@janelleheideman2640]

I just started playing 6 string (played 3 string fretless CBG and ukulele already), and picked up a cheap used First Act to learn on. I've found it doesn't have to be expensive to sound good. I imagine the HB strat is fun to play, which also important. Great video!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s so great Janelle- thanks for checking out the video

[@weihtie2200]

It's astonishing how great a guitar at this price range sounds. Also great playing and I hope to have a fair shot at winning this white beauty. :P Keep up the great work! :)

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely 👍

[@MVWDave]

I've seen (and heard) less expensive guitars that delivered the goods, but it's quite shocking for such an inexpensive guitar to hold up so well. Thanks for the video.

[@Childofbhaal]

Guitar is realistically one of the least factoring things in tone. Plug anything into a good amp or sound system that’s the real producer of the tone. Plug an expensive guitar into a $20 amp and it’ll sound like trash

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Amps / sound systems are a HUGE part of a tone, totally agree.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

It’s miraculous that it performed so well over so many shows. Thanks so much.

[@ATMRepairs]

It doesn't really matter the price of your kit, it's how it is set up and how you play it. A great video to show people you can start on a budget and have great fun with guitars.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Graeme

[@andrewmckissick97]

Looking to get back into playing after selling all my gear years ago, this has made me realise I don’t need to go looking at high priced guitars to have fun again!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s awesome Andrew

[@dorgo6285]

This is what we mean when we say Music is for everyone now! Great vid!!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

It really is!! Thanks!!

[@graemenewman7311]

Amazing to see the setup procedure and just how little you needed to do to get this HB up to standard. Cracking value for money!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Graeme

[@IanInChengdu]

Wow Phil was in my Uncles band back in the 80’s and the drummer in my band was also in Phil’s Jam cover band. So many memories.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s amazing!!!!

[@buckellard]

I have the Harley Benton ST-90sa. It has a little better sustain. I replaced the output jack, 5 way switch and nut. (other things too but they weren't necessarily for necessity. I also blocked off the trem and put heavier (10's) on it. It wouldn't play in tune at all with the 9's. I truly enjoyed this. I use it on my (MUCH) lower level shows and it's really very good. This is a great video. Thanks for doing this.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s brilliant Buck, thanks for watching 👍

[@MetalMike87]

This is a very nice debunking experiment. I think us guitarist kinda tend to fell in love with myths and build up castles in the sky. A large chunk of the ppl in the crowd wouldn't be able to appreciate the difference from this Harley Benton to '67 Strat. Ultimately the instrument affects more the player than the listener Modern day guitars are good and you definitely do not need a 3000£ guitar to gig around: not in theaters, for sure not in smaller venues.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely 👍 I love my expensive guitars and need the consistency and quality that they provide for my work. However, I must admit, this guitar is far from unpleasant, it’s a great instrument!

[@666dreamboat]

Love watching Phill talk about guitar maintenance. What a font of information ,next time I'm in Preston I'll have to bring one of my guitars up with me and come down and see him for a setup. Really want to try that HB, -almost can't believe it for the price!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely, he’s a diamond.

[@michaelbeem1737]

This is fantastic...Love that it shows you don't need to break the bank, to get the job done

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Michael

[@nicfleck3213]

Guitar Max sent me, and im so glad he did. I'm really digging your content. Keep up the great videos. 👍

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@PopLucian90]

Well, for me, this whole ordeal leads to one conclusion, and that is focus on the music, more than on instruments. This is always a refreshing conclusion. I have never been a fan of exhaustively researching and testing instruments to exhaustion.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely 👍

[@rexshoemaker740]

After 40 years of playing the air guitar I decided to start my journey of learning to play the real guitar. Its awesome to see that you don’t need to spend thousands to make music come alive!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Rex. Thanks so much for your comment.

[@Kilroy6090]

Wish cheap quality guitars were around when I first started but I am glad that they are available for new guitarist now!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Me too!!

[@larseikind666]

It has the almost distinctive HB sound, which I actually like. Anyway, this is a big heads-up to Harley Benton. Cheap doesn't mean bad. Rock on!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Lars!

[@DannysLife24]

Nice work! It's amazing you do all the shows with the original electronics of a 30£ guitar!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Crazy isn’t it! I thought I’d have to replace them.

[@ATH_Berkshire]

Very interesting and a beautiful example of how modern manufacturing technology has dramatically improved the quality of “budget” instruments.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Tim 👍

[@victoraez]

Thanks for this video. It's so great to see someone as you playing a guitar like this one!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much

[@NCtrailX]

Wow - really impressed that you would do that! Thanks for taking the risk and proving that affordable guitars are pretty good these days!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thank you for watching 👍

[@tomcanningmusic4923]

I have a used '05 squier affinity strat which i bought for £60. I stopped using it for ages, even tried selling it for next to nothing. Then I took it to a gig for a mate to use as a spare and he told me it's lovely to play and i'd be stupid to sell it. Now I've modified it with a rail humbucker in the bridge and it's all the guitar I could ever want or need! Cheap gear for the win!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s amazing Tom!

[@kurtmarion7645]

Glad you (and a few others) are really showing this reality! I have Squiers and Epiphones...they are set up well and play great.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Cool, thanks Kurt!

[@rjtheoret]

Appreciate videos like this. Letting people know there are great affordable options out there. Sounds amazing!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Rob!!

[@MassimilianoRoma66]

Amazing dimonstration that it is better to invest in lessons rather than on gear! Thanks!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely 👍

[@pasihuhtakallio4896]

Like the experiment, like your playing. Making music is what it's all about.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Pasi

[@jeffboshears5159]

Awesome video! Great to see this guitar in both its set up and use on stage.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@lookingawkward]

so happy to see this kind of thing happening in the world! please keep it up!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Carlos

[@christianvalencia2663]

Nice and informative video! Staying tuned for more good content - might consider picking up a HB guitar myself now!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Do it!

[@80Days]

I found the same model in a charity shop for the same price. I’ve done loads of mods on it, it was great fun to do it.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Amazing Ian, they’re great modding platforms.

[@peterjohnson4932]

I have a couple of the Harley Benton Teles, one of which is the cheapest one at around £75. I'm happy gigging these. Stunning guitars. I'd love to try the HB Strat! I own guitars by the big two, and after fifty years of playing I no longer see a need to spend more than £200 on a guitar. Those "budget" models have gotten that good.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s great Peter, there’s some brilliant value budget instruments coming out at the moment. Look at Sire or the latest PRS SE DGT, bringing pro grade guitars to market for a budget price. Amazing!

[@davidesturaro2100]

I love that you're showing how cheaper instruments can still be good to make music and have fun with it, and can be loved even outside one's bedroom. Idk, I feel like these guitars add a note of rawness and "honesty" in the way they're not as polished as their more expensive sisters, and they inspire you to put more of yourself (in work and effort) into them, especially if you're on a student budget haha. And every time I see a white stratocaster I think of the early Arctic Monkeys, and even if it's not the same in a way I feel like the spirit of this guitar matches with that raw diy tone of their earliest material

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

What a great band!! The AM album is my favourite. Thanks Davide 👍

[@davidesturaro2100]

@@ScottPoleyMusic amazing album!

[@JoeBoult]

Man if it sounds good and plays comfortably then it's a good guitar. I've been on Mexican Fenders, budget Gretschs and low-end Gibsons from day 1 without problem

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s awesome Joe, whatever does the job

[@billygwalthney369]

Great channel and nice mods to guitar. It sounded great in your live set and the band does too. I'll check out your I.G too 👍

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much Billy

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much Billy

[@oh_rhythm]

I remember a friend playing a solid body gretsch which was one of their cheaper models in the store....man, it was bangin!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely, my friend Dave Sharp plays one of those, great guitar

[@joshuaevans1922]

Cool video. You can make just about anything sound good with some talent and TLC. I needed to hear this message. Cheers!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s brilliant Joshua! Nice one

[@MrKnucles]

Boy…I became so happy when I see KZbin channels honest and humble like yours. Of course a vintage fender made by John Cruz has his values and pros! But to make music you don’t need a 5K guitar! Buy a Harley Benton (amazing company), make a few upgrades depending of your needs and…go! Make music! I got one fusion III with Fishman fluence pickups and boy…better guitar I ever played!! Harley Benton Fusion HH 277€ I’ve polish my self the stainless steel frets (bad part was frets not polished) Replace pickups 300€ And that’s all! I can metal, shred, split to funky like a strat…all with one guitar!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s so great to hear. It’s not just Harley Benton, there’s loads of great budget guitars out there that sound in most situations, pretty much as good as any other guitar. Thanks so much for your comment and enjoy your HB 🤟👍

[@kopfnussklopfer8679]

Wow, i thought professional guitarists use much more expensive stuff, impressive. Just started half a year ago, im playing a Harley Benton Acustic and i love it :) Would enjoy to try out an electric Guitar!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s brilliant 👍

[@tenntonnhammer]

Great video! I used an Epiphone Les Paul Custom for years and it held up just fine and I didn't have to spend several thousand bucks for it!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely, nothing wrong with a good Epiphone. I played one of the Bonamassa Epiphone guitars recently, it was a killer.

[@davidmaes8512]

Pretty amazing this. Guitar sounds great to me. And great that everyone can see now you don’t need an American custommade Fender or Gibson to make great music and enjoy yourself. Great video.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely David and the enjoyment is what it’s all about at the end of the day 👍

[@marksystemed4678]

I recently bought the HB TE62 the craftsmanship is so good. I will swap the pickups and electronics and add a Wilkinson bridge with brass saddles. See how much the sound improves.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Good idea, that’s a great bridge.

[@chemistninja]

Amazing to see a second hand Harley Benton being used on a World Tour. It sounds fantastic in your hands! The white Strat looks great on the stage.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks so much Chemist Ninja 🥷

[@gcGODisLOVE]

Wow! Such a great sounding guitar for what it’s worth. I’m impressed! Thank you for sharing this video.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thanks Gabriel 🤘

[@mikefarquhar5063]

Hey yeah I've never seen a guitarist/musician usine a low cost Harley Benton Guitar on one gig let alone a whole tour! So thanks, I'm back on looking up Harley Benton again, Bringing Down The Wall for me. Ty! Also, I can see from the players perspective and the audience's perspective- there is a difference that being most of the audience won't notice what we notice with a guitar, how it feels, plays, sounds, inspires to play, so now after seeing your vid, there is potential in harley benton.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Mike, thanks so much for your comment 👍

[@richardtoft5238]

Thanks for sharing, your guitar tech is great, really informative and straightforward (he should have his own channel 😊). There are a lot of good affordable instruments available now, not to mention amps. It's a good time to be a hobby musician (a tough one for professional musicians though).

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely it is Richard, exactly why I’m branching out into the KZbin world.

[@richardtoft5238]

Good luck, the term "KZbin guitarist" was considered derogatory a while back now for good or bad it's a necessary method to generate income.

[@richardtoft5238]

On the plus side recording has never been easier, and the obligatory broken TV and duboise smelling couch are also a thing of the past.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

It opens opportunities for sure

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Thank goodness- let them remain in the past

[@mcformica]

Great video. Not surprised that it plays well. My question would be if it needs more TLC than a more expensive built guitar? I assume the fit and finish when brand new isn’t the same out of the box. But once set up, and you’ve got it dialed in right for you, no reason it shouldn’t perform. Great sounding instrument.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

It didn’t require any special treatment on the tour Michael. Other than the setup work documented in the videos on my channel, it was treated like any other guitar.

[@mojodojo5533]

Would love to see this show / tour just for the 30 quid guitar! It should have its own tour manager! And BTW you just killed my motivation to buy this "cheap" PRS I've been looking at. Lol.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Amazing!! Do it!!

[@mojodojo5533]

@Scott Poley | Pedal Steel | Guitar yep. Think I will. How bad could the cheapest PRS be?!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Not bad at all. PRS SE’s are fabulous instruments. Check out my review of the SE Silver Sky on my channel.

[@mrhingland6206]

. it's a marvelous guitar. I have one and of the 30 or so guitars I have this is one I play the most often.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Great 👍🤘

[@FleetfootMike]

I own several HB’s (and used to play in another Mac tribute :)) - absolutely agree with you that the name on the guitar isn’t everything

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

That’s awesome Mike

[@ragsworld]

Awesome! Glad to see that you don’t have to completely break the bank to get a solid, every day use guitar!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Absolutely Chad 👍

[@fictionalpulp]

I wish I had guitars of this quality at this price point available when I was starting out! Great video - loved the insight into the setup.

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

There’s loads more setup videos on the channel too Stuart 🤣

[@clivehutton7754]

Very interesting video. Ive been considering buying an HB CST24HB but the age old saying that “you only get what you pay for” was putting me off it. After watching this I’m now thinking I should definitely reconsider my opinion. If an HB is good enough for you, it probably going to be well in excess of what I need for my level of playing 😂😂

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Go for it!

[@emrhappy]

I amazed at the quality of those guitars at that price point! Excellent video and tips!! Thank you. 😊

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

You’re most welcome Bill 👍

[@jakubkontra6076]

Wow so glad I found you before buying my first guitar. Keep it up

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@robertkruger8180]

Harley Benton ST-20 WH Scott Poley signature Guitar, CONFIRMED! 🤣🤣🤣🤘 Nice channel! Came from Max Carlisle!

[@ScottPoleyMusic]

🤣🤣🤣 thanks Robert