I went behind Harley Benton's back to find the truth.

I'm often accused of being shipped "winners" when it comes to affordable gear. The best examples that the consumer never gets... So I've made a “stealth purchase” & documented the whole process, including import fees. Grab one through this affiliate link so I can pay my editors.... www.thomannmus...
Disclosure: Not Sponsored. I financed this whole thing myself. I do make a few bucks through affiliate links, so if you like the product, click the link & I can recoup the cost that went into making this video.
#notsponsored
About Spectre Sound Studios:
I'm Glenn Fricker, engineer here at Spectre Sound Studios. I love making records, and after doing it for sixteen years, I want to pass on what I've learned. On my channel you can find tutorials on how to record guitar, bass, real drums and vocals. There's reviews and demos of tube amps, amp sims, drums, mics, preamps, outboard gear, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, and plugin effects.
We've covered Moon on the Water, played Bias FX, given you the absolute best in Stupid Musician Texts, ranted & raved about bass guitar, and this channel is where The Eagle has Landed.
Everything you've wanted to learn about recording Hard Rock & Heavy Metal can be found right here on this channel!
I also respond to your comments & questions: The best make it into the SMG Viewer's Comments series of videos. Loads of fun, lots of laughs.
Thanks for checking out my channel & please subscribe!

[@MrRatelP]

Fun fact, I from Belgium, so ordering at Thomann here has NO shipping costs at all, nor do we have custom taxes. A couple of years ago, a good friend of mine made himself a custom 4x12 cabinet, to provide himself with the speakers, he actually bought a Harley Benton 4x12 and took the celestions out to make his custom rig, just because doing so was just WAY cheaper than buying the speakers appart ! And guess what, his custom cab just sounds like a beast !

[@EdwVee]

I guess a canadian buyer doesn't pay european taxes, so it's cheaper before delivery and custom taxes. Also could be almost the same price for some countries out of EU.

[@rockapartie]

​@@EdwVee No VAT, but GST/HST and also no customs for products with an EU-origin. The latter doesn't apply to many products from Thomann, I guess. I have yet to find a single device in my household that uses electricity and is made in the EU 🤔 Haha, I just checked my IKEA desk lamp and it's Made in China (and so is its light bulb ...).

[@DrShempTV]

benelux mentioned raaaaaaaah

[@RoderikvanReekum]

At least you know that the built quality of the cabinet is good! DHL tested it for you for free. It is terrible that those companies do not take more care for your stuff.

[@caiusmadison2996]

For real, they get premium pay across the board, from the moron driving it to you, to the one smoking a carton a day in the warehouse, all of them make massive money to handle things poorly as human possible.

[@LoveSpades]

i ordered a guitar a couple of weeks ago and it arrived without any damage, but probably because i live in germany

[@SuicidalGrind]

Great comment haha, you're right though. It looks like they took out their anger on the package!

[@CarlosSaulRodriguezA]

that's not true, at least in germany most of the workers in DHL make the minmimun wage, whichmis not that bad imo but still not a lot lol@@caiusmadison2996

[@Iesous27]

to be honest, it probably wasn't DHL, it was probably canada custom's that destroyed the box and threw it back in the ripped apart box. I used to work at FedEx attached to the airport with canada custom's agents, they absolutely destroy things just to check for illegal substances.

[@espenstoro]

No way that box wasn't opened and re-taped. Customs must have had a hell of a jam.

[@michaelwright2986]

Yeah, I was thinking that sort of damage looked more like Customs looking for Forbidden Substances than accidental damage. But your idea explains why it spent so long at the airport.

[@GibsonVOS58]

Why are you screaming the whole time? When I finally was going to listen to the speaker my ears was killed by all your screaming :)

[@soundman1402]

My experience ordering from Thomann and living in the USA: They immediately shipped my order and e-mailed me about it, including telling me whether to expect to pay import duties. I received it three days later. My orders from Thomann in Germany get to me faster than from Sweetwater! In the USA, for import taxes, there's a magic number... I think it's $1,000. Value of goods below that cost, you pay no import taxes. Above that cost, you do pay. My $1600 bass, I had to pay $90 or so import taxes. Other orders below that price, no import taxes. If you have to pay import taxes, the courier (in my case, UPS) pays them on your behalf and then bills you for them.

[@mgdrud4605]

Thank you, I have been really curious on how the shipping was going to look from thomman.

[@mgdrud4605]

@@CG-rf6nu shipped to the US? And which carrier managed to destroy it? Doesn't surprise me with the way this one was packed. I heard horror stories from a buddy who packed UPS plane cargo.

[@murdock8068]

Same. Got mine just like this video months ago. Shipped to Kentucky for 340$ I think tax total and all shipped to my door in like 3-4 days! I swapped one v30 for a greenback..

[@davidfox3177]

Man you can’t find a head like that now for under $600

[@JustPlayItLoud]

For any other US residents, Harley Benton does have cabs sometimes on their official Reverb store. Retail price will be higher but free shipping from Connecticut so less of a wait and no customs/fees issues. When I checked they had the horizontal 2x12 for $369

[@NShomebase]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MakabreScynthos]

I bought a horizontal 2x12 Harley Benton with v30's off Thomann for about US$240 back in 2019/2020. I absolutely love it. I use an EVH 5150 iii 50watt head and i get a pretty heavy tone.

[@JustPlayingBass]

I winced when I saw the damage to the box. This episode shows you can have a good quality rig and not pay silly prices. Top stuff Glenn. Thanks man. 🙂

[@joeschmersahl3490]

I bought the horizontal 2x12 earlier this year and had fingers crossed when I opened it. It had the "good" v30s as well. So happy with my purchase.

[@chipclip5019]

i’ve had this cabinet for 3 months and i love it, i got it off of the harley benton reverb shop so i didn’t have to do any importing to the us. it arrived in 2 days

[@damiensantos6189]

Bro thank you for that info on the U.S. shop, I didn’t even know it existed, wanted to try a HB but didn’t want to deal with Europe shipping

[@chipclip5019]

@@damiensantos6189 The selection is sort of limited but i hope you find what you’re looking for.

[@livefromadive6751]

Small missed opportunity of science. Would have loved to have you plug in and try the cab before seeing which speakers are in it. You've done great work proving that eyes and expectation can over rule the ears, and thanks for that

[@mrcoatsworth429]

Kind of agree. Could have compared it to a cab with his favorite V30s mic'd exactly the same way before opening it up.

[@johnyang799]

Comparison would be good. But blind test is not needed.

[@adhaskym.a9536]

What's the point? The whole idea is celestion v30 in the cab. Already known.

[@SergeiVlassov]

@@adhaskym.a9536 you seem to miss the whole issue. There are difference between V30 produced in different year, and they sound different, and you don't know what you get until you look at the code or cone material.

[@dreamlifter2701]

As a former baggage handler I can’t say I’m that surprised to see the box looking like that after transit. Whenever a guitar case would come down the belt I’d be extra careful especially if it said Gibson on the case lol.

[@charleszaman7666]

You’re a real one brother 🖤

[@stallionstudios]

Good for you! Not bad baggage handlers do that.

[@Phaidrus]

Give Fender some love too!

[@SleepingLionsProductions]

I actually bought this earlier this year and was astounded at not only the sound quality but the quality of the build too. UPS handled my delivery and it also took a beating. But it arrived in 2 weeks AND sounded great for all around good tones. It's crazy that even with the exorbitant shipping prices, it's still a MASSIVE bargain.

[@Stefan-]

The horisontal Harley benton V30 cab came out in 2007 according to Thomanns site not 2016, i got one myself in 2009 which i still have. The youtuber "The other John Browne" did some extensive testing and research regarding batch numbers etc on different V30´s and came to the conclusion that the sound varied with the batches of the paper speaker cones rather than being a thing that after a certain year it would sound better or worse. He also came to the conclusion that it most likely wasnt due to any kind of design change but rather manufacturing tolerances. It is similar even for very old vintage Greenbacks from the 60´s, 70´s (i own some myself) , with certain speaker cones they sound different. The Harley bentons V30 2x12´s are a great buy still but the price has actually gone up by 70% since i bought mine at least for me as a Swede, quite a bit likely due to the exchange rate though.

[@stewartmitchell8007]

We're lucky in the UK to get free postage from thomann, no tax either. Have to say I've never received anything so lightly packaged from them either, perhaps it's a North American customs thing. There buying power is insane too, just picked up a set of vintage gotoh tuners (machine heads) from them for £35. Nice work Glen.

[@phillipbowermusic3842]

I set up the stage for Yngwie on a gig. He only used two amps, and two 4x12 cabs out of the entire wall. The rest of the amps were on, with no cables plugged in for the speakers.

[@HeinWillekens]

After buying one I got me a second one because they sound ridiculously good! Even sold my 4x12 cabs en rather bring 2 2x12’s to live shows, having the benefit of playing a stereo setup if I want to, without the logistical nightmare I used to have!

[@matthewgolke865]

Thanks Glenn. Your studio guitarist can shred.

[@BrianBower]

I really like my HB 2x12 vertical cab. I much prefer playing through the cab for the energy over the monitors. Sounds good mic'd up too.

[@Gainovermg]

Can totally vouch for this cab, though I replaced my V30’s with a WGS Invader and Retro 30. Love the tone I get out if it, even with the V30s when I had them, just wanted something a little different.

[@daveethridge7342]

I'm a Postman, and I kinda hate the other companies. UPS, FEDEX, DHL, AMAZON & EXPEDITED bring us truckloads of parcels every day. Fine, whatever, but I hate hearing about damage to the parcels. Look F-HOLE I didn't mess it up. I'm the most careful with parcels. I ratchet strap the big parcels to the wall of my mail truck, so they don't fall. Especially tvs and mirrors. I'm glad it worked and sounds good. Love the show🤘

[@robspectre1973]

I ended up saving up for the Mesa Rectifier 212 with V30s because the HB cabs seemed to good too be true. Don’t get me wrong, my Mesa cab is an absolute beast but it’s 3x the price of the HB. If there is a next time I will be grabbing this HB. Great video Glen

[@bassplayer536]

I’ve owned this cab for about 3 months now and for my ears/taste it beats the crap out of my Mesa 2x12.

[@yurimodin7333]

Mesa's woodwork and build quality is 2nd to none tho.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@bassplayer536They have the same speakers?

[@jackflynn-oakley1937]

Mesa’s specs V30’s different to everyone else. It’s horses courses here, they’re practically different speakers. If you where saving for any other V30 cab, I say save the money and get the HB. But the Mesa ones sound different, so it depends.

[@brotherdoom2406]

By your recommendation, I got myself the horizontal 2x12 Harley Benton cab w/ vintage 30s. I never had a problem with how it sounds, but I bought it back in 2019. It’s rear loaded and the last year before Celestion stepped up their quality control according to what you have said. Oops… Well, at least I can always get something new if I get sick of the 30s.

[@nickalderman5943]

us customs doesn't do import taxes until you go over $800, it's wonderful lol

[@anthonyonfire]

Got the stereo pair with 8/16 ohm switch for 164 (194 after shipping) in 2019. Best purchase ever

[@perikliskapogiannis2327]

No f...cking way thomann send you like that this cabinet. You buy a pedal from German and arrives in greece in 1000 bubbles. 😂 what the hell man?

[@zoomzoom3950]

I have a pair of Engl E212VHB PRO cabs I purchased new back in April, 2012. They have the V30's with opaque dust caps, but I don't hear any fizz or harshness. I purchased these cabs with an Engl E530 preamp and E850/100 power amp, and I still own this rig. More recently, I've been using these cabs with an Engl E651 Artist Edition 100, and don't hear any fizz or harshness.

[@beckojef2001]

It turns out that boss did exactly the thing you preach with the BOSS IR-200: Very basic amp sims and the emphasis on IR loader with two EQ's (pre and post), noise gate and reverb. The result is quite good since it is provided with good celestions IRs. To my ears, it sounds very, very good. If you have not (i checked i believe not), it might be interesting to have a review.

[@lukasvandewiel860]

Your friend's board game cabinet is even more impressive than the HB speaker cabinet :-)

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

Celestion moved production to China as early as 2002 if not 2001. I have various 2002 to 2004 V30s from China. The move to China had nothing to do with the change in tone. That had to do with Kurt Müller who make the cones for the V30. The dust cap has very, very little to do with the tone of the speakers. That's a coincidence and a bit of a red Herring. Source: I shot out over 50 of them in an iso cab with frequency response graphs

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Interesting. So what happened between 2006-2019? Where are the new cones coming from?

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

@@SpectreSoundStudios they are still coming from Kurt Müller but they appear to be constantly changing their production methods which results im varying tolerances in the cones. You are right about the new Vintage 30s but that period seems to be over already. I tested speakers made between August 2021 and February 22 which all generated less 5 to 6 kHz, just like the speakers built between 2000 and 2004 but the later speakers from December 2022 were pretty much just like the ones I tested from 2008 and 2020. It seems the batch code on the cone is the big determining factor. My findings indicate that the speakers with cones that have a Z or an A in their batch designation are smooth. Those cones were used from sometime in 2021 (I tested Z04, Z09, Z18, Z19 and Z26 batch code cones) to sometime in 2022 (31A cone batch code on my February 25th V30s - same speaker production date as yours). The December 2022 V30s had clear dust caps but had cones with batch code 03B that sounded just like the period before.

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

@@SpectreSoundStudios if you are interested, I published all the graphs, recordings and REW files in a dropbox link in the video description of my test. I later did a follow up deep dive on the new V30s based on the findings of my first test and more new V30s.

[@lesgl]

In 2011 i got a brand new GK Neo 212II bass cab sent from the US to Australia thru DHL and it wasn't badly damaged like your box but there was no packing around the cab in the box and it just rocked back n forth in the box..was lucky with that one..only prob was the the fuse had come out of the crossover and the horn wasn't worked but got that fixed

[@SpyZ86]

a few years ago Thomann had a 2x12 with actual English V30s for just 200euros. Only lasted for a few months though, they eventually went for the Chinese ones. Insane bargain if you were lucky enough!

[@georgebezman4883]

I've seen that, whilst in the UK. I was so fkin bummed I didn't have the cash at the time. Dunno how they adjust prices according to country but they sold that cab for £235 for the UK market. Ended up getting this cab demo-ed in this video about a year later

[@eoinjennings519]

I got that it’s great

[@murderbymedia]

GLLLEEEEEEEN! Seriously, bro that was one of the best mixes you have ever done. It sounded amazing and I want to hit myself in the head with it.

[@alanmares8643]

the snare in the demo sounds awesome

[@damonshanabarger2604]

Oh, guru of tonal perfection that has been sent to us by the Heavy Metal Gods of the eight corners of the cube space time continuum universe, yet another video about sonic perfection, although in relentless search of how to draw contrast to Metal in order to draw attention to one of the world's greatest forms of musical art; I have not lost sight of what really matters; how to draw peoples attention to this most majestic form of musical art. You have truly inspired me to go well beyond your average collegic stiff. Keep up the good work, dude. I really appreciate the top-notch work of your performing friends. Truly, I believe if you can get this tonal aspect of music, you can touch base on anything. In other words, if you can get the perfect metal sound, every other genre of sound will follow suit. In all my years of experience, I have always found this to be true. Heavy Metal sits in the middle of all that is sonically pure.

[@KaddysJamKave]

I forgot the front grill pulls off the HB 2x12 cab so I just checked mine and yeah I got the transparent caps too. It's always sounded damn good to me regardless, and I've got several much more expensive cabs in here.

[@jloiben12]

HB basically sells the cabs for the price of the speakers. I am glad they are doing more than just V30s but it would be nice if they put Greenbacks and Alnico Blues but I also do not need a 2x12 or 4x12 any time soon so I am also very glad they haven’t done it yet

[@e3gh757]

The cone batch changed for the V30s in late 2021… they sound like the crappy ones again… you want a cone that starts with a “z”. These cones are from late 2020 to late 2021. There is another KZbinr who did a ton of tests and cataloged the serial numbers to find which cone models sounded good… the issue is in the 3 to 7k area and it’s about a -20db cut around 5k that makes the speaker sound better… also the harmonica are different

[@e3gh757]

@@DerSilvano yes

[@Anonymous-o6t6p]

One of the realest dudes on the internet

[@Swampster70]

That packaging and initial tape job wasn't the fault of DHL but be thankful that DHL took some extra time to add some extra tape en-route.

[@PippPriss]

I have ordered a V30 2x12 vertical as well, also shipped with the transparent dust cap V30s. Also compared to my Marshall G12 Vintage, sounded fairly similar - not exactly the same, but within the range of tolerances of V30s. However, your general assessment of "Celestion stepping up their game recently" does seem to be very short lived - Check out "The other John Browne", he has made multiple videos with SUPER SCIENTIFIC comparisons of 50+ V30s ranging from 1987 or so up until 2022. He also made comparisons in regard of the cone batch etc., and it seems that there's no difference between China vs UK made either. The core differences boiled rather down to the "era" in which the speakers were made, cone batch numbering and yes, eventually the dust-cap to a certain extent. Anyhow, I am sure I am getting it totally wrong, but: CHECK IT OUT, you for one should LOVE IT!

[@stevekirkby6570]

Yea, shipping delays are a pain in the ass - blame customs. Thomann ship dead fast, and as I live on a remote island and track to see when it comes in (by sea!) I know the big hold up is the order being held by mainland customs... and then of course it misses the next ship! So add a couple of weeks or three. LOL. So it usually goes: Thomann ships same or next day, transport from Germany to Lisbon takes about 3 days, then it sits in customs for a few weeks, then it goes on a ship and takes 4 days to get to me. So what theoretically should be a 7 day delivery easy turns into 4 weeks or 5.

[@Funkybassuk]

That damaged box thing happened to me once with a Thomann order. The guitar stand inside was a little damaged and dirty but Thomann got me a full refund (except shipping) and let me keep the stand too. I cleaned it up and then used it anyway.

[@christianmiranda2140]

Damn, I should've asked for a refund. My cab came pretty dinged up with tears in the tolex and everything. I was just like, "meh, it came all the way from Germany and still works so whatever"

[@BryWillart]

I bought one of these two years ago or so and used it in a death/black/blues/psychedelic occult band and the cab sounds reasonable. Previously using a Mesa 4x12, the 2x12 only had a noticeable amount of reduced low end. I believe that's due to the construction, the HB being less tanks than a Mesa 4x12. The fidelity did the job very well in the room. They're clearly lower quality knock off speakers but that doesn't mean they suck balls. If you're on the fence, it's hard to be upset about what you get. Honestly, some minor eq tweaking and you don't have much of a difference.

[@slayabouts]

But did you get the "vintage" one? They have two options for their cabs, one with the V30s and the other probably with the knockoffs

[@Randy-jz9ox]

No possible way a band could fit all those labels 😅

[@BryWillart]

@slayabouts there wasn't an option when I bought it so whatever speaker was originally in them. Still sounds good or maybe my Mesa boogie dual rec still sounds good. 🤔

[@BryWillart]

@@Randy-jz9ox maybe not the bands you listen to my dude.

[@Randy-jz9ox]

@@BryWillart lol ok

[@steveclark9934]

HEEEEYYYY GLENNN!!!! Wouldn't it be funny if Celestion V30's now all only ship with transparent Cones ever since they've seen your Video so that quick visual checks like this right here can take place without rising suspicion and still produce sales. Ooooh and whats this? A happy unsuspecting customer @5:37

[@wootks]

Glen is a bit mistaken about the "new" v30's.. Getting a clear dustcap is not a 100% indicator of a "good" V30. It appears they only made "good" ones for a few months. It was a fluke more than anything. The sound of v30's varies as the paper cones change during various production runs. More info here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpXUaJhonNSCb9E

[@jmbzrx1200]

I would say that’s on DHL & Thomann for not padding the box better.

[@guitarsbymetaljay]

I bought a couple of HB 2x12s four years ago I prefer them over my EVH cabs. Not sure what celestions I have but they sound great

[@Rocksite1]

Metal seems mostly about freedom, facing up to hard realities, and not sucking on your instruments (when it's good). China is about lockdowns, forcing the Jabs on you, crushing dissent, only letting you spend your money when they give you permission, etc., etc. Good thing you are also promoting Celestion alternatives. In terms of mere quality of goods: is the steel a quality grade, or does it have very low or a very high carbon content? Will the baskets sag over months and years of use, due to the soft steel being employed in China? Have they corrected the sound of the speakers, but still not the quality of the baskets?

[@NealVio]

Very impressive. I paid $400 - $450 for my Marshall 1960 cab back in 1990 (now they call it 1960 Vintage). It now sells for a staggering $1900. It's a shame it costs so much, the young guitarist in their 20s cannot afford a Marshall stack at close to $4000. Insane. What's funny is that 3 years ago I paid $1400 for the 1960 vintage and kicked myself for paying all that money for the new cab, (and $1100 for the regular 1960 cab) - so I can have a pair of Marshall stacks. Now I'm glad I bought the second pair before the price went up.

[@IndyRockStar]

Just bought a two 2x12 Birch guitar cab empty from Seismic Audio. I'm going to break down my Marshall 4x12 loaded with V30s and H Cream backs. Not exactly sure how I'm going to do the combo, but most likely 1 Cream back & 1 V30 per cab. Any case, all in it cost $590 per cab. A little bit of savings. - I already had the speakers, so only $485 for both empty cabs.

[@robertmansell3667]

I live in the UK and Thomann delivers pretty quick but I’ve had to return two basses with smashed necks ☹️🤬they replaced them no problem but it really shouldn’t happen.the cost of all those damaged items must get passed on to the customers

[@nienienie7567]

It's not a stealth buy if you're not wearing fake-nose-and-eyebrows glasses

[@johnnekarmack6945]

Harley Benton 1x12 with 2019 vintage30 black (non transparent)dust grail is ok? I need change to new Speaker?

[@CaptainPantys]

That guitar solo sounded exactly like synyster gates for under 700 bucks dude. Holy fuck.

[@tommykruesofficial]

Right on time, I'm Thankful for great people like Glenn i have learned way more just watching this channel out of a general love for metal and walked away with way more and for that i'm grateful man...So Cheer's Glenn!

[@Davidlovesmusic311]

I ordered my 2 by 12 Harley Benton weeks and weeks and weeks ago and I emailed the guy he never emailed back what the fuck?

[@j.jester7821]

I know celestions have some great speakers, but in the budget category not so much. If you cannot afford the really pricy Celestions, you are better off using Jensen or Ted Weber speakers.

[@eamonahern7495]

The mix had a 7-string. You played a baritone at the end. That leads me to a question. What does it sound like on rhythm guitar for those of us who have 6 string guitars kept in standard tuning?

[@oozede9035]

The transparent dust cap is a myth. @TheOtherJohnBrowne covered this in one of his video where after he shot out 50 (?) vintage 30s for every era.

[@DudeMcGuybro]

The cabinets are totally fine, they are what they are. The guitars? My guitar arrived in a box torn to hell, the neck was bowed, and off center (on a neck thru model) the neck profile was nowhere near what they advertised. It took a shit ton of pictures, video, and paragraphs explaining what was wrong with the guitar for Harley Benton/Thomann to finally decide to give me a refund. I had to pay shipping both ways, also. I spent like 150 bucks in shipping fees on a guitar that cost like, 300ish. I don't think I'll ever buy a Harley Benton guitar again. The return process was WAY too difficult.

[@ULTRAVIOLENCECHANNEL]

Just got the hb st hss and it's pretty great. Solid guitar I like it more than fender. Going to be looking into these cabinets too!! Thanks Glen!

[@DantalionVR]

I think it's less of a DHL problem and more of a customs problem. Those guys tend to rip open packages without a care in the world. All my packages that ever had to pass customs ended up being damaged in some way or another

[@uselessoldman7964]

I own the little 2x12 HB and its awesome and its made with plywood with V12 speakers, although it should be noted these are made in China not UK . The difference is subjective they are slightly brighter than the UK version. As usual I swapped out one of the V12s for a G12T_75 just to give it a more rounded tone and add some bottom end grunt without loosing that V30 shine

[@powersv2]

Ah shit. Glen’s doing a video on my cab. Vert 2x12’s with an angled top speaker are low effort. I put mine on an ikea lack table, with my furman strip mounted to the table legs like a rack. 5150iii 50s into the cab. Sounds like a dream everytime!

[@SixShine]

You might want to check out the monoprice/stage right 2x12, which is also loaded with v30s. It’s a horizontal cab, and is slightly open-back. I believe it’s $349 usd. About the same price after you factor in shipping from Thomann to the states. I have both, really like both, but no doubt the stage right cab has more depth.

[@ObeseChess]

Whoa! I wonder how similar they are, design-wise. Time to investigate. 👀

[@NicGarrison]

Wow that is pretty crazy! What a hell of a deal. Thanks Glen for the deep dive.

[@paulw.3967]

I did not understand the comment about the angled front baffle cancelling any standing waves. Huh?

[@antoinev1643]

the solo at 7:15 was amazing ! Is this from a song already existing or was it done for the video ?

[@charlesmayberry2825]

You can't eq your way out. Half true. You can cut things but you can't add where the speaker can't do it. So you can take away from what a speaker does. But not add. But it is the biggest component of an amplified tone.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

Thomann stopped shipping packages with DHL to the US 3 years ago due to them being lost or damaged too often. I'm surprised they are using them in Canada. In the US they ship using UPS.

[@shanegroves69420]

That ship time reminds me of mail-order scams that were still rife in the early 2000s telling you to wait 4 to 6 weeks for delivery 😂

[@randyzeitman1354]

Translucent not transparent.

[@spitefulwar]

In Germany I refer to DHL as "Die Halunken lieferns" (rough translation, Henning may correct me: the rapscallions deliver).

[@adamloxton8660]

Hey Glenn, Nice work. I have an idea for a video. Can you fix the crappy sounding V30s by swapping out the dust caps? I’m sure someone out there can help you swap them over. I’d love to see a video of a before and after on say, 4 x V30’s just to see if it is even possible. Is it just the dust cap or is there something else going on with those speakers? Cheers Adam.

[@dylancraig9616]

The other John Browne actually did a really good video taking a deep dive into your theory of the "new V30" and discovered a new theory that actually, the dust caps have nothing to do with it and instead there was a batch of speaker cones that for some reason sound better. I think you'd appreciate the effort he put into the testing, @SpectreSoundStudios

[@aidancraig1903]

He’s just using the clear dust caps as a way of identifying whether it was a new speaker or the old model

[@dylancraig9616]

@@aidancraig1903 and what the video I'm quoting showed us is that the change in dustcap isn't the part that identifies the better sounding v30's from the worse sounding v30's, like Glen's theory suggests.

[@gunkyzip]

DHL is shockingly bad shipping gear internationally.

[@xburninxthexremainsx]

What is wrong buddy? Did people like our comment and not yours so you deleted what we posted? LOL

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

Not deleted. KZbin does filter some stuff, so try again but be slightly tamer, perhaps

[@xburninxthexremainsx]

@@SpectreSoundStudios naw bro you've been caught lmao nothing but criticism without any insults but go on and lie about it

[@lordovthorn2747]

@@SpectreSoundStudios they critiqued your mix not the cab and you said "cab is fine maybe your room isnt" and completely missed the point. I remember and so do they lol. You deleted the comment when it turned into a criticism of the mix in this video and when more people liked their comments than yours it certainly made you delete it. You got caught buddy.

[@jordanburkhardt83]

Hey Glen! I have one of the older ones and it arrived in pretty much the same condition. I’m using a Marshall DSL20 through it and my friend has a EVHIII and matching cab. Something that I noticed is a lack of low-end no matter what I do. This is definitely an apples to oranges comparison, but when I put his EVH through it, I lost all of the thump that I associated with his rig. After digging through forums I saw a guy claim that caulking the cab improved basically everything. I’m going to try it, but I was wondering if there was anything definitive regarding air leaks in closed-back cabs?

[@andrewwest8334]

That lack of proper packaging is ridiculous. Sounds immense though 👍

[@res7s]

That is the condition I expect when ordering any firearms related package from anywhere north of Tennessee. I got one package that could be rolled. It looked like it had been run over by a tank.

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

Good stuff man. The craziest empty cab i own with cost to tone ratio is Siesmic contemporary 2x12. $229 shipped and sounds amazing. Metal handles, grill comes off in seconds for close micing, 2 inputs for stereo, real birch plywood (not pressboard) and they look nice. A lot of my videos were recorded with it.

[@Study_Sleep_Chill]

What speakers did you go with? Get a deal on those?

[@CIRCLEOFTONE]

@@Study_Sleep_Chill I'm a neck beard guitar nerd so mostly use vintage celestions. Mine was loaded with 30w black backs last time around.

[@darzik]

I'm really glad to hear the cab worked out. I too however had issues... TWICE... with their piss poor packaging. Sadly in my case both instruments I got from them were damaged as documented in the video I made about the ordeal. They seriously need to step up their packaging.

[@jarredbaca8112]

Glenn, does the Harley Benton cab have birch maple or is it MDF? I know the speaker is the most important part, but I remember wood also had a little bit of a sound difference in one of your cab shootouts.

[@Pushrod_Criff]

I ordered the straight 2x12. Will let you guys know how it sounds when it gets here.

[@TheSorrowedMan]

Jeff Loomis called, he wants his harley benton back.

[@HeadacheMachine]

I got this cab for more than 3 years... I can't even play it at home coz it sounds so f*** huge and my amp is only a Orange micro Dark played with my Harley Bentom SG! Greetings from The Netherlands!

[@JoeBaermann]

50+ V30’s later, the difference is not in the dustcap. Look at the badge stamps on the baffle, the baffle material differientates and does the difference, tested with V30’s that have the same cone but not the same baffle material, recent V30’s with a transparent cap do have the same issue as the pre new good ones. So it’s not the cap.

[@JoeBaermann]

Check The other John Browne’s channel, he is currently running a break in on the V30’s to test if that makes further difference.

[@lorenzmende]

Nice information, thanks. Thomann provides a great lineup with their Harley Benton brand. Only sometimes the price is really shows up. In Germany, the delivery is super fast. sometimes even next day, so no comparison with over-the-ocean delivery.

[@jonnydubai]

Great vid. Just been on the website and I see they do a Greenback version. Any thoughts on them? Did they also change like the V30s?

[@ChadBillAnderson]

I bought one of these last year. It arrived in less than a week (I'm in the US) and it's been my primary cab for rehearsals ever since. It sounds really great.

[@haowu3319]

any taxes for buying a cab in Germany and shipping it to the US?

[@ChadBillAnderson]

@@haowu3319 I didn't receive any extra taxes or fees for mine, but YMMV. I've purchased multiple Solar guitars, which ship from Spain, and US customs sent me a bill for extra duties on 2 out of the 6. so it's just a bit of a gamble, I think.

[@danield00d]

From those of us in the regarding taxes and import duties, we aren’t sure either. They were too busy teaching us how to get high on potnuse or something.

[@mattmanley7118]

Very clever sir. I have some HB guitars lots of people seem to like them

[@remyverreault2602]

I bought one of the cheapest explorer model to test it and I'm happy with it.

[@moanaprod69]

I have this with a joyo zombie 2, sound great and loud!!

[@threepe0]

They’re still made in both China and the UK, and I have old and new ones both with mixes of clear and solid dust caps. Beware of assumptions and jumping to conclusions ladies and gents

[@thethingthatshouldnotbe3035]

I just looked at their website yesterday AND THEY NOW HAVE THOSE WITH GREENBACKS! Also creambacks and a couple others ^^

[@RandyFricke]

I bought one of those HB's with the Celestion speakers in it. When I bought it I think the price $219 or thereaboot. At the time the speakers retailed for $99 so you're essentially getting the cab for $20. And it's a solid cab too. I have a custom built 4x12 cab that I had commissioned back in 1990 loaded with 4 Celestion G12T-75 speakers and it still sounds great.

[@lyleanderson5407]

Great video Glen! Many years ago I purchased a Albion 4x12 (AMI-G1280-16 80 watt rms -16 Ohm) and Hughes and Kettner 4x12 (RockDriver Junior, 12”, 200 watts RMS into 8 ohms). Both cabinets sounds way different but have there own character. The Harley Benton loaded cabinet sounds like a heck of a deal!

[@sansocie]

I always put my money in speakers and then turntables. The rest did not seem to make a huge change. Just make sure to match the ratings.

[@magnusbruce4051]

Yeah, I can't see how upgrading my amplifier will affect my listening experience that much, but upgrading my turntable made a pretty big one. Far more clarity and separation, and not for a massive increase in price (£100 to £250). I don't have any issues with my speakers right now so I'll keep using them, but maybe in 5+ years I might have the money to splash out on something really fancy.

[@vr6glx96]

I have klh kendall speakers, audio technica at-lp120xbt-usb and a yamaha as801 and it sounds amazing. I used to have a 7.1 surround with and onkyo receiver and polk speakers and it was just meh, also had a denon dp300f with an ortofon blue on it. I decided to get rid of all that and rebuild it and let me tell you, nothing beats a proper 2 channel amplifier with proper 3 way floor standing speakers. I damn near cried when i first turned it on. It sounded that good. The direct drive audio technica sounds world's better than the denon too which I was surprised.

[@theoriginaldylangreene]

Oh god no....not audiophiles. Stay away from our content. Go back to looking at which gold plated $18,000 oxygen-free cables are the best.

[@ladyluckdrums]

I have a monoprice stage right 2x12 with the v30 speakers. Sounds great and was under $280 delivered in the US (on sale) . I don't see me needing anything else.

[@rolsen1304]

It's the same cabinet;) also the monoprice practice amps are the same as the HB ones.