Please Harley Benton? Will Thomann stock this new item for us?

[@yama94]

So, i' am not alone, I agree ! great idea ! 👍

[@bernardlauvray4430]

👍👍👍👍👍🎸

[@ChrisRWoods-px9hy]

You're right. I think this is a great brand for the value. I'm a newbie player, and thought a pick guard matching the binding would have been that one small bonus. 👍

[@xwhateverx]

I just ordered the TE62 DB in Lake Place Blue, and I really wanted to put a dark tortoise pickgaurd on it. Thanks for making this so I know!

[@kevinbrooks9740]

I think you're on the right track. The channel has potential. The one constructive criticism I will give, is that you need to get to the point. You start to ramble. Edit your dialog down to pertinent info only. Keep up the good work and don't take my comment as a negative.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Kevin! I appreciate the feedback and your graciousness.

[@Mr4Strings]

Brad you're so cool. So honest, so humble. Don't change your presentation. Your B-Stock video was spot-on perfect. You're absolutely right on this point. Absurd that the pickguard doesn't fit right. It's probably a QC issue and these are probably made in China. Too many consumers today just take what they get foisted on them. Consumers have to stand up for what is right and not act like sheepeople. I'm getting ready to buy a TE-62 but not a DB model. In my experiences with Thomann Customer Service I have found them to be one of, if not, the most responsive and accommodating services around. Have you contacted them and gotten any kind of response? They always respond, always, and always with respect for their customers.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thank you for your kind words. I did not reach out to Thomann directly about the pick guard. With that said, I don't believe this is a QC issue, I believe the small difference in shape is a legal one. I think it has to be a little different than Fender. Anyway, I did end up replacing it with a custom made one and made a couple other upgrades. The TE 62 guitars are in my opinion the best value. Thomann has always done right by me. I love their products and the HB TE-62 is one of their best values - which is saying something! Thanks again!

[@PI5T0LA]

I have exactly the same guitar and idea as you, I've bought two replacement pickguards and neither fit, but I'll make one of them. The pickup cavity is spacious enough to fit fine though. And why even put a bright white pickguard on with cream binding!?

[@voxelraster]

I agree 100%. I have a lowly TE30 that is one of my favorite guitars, but I hate the pearl pickguard. A black one would be killer, but I found out the hard way that aftermarket ones don't fit and HB won't offer replacements... May as well complain to a carrot though!

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

Not sure if you like a glittery pickguard, but I did this for a similar imported black telly. I first padding the edges with Elmers glue to avoid coverage on the triple ply layers. Apply Modge Podge to cover the top. Then completely cover the whole pickguard with black glitter. Let dry, before applying a top layer of more Modge Podge. Let it dry for a day. I easily scraped and removed the Elmers glue from the edges. Wala!! It gave it a custom, more expensive look. I was worried that in time the glitter would scrap off with use. So far it hasn't shown any wear. No need to even buy a new pg not knowing if it fits. Use the same one!

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks! I'm sure that it looks awesome. How's the feel of it? Is it tacky at all? Curious bey when I've tried similar things the surface change bothered me a little. But that's awesome. I have a couple pickguards laying around that I might experiment on. I have painted two guitars with glitter before - so yes, I'm cool with glitter!

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

@@braddinsmore2696 ... Not tacky at all. It does have a textured feel and look, but that adds to the custom look. It was my first time doing it, so I thought maybe it would come out a little too ''girly". Nope. The glitter is on permanently. I did the same with an LP goldtop pickguard. I used gold glitter. It makes the whole guitar pop out even more. Classy look, not cheesy. I was surprised how durable the glittered pickguards are. I thought about using clear epoxy, but I think that would have leveled the glitter and given it a plastic over the glitter look. The texture I got was more of a matte finish with some glitter sticking out, giving it a rough feel. I plan to do other pickguards the same way. Again, I don't have to buy any replacements. Glitter is cheap at Wal-Mart. Bought the Modge Podge at Dollar tree, but I'm sure Wal-Mart carries it too.

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

@@braddinsmore2696 ... I'm also thinking of creating a pick guard from a laminated square wood floor tile. I'll be using the original to trace. I love the look wood grain pickguards give. They're just too expensive to buy.

[@braddinsmore2696]

@@oldschoolfunkster1 that's fantastic! I'm getting inspired to get creative!

[@mikepj1025]

The replacement actually looked like it had a smaller gap than the stock one. Pickguards are tricky. Slightest difference means you have to drill new holes. It’s sucks. I agree, why not make the pickguard a standard shape and dimensions? Kind of dumb.

[@caparaorc]

You could try leaving that original pick guard in coffee for a few days, I find it does a good job in offsetting that white.

[@handmade76]

Cream would look sweet on the that double bound T , you could cut your own maybe

[@dazla01206]

I contacted Thomann and they put me on to there parts department...took about a week would of been £30 for a replacement pickguard...there is a company on eBay that sells harleybenyon pickguards with a wide range of finishes still pretty expensive tho.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Darren!

[@blueeyedsoulman]

If I were you I'd go black/black. The gap won't be so noticable. Two-tone is kind of geeky looking anyway. I had a Tele Delux that was black on black and everybody commented on how cool that guitar looked.

[@markbaum9615]

You can make one easily out plastic stock material...use the existing guard as a template....you'll nerd a workbench, rotozip or mini router , Correct bevel router bit and correct pitched countersink bit for screw holes and clamps .....

[@becausehelivesministryintl6841]

I just ordered a Harley Benton Te40 Deluxe. Can't wait to get it a d check it out.

[@braddinsmore2696]

I hope it's a good one and a perfect fit for you.

[@steviemac8075]

Yeah great idea, I would like a change of scratch plate on my single pick up P-bass from Thomann 🎉👍🏻

[@antonakis79ohyes]

I like this video, don't mind the talking because you seem like a very positive person and I like that, I also like HB teles (I have a te 52 and a te 62) and that perloid pickguard would look amazing on your guitar! Rock on!

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thank you so much Anthony! Rock on brother!

[@BoltRM]

Looks like a good business opportunity for pickguard makers! Maybe Thomann does not want the extra money..

[@Jaloja]

Thomann is hard headed about their "business plan". I have German blood and heritage I understand... They should have setup a USA warehouse shipping facility for the entire HB line. Nooo don't want to do that. HB USA would be to successful. For two years the spread on the Euro to $ and the shipping fiasco made HB hard to consider. What was once $30.00 for over 2kg to the USA on DHL went to $65.00 for one Guitar on UPS. Effectively doubling the price of the lower priced HB products. It was a train wreck pandemic problem that killed a large percentage of USA sales. I know I haven't seen HB as cost effective since the spring of 2020. Not Thomann's fault but they have not made a effort to do much about it. Back to normal? New normal isn't so normal.

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

@@Jaloja ... I remember they jacked up the shipping because of the pandemic. Ok. UnderstandableThey also said it would return to normal shipping after the chaos. Still waiting. I kinda figured it'd stay the same. But why lie.

[@daviddoucet9599]

I ended up wrapping the one on my te-20 HH from red to matte white

[@billmumbo2697]

A pal of mine had two strata one black/white guard, one white/black guard he thought I'll swap so I'll have one black guitar one white (both American made similar vintage ) they didn't fit he bodged it but ended up having two new pickguards custom made. I have a white Glarry p bass and put a tortoise shell guard on it but it had to be fettled (i placed one on tother double sided tape and carefully filed it till it fitted) filled a few screw holes looks fine now took half an hour 😉👍🇫🇴🇺🇦☮️

[@ozmeisterM]

I made my own out of leather. I bought veg tan 4mm off eBay and used the HB pick guard as the stencil. I’ve got the TE70 black paisley and I stained the leather black. Shame I can’t show you the photo but it looks great.

[@braddinsmore2696]

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@ozmeisterM]

You can get a $20 piece big enough for 4 pick guards. Glad to help😁

[@Bob48]

Had a similar experience with their bridge pins. I have 2 HB acoustics and their after market wood pins ( which are lovely) fit neither. Ended up buying a reamer!

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks for the info! Good to know.

[@bulobeloo]

Suggestion - make a clear HB pickguard - users can then customize and it's not needed to make and stock several colors

[@braddinsmore2696]

That would be cool! Good idea.

[@johnpick8336]

You could buy a sheet of Pickgaurd Material from Steward Mc Donald and have a Luthier cut it out for your H.B. guitar ?

[@MrPhins]

I think you're going to grow and I've enjoyed the videos I've watched but I'm going to offer a suggestion and I hope you don't take it negatively. I've watched a few videos and like the content but it took more than 2 minutes to get to the actual video content. I don't think a script is necessary but you tend to wander. Even if you just worked on tightening up the monologue but wanted a more casual body of the video I think it would be an improvement. Best of luck and keep up the good work. 👍

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks! You're spot on. I appreciate the feedback.

[@lofimoda]

It’s true, I bought one -Harley Benton pguard - for my SG and it didn’t fit as well hahaha, I modified it and looks rad but I wish they gave me the option, I endorse this video 👍🏼

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks! Glad it turned out.

[@slawrence4162]

dude... you rock. You're the vision. Keep it going bro. Harley bent it.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thank you!

[@marctremblay5837]

You could easily paint it and put a mat finish with a spray can. Just a thought as I have done this before.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Marc! Yeah, I've done that before too. But I ended up not liking the feel of it. Not a bad solution for some. The problem is that if you mess it up (which I've done in the past, it's hard to find a really good replacement (unless you get one custom made). Thanks again! It is a good option for most people.

[@marctremblay5837]

@@braddinsmore2696 Actually the only reason I painted it is because it was a HB and I couldn't find a replacement lol. I'm also left handed which makes it usually impossible to find most parts.

[@danrunnoft6642]

I bought a vintage white pearloid pickguard, and some black pickup rings for my IYV LP style guitar on Amazon. Both the pickguard and the pickup rings came from the same company (Musiclily). The cutout on the pickguard did not fit over their own pickup rings. It wasn't even close. The cutout was about 1/4 in too narrow. After about an hour of filing and sanding, I got it to fit, but what a pain in the butt. The cream pearloid, or "mother of toilet seat" as my friend calls it looks great.

[@nikolacvetkovic2276]

Exact reason I painted HB pickguard in some vintage white color...

[@ianinfinity380]

Been thinking the same for basses

[@davidphillips2151]

You would think it would be simple enough, since the pickguards must exist (at the factory where the guitars are made), why not just make more of them? I guess it has something to do with the economies of scale that make it possible for Thomann to mass-produce guitars. But then again they do sell replacement pickguards - they just don't fit their own models. I noticed that in the Harley Benton pickguards listing it mentioned in the case of one version that it did NOT fit a specified Benton model, but in other listings of differently coloured versions of the same or similar pickguards it either stated that it DID fit Benton models or made no mention of which brand it was meant for. Very inconsistant. Some years ago I bought a Fender 3-ply 'tortoiseshell' replacement pickguard (at no small cost - about £60) from Thomann, described as the 'vintage 1957 version' (which is odd as Fender did not make a 3-ply guard until 1959 and did not even feature 'tortoiseshell' patterns until the 1960's). When it arrived it didn't remotely resemble the photo in the listing. I complained but ended up talking to a German receptionist who did speak Engish but didn't know what I, or she, was talking about. Thomann promised me they would change the listing. But they did nothing until the product was eventually discontinued anyway. But it persisted as a wrongly described item for some years. If you only want to BUY A GUITAR, the Harley Benton's are brilliant and beautifully made (I just took delivery of one of their t-style models and it is fabulous) but Thomann itself is a Stack-'em-High-&-Sell-'em-Cheap' warehouse operation, and they just don't do customer service well, if at all...

[@countblue]

Thats strange I have a standard tortoise Pickguard on my ST62 DLX OW instead of the original gold anodized one and it fits perfect. I also put the anodized one onto another Strat from Aria and it fits there quite good. Maybe a teeny tiny difference in the drillholes but nothing grave. I dont know a bout the Teles. My Tele has a nonstandard Pickguard because she is a TE-FLT90 and the second Tele I own is a TE-90QM which has no pickguard at all because thats a thinline.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks! Good to know about the strat styles. The t styles (at least the traditional styles) are different enough to notice. I've heard that other models are different too, but it's good to hear that the s types are much closer.

[@countblue]

@@braddinsmore2696 Ok this is a ST 62 DLX. I dont know about the cheaper models the ST-20 and the likes. I once had one but there I didnt change the pickguard so I have no experience about that.

[@simhaye6947]

Have same problem want cream 3 ply .did you resolve it?

[@braddinsmore2696]

I ended up having one custom made. It's awesome. I've been meaning to make a follow up video show the mods I made but have been busy with other projects. Best of luck to you with whatever you end up doing!

[@pumpdumpster]

Maybe you can make one yourself, or someone you know can make it for you. Pickguard plastic is available on the internet.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Niels. I ended up having one custom made. I've had a couple different pick guards made over the years. It's not too hard to have done, but it'd be great if HB / Thomann would offer them too. I think it'd only help their brand and create more sales and more happy customers. Thanks again, I'll post a video sometime soon showing my mods to this guitar (including my new pickguard). Thanks for watching!

[@blueeyedsoulman]

I would like a pickguard choice/ replacement. They just emailed me an answer "I'm afraid we are not able to order spare parts for delivery outside of the EU. Unfortunately this is not possible due to customs reasons. Please accept our apologies that we cannot be of more help on this matter." So that's where we're at.

[@barbmelle3136]

Same problem with Jay Turser guitars, Fender pattern parts do not fit and Jay Turser does not offer replacement parts.

[@caparaorc]

Customizability should be a selling point for less expensive guitars right?

[@braddinsmore2696]

Yeah! I think so.

[@stu-j]

I bought blank pickguard material from aliexpress and cut out my own using the original I have on my TE-52. Super easy to do by hand even with 3 ply. I just use a scroll saw and a dremel and a few files. Standard Mexican pickguard will fit but you have to drill new holes or a bit of work. Thomann said no to me even though they have enough people asking for pickguards. Think I paid like £12 for a blank and I did ask a Chinese company if they can make them for me and if I sent them an original they would make them but 100s at a time and will I sell 100s? And you can also buy tele pickguard blanks on aliexpress.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks! Great comment. I love how far you went to try and make it happen. I think they would sell, but it would take effort and for many it might not be worth the trouble. Thanks again. This is awesome info.

[@stu-j]

@@braddinsmore2696 AliExpress do blank guards only right handed ( I'm a lefty so it's even harder for me) and the 1ply stuff is super easy to work with. I've even painted pickguards before on my Les Paul because you can't find left handed replacements that don't cost a fortune. Even worse in the UK as we don't have as many music shops and parts coming up for sale.

[@thespookdeville5112]

I've been waiting 3 months for my harley benton to come to England from Germany. Maybe get by end of June. Rodge David kidderminster uk 🇬🇧 ❤

[@Jaloja]

Pickguard material in the color you want is hard to find and cutting the and beveling the edges is hard to do with out proper equipment. HB is snoozing on business opportunities.

[@briand3150]

your all over the place just make your own and that one as a template and there's two guys that do it cheap in Texas and Florida

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks!

[@obeleco]

Is true, i have a te62 and the Harley Benton pickguard don't fit.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Orlando! The feedback is appreciated!

[@andrewfrancis3591]

Buy a blank. takes 15 mins to make one, especially as you have the original.. Pickguard material is ultra soft. Made from compressed 100% recycled 1970's ladies nylon Knickers.

[@jmbzrx1200]

Man I had a 5 shot mocha and feel like you stole all the caffeine from me!

[@Hotrod66149]

Damn dude begged so hard I wish I knew he needed this two years ago, I would have cut it on my cnc for free, damn I felt his pain! Lol

[@idealmethod]

That's funny, u thought a standard guard would fit! You can trace your old guard and get a custom one made up, same price. Custom pick guard. Hopefully you learnt a thing or two about hb guitars. Don't expect any two to be identical also!

[@braddinsmore2696]

Yeah, bad assumption on my part. I didn't think it would fit perfectly but I thought it would be closer. Always learning! Thanks again! I still want to see that painted guitar!

[@Funky85Mess]

What? Two HB's will almost always be identical if they're the same model...because they're made in the same factory by the same people using the same mold. I've owned 14 HB's so far.

[@idealmethod]

​@@Funky85Mess of the 14 hb guitars how many were duplicates ( same model ) i am guessing none. i just bought two and they have different neck sizes. i was as surprised as you. its a random gamble with hb The guitars i bought was the ex84 neck thro

[@keithclark486]

Looks like it's made for a humbucker.

[@chrissanders8362]

Just use Car Paint and put 10 coats of Clear coat - Problem solved dude....Also any Luthier will make you one. There are scratch proof plastics out there also - Think outside the square man.

[@JoeKyser]

I can make you whatever you want

[@jetteroheller]

Why make a Tele clone that far off? People like customizing their guitars. Thomann should understand this. It’s gotta be like 1/4 of their business.

[@chf4486]

soak the white pickguard in coffee

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks! Great idea!

[@simhaye6947]

Does it work

[@wildbillhackett]

To the best of my knowledge HB / Thoman don't make guitars. I think the way it works is that there are various guitar makers in places like China and Vietnam that produce guitars and then offer them to the highest bidders such as Thoman. If that's the case then Thoman probably has very little say in how those guitars are made. This would also explain why HB and Washburn guitars are so much alike---they may be coming from the same maker.

[@braddinsmore2696]

I'm not sure of the process, but you are right that HB/Thomann have them manufactured at different factories throughout Asia. But however they do it, they should be able to manufacture some replacement parts that fit the products they sell. Pretty easy for a company as large as Thomann. Thanks for watching and the comments!

[@dat219]

How much does it weigh

[@braddinsmore2696]

The guitar is about 7 pounds. Thanks!

[@sdejong9165]

spray paint??

[@braddinsmore2696]

Perhaps! Yes. It just depends on the player. I've done it in the past, but it will (or can) give it a different feel. Also it depends on what you want it to look like. So yes it can work for some! I ended up having a custom cream pearloid one cut for me. A little more expensive than spray paint, but I love the guitar and I'm still way under the total cost of other brand guitars that aren't as good. Thanks!

[@sdejong9165]

@@braddinsmore2696 i think that thomann would have trouble with pricing?? What would you ask for a pickguard at a hundred dollar guitar? Inn the end it's about profit.....😁

[@braddinsmore2696]

@@sdejong9165 yeah, you may be right. But there are plenty of people that like to buy inexpensive things and trick them out. I think a $10 pickguard would be profitable. But that's not my area of expertise.

[@troykelso]

2:15

[@marcelsmeets927]

If you'd get to the point a bit quicker, I might subscribe.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Marcel for the feedback. I appreciate it and it will help future videos. I'm just posting these videos for fun and helping others. Peace!

[@jos_t_band3912]

complicated stuff.

[@MrPeterbennett]

too much waffling talk before you get to the point

[@braddinsmore2696]

True. Thanks for the feedback! I'll work on that. Thanks for watching.

[@jacqueskools2566]

I would have formulated it more diplomatically, but I agree that it could have been a bit more streamlined

[@bheinlen]

@brad dinsmore. Hey Brad. I have a CNC machine and I can help you out. Post an email address I can contact you at and we can work something out.

[@braddinsmore2696]

Thanks Leo. I appreciate the offer. I already got one custom made. I do think you'd be able to help a bunch of others if you set up an eBay or Etsy shop or a place that makes custom pickguards. Thanks again!

[@bheinlen]

@@braddinsmore2696 That's what I'm considering doing. Just have to figure out how to get my hands on some HB pickguards for dimensions to do the programming.

[@braddinsmore2696]

@@bheinlen someone might bring one in to you or send it to you. Or if you plan on selling a bunch, then you could buy one of their TE models for about $100. Then you'd have a pickguard and a guitar to test future fits.

[@simhaye6947]

Are you in UK .can you do 3 ply