Ranking Worst To Best Import Guitar Brands Under $300

[@runaprayascitta3970]

Great now make a list about guitar under 15$ because thats all the cash in my wallet right now.

[@bramabull111]

Here's something they call a "plectrum"

[@LarryHovis]

I can Print out a luscious cardboard guitar for you in that price range. Just sayin'.

[@liquid7315]

Hahahahaha. Damn that really made laugh.

[@elephantsmemory3142]

I wish that I could afford a wallet

[@icedvengence3845]

Glarry uh... no wait.......

[@malicesmom]

Who knew there were 35 brands under $300? 🤷‍♀️

[@abcrx32j]

They are technically 36

[@dbmabe]

@@abcrx32j There's actually more. I was a pawn broker for several years, and the brands we could order to sell new were Main Street, Kona, Johnson, and a few others. However, most of those are not worthy of even being in the top 60. Bad fret sprout, electronics issues. I was in a local pawn shop the other day and noticed they are selling new Silvertone Strats. That's a recent development. Silvertone's were never available in the catalog's when I was ordering.

[@jimnelson575]

@@abcrx32j mmmmmmmmmm Mmmm Mmm

[@ZaneDalton]

Jim Nelson what the fuck...

[@tomix1970pl1]

heavyvibrationstudiopl.bandcamp.com/releases

[@prasannasayami1351]

Solid Body Import Guitar Brands Under $300 35. Donner/Silvertone 0:25 34. Monoprice 0:46 33. Hardluck Kings 1:01 32. Oscar Schmidt 1:17 31. Glary 1:33 30. Peavey 2:04 29. AXL 2:32 28. SX 2:43 27. Hofner 2:57 26. Auston 3:11 25. Washburn 3:34 24. Aria 3:43 23. Stagg 4:05 22. Vintage 4:31 21. Mitchell 4:53 20. Daisy Rock 5:13 19. Traveler 5:40 18. Hadean 6:12 17. Kramer 6:31 16. Schecter 6:48 15. C&G 7:12 14. Slick 7:37 13. Xaviere 7:57 12. Sterling 8:14 11. Yamaha 8:47 10. Dean 9:16 9. Cort 9:54 8. Squier 10:12 7. Ibanez 11:13 6. Gretsch 11:36 5. Jackson 12:50 4. Fire Fly 13:29 3. Epiphone 14:34 2. Tagima 15:18 1. Harley Benton 16:06

[@kevinking2468]

The SX vintage series strat style neck with jumbo frets is really nice.

[@kenshiroxxx90]

ugh

[@parker486]

@@alittlebitoflight every single cheap Gretsch guitar I've ever played has held tune just fine.

[@alittlebitoflight]

@@parker486 I'm happy for you (sincerely). I was hoping to buy one. Really liked the pickups on the solid body I played (G5222) and the ones in their older slim hollow bodies. But I'm not paying a grand+ (Australian) for something that won't hold tune (all hardtail too, no licenced Bigsby).

[@parker486]

@@alittlebitoflight That's completely fair. I'm sorry your experience was less than stellar.

[@HarleyBentonOfficial]

Well, we are glad you dig our guitars Phil :) All the best Bene

[@isaacyesca4728]

I love you guys

[@HarleyBentonOfficial]

@@isaacyesca4728 Thanks Rogelio!

[@AKEZ_076]

I have a question, I wanna buy one of your guitars but i dont know if i should get the paradise flame prs or the sc 200 student pack, I am left handed btw

[@bradgray9703]

I have the H.B. TE-70 RW, and if not for this stinking virus causing shipping delays,I would own several more models by now. The only mod I did to this guitar was locking fender tuners. Not because the tuners were bad. I just like locking tuners.

[@thestratman7903]

We would LOVE to have more access to these here in the USA!! With shipping being an extra $100 it's hard for those of us who haven't had our hands on one to buy 3 or 4 of them to make the shipping worth it...You guys make about 15 guitars I want to buy really bad!!

[@lacroixphoto]

I got hooked on Harley Benton guitars for about a year. I now have 6 of them, and bought two for my son. Great bang for your buck.

[@simontemplar3359]

I went way overboard- also 6. weird. They really are phenomenal for what they cost, even with higher shipping. I also have a Monoprice Tele copy and a couple Xaviere tele copies. I think I have a tele problem. HA! But Harley Bentons are for sure an amazing value. Their PRS inspired double cutaway guitars are fantastic.

[@caseylee12]

I've got 14 guitars, but no super strat. I'm looking at one of their Fusion 2 guitars. Maybe the green one.

[@Kylora2112]

Harley Benton is *THE* mod platform brand. You get the top-tier build quality for cheap so you can drop in $150 on electronics, pickups, and tuners and have a $1000 feeling guitar for under $400.

[@simontemplar3359]

@@Kylora2112 well said. Absolutely accurate too. I threw new p90s in the SC GT450. Not saying it's as good as a les Paul gold top but way better than what I'd get elsewhere for the same money

[@Kylora2112]

@@simontemplar3359 Yeah, you can put $500 into a Harley Benton and parts and get something on par with a $1000+ Schecter or LTD. And I love Schecter and LTD.

[@curtwuollet2912]

Check out IYV guitars. I've got a really impressive LP style.

[@demongeminix]

Is it just me, or does it seem like Phil was gonna say a bit more on each brand, but cut it off or edited it out for time considerations?

[@tomix1970pl1]

heavyvibrationstudiopl.bandcamp.com/releases

[@tonyfedor9052]

@@tomix1970pl1 I would have to say that kicks ass ! 💪😎👍 You ever listen to Pat Travers from the early to mid 70'2 on into the 80's ? Check out the album " Putting it Straight" with "Snorting' Whiskey and drinking' Cocaine" and "Crash and Burn" . . . 😁

[@jahmosaxenamp6797]

Stop picking it apart and just play it!! 🤘

[@Meccarox]

I felt that way too.

[@dylanlabiak]

My firefly is an absolutely terrible guitar. Still bitter about that purchase. Jackson, Epiphone, squire, Ibanez, and dean all make far superior guitars for not much more than that piece of garbage firefly I can’t play because it’s assembled so poorly.

[@kopprophet3819]

I'm surprised you completely missed IYV (Inyen VIna) guitars (Korean company making guitars in Viet Nam) with a similar business model to Firefly. I've set up 4-5 of them now and I think they blow Firefly, SX, Hadean, Indio, Starshine, etc., away. II can't believe there is not a bigger buzz on them... but at least the prices will stay low.

[@johnwillard6198]

Totally agree

[@jasonhancock5918]

I agree i just pivked one up on a trade and i am totally in love with it. Honestly my favorite electric guitar ive ever owned.

[@mcmeyer76]

I have 3 different models now (one I got on a black friday deal for $110), and in the price/quality comparison of every other guitar I own - they blow the rest out of the water. Love their work, and play these guitars more than any of my others.

[@psyche234]

Surprised to not see Donner or IYV

[@Falstaff-mr8fk]

There has been a very obvious lack of reviews on the larger guitar forums for IYV guitars. Just on the smaller channels. I guess they aren’t paying anyone for reviews yet

[@Jopeymessmusic]

Harley Benton went through a little bit of a renaissance over the last 10-15 years. Initially when they were introduced, they were bad. Quality of parts, fit and finish and playability were all terrible. I don't know what happened, whether they shook up management or changed factories or maybe invested more into their R&D department but Harley Benton is now a serious contender in every price bracket under like, 800 bucks. It's great to have choices in that price bracket.

[@kevinr.3542]

I'm so happy a brand like them exists.

[@joshwallace2183]

They don't even make their own guitars, they are Chinese outsourced..

[@Luckyrider1958]

@@joshwallace2183 So does Ibanez, ESP.. and over half the others out there.. SQUIER is outsourced by Fender.. EPIPHONE is by Gibson.. SO WHAT??

[@edorissen]

@@Luckyrider1958 This guy probably expects each brand to build a fricking factory of their own, lmao. Not gonna happen if you don't want all the guitars to cost 1000+ dollars.

[@Luckyrider1958]

@@edorissen Exactly.

[@caseylee12]

I've got 3 mid-high end guitars (fender pro tele and strat, and Gibson Les Paul studio) and I love them, but you know what I play more? Hard Luck Kings Bossman (LP style- I replaced the bridge with a Kaish) , Squire bullet telecaster, and Glen Burton tele, which I got for $50, and I can't believe the neck in this thing! Luck of the draw? Anyway, you like what you like, and if you like it, you'll play it more.

[@ransombaggins9301]

Good list! I would have put Yamaha in the top 5 or 7, easily. Also, really surprised to see Gretsch as high as that given how little selection they have at this price point. Especially after seeing you mark so many others down for apparently not offering enough (but at least as much as Gretsch). 🤔 NO WAY Firefly should be in the top 5 IMO. Their quality control is horrible! That alone should put them below companies like Yamaha. Firefly belongs in the teens at best. Really hard to argue with your number 1.

[@67lilbear]

What about the IVY brand from Vietnam?

[@cumminspower]

Also didn’t notice this was from 2 yrs ago, lol

[@wmw0702]

Most of those guitars probably just come out of the same factories in China, Indonesia and Korea.

[@bkon4675]

Yeah, I see a lot of the same parts.

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

no ESP/LTD?! blasphemy, my good man!

[@altonT]

I have 2 IYV guitars I bought for under $200. The SG model has 24 frets and has become one of my all-time favorites. Playes as well as a Gibson or Fender.

[@travisbartley3521]

Epiphone les paul express is a bad guitar and epiphone also has had quality control issues over the years.

[@billyweeksrealsmallclosetm8484]

I have one. Put a raised metal nut and some medium/heavy strings on it. Makes a great lap steel. Agree with you on the vertical guitar statement.

[@zipzip8239]

their quality control is actually very good.

[@michaelmillican5592]

I don't know how Grote guitar was left off the list. It is currently one of the best affordable guitar companies ever. They build guitars that most companies would not even entertain the idea of building. Firefly is a great guitar and I'm glad you put it on the list. IYV is doing some special things as well. These Asian guitar makers are absolutely destroying the market!

[@iconcanada3660]

Thanks will look into

[@joebloggs8636]

Agreed in IYV guitar s

[@clancyyoung9994]

IYV guitars look awesome. All CNC produced.

[@longhair-dontcare9983]

Based on my guitar experience, I agree with you Michael, IYV, Firefly, and Grote. My top three in that order.

[@andrewk658]

I was literally looking for sub $300 guitars for my dad about 30 minutes before this video dropped, perfect timing!

[@chancemiller9340]

Has can take 4 days to 4 weeks to arrive in the US. If you're in Europe, delivery is much more predictable.

[@overcome8628]

Look up EART guitars, Don't buy Harley Benton , trust me on this.

[@attilathehun0]

The last 20 years the price and quality for bolt-ons and set necks are similar. But if it's a Gibson Style Guitar then you must go with the set neck, because those are the rules.

[@orvilfarley7861]

I kept seeing Harley Benton videos and hardly a bad comment on any of them. I thought for the price I'll take a chance just to see for myself. I was shocked at the quality for the price range. Great guitar, at least the one I bought was. I'm considering buying another one.

[@BogoBob]

I've got heaps of them and in my opinion there cheapest models are no different from the no name guitars you can by on eBay. Big difference is thomann will give you a refund if you get a dud which does happen often. When you get the higher end Harley Bentons SC-Custom, HB-35+, CST 24T you get shockingly good guitars for the price.

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@Mark-OutWest its kinda rediculous to blame the brand for that. UPS workers and mail workers in general in the US are being complete dicks lately, and i think its the extra workload that quarantine is causinf

[@chancemiller9340]

@@Mark-OutWest - I've been following the arrivals of HBs to the US on the Facebook page and it is shocking how bad those boxes look. Serious piñata practice before those things get to the buyer. I mean, amazingly awful. If you buy a guitar, and I may some day, you have to buy a hard case with it if you want to be assured of it arriving in a condition that you won't immediately pack it up and ship it back.

[@DeadmeatDarkdaylight]

well on my experiement about HB guitars are like good to bad perhaps nowadays that quality is on a top than years a go many guitar what I had was like hollow and didn´t played at all like dull sounded on acoustic side... but I have to say good thing about HB strings not oily anymore and that brightness is awsome

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Cool, what model did you buy?

[@fmoreirafilho]

Hello from Brazil! Thanks for showcasing Tagima guitar once more. The first Tagimas were totally handmaded, with a superior quality, and a faithful copy of a Fender 1976, with bullet tuss rod, but with brazilian electronics (a little les quality) and different woods, like Marupá and the neck in ivorywood, woods that could be considerated exotic in US. The former owner of Tagima, Seizi Tagima, has another brand, the low-coast SEIZI GUITARS. Tks

[@GustavoFavareto]

Muito bom ver uma marca brasileira numa posição de destaque em um canal gringo, principalmente sabendo que aqui dentro muita gente torce o nariz pra ela.

[@jvbrandaom]

Really cool to see Tagima ranked so high. They're kind of overlooked here in Brazil, maybe because they're so common place. People tend to value Squiers and they can get kind of expensive here, so your opinion is very insightful and might be useful for people thinking about "upgrading" their Tagimas to Squiers when it could potentially be just a sidegrade

[@galangsyamilbasayev4476]

Same thing happen to Cort in Indonesia. People tend overlooked Cort because it so common here. Little did they know almost half of squier and ibanez even the PRS SE is made in PT Cort. Put respect in Cort name

[@johnkoch9315]

To me my perception is they’re starting to get a bit more popular now in the US by getting on most of our radar for the first time by launching their made in Asia stuff which had been selling okay on import on Reverb and stuff now finally getting into online retailers over here. To me that stuff is very obviously Fender inspired, but kind of boutique, sort of like a Squier meets Michael Kelly.

[@markyurick4137]

I never had a cheap Tagima that was not garbage. And when they are garbage, Tagima does nothing to help. Their customer service is non-existent. i don't know anything about their Brazilian stuff, but the Asian stuff is crap. More importantly, if you buy the crap, you are stuck with it. People comparing Tagima's Asian stuff to Mexican fenders are hallucinating. Mexican Fenders and even cheap Squiers are far superior guitars. It's really not close. I would much rather have a Bullet than a Tagima.

[@handlebarmustachio9301]

Mmm Epiphone I don't know if I'd rank that high. Every Epiphone I've ever bought under $500 has been poorly QC'd, and needed immediate setup and in one case sent back twice due to neck issues. Maybe just unlucky though...

[@swordofhonor2]

harley benton is great. the shipping kills it. it adds up. and if there's something wrong you cant return it. For $300 you can get a decent ibanez.

[@stevewilliams2895]

yea id say their 100-200 guitars arent worth it tbh unless youre in europe. but something like the fusions and amarocks? they are worth the shipping easily. super high speced guitars for the price

[@316diag]

they have their own Reverb store now. kinda fixes that problem, except not every model/color is on there.

[@rodney19821982]

Surprised Jet guitars didn't make the list. Incredible value for money..well under $300

[@wilvern1955]

I noticed you didn't mention IYV guitars. I recently bought a thinline style tele with p90s that I was pretty impressed with for $150. Came with good setup,, only needs minor adjustment, pickups sound good, neck is straight, no fret sprout, stays in tune well, pretty finish. I think I agree about the Gretsch thought, my next inexpensive guitar too.

[@seeburg10]

I just bought one myself. Great tone and sustain.

[@richardworkman5416]

I didn't hear EART headless guitars in any of the $ catagories. Stainless steel frets mounted on a flawless neck. Excellent playing guitars. Fantastic at any price. I also owned an original Steinberger w/ a graphite neck & EMG passive pickups. It quickly became the best guitar I have ever owned. (Graphite necks are probably not available now that Gibson bought them out). I bought it in the mid-80s for around $500. The guitar I had would probably not be in the sub-$300 catagorie today.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Love the Epiphone bolt ons, and the Squier Bullet Tele is phenomenal. This is really a golden era for low buck/high quality guitars! 😁👍

[@innocentoctave]

The Squier Bullet Tele is excellent. I have an FSR version in Butterscotch Blonde. It cost £130. I can't imagine a better guitar for the price. It isn't perfect, but it's also a great platform for upgrades.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Paul B I have the Surf Green one. Imho, it compares very favorably to my American Pro. 😁👍

[@innocentoctave]

@@artamussumatra6286 It's a great guitar. My Vintera Telecaster is obviously better, but it cost three times as as much, second hand. If you can't play the Bullet, you can't play. A very good example of why it's more important to practice than to worry about how much your guitar cost.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Paul B Yup, a great guitar is a great guitar, regardless of price. My Ampro Tele cost 10X what my Bullet Tele did, but I love them both equally. I also used to have a Mexican Standard Tele, that I’ve always regretted selling, it was fantastic. I won’t make the same mistake with the ones I’ve got now, they’re both keepers for sure!

[@mikebaird6788]

Yeah I like the epi bolt-ons too because the neck problem on the demand Gibson's you can always replace it easier

[@christopherkaesemeyer1575]

I highly disagree with Epiphone over squier in this price point. I personally have had a ton of problems with Epiphone guitars and almost no problem with squier but maybe that is just coincidence.

[@therugburnz]

I bought the $75 to the door Glarry. I heard they were decent for the price, and I just wanted something to use to practice my custom paint technique. They do work way waaaay better than the beginners stuff we bought for same price in 1977. Remember back then $75 was a weeks wages\months rent in my town back then. $75 is now a days pay.

[@jamesericm]

I've heard that Inyen Vina has built guitars for Harley Benton. I bought a IYV ITA-450 for $300, and I love it.

[@shaalis]

The Epi Studio LT is an AMAZING guitar. The pickups are very good. It's not a baseball bat neck. It sits well. It's not very heavy. It's VERY much a Les Paul for the cheap.

[@stevehitch8745]

Harley Benton #1? Ugh, you gotta be kidding. I understand with budget guitars you occasionally get a dog, but my first and only HB came with a neck twist, and my HORROR trying to get support and ultimately return it made me vow to never deal with them or Thomann again - their support is the worst I have ever experienced, bar none. Just not worth risking another hassle like theirs.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

I've heard a lot of good things about Harley Bentons. I'm not surprised that they made number one on the list. Good video!

[@joshuawaterman1804]

I've got 2 now. Amazing for the money..

[@EHou01]

Harley Benton is awesome but add $70 shipping per guitar to the USA.

[@markdavidofficial4274]

Sterling Sub Guitars and basses. Under 300$ and the best guitars for modern styles of music . I have gigged and recorded with both and they are my favorite

[@swagatmalla6634]

Seconded

[@wyliehudson8396]

Being a dumpster diver for 30 years i just found my first guitar. Cadenza electric. Wish I knew how to play it.

[@chiefinspector7280]

Easy play the notes on the 3rd 5th and 7th fret. They all will be in key.

[@mattlombardi54]

SX is pretty solid for budget guitars, I have a liquid and a hawk. Liquid has p90’s and the hawk is a strat copy. Both pretty good and playable without upgrades.

[@koDaffi]

I was debating between an SX or Harley Benton. Was thinking about Bad Cat but then I seen on Amazon Hard Luck Kings LP is identical to Bad Cat LP. Only difference was the brand on headstock.

[@Luckyrider1958]

@@koDaffi HB's are great.. have several.. But shipping has gotten really high.. used to be you could ship up to 3 for 39 bux.. now it's like 80 bux.. if you order more than one (you, or you and a few pals) you can divide the shipping cost per Pc by 3... SX are also solid bets.. Have Several of those too, and they are really a working guitar.. Rondo often has some on sale.. that's when I got mine,...

[@WhiteNacho]

Stagg Chili is actually pretty good with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese some diced onions and a liberal shaking of Franks Red Hot !

[@cumminspower]

Lmao

[@markyurick6699]

I love these lists, generally. They are very helpful. I don't necessarily agree with all of the ratings (I think the Tagima guitars are crap and their customer service sucks) but it's a great way to start a conversation. I really think that the customer service aspect of Squier should rank them a bit higher and the affinity is great guitar. Harley Bentons are shipped by idiots. About half of them are damaged in shipping. It's a pain.

[@bradleypariah]

I can't find those AXL guitars you pictured. There's an AXLguitars website, and they don't even have anything like what you showed. I found an AXL Les-Paul-like on Walmart's website for $830??

[@monmixer]

If you capture the young player with your product you have the chance to keep them forever.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Well put!

[@monmixer]

@@PhillipMcKnight I learned to play on a Teisco that I talked my Mother into buying for Christmas when I was 12 or maybe a bit older. But that guitar had great action. It was pretty easy to play surprisingly. I did have an acoustic since I was around 10 and that thing was certainly not easy to play. This was in the late 60's going into the 70's. the choices out there today are mind blowing not to mention youtube lessons instead of all the records that I destroyed learning by ear and then the Sony Walkman's that I had worn out. 3 I believe. Young people right now have all the reason in the world to learn. They have no clue how much time they are going to save compared to us older people. lol Love your channel.

[@GMec78]

Only big problem with Harley Benton is now you get to about $70 to the price tag for shipping

[@johncrafton8319]

Squier should bring back the Vintage Modified line. That sub-$300 price point with nearly Classic Vibe levels of quality and kit. Plus, they had that lovely-but-quirky "Squier Vintage Modified '51", which is just a sweet instrument for the price.

[@markyurick4137]

I've got a "51 and is really is a great guitar. Agree on Vintage Modified- what a great value.

[@kriswhite91]

Pretty much the 70s classic vibe Strats are just a vintage modified with a classic vibe logo.

[@thomasraven]

Every Epi I've played that's from the lower price ranges has horrific tuners. If you have to buy and install new tuners for them, it knocks them way down my list.

[@Hulkhoagie1]

So glad he called out Hard Luck Kings for the pieces of firewood that they are. Their attitude also sucks.

[@gamingwithmrgvil3511]

Maybe I got lucky with them. Last year I got a spider which is their version of a firebird. Setup was perfect and plays great. Only thing I did was a 1/4 turn of the truss rod once it got used to the Florida humidity. Only negative it's a big heavy beast due to the body shape and it's 2 inches thick solid wood at the center piece. Not for those with weak backs.

[@caseyshelton8388]

Love my HLK Lady Luck

[@DJBuglip]

The green one in my pic is from them and played like a dream out of the box.

[@wfm210]

Is it difficult getting a Harley Benton in the US? What is the shipping like?

[@flyfishincrazy]

Im wondering the same.....looked on Thommen site and shipping on a $77 guitar was $68!

[@forkless]

@@flyfishincrazy That's odd because I'm pretty sure they can ship up to 70lbs or so for $36 from what I hear on all the YT channels. Edit: harleybenton.com/faq/ (you may want to contact them to see what is going on there, maybe it's an issue in their e-commerce solution)

[@flyfishincrazy]

forkless i went on thommen last night. As of then was $68

[@flyfishincrazy]

forkless $35 i could handle

[@wfm210]

I know if you buy multiple items, such as two guitars the shipping cost is the same.. I guess it’s wise to purchase more then one item.

[@Steve-of8zo]

It really magnifies how the "premium" guitars are way overpriced.

[@theccarbiter]

donner makes great affordable pedals tho

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

When are we gonna do one of these for us lowly bass players? We spend and make money too...

[@mitchellvanvliet]

It's safe to say bass players make more money! They are spending less time getting laid 😂

[@dreugh424]

@@mitchellvanvliet you're right, we'd rather spend our time doing something fun ;)

[@barbarella7028]

I have a Harley Benton with a horrible finish. I use it for learning how to do repairs now. I'll never buy another guitar online with such a hit-or-miss quality control.

[@glassbox7761]

What happened to the 30 days money back warranty? Why you didn't use it? My first HB came with some issues, I returned it. The second one was amazing.

[@Sankeyite]

Whew, glad Firefly made the list. I've been happy with them, the epi special ll is another one. Thanks for the reviews!

[@TechniSean1]

Well damn, I just got a Donner as a birthday gift. Guess I could have stopped the video 30 seconds in. That's ok, I'm starting out and just wanted something to test out the electric world. Honestly, it feels better and it's easier to play than my acoustic. May upgrade in a year or so if I'm still playing, and/or mod this one.

[@brandonfairchild5340]

Been digging firefly for 3 years now. Love them.

[@joeabstractjoe]

I tried a Harley Benton and absolutely love it. I now have 5 different styles and play them more than my top name brands. Thanks for the video brother. 🎶🎸🎶

[@texanfournow]

For the most part, a very rational list. Two exceptions: I would rate SX much higher--great guitars--and I would rate Firefly much lower--they are infamous for Q.A. issues.

[@LarryHovis]

One of my favorite guitars is a Firefly (the Les Paul style). One of my least favorite is a Firefly (the ES-335 style). But the LP with Alnico 5 pickups and me setting it up...that thing is dynamite and I'm not going to spend big money when I have this. It is in my top 3 (out of 14 electrics, all very different from one another).

[@aarons.8532]

I have an XS Bass. I swear it plays as good as basses I've spent $500 on.

[@nocaster5120]

texanfournow I recently bought three SX guitars and they all had scratched up frets with horrible filing marks in them

[@LarryHovis]

@@aarons.8532 BASS. Doesn't apply. We all know it has fewer notes.

[@bhollyfanhardin9627]

I have owned a few sx guitars complete junk i own two fireflys way better than sx guitars...sx are not even in the same league.........The two fireflys are on par with the squier classic vibes i have tried...the fireflys have bone nuts alnico pickups full size pots great setup out of the box the sx junk has non of this......

[@eazyrider6122]

I happy to pay up to $300 for a guitar. Im even happier to fix a few minor things like smoothing off fret ends and polishing frets and setting up a guitar to save $500-$1000+ $. I see players buying top brands and changing things like the bridge or pickups or machine heads etc, So why not just do it to a cheap guitar?. Chuck all your Floyd Rose hardware on it and be happy with something you customized yourself for very little. Even Gibson Les Pauls have the head stocks break off. If a neck breaks on a cheapy just buy another neck and bolt it on that simple.

[@christophersmith5413]

those tagima guitar rock, my friend has a guitar shop and he bought some tagimas great sound was set and ready to play and the quality and finish was beautiful,

[@markyurick4137]

Gonna have to disagree. I have had several Asian Tagimas and they were all garbage. Customer service is non-existent. People who compare them to Mexican Fenders have never played a Mexican Fender. I would rather have a Squier Bullet for about half the price.

[@GregStraub42]

Considering the amount of press and praise Harley Benton has gotten over the last 6-12 months I'm surprised they have not found a US market partner to sell them here.

[@TheSdrake1967]

Hey Phil, have you ever looked at Dragonfire pickups? I'd be interested to hear your take on them.

[@brandonbock4763]

I’d like to know about this brand too.

[@davevanenglehoven8323]

I have dragonfires in like 7 of my guitars now lol. I may be addicted

[@analogaudiorules1724]

Wish you listed all the brands in the description or in the comments...

[@dommadonia9207]

I can't believe Epiphone ranked so high, always end up on the bench for work out of the box... No luck at all but Harley Benton, WAY BETTER

[@zipzip8239]

harley bentons quality control is pretty bad. epiphones is top notch.

[@kaceywills8551]

Hey Phil. Do you think you could do a video about some great sounding acoustic guitars for 500 or under. I know you did that one video about orangewood acoustics but I'm curious to what you think of some of the mid end breedlove acoustics.

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

I got an EPI Les Paul Special II P90 delivered for $139 and it’s a total keeper.

[@mikeellis9720]

How and where please?

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

I searched for promo codes and got a 20% off from retailmenot - it wasn’t supposed to apply to Epiphone but it did. Use a desktop as their site is not optimized for mobile. Just as a warning if you like that color? The actual color is nothing like the picture. It is barely yellow at all. www.wwbw.com/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Special-I-P90-Electric-Guitar-H77433-H77433000002000.wwbw

[@JF-em6hr]

Unless you're ready and willing to do a lot of work on these guitars... I really don't consider theses "things" instruments. Sorry to be a jerk but they're just going to cause more frustration than anything else. My only experience is with Squire's (which Steve from Boston talked up... thanks for nothing on that Steve - just kidding around). Fun topic though. Great to see new models...new ideas. That Stagg guitar looked cool. I'd be interested in knowing which guitars among them has a 12" radius freatboard and the best tuner's ratio. Also...300 is not half of 400. You're off by more than 130%.

[@donaldscheer5206]

Great List! some other guitar makers that are working hard to improve their Brands are: Grote & IYV.

[@jburdsinfuse]

I know cheap guitars, especially HB, are the darlings of KZbin, but hate just about all of these. I hate sharp fret edges, cheap pickups, noisy electronics, and lousy tuners. If you upgrade parts, you end up $500+ in on a guitar. If you’re a beginner, sure. But veteran or intermediate level players need to move up to the MiM Fenders or PRS SE level instruments. You can get them cheap used, don’t need to upgrade anything, and they are gig quality out of the box.

[@bukimari]

I'm really glad I chose a Tagima! It was actually yours and Marty's videos that convinced me and I absolutely love it. I upgraded the switch and the pots, as well as installed a push/push pot in the bottom tone knob to engage the neck pickup so I can get those Gilmour sounds. Thanks again!

[@overcome8628]

Man, I am sorry but Xavier at 15, They should be dead last. I sent one back because the guitar was terrible, frett buzz all over the neck, dents on body, total trash. Then u have FIREFLY top 5, I bought one it had a dent on the pick-up cover, and dents on the body. Get a IYV les paul, or a Bad cat les paul, fantastic guitars and the quality is outstanding.

[@twinsmm1]

Never heard of Stagg chili.

[@albertgein3082]

Delicious

[@twinsmm1]

@@albertgein3082 I'm in the Rochester NY area. Never seen it around here. I looked it up and see it's from Hormel. They sell Hormel chili around here. Haven't seen Stagg though. Maybe I just haven't paid attention.

[@MrBikboi]

I'm floored Yamaha and ibanez aren't in the top 5. Or that there are no ESP LTD guitars on this budget list. Happy Jackson did for sure, honestly they're a great fucking brand huge fan.

[@dontderockmeriz4546]

My Monoprice Indio telecaster is the best $99 I’ve ever spent. It’s beyond gorgeous. Needed a little end filing. 20 minutes later I have a guitar that smokes. And yes, has the tele twang.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Cool. Nothing brings the joy quite like a cheap, yet great tele! I love my Squier Bullet, it gets as much play time as my American Pro.

[@alwaysright3718]

I'll do my list... and that's it, they are under $300 because they all suck... as for Harley Benton I bought the Gibson 335 ripoff and the frets were a disgrace not one was level and they felt like sand paper, the buzz was atrocious, the finish had a bizarre black dot under it, the binding looked like a hacksaw attacked it, the tuners were so loose the guitar could never stay in tune, after giving it to a luthier and $300 later with a new bone nut it still had horrible fret buzz. You must be sponsored by them to recommend such a bad guitar....

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

I can't believe I still haven't tried a harley benton. They are crushing it

[@FloridaManRacer]

take the plunge. you won't regret it.

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

@@FloridaManRacer I've been sooooo close. They make a double neck sg??

[@greevar]

@@everythingbobbywolfe Indeed, they do. DC-Custom 612 Cherry

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

@@greevar well, son of a bitch. I predict 2020 is gonna be the.year

[@FloridaManRacer]

@@everythingbobbywolfe sure do. and it's a looker... www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_dc_custom_612_cherry.htm

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

I've soured on them for downgrading the quality of their products recently, but for the time this video was released, yall definitely did Monoprice dirty.

[@alexanderpotts8425]

I've honestly never heard a bad word about Harley Benton hey. I've been really tempted to order a fusion, even from Australia, because I just can't find a lefty guitar like it at that kind of price...

[@Cookie4yabro]

Go for it! I too can vouch. Harley Benton guitars cannot be beat for value for the money. Every guitar I received from them came set up well and for the most part play almost as good as guitars 3x the price. My Harley Benton TE-52 was only $136 and it sounds and plays as good as the $400 classic vibe Squier Tele.

[@alexanderpotts8425]

@@Cookie4yabro mate that's the recommendation I needed! haven't found a classic vibe guitar I didn't like!

[@achimdg6335]

I got a TE-20, Harley Benton's cheapest T-option. The bridge was rubbish, the pus were rubbish, I changed them and the electronics, now I have my personal T the way I wanted it, still under 300€.

[@HellcatCustoms]

LTD should have made the top 10

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

absolutely, even the very cheapest LTD is better, or equal to most of these.

[@johncrafton8319]

I bought two Harley Bentons, and both of them had some of the worst QC and fit/finish of any instrument I've ever owned. Seriously garbage quality. I hear they've gotten better, but I've already been bitten twice by them.

[@thehound2161]

HB dominates this category. I am up to 6 of them. Yep, it is a commom "problem". The finish, wood quality, and set up's have been very good. Go for the higher end of the line up, the extra $50 or so is a big step at these prices. The SC-Custom's have all but been removed from the line-up. These and the SC-550's are mighty beasts, built with love.

[@lruddy8820]

i love the squier affinity line, i have the starcaster and i got the affinity stratocaster for my nephew and every time i play his guitar i say "fuck i like this guitar"

[@kenhall6525]

I have a Harley Benton Tele copy TE-52 and a L.P. copy SC450 deluxe, they've quickly become my favorite guitars !!

[@Separade]

Ken Hall the TE 52 is they absolut classic. I own one too besides my real American Stat and Les Paul because I wanted to own a tele. When I picked up a 400 Bucks Classic Vibe squier last week I was shocked how cheep they feel compared to any harley benton I touched. Returned it immidiatly.

[@9999plato]

If you stop buying piles of cheap guitars you would be able to afford something better. I'm not talking about someone who is a beginner and needs an inexpensive student guitar, I'm talking about those who buy a dozen H Bentons.

[@stoffls]

I bought a Harley Benton SC450 for 180€ this year. And honestly: I was really shocked how great this guitar is. Top built without any flaws, came even perfectly intonated. And the P90s sound amazing. This guitar is an absolute keeper and the price is unbeatable. Especially here in Europe you can hardly get a better guitar for that money.

[@raytorvalds3699]

Agreed. I've had a couple of Harley Bentons too. They were all good. Not just for the price, but good... period.

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Too bad the harley benton will never arrive and the customer service from Thomann won't give a shit. My worst CS experiences ever, getting bounced from rep to rep saying 'nothing we can do'

[@robertclarkguitar]

Phil,..Remember I used to have an issue with the beginning of your channels success but I didnt hate it...Something happened over that first year with your tone, you found your niche and found it you did indeed. Classy, clean and non biased and no Mr. KNOWITALL mentality. Which I knew you were not that guy in the beginning. Thus the success you found. Being you is what sold your channel to many. Your passion was the key to the gate and you swung it open. Keep smiling and stay you!! Always a pleasure watching your show, live and non....peace. PS. THE ROO says Hi!!

[@doknox]

I'd rather talk to people about my glarry superstrat build than a gibson or fender I bought stock from a shop. Blows peoples minds when they find out its glarry! Lol

[@wiseguy9202]

If I were 12 again(30 years ago) with these selections, Hardluck Kings for me.

[@dbmabe]

For sure. Kids these days get some pretty awesome cheap guitar choices. When we were that young, we had Lotus...LOL

[@wiseguy9202]

@@dbmabe Damn right they do. It's a beginner guitarist paradise! Literally.

[@kitoyobeni1]

@@wiseguy9202 If you're not worried about the name on the headstock, its good for everyone. I will admit to name brand worship, but I'm working on that lol...

[@DatBoi-mo9vc]

@@kitoyobeni1 you want what you want right man? I went out of my way to make my one fender a mij at least to not just be fully unoriginal 😅

[@kitoyobeni1]

@@DatBoi-mo9vc My strat is an early 80s MIJ Squier (and heavily modified).

[@davengeance4811]

I bought a Harley Benton HB 24 last year and the neck was different from the one featured online and the split coil didn't work....I tried to see if it would grow on me, but, nope. I sold it last week.

[@johnulrich5572]

I was surprised that Firefly was on your list, never mind in the top five. I bought three in a short perid of time: the Jr, double cut special and the 335 style. I bought them with the idea of checking them out and then reselling them on-line. However, they turned out better than I anticipated. Each one needed a little fret cleanup but that was it. The 335 style had a really buzzy abr style bridge. I complained to Firefly support and they credited me with $15 so that guitar cost me a net of $135. All are very quiet, even the P90 solid bodies. They feel and play more like a $300 plus guitar. I leave them sittng out so they're handy and within reach since I really don't care if they get a little beat up. They would make a nice starter guitar for someone who wants something new and shiny and cheap but playable. Wish something like this existed when I was a kid starting out. Good and informative video in a family friendly format. I didn't know a lot of those brands existed.

[@seans.8487]

I recently bought a LP style guitar off Amazon called "Inyen vina" with IYV on the headstock. It's made in Vietnam. They use CNC machines to crank these out. And I've read that that same factory also makes some guitars for Harley Benton. Any thoughts on these guitars? Might there be a video on them in the future? I don't care for the "Destiny CNC Wound" pickups at all, but just playing the guitar unplugged has a good feel to it. Once it's all setup right, I think I'll get some good use out of it.

[@rickenglish8038]

The Donner DST-400 is one of the best guitars I've ever owned. It should be #1 in my opinion.

[@keithmcduffie7182]

Right On With Numbers 1 & 2...ABSOLUTELY!!!! I Recently Bought A Tagima 3 Tone SB T635 Stratocaster. The Quality Of Which Is UNBELIEVABLE!!! It Has Vintage Aged Looking Knobs & The Finish Is GORGEOUS!!! But More Than That, It Sounds Like No Other Guitar I Have. It Talks, Whispers, Yells & SCREAMS. I Don't Know Who Made Those Pickups Or Where They Came From, But WHEEEEEEW! I've Been Playing It EXCLUSIVELY For The Last 3 Days. Harley Benton? DAMN RIGHT!!!! Last Year I Wanted A Fender Classic Vibe 50's Strat For Christmas, But When I Was Ready To Get One They Were Out Of Stock & THEN They Went Up In Price Just As My Employer Started Cutting Hours Due To Covid! I Came Across All These Reviews About Harley Bentons & Was Impressed By Some Of The Testimonials Given And Decided To Take The Gamble. Plus, For The Price Of The Classic Vibe, I Could Get 2 GUITARS!!! I Ordered The Vintage White ST 20 & The Deluxe Swamp Ash Stratocasters. They Were Delivered In A Flash (Which Is Another Plus For Thomann, In That, The Guitars Came ALL THE WAY FROM GERMANY!!!!), I Plugged Them Up & My Jaw HIT THE FLOOR! First Of All, The Finish On The Vintage White ST Almost Made Me Weep, It Was SO Beautiful. BUT THE SOUND!!!! I Stood In My Garage, Shaking My Head In Disbelief That I Got THAT Kind Of Sound & Quality From These 2 Guitars For Less Than A Classic Vibe: $108 For The Vintage White ST20 & $135 For The DLX SWAMP ASH!!! Until The Tagima Came, These 2 Guitars Were CONSTANTLY In My Hands, EXCLUSIVELY!!! Litmus Test, You Ask? My Main Guitar, Prior, Is A FENDER 50th ANNIVERSARY AMERICAN STANDARD STRATOCASTER That I've Had Since 2004!!!

[@jfrankcarr]

I would have ranked Epiphone lower due to the covered gear tuners and poor nut work on their sub $200 models.

[@cigdamagelungs]

My monoprice indigo blows my squires away including cv 78 bucks

[@fluffycat6]

I have that Gretsch. It's great. But that Hofner shorty is the only guitar I ever returned. It was awful.

[@bananaclipper9343]

I'll save you 18 minutes. Don't buy a guitar for 300 dollars

[@iconcanada3660]

Im disgusted when i see gibsons on best buy walls. You cut your fingers on frets. Im done with the big names

[@aintgotnone4225]

i watched 3 quarters of the way through expecting to see fender, to my surprise, nope.