Harley Benton ST-Modern (NOT Plus) Unboxing, First Impressions, mini Review (new October 2024)

[@SteveL-v9u]

Got the Sea Foam last Fri. Just amazed at the quality vs price. I replaced the string tees, and hard tailed the bridge. Intonation and relief are spot on. Just love it!

[@ElbertTreble]

That’s the one I want should I get it

[@SouthwestTechTV]

@@ElbertTreble I think it's the only one still in stock. I would today if I were you! Otherwise you'll be waiting until 2025.

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Thanks for this. I purchased the shell pink yesterday. It will be my 10th Harley Benton guitar! The pole pieces on the pickups are consistent with all of the ST Modern guitars.

[@ryanryan8]

@@BenjaminKanarek awesome! Let us know what you think! What other HBs do you have??

[@peterflores3650]

The $2,199.99 American ultra 2 Fender Stratocaster now has that same radius 10 to 14 but for the price point of these two guitar sounds really great. I’m a fender fan, but it almost seems overpriced for what the spec is of these two guitars.

[@ElbertTreble]

I want this guitar

[@maciejk.7131]

I got the blue one as well. The poles on the pickups are pushed in just like in yours (2nd from the right on both single coils). And I get a neck pocket crack as well, sadly. I sent a picture to Thomann and they requested the guitar back so I’m returning it. Hopefully they get a new stock soon

[@ScuttleProductions]

Interesting about the neck pocket cracks in both. Are they concerned that it's a wider problem? I was a bit sad to see them in both.

[@maciejk.7131]

@ they didn’t say anything about it being a common issue. Although having looked again through the reviews on Thomann of the ST-modern plus version I noticed others complained about cracks as well. Maybe people do not return and consider this a minor issue. Did you have a chance to get the plus version?

[@ScuttleProductions]

@@maciejk.7131 I didn't order a plus because I was holding out for a FLT-90 Orange Blast to go with it when both were in stock at the same time. Then the Modern was released and the FLT was discontinued in orange, so that's why I ordered two colors (and the FLT from Reverb lol).

[@ScuttleProductions]

@@maciejk.7131 Did you get a refund, and you just have to wait for a new one? I hate waiting for guitars.

[@snakebyte98]

Its just the paint, nothing to worry about, got plenty of cracks like that on my guitars

[@christopherblair6636]

superb presentation thanks

[@johnericquiambao96]

i received mine yesterday, Yes the pickup holes on B string is recessed. i think it was designed that way.

[@ScuttleProductions]

Yes, definitely! It's by design because they're vintage staggered pole pieces. Thanks for writing! How do you like it? Which color did you get?

[@johnericquiambao96]

@@ScuttleProductions i got the white with black pickguard. the quality reminds me of sire s7. Youre right about the worth of it feels like between $500-650 price range guitar. i really like it.

[@MrMusicgenius]

@@johnericquiambao96what was the total cost including shipping? How long did it take to receive?

[@Sticky_Tea]

product pictures on the thomann site has the same height difference with the bobbins thanks for this vid, I was wondering about these guitars

[@SouthwestTechTV]

You're right! I saw this today too. They're vintage staggered. -Ryan (posting from a different account)

[@ScuttleProductions]

Yes, that's right! I've posted an update in the description. Thanks for commenting :)

[@fusionfan6883]

Just received two of these and whilst lovely guitars both have a major problem, the truss rod nut is fully loose yet it is impossible to get any neck relief to allow for a decent action. There are uneven frets too. The lowest action I can achieve at the 17th fret is 7/64ths. This is so frustrating as I first wrote to Thomann telling them I had given up on HB because of QC issues with previous guitars, but would give them a second chance with this model due to their recent claims about neck quality. It is so disappointing and their so called QC department needs to reevaluate what they consider to be an acceptable action, not least because the recommended Fender action for this neck radius is 4/64 on the bass side and 3/64 on the treble🎸😔

[@ScuttleProductions]

I wonder if it's possible to turn the TR fully in the opposite direction, then work back to try again? I'd suggest verifying this with someone more knowledgeable than me first, but I've heard that this works on some GearIT guitars with double action rods. I could be totally wrong, though. If you do attempt it, it's probably best to do so without string tension.

[@ScuttleProductions]

I hope you're able to work out the issue. That's very frustrating. Were they B Stock?

[@fusionfan6883]

@ No both brand new. They were from the latest run, so maybe earlier runs were better? I have pretty well given up on HB at this point.

[@ScuttleProductions]

@@fusionfan6883 aw damn, I'm really sorry to hear that. Is that the Fusion your screen name refers to? I love my Fusion T. I really hope they make it right for you.

[@fusionfan6883]

@ Thanks for your concern, I have written to Thomann so let’s see🤞🏻No the name refers to the fact I love jazz fusion music🎸🤘🏻

[@amorx36]

Wow!! Thanks

[@ScuttleProductions]

Thanks for watching. Let us know if you order one (or two).

[@jdante539]

The pole pieces in my HB is the same as yours.

[@ryanryan8]

That's OK! There's an update I'm the description that explains. It's by design. Do you like it?

[@tkabiranik]

WIsh the lake placid blue came with the roasted maple board.

[@ryanryan8]

Get two and swap the necks! Then you could sell the other based on Reverb prices. But, I totally agree! That would be a beauty!

[@ScuttleProductions]

Do you think you'll get one? I wish they would mix and match or offer both options.

[@someoneelse318]

I had a phone call with Thoman earlier today about this topic. Unfortunately they say they can't swap necks on demand.

[@ryanryan8]

@someoneelse318 that makes sense then they'd have mismatched parts according to website listing. I'd still consider buying two and swapping: )

[@someoneelse318]

@@ryanryan8I wasn't expecting them to play along as they can't currently, but I thought why not encourage them to offer different neck choices in the future.

[@riahnarodriguez7607]

Im looking at what guitars to buy and I bought one in this same color in ibenz and I might cancel that order because their out of stock but it’s also 380$ and this one is cheaper I think I would be fine with this one as a starter

[@bluwng]

To many similar guitars what Strats are lacking are rounded and tapered heel joints like on an Ibanez and Jumbo frets, this would differentiate a manufacturer.

[@ScuttleProductions]

They do have two variations of this model with highly tapered heel joints. Feel free to check out their products. They're the two flamed veneer models in blue and a more natural burst. They're a bit different in shape and look, too. I think they have a nice binding and the output jack is on the side, not the face. Pretty sweet, but they're already on backorder. If you can't find them, I'll see if I can get a link for you.

[@Alfredo78666]

Nice guitar the LPB one, how about the weight? Is that heavy as the plus version?

[@ryanryan8]

It's hefty! I didn't weigh mine, but maybe 8.5 pounds?

[@ScuttleProductions]

I'll try to remember to weigh one tonight.

[@ryanryan8]

@Alfredo78666 I weighed one today and it is 8.5 pounds.

[@wilbertaranda891]

Hi! the neck feels chunkier than a modern C profile?

[@ScuttleProductions]

Hello! I wouldn't say chunkier. It's just very slightly flattened when compared to a modern C. I like the feel of the neck and I think it nicely matches the compound radius.

[@wilbertaranda891]

@@ScuttleProductions Thank you! :)

[@davidmartinez927]

@@ScuttleProductions I dont know if you had tried it but if you did,is the neck on this ST modern comparable or something similar to the feel of a jackson js22, 24 or js32 ?

[@metallsnubben]

How much do they weigh?

[@ScuttleProductions]

Mine are both right around 8.5 pounds each.

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

Im guessing your in a Greenday tribute band? you have the Billie Joe Armstrong look 👍

[@ScuttleProductions]

Hahah that's not the first time I've heard this. I wish I had the skills. I have been asked to sign autographs a few times as "that guy from ... " insert band name.

[@ChrisAyres-do4fz]

@@ScuttleProductions I get that man 👍🙂 you definitely could be in a Green day Tribute band and I agree it take a lot of skill and confidence to do what Billy does , Great entertainer he is 🎸✌️

[@nigellacey559]

Bent-on refers to the neck

[@bluwng]

Pole pieces are not recessed they are staggered this has been around since 1954 and has been common for decades. You should know this.

[@ScuttleProductions]

Read the description. I'm constantly learning as I think everyone should be. That is noted already in the description. Thanks for the update though!

[@edlicari3909]

It may have the specs on paper but it’s the lowest quality possible. Basically a Walmart guitars. Not trying to be controversial but it is what it is!

[@ScuttleProductions]

I totally disagree, based on the in-person feel, looks and sound. I think it ranks much higher than instruments that cost 2-3 times more. I have two of them and I am impressed. Have you played any? I don't mean that sarcastically, I'm genuinely curious.

[@edlicari3909]

@@ScuttleProductions yes i have tried a few and they all had problems and felt very cheap to me. At the end of the day they’re just low quality budget guitars and that’s what they’re supposed to be. That’s why they cost $100+!!!!

[@SteveL-v9u]

​@@edlicari3909Haha Walmart guitar. Get real.

[@SouthwestTechTV]

I guess *technically* you're right about Walmart. Walmart sells Fenders MIA online, so there's that.

[@edlicari3909]

@@SouthwestTechTV i play Kiesel guitars so I don’t care either way!!

[@valte1234]

Can you check how its routed under the pickguard? hss or swimming pool style?

[@ScuttleProductions]

Hello! Sorry, at this time I don't plan to remove the pickguard. If I do I'll be sure to let you know. I would suggest reaching out to Thomann customer service. They should be able to answer this quickly for you.

[@ScuttleProductions]

I will say, I doubt it's a huge swimming pool routing. Maybe HHH, but I would guess it isn't more open than that based on the weight and feel.

[@ScuttleProductions]

I saw a picture of one with the pickguard off and I see HSH routing. I wanted to be sure to report back as promised.