Squier Sonic Telecaster vs Harley Benton TE-62CC | Finding the best Tele under $200! Guitar Shootout

Today, we’re trying to find the best Telecaster for under $200/€200 by comparing the Squier Sonic Telecaster and the Harley Benton TE-62CC!
Squier Sonic Tele at Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/561023?offid=...
Squier Sonic Tele at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyWDJj
Harley Benton TE-62CC LPB at Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/502822?offid=...
The Sonic Tele (mine is in the beautiful California Blue finish) is part of Squier’s 2023 Sonic Series, and it replaces the Bullet Series as Squier and Fender’s most affordable lineup. The Tele costs around $200/€179, so it’s very much aimed at students and beginners, but Fender say the Sonic Series also offers great guitars for players at any stage on their guitar journey.
The Sonic Tele features a poplar body and a C-shape satin finish maple neck with an Indian laurel fingerboard with a 9.5” radius. The bridge is top loading, the hardware is chrome, and you get a pair of Squier-designed single coil Tele pickups too. In short, quite a lot for your money!
The Harley Benton TE-62CC, however, is even cheaper, coming in at around €149 - and, as usual for the brand, it has excellent specs on paper. Here we have a basswood body finished in Lake Placid Blue, two Roswell T-style pickups, and chrome hardware. The neck is where the two guitars also differ greatly: the TE-62CC features a roasted maple neck and fingerboard, which features a 12” radius, and the neck’s profile is a sleek to slim D shape.
So we can expect significantly different playing experiences from the two guitars, but which is the best choice? Which sounds better? Which plays better? And which is best value for money? That’s what we’re going to find out today, so join me in this Harley Benton vs Squier guitar shootout as I test them in as many different musical styles as I can, from country, folk and indie, to pop, rock, blues, punk, metal and more. Let me know which guitar you think is best in the comments!
Here are some links to the various playing samples and info bits:
00:00 Hello!
00:15 Introduction and what we’re doing today
01:35 Squier specs and info
04:26 Harley Benton specs and info
06:36 Today’s rig and plan
Clean Sounds
07:40 Clean tone reference chords
08:15 Ringing open indie pop chords
08:41 Funk rhythm chords
08:55 Country ballad arpeggios
09:08 Country lead sound
09:22 Ascending droning indie chords
09:35 Blues progression
09:58 Strummed folk pop chords
Overdrive Sounds
10:15 Droning indie riff
10:30 Edgy indie barre chords
10:44 Mellow indie rock chords
11:01 Indie rock barre chords
11:25 Garage rock riff
11:41 Kings Of Leon inspired riff
11:56 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff
12:11 Airbourne inspired rock riff
12:34 Groovy rock riff
12:48 Quacky classic rock riff
12:57 Classic rock riff
13:14 Hendrix inspired riff
Heavy Overdrive Sounds
13:31 Classic hard rock riff
13:48 Hard rock riff
14:05 Hard rock melodic lead
14:27 80s rock riff
14:47 Glam rock rhythm riff
15:14 Alternative rock riff
15:38 Pop punk riff
16:04 Pop punk melodic lead riff
16:20 Green Day inspired punk rock riff
16:47 Punk rock power chords
17:00 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning)
17:16 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D)
17:42 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D)
Metal sounds (all in Drop D)
17:59 Metal chugging riff
18:17 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang
18:41 Heavy metal lead sound
18:58 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff
19:11 Hardcore punk riff
19:39 Classic metal/sludge riff
20:15 My thoughts
21:01 Price
21:34 Looks/aesthetics
22:27 Build quality/feel
24:03 Weight
24:43 Feel and the HB’s roasted maple neck
25:00 Playability and necks
26:19 Sounds and pickups discussion
29:23 Which guitar is better? Which should you buy?
31:41 Final conclusions
My setup was as follows: I ran the guitars into my Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 head, also using my Revv G3 pedal for heavy distortion sounds. The amp went from the Red Box DI straight into my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, which went into Logic Pro X. That's it. No post-processing on the sounds was done.
Here’s some links to those bits of gear:
-----
H&K Black Spirit 200 head: thmn.to/thoprod/447827?offid=...
Revv G3: thmn.to/thoprod/437353?offid=...
Focusrite 4i4 (the new 2i4): thmn.to/thoprod/467952?offid=...
-----
Enjoy!
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Backing music from the KZbin Audio Library: Duck In The Alley - TrackTribe.
#Squier #HarleyBenton #SquierGuitars #SquierTelecaster #Telecaster #SquierSonic #HarleyBentonGuitar #Telecaster
Note: certain links in the description are affiliate links. If you click said links and purchase anything as a result, I will receive a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help to support the channel. So, if you do that, thank you very much!
‪@fender‬
‪@HarleyBentonOfficial‬
‪@ThomannsGuitarsBasses‬
‪@ThomannMusic‬

[@RichWordsMusic]

Timestamps Team assemble: 00:00 Hello! 00:15 Introduction and what we’re doing today 01:35 Squier specs and info 04:26 Harley Benton specs and info 06:36 Today’s rig and plan Clean Sounds 07:40 Clean tone reference chords 08:15 Ringing open indie pop chords 08:41 Funk rhythm chords 08:55 Country ballad arpeggios 09:08 Country lead sound 09:22 Ascending droning indie chords 09:35 Blues progression 09:58 Strummed folk pop chords Overdrive Sounds 10:15 Droning indie riff 10:30 Edgy indie barre chords 10:44 Mellow indie rock chords 11:01 Indie rock barre chords 11:25 Garage rock riff 11:41 Kings Of Leon inspired riff 11:56 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff 12:11 Airbourne inspired rock riff 12:34 Groovy rock riff 12:48 Quacky classic rock riff 12:57 Classic rock riff 13:14 Hendrix inspired riff Heavy Overdrive Sounds 13:31 Classic hard rock riff 13:48 Hard rock riff 14:05 Hard rock melodic lead 14:27 80s rock riff 14:47 Glam rock rhythm riff 15:14 Alternative rock riff 15:38 Pop punk riff 16:04 Pop punk melodic lead riff 16:20 Green Day inspired punk rock riff 16:47 Punk rock power chords 17:00 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning) 17:16 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D) 17:42 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D) Metal sounds (all in Drop D) 17:59 Metal chugging riff 18:17 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang 18:41 Heavy metal lead sound 18:58 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff 19:11 Hardcore punk riff 19:39 Classic metal/sludge riff 20:15 My thoughts 21:01 Price 21:34 Looks/aesthetics 22:27 Build quality/feel 24:03 Weight 24:43 Feel and the HB’s roasted maple neck 25:00 Playability and necks 26:19 Sounds and pickups discussion 29:23 Which guitar is better? Which should you buy? 31:41 Final conclusions

[@jimleylek3258]

I think you have perfected the fine art of reviewing electric guitars. Please continue to remain neutral, and please continue to give us your totally unbiased opinion. I honestly believe you have created a league of your own. Once I watch your review of a guitar I am interested in, I have no need for anyone else’s opinion. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! It really makes my day to get such kind feedback like this. I do think I have a pretty good formula here... and maybe I don't make the most exciting videos on KZbin, but I do try to give a full and fair overview of every guitar and piece of gear I look at :) I wish I had access to so many more guitars so I could continue in this way! Many thanks again for watching and taking the time to write me, and rock on!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

@@RichWordsMusicAbsolutely the best guitar reviews I’ve come across. No diddly diddly, shredding or pseudo pentatonic blues. Just really great rhythm guitar and riffing. You should have 10 times more subs and 100 times more wouldn’t be undeserved. I’ll contradict you on one point - your reviews really are anything but unexciting. And really helpful. Keep it up stay independent 🙏

[@archiiebarrett]

Squires more subdued and casual. The HB is brighter and has more of a rock n' roll bite than the squire. Honestly, the HB is closer to a traditional Tele imo, but the squire ain't bad.

[@RichWordsMusic]

You actually might be right about that. I did another video a while ago where I compared the HB to my Fender Tele and my Squier Classic Vibe Esquire, and the HB came out sounding most like a traditional Tele of those three! Sometimes the bite can be a bit much... but hey, that's a Tele for you! Cheers for watching :)

[@the.communist]

Squier is brigther

[@jimmyx4599]

I think the HB TE62 is brighter in sound to the squire.

[@11000038]

A finely crafted review. Brief and to the point. No stupid effects or out of tune playing. Subscribed!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the sub too 😊 Cheers and rock on!

[@vernhanna4399]

I think I like the Harley Benton, you’re making both of them sound good though.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Well they're both really nice choices for sure - glad you liked the playing!

[@amphora8321]

very good , thorough video. Unusual to get this level of depth/insight on cheap guitars.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it! And that's a good point... I hadn't really thought about it like that, but it is true that most videos here document more exclusive guitars. Ah well, I'm happy to be filling that gap slightly with my videos! I don't own any guitars over $1,000 and I am not sure I ever will :)

[@MAX96MENDES]

Thank you for the very good and honest review! :) I also bought the Harley Benton TE-62CC PLB telecaster . It just arrived and it plays great. Very well made ! Got some new brass saddles for it. Cheers

[@pyratoothNL]

Not necessarily better but different. I preferred the Roswell in the bridge of the HB, more top end and twang which if you're looking for a Tele for traditional uses it's better. I think the opposite is true for the neck pickups, with the Squier having more warmth. Roasted maple neck is great on the HB, but I prefer the blue on the Squier. So I think it depends on your application.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yes, great comment and that all makes total sense. The Roswell is a more traditional Tele in tones - in fact, I compared that guitar to my Squier Classic Vibe Esquire and my Fender Mexican Tele in another video and the HB was the most traditional Tele-esque of those three as well! Like you say, it's all about how you'd use it and what your personal tastes are. Overall though, what a great time to be a guitar player looking out for 'cheap' Teles like this! We are spoilt for choice :) Cheers!

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

The HB I liked better. Flat neck, maple neck, strings through body, and definitely the string definition as I play often busy complex music. The Fender had the better color. Thanx big time for your usual thorough demo. You and Brett Kingman are the best two reviewers on the planet, and I subscribe to over 200 reviewers.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks so much Paul! To be mentioned in the same sentence as Brett Kingman is pretty sweet, as he has been one of my personal faves for a long time now. I sub to a lot, but not as many as you! Seems like the HB is definitely more your thing... I'm wondering if they'll bring a few more colors out for the TE-62 as well, because I think it's been selling well for them and people seem to like the more modern paint jobs these days.

[@LookieChannel]

Big wow again, for the unmatched tone demo and honest review. I dont know how you do it, but you always release a video answering my latest gear questions :)) I completely agree on most, and also on statement about new guitars purchase, always worrying at which QC level the guitar arrives. For me the fret leveling is most important for players who cant fix by themselves, that would be a dealbreaker. Sadly most of the guitars have some fret level issue, at least mine purchases do. Good job Rich, very good!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks so much... it seems I know what you were thinking again ;) You make a great point about level frets - this is definitely something that most players (especially newer ones) won't want to touch on their own. And again, this is why I always say you should budget in for a tech setup on every new guitar, whether it's €149 like the HB here, or €1,499! It always makes it better to some extent. When it comes to worrying about buying guitars online, this is something which improved a lot in recent years, but it's still a bit of a lottery :) Luckily the guitar makers are upping their game! Cheers for watching as ever and rock on :)

[@ahalsell6869]

I been looking at a ton of reviews for both of these and their variations that close in price. This is honestly the most helpful review. Your editing and huge variety of genre play examples. I liked the tones of the Harley Benton best but I think the squire might be most affordable since I'm in the states.

[@sylvain1111]

Thanks for the work and the great video

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot, glad you appreciated it and enjoyed the video!

[@linusfran]

Cant believe i fell for the california blue too😂 before seeing your video..i did ask them to lower the play but was not possible..its on the way cant wait to try it out.Thanks for a really great and detail review

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's a stunning color, that's for sure! Really hope you like yours when it arrives. I think you will! Let me know once you have tried it what you think of it :) And thanks for watching and enjoying my video :)

[@dazzer1730]

Excellent review and comparison!!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ORiffs-IL]

The Benton, easily. Pickups sound clearer, with more definition, and also less noisy in high gain.

[@RichWordsMusic]

I agree that the HB pickups have more definition, but to my ears there's just something about the Squier's bridge pickup that wins it for me - even though the HB sounds more like a classic Tele! It's horses for courses, I guess, but ultimately it' a great time to be guitar players and have all these awesome affordable choices! So many great options for all tastes and styles.

[@jamesa375]

Happy new year man.To me it was very helpful you mention the weight of these.Thanks for that.Noone ever bothers to mention the weight of a guitar.As far as these two i like the Harley Benton better.Cheers.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Happy new year to you too! Yep, when I started making videos I realized this was a question that got asked every time without fail, so I always weigh guitars now :) Glad you found it helpful! And hope you get to give the HB a go soon :)

[@bobcabo4509]

I just purchased a Squier Sonic Tele last week and love it. Perfect, right out of the box.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Awesome, happy new guitar day! Really happy to hear you're enjoying yours and it was set up perfectly like mine :)

[@petermartin1967]

Just found your channel and subscribed immediately 😀👍🏻 Brilliant video, I really enjoyed it. Really well put together!!! 👍🏻 I thought the HB was too bright for me, I much preferred the sounds of the Squier. I am quite new to playing the guitar and I love Teles!! Looking forward to watching future videos on your channel ( and the old ones 😀👍🏻). Cheers buddy.

[@jimqartworks]

amazing, very detailed, just followed you, thanks so much, since I'm from Hollywood area, I will get the Squire and personally I prefer the sound also , buying as a gift for a friend!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful! That is going to be one amazing gift for your friend too, how kind :) Cheers for subbing to my channel and enjoy the other videos too :)

[@eertje01]

Great review! I love the squier sonic range for the colours they offer. I have a HB te-62 in shell pink. I modded it with better pickups, a fender bridge with brass saddles and a black pickguard. It's a looker and a rocker! I think I found out something important to why the HB sounds twangier. The bridge is placed a few mm further back than fender and squier. Just something to take into account when considering buying it!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Cheers! That TE-62 of yours sounds fantastic... any pics of that anywhere? Those are exactly the kind of mods I would consider doing to mine! And yes, props to HB and now also to Squier for their new boldness in choosing finishes for their guitars. Very good point on the bridge position - that is something I need to look into for sure! That combined with the pickups and I'm sure that's the reason.

[@alanswanson7515]

Just got the hb in Dakota Red - very light and bright. Could the brighter tone of the Harley Benton be the maple fretboard vs the laurel board on the Squier?

[@jeffs6114]

Body size -Squier Neck shape -squier Back loaded -Benton Neck material - Benton Sounds -tie …..Color - Squier! Maybe the shell pink Squier would win for me?

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yep, you're pretty close to my way of thinking there... and I am always torn when there's a Shell Pink option as well! I came extremely close with the HB TE-62 when buying mine (had the Shell Pink in my basket before opting for the 'safer' LPB) and there's a few lovely pink Squiers in the Sonic Series. I might have to pick up a Mustang or Strat at some point too! Cheers for watching :)

[@theuke1139]

God I love how you play every genre keep up the amazing work

[@RichWordsMusic]

Ha ha, thanks a lot! I try to get a riff for every taste in there if I can :) Cheers!

[@carlomaletti4284]

Thank you for the review. Purely based on this - as much as l like Squiers - l’d have to choose the HB. A) I prefer it in the looks dep.t - whatever the colour is, l personally like it more, especially in conjunction with the mint p/guard & the caramelised neck/fingerboard. B) As for the sound, l find the often criticised Roswells more jangly & well defined than the Squier’s p/ups.

[@goodbyepolarbears172]

It really does go to show how subjective this is. I was so surprised to find you came down on the side of the Squier because, in several places in your playing demonstrations, I got the feeling you yourself were displaying a little more enthusiasm for the Harley by just throwing in a little inspired twist. Just goes to show that what we think we are putting out may not be GETTING out whilst our own enjoyment may be a lot more internalised than we think it is. I remember Bob Geldof being surprised that, during filming his part in The Wall film, director Alan Parker asked him to display more anger. Geldof himself said HE felt he was already seething! 😄

[@PeteMOBie1]

Rich another great honest video. My bias is Harley Benton so its no surprise that I had the opposite preferences to most of yours, maple fretboard, 12 inch fret radius, glassy sounds. Horses for courses. The TE-62 will have a scooped mids tone, faster atttack and more dynamic sound due to the Alnico 5 magnets in the Roswells, wheras the ceramics in the Sonic have a fuller mid range and sounded a tad louder than the Roswells on the clean demos. If the Harley Benton is too glassy and sparkly for you, then the tone can be thickened up a bit by spending another £8 to£12 for some intonated Brass saddles or even the Gotoh In-Tune saddles for another £20 or so. Brass saddles bring out the mid range more and tames the highs. If you are left hande like me then I can recommend a set of Gotoh In-Tune saddles as they are reversible.

[@dt9r]

I have both and the HB surclasses the squier completely , I had a spare Duncan set, put in it, sooo nice

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yeah, I bet the Duncans made a big difference. I still haven't found the need to swap out my pickups yet, but may go down the same route as you in 2024 :)

[@gappyoooo]

great review 👏

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it!

[@markstacey2906]

I think the squire sounds better...I own a Harley Benton 62 which I have so much fun playing...Both sound excellent to me...Thank you for sharing...

[@RichWordsMusic]

I agree... but I do really enjoy the HB as well! They're kind of variations on the same theme. We are lucky as guitar players to have so many great affordable choices these days :)

[@derick-smith]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. There isn't a "right" way to do guitar reviews (certainly lots of wrong ways) but you've done as well as anyone I've seen. If you saw my view history, you'd know that is a serious compliment!!

[@57RickH]

I preferred the sound of the Squier, and do love that color 👍🏻

[@RichWordsMusic]

Me too, and me too! They really knocked it out of the park with this guitar - I'm very pleased with it :)

[@nicolofugi]

Great demo and review. Overall I prefer the tone of the Squire. With such a small price difference, I'd go there.

[@summerboy1958]

Rich, I agree with those who like your tone comparisons. One quick riff on each in a variety of styles. Most reviewers play "long" tunes then swap. Most of the time I can't remember what each sounded like when the other is playing. In this comparison I do like the HB tones better in all genres. I would, however replace the barrel saddles with individual saddles. I don't care about a traditional look, I like easier intonation. Thanks and keep it up.

[@milesrowe991]

Thanks so much for the review! Personally, I prefer the HB, partly because I know that I can play longer on the neck without fatigue on my te-20 (which has the same neck dimensions as the te-62), but also because it sounded more like a standard Fender Telecaster to me, which was a bit of a surprise. I really thought the Squier would win hands-down in that second department. At the end of the day, I've only tried that model Squier at a guitar store, and I play my Harley Benton tele for probably for at least a couple of hours on any given day, so there might be some familiarity-based bias there. Regardless of preference, it's great that such playable instruments are available at those price points.

[@GuyNarnarian]

I liked the Harley Benton. This video might have convinced me. Get some brass compensated saddles and it should rock.

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's a great guitar for sure, and I think brass saddles would be a real improvement for sure! Hope you get to try one soon :)

[@GuyNarnarian]

@@RichWordsMusic I got one, love it. Need to set it up a bit, and I do think brass saddles would be a small improvement. I still CANNOT believe how nice of a guitar the HB is.

[@kempman9811]

Great review mate. The sounds on KZbin are still very compressed but I can hear that the HB is much clearer than the Squier. I would give the HB a go.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot! Yep, even on KZbin the differences come across... give the HB a go if you ever get the chance!

[@nikolaki]

Beginners today may not know how lucky they are. I just bought myself a lefty Harley Benton double bound version of the model reviewed. The body and neck are finished very well. The only thing I would change is the tone pot for a reverse log pot.

[@nikolaki]

As a lefty, there is no choice since the Squier Sonic is not available left handed. 😅

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yep, the TE-62DB is lovely... I've been tempted with them too! And I love that the brand makes a bunch of its models in left-handed versions too. Shows they actually care. As far as I know, Squier does the black maple board Sonic Strat in a lefty, and nothing else. Shame!

[@barriehercock8612]

Nice guitars ,good review, ive got a 2019 bullet telecaster, which is string through body ,the string through body appears to be on the new affinity with a belly cut at the back ,the sonic is top load like my 2019 affinity telecaster and is not a direct replacment for the bullet, around our area the new affinity is only around £20 more and has a gloss headstock and split head tuner ,the pickups are higher output tha the bullet around 6 ohms for the bridge and 5 ohms for the neck , my bullet was around 4.5 bridge and 4 neck ,they sounded nice but not much output ,ive relaced mine with Wilkinson Nashville ,7.5 ohms and 6.4 ohms neck ,really improved the sound for £40

[@volomazurika1530]

such a nice video! thank you a lot! all details, very nice AB! squier has a little more depth to my taste

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed the video! There's something my ears prefer about the Squier too, although it's very close :)

[@coolfool183]

the six saddle bridge is a massive quality of life improvement that is a dealbreaker in my opinion. the ease of setting intonation and action is nonnegotiable

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yep, I totally get that. It might not be right for traditional Tele lovers, but it simply makes the guitar a lot easier to set up and look after!

[@realdocloco]

Everytime I replaced a three saddles bridge by a six-saddles one, I noticed a loss of tone. I made the experiment not once but several times, on several telecasters, because at first I was wondering if it was just my imagination. So the six saddles is a big no for me - there's intonable three saddles bridges now anyway, so you have the tone and the intonation.

[@southernsantapiper7556]

I preferred the HB in sound. Seemed to cut thru more. Great Value!

[@RichWordsMusic]

The HB definitely has a more cutting tone, I agree! For the money, it's a wonderful guitar.

[@Lamz..]

Brilliant shoot-out again, very interesting comparison. Fender/ Squier has accepted the challenge, and that's good news for us gear addicts. I'd like to _think_ it is, anyway. :)

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot! Yes, Harley Benton has possibly been the shot in the arm some of the other brands needed. And we, the guitar players, win from that :) Fingers crossed things keep improving in this sense!

[@Lamz..]

@@RichWordsMusic Still somehow I managed to spend more money on affordable gear in the last few years than I did in the decades before that. Something doesn't add up. :)

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@Lamz.. I guess the one thing that adds up is the number of guitars, amps and pedals we all have ;)

[@Lamz..]

@@RichWordsMusic lol for sure! So much good stuff, and cheap. Makes us a bit greedy. But it's a lot of fun, though. Space is my limitation now, maybe it's just for the better that way. :)

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@Lamz.. You're totally right... I've recently become worried at how stuffed full of gear my room is. And of course you can only play one guitar at once ;) The thought of having to sell stuff really frightens me though 🥲

[@johncollins5552]

Great video as always Rich. I like both but if I could swap my burst Jet tele(pretty good but I dont bond with it) it would be the squier, California Blue is one of my fave Roy Orbison songs.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks John! Interesting... I've never tried a Jet but have heard great things. What is it about yours you don't quite bond with? Thanks for the tip on the song too - I'd never heard it before but really like it :) Shall have to get the chords and play it on the Tele later!

[@johncollins5552]

@@RichWordsMusic tbh I am not crazy about single coil sounds The Jet roast maple neck is great btw, I just prefer humbuckers and p90s overall.

[@johncollins5552]

The Jet is full size body,good weight, chunky neck, the burst finish was very good, generic tuners, solid feel switch and controls, frets finish good,the ashtray quality is good.Bargain for the money.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

The Squier definitely has slightly sweeter PUP's and with the individual saddles it is a no brainer.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yep, agree on both fronts! Really happy with how well Squier have done this model.

[@seanhammond4034]

I have a HB SE & a Squier Tele ( in Lake P Blue, looks like Mick Ronsons. I like both.

[@RichWordsMusic]

They're both cool guitars for sure! I pick up the Squier more these days, but there's really not much in it. Rock on!

[@GoodfaYou]

Spot on review..I own both and agree with all the points you made …I really do think both are a good value for the money …HB neck is a joy to play and out of the box set up was better then the Squier ..Only thing to add is The strings on the HB are Daddario EXL and squier strings are cheapo unplayable crap ..I enjoy both, would have a hard time choosing one over the other

[@RichWordsMusic]

Aha, nice to hear this feedback from someone else who also owns both! The neck on the HB is the standout feature on that guitar, but I wish it had a profile more like the Squier's. I got very lucky with the setup on my Squier, I think - the HB was basically perfect out of the box, as they usually are. Ask me today, and if I had to sell one, it'd be the HB... but that answer might change tomorrow ;) Cheers and rock on!

[@richardmerget]

Perfekter Test, sehr gut gemacht !!! Ich fand die Squire klanglich breitbandiger und ausgeglichener bei Akkorden. Bei den kurzen Passagen mit Einzeltönen klang für mich die Harley besser und durchsetzungsfähiger ...weiter so !!!

[@Kostiaya]

At the end I chose a fender because I always wanted to have a fender. There is some difference between two of these, but it's not significant I watched some other videos and I liked HB's sound more, but in this one fender is better HB is definitely cleaner

[@zeleznacesta]

I like squier a bit better soundwise, HB looks a bit nicer. However, it's not a superfair comparison as squier has rosewood fingerboard versus roasted maple. It makes a difference. I have quite a few highend guitars, I might even buy one of these. Thx for the review.

[@wizrom3046]

The Squier bridge saddles were really far back, it looked almost like the bridge had been screwed to the body too far forward (too close to the neck). The result was that the Squier bridge pickup was further forward, further away, from the "bridge" giving it a noticeable bass boost on the bridge pickup. Great video and quite thorough review, but I dont think your comparison was exactly between pickups, really you were comparing different bridge pickups and different bridge pickup locations. 🤔 Anyway thanks for the great review. 👍

[@ericellquist7007]

First of all, I am not a musician, so there's that. But all things being approximately equal, the sound of the H.B. was preferable to that of the Squire. My preference in music probably informs that choice Jazz, Blues, Jazz-Rock, or Fusion if you like, and Blues -Rock. The sound of the H.B. seems richer to me and perhaps that is not the signature of a Fender Telecaster as such. Anyway thanks for the very informative and enjoyable video, all the best to you.

[@henkdehaan2434]

I m gonna test the te 69TL...also ordered it.....

[@Steven_SK]

Very close! Can I get the HB neck on the Squire?

[@RichWordsMusic]

Now THAT is an interesting question. I assume it'd be possible (from a eye check, the necks and pockets look very similar), and a qualified tech surely could do it. It might require a bit of shimming!

[@drsaufproblem]

I've been playing guitars for over 20 years now and bought a TE-62CC one or two years ago. Last week I ordered two Fender Player Plus Teles but I really disliked the ergonomics of the Fenders. Different neck feeling, also way heavier than the HB. Looks like I'd rather spend the money on upgrades for the HB.

[@TheTwangKings]

I agree, Sonics are really nice. But mine had nut and string tree issues that affected the tuning stability. Also a couple of tiny but annoying neck lumps. I fixed the issues myself easily though, so I am really enjoying my Strat.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear yours had a couple of issues, but glad you could fix them and are now enjoying the guitar. I'm tempted to try one of the Sonic Strats soon too. All the best and happy music making!

[@TheTwangKings]

Thanks! So far, no regrets about buying the Sonic Strat, it turned out to be a good player!@@RichWordsMusic

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@TheTwangKings Great, really happy to hear that! Enjoy and rock on!

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day also stay safe I am a telecaster person to be honest

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it :) If you're a Tele person I think you might really enjoy this guitar too... try one if you can!

[@BlazertronGames]

I much prefer the look of the HB! Not a massive fan of the colour (I'd get it in seafoam green, personally) but the roasted maple neck, the mint-green pickguard, and the vintage bridge make it look so much cooler, in my opinion.

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's definitely a cool looking guitar - slap a rosewood board on it for me and it'd be even better in the looks department!

[@PooNinja]

I’m leaning towards the squire because of color alone. Sounds were good on both so it came to looks.

[@RichWordsMusic]

He he, after 140 of my videos you are finally understanding the ways of the blue guitar 😎 Fine choice though, and I think that looks are super important when it comes to cheaper guitars!

[@andreasf6671]

Tbh I think the HB color is much cooler looking while the Squier looks a lot "cheaper". But it's a matter of taste!

[@PooNinja]

@@andreasf6671 yup just a color preference on my part

[@RichWordsMusic]

@@PooNinja I would love it if Squier had also done an LPB finish with a black plate and a dark board... that's the top choice every time!

[@andiebetjemann7920]

Very informative comparison. A way to allow more twang would be to get the squier and a set of those Roswell AlNiCo-Vs. This new line of Squier Sonic appears to be very promising. Are you planning on comparing the new Squier Sonic Mustang to your HB MS-60?

[@RichWordsMusic]

Glad you enjoyed this one! Yep, some Alnico 5s would really get a bit more twang out of the Sonic Tele. I may do some upgrades at some point. I think Squier have done a great job with the Sonic guitars, and like I say in the video, I think the likes of Harley Benton have made them have to improve their offerings! Which is great for us players. I would love to try out the Sonic Mustangs too! Would you prefer me to try the single coil or HB version? I'm guessing single coils would be more authentic for that comparison...

[@freezeframeplease]

i know this is maybe something you don't know about these two guitars but do you know if the neck between these two are interchangeable ? i have this squier telecaster sonic body a friend gifted me and just wanted to know if i can attach a harley benton neck in it or i should go for a squier/fender one !

[@MJG817]

Great reviewer... Im so close to getting a HB Telecaster

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot! I love my TE-62... can thoroughly recommend :)

[@MJG817]

@@RichWordsMusic ordered

[@user-ry5hm7ho8t]

the benton has it, but the fender had more lower end, so to match it we would have to increase the bass.

[@BlazertronGames]

How would you say the HB compares to something like an affinity?

[@RichWordsMusic]

That's something I would love to try - from my shop testing experience, the Affinity guitars are really geat these days, and would be great competition for the HB.

[@sebastian38200]

ojala pudieras analizar tambien la tagima tw 55

[@RichWordsMusic]

I would love to try some Tagima guitars too! Hopefully one day I can. I tested some briefly at a show last year and they were great!

[@MBSGAMES_]

Did i stil hear that high ringing noise on the squier, that you mentioned in your other video ?

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yeah, maybe you did when the gain is up higher... I just don't know what causes it!

[@TheDancingSaxophone]

Amazing review! I’m not in the market for either guitar but you kept my viewership all the way regardless! If I was getting a guitar for the wedding band I play in I’d get the Squier because it seems a little more versatile across genres. If I was going to be gigging on broadway in Nashville I’d go with the Harley Benton.🤘

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed it! Yep, I'd be with you on that too... for Nashville, you'd possibly want that extra sparkle and top end the HB has, but for overall stuff, the Squier is a safer bet I think. Thanks for watching :)

[@Omar-pj1ue]

Squier I just got one for $75 and it's perfect!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Wow, that's a bargain, great score!

[@garywillacey9979]

Did you load them up with the same set of strings? This makes a huge difference if you're comparing tones. One set of strings might be warmer or tangy compared to other strings.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yep, GHS Boomers, 9-42! You're right, by the way - the age of the strings can make a big difference too.

[@garywillacey9979]

@@RichWordsMusic That's great! You did an amazing comparison. 👏 This was possibly the best honest sound to sound comparison I've seen on KZbin. You also play beautifully. Thank you. Bless

[@peterlucas8629]

I would have thought the HB with alnico pickups should sound better, but I think it sounded a bit thin especially on the lower strings. I prefered the Squier for tone.

[@RichWordsMusic]

This surprised me a little too, and ultimately I agree with you: there's something about the Squier which is just a little more palatable to my ears :) Cheers and rock on!

[@podeeeerdelmembrillo403]

sound is very similar in both, it depends of the amplifier, effects pedals, etc., but the Squier is tremendous

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yes, I agree - the Sonic Series overall is really good! Both these guitars are great choices though, and extremely versatile.

[@BugGenerat0r]

In the USA at least, the Harley-Benton is a little bit over $200.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yeah, they are more expensive over there, I guess due to import costs. Still good value, but not as good as they are in Europe. Hopefully HB can work out a way to change that in North America soon!

[@rasmusk.4001]

A bit weird to test a maple neck vs. a laurel. Two completely different punches...

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's more about the overall "Tele under $200" vibe here. And while I agree - it would be perfect to do maple vs maple - I can only work with guitars I own... wish I had more to do better tests.

[@johntate5050]

The main difference between the two guitars is that the Squier is fantastic whereas the Harley Benton is brilliant.

[@RichWordsMusic]

That is a very valid reading of this - I love it!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

The Squier sounded better, looked better and I have loved every Fender and Squier neck I have ever played. My Second guitar after starting on. Jedson Tele copy was a Japanese 1983 Squier Strat. Gas got the better of me and I sold it off cheap. Do you think I have always regretted that? The biggest plus for the Sonic Tele though is the ease with which you can customise and upgrade it. I’m just getting into setting up and modding guitars and thinking of doing a course. I have both a loaded Tele pickguard with an SD mini HB and a Duesenberg Multibender that I want to try out on a cheap Tele. Squier ftw

[@theflev-matic4892]

I like the squier more but both are good

[@RichWordsMusic]

Agreed, both have their advantages but I slightly lean towards the Squier too :)

[@jonatanronaldgonzalezariza18]

Hello my friend what is better ? Harley benton te 62cc or harley benton te 62 db ????? Saludos great video

[@RichWordsMusic]

Hey there, good question! For me, they're pretty similar. But I prefer the roasted maple neck/fingerboard on the TE-62CC :)

[@steveroberts]

For me the alnico 5's come into there own under crunch. Have more to give

[@RichWordsMusic]

They certainly have a different flavor with a bit of drive, I agree! They're at their strongest for the indie rock and AC/DC rock stuff, at least to my ears.

[@Luke-Emmanuel]

hb high notes were much brighter cuz well, its not as beefy as the squier. Has its place in certain genres or studio recordings if needed for certain sounds.

[@GOICOBA]

The HB definitely has that Twang

[@RichWordsMusic]

It certainly does!

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

The Squier pickups are warmer than the Harley Benton and don't have the chimey sound I expect from a Tele. I prefer the clearer brighter Alnico pickups in the Harley Benton.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yes, that's a good analysis - the HB pickups are actually more "old school Tele" to me as well.

[@bobbaxter952]

I just bought the Squire on the strength of this video,the pickups are weak!!You just can't hear individual strings ring out when distorted,it's like the pickups are a foot away from the strings?? I'm really disappointed so far.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Hmm, that doesn't sound good. Try raising the pickups and hopefully that'll do the trick!

[@meinvornamemeinnachname715]

I would prefer the clean and crunch sound from the Squier.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Me too! It's thicker and fuller somehow.

[@quentinbarnes767]

Personally I prefer the sound of the hb,even more now thomann have dropped the price to 77 quid including shipping! Regards Q.

[@stephenstapleton1324]

Like a maple neck and freatboard

[@RichWordsMusic]

I usually prefer rosewood myself, but the roasted maple on the HB is lovely!

[@capnjames]

They should make a really basic squier sonic jazzmaster like some of these budget brands have made…even if it’s just an offset strat 😅 I think a lotta people would buy them to mod

[@RichWordsMusic]

Oh, I totally agree... I'd buy one too! Would be an amazing idea. I love my Harley Benton JS-60, which is pretty much what that is... like a gateway offset guitar for beginners who don't yet need the trem or the extra tonal circuitry! Do that in a few of the newer, quirkier colors and they'd sell them by the truckload...

[@capnjames]

@@RichWordsMusic totally plus it’d be easier to figure out for new players maybe than a jazzmaster with all the bells and whistles

[@henkdehaan2434]

I already ordered the HB 69TL thinlie ( after studied all models) /............................. to me It seems tjhe most payable and good sounding guiar for a top 40 cover Band !!!

[@akist8455]

Fantastic video and comparison, the best thing is to buy both :-)... They are so cheap!😏

[@RichWordsMusic]

Ha ha, exactly! I'm happy to own both. Cheers for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!

[@NoNameNo.5]

The HB is much better, I have both. It’s lighter, tones are better, lighter, neck and feet ends are superior

[@RichWordsMusic]

Nice to hear from someone else who also has both! Yeah, I actually think (based on other feedback I have seen elsewhere) that I got very lucky with my Sonic… in general terms I would say Harley Bentons are less of a risk to order online now in terms of what kind of setup you’re going to get.

[@amongwhitewalls7849]

harley benton won for my great tone and looks nice.

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yeah, the HB is a wonderful guitar - I still have it and play it regularly over more expensive guitars!

[@thomashalley7258]

Id use the harley benton for cleans and the squire for dirty tones.

[@ElcanaldeReyesManuel]

👍

[@RichWordsMusic]

Thanks again for watching and enjoying! 😊

[@MrBlaster791]

yes sir i do agree i have the 2016 afinty squire telecaster in red is the better guitar then the HB tele,i play metal,rock with my tele through a Soldano slo 30 watt head 12 inch vintage 30 celestion speaker cab DS-L distortion,chugs for days____________BOOYAA

[@dara92]

I vote for the Squier. :) I like it's sound much more. HB has too much highs. It hurts my ears... :D Squier has a more mellow and balanced tone I prefer that. :)

[@HiredGoonage]

that HB sounds bloody harsh

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's certainly got those authentic Telecaster glassy highs!

[@scottanderson4175]

Firefly 🤦🏻‍♂️ Roasted maple compound radius neck bone nut ball end stainless steel frets and locking tuners 😉

[@650thunderbird5]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@RichWordsMusic]

Cheers friend!

[@mikeblue385]

the harley kicks ass.

[@RichWordsMusic]

It's a great guitar - I've had mine just over two years now and I still love it.

[@TheCommonSenseProfessor]

Harley Benton used to be the best guitars that you could get for the money, but Fender stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the ballpark.

[@11000038]

Btw I liked both!

[@RichWordsMusic]

Me too! I think they're both excellent value for money guitars.

[@judeworth938]

In the long run the Harley Benton will cost more when you add on the shipping costs to the U.S. Shipping is not cheap !

[@RichWordsMusic]

Yes, you're right - I heard about the USA HB shipping costs recently. We don't realize how easy we have things in Europe in that regard! I'd go for a Squier if I lived in the USA for now.