The Week in Gear 57 | Fender get Micro | Harley Benton Budget Helix

[@TheGuitarGeek]

A special thanks to this week's sponsor, Pedaltrain! - elkqr.link/4ahrn Get this weeks gear at Sweetwater (US) sweetwater.sjv.io/baLAPb Get this weeks gear at Thomann (EU) thmn.to/thocf/tovgc34adv Get this weeks gear at Andertons (UK) - elkqr.link/ti9ot

[@phillippitts6294]

Had my pedaltrain for a couple years now. Switched from the old one I made.🤷🏼‍♂️

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I can’t see the headstock on your Les Paul Jr & must have missed the video on it. Gibson or Epiphone?

[@iosifsimon]

So this is a channel where you review all kinds of new gear that comes up? How did I not know about this so far? I was looking for websites that did this, but this is so much better! Thank you for doing this!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Welcome aboard! I have the week in gear and then dedicated video reviews several timeds per week!

[@whyismyeyetwitching]

1:21 when you said panning, I’m wearing earbuds and you just licked my brain. Don’t ever do that again lol

[@scottybrowndotca]

Number one weekly gear show in my heart

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you

[@chrispfeifer7628]

Enjoying the show every week. Actually look forward to it every Saturday. Watching from the US

[@weswheel4834]

Thanks. I'm loving the Mustang Micro Plus. Using it with headphones and a usb cable, it is a really easy way to get sound into my PC or phone (e.g. for using it with various guitar apps available for the phone). I'm liking the sounds as well, took Danish Pete's advice and just created a few presets with basic amp models and a bit of reverb on some of them.

[@ronpatterson5483]

Cool to see 5 highlighted for week, keep up great work!

[@vasotoe]

Very interesting little device from Fender, also Boss pedal ftw! As usual great show Andy!!!!! 🤘😎

[@shadowminister4090]

A comparison between the Fender Mustang Micro Plus vs the Katana Go would be interesting!

[@karls1857]

I don't think it would be fair fight. I use to have Mustang GT40 and it sounded worse than Katan GO. I doubt Micro Plus can sound better than full-size amp of the same family. The only benefit was obliviously the app, and full customization of effect chain (Do you want 10 effects at once? Go ahead, make my day), but comparing to Katana it felt more like something targeted to beginners that wants to have fun with a lot of fx than one who looks for an accurate sound of real amp.

[@AndoniDiazPuerta]

Go directly to the Harley Benton o e, the Mustang series are trash. No exception for me in amps and micro amps.

[@jmjponeill]

1:26 Nicely done.

[@adamstein9333]

I think the tech in the Flamma fx20 headphone amp is like a Mooer GE150 or HarleyBenton dnacore among others. Without the looper and the best screen for those things is the app, just do it all on Your phone..

[@MAX96MENDES]

Daaaaamn... Harley Benton is kicking ass in the guitar sound effects world.... and so is Boss with this new gadget! I am buying them all Thanks for the good news.

[@onlyusernameleft2]

Harley Benton is slapping their logo on Chinese OEM products that you can probably buy cheaper from Flamma/Mooer/Caline. Harley Benton excels at one thing, applying Harley Benton logos to bulk orders from China.

[@MAX96MENDES]

​@@onlyusernameleft2 So what? Other well-known name brands are doing the same with their guitars, guitar parts and gear (do your research). Do you remember when Fender was buying guitars back in the late 70s from japan, because they were better built than the Made in the USA product ? So what? In these days, its either "Made in Mexico", or "Made in Indonesia", or Made in China". Take your pick. Some are perfect and some are just plain, and some are not so good. Its all a gamble in this Globalized world economy. Its exactly everything else with a stamp "Made in the USA". - Last year I had to return 2 new Fender Stratocasters "Made in the USA" because the QC issues were pitiful. They must have been blind in that factory. So I changed my mind and then bought 2 EVH-Wolfgang Special's for half the price of those 2 fenders and they are a "Made in Mexico" product, but very very well done. I got a better deal on these EVH than those Fender Strats ! I forgot to mention, one is an EVH Wolfgang Special Black Stealth with an ebony fretboard for 800 euros with no Quality Control issues and not a B-stock. I congratulate those fine workers at the "Made in Mexico" factory ! Great job! I will buy 2 instead of one of anything, IF the price is right. If one breaks, I can always have a second for back-up and NEVER feel guilty about breaking it. Just this year I also bought 6 Harley Benton guitars and love to play them all alot. No problems with them, and they are "made in Indonesia". When was the last time a Name-Brand instrument cost you 350 euros and it comes with stainless steel frets, locking tuners and a perfectly working Floyd Rose tremolo ? Fender, PRS and Gibson will surely never give these things to you unless you fork over 5,000+ dollars. If I spend money on name-brands just so other people can drool over the names on the guitar headstock or on the gear box , I will probably be feeling guilty I spent over 2k+ dollars on something that soon after broke. If you are a rich man and you have money to burn, I am happy for you. - I am not. I have to work hard for a living and pay alot of house bills, if I can find a good deal on anything, I will buy it. Some name brands better be alert and start raising their QC issues and also lowering their ridiculous prices.

[@HumanWast3]

@@onlyusernameleft2 could you please tell me on which cheaper product of the dnafx hb slapped its logo on, if you would happen to know it by chance

[@ViviSectia]

​@@HumanWast3 The DNAfx line is technically not a rebrand. They're all various stripped down versions of the Mooer GE150 and GE200 so unlike most of their other products, they did a little more than slapping their logo on it.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I saw a gorgeous Zematis Flying V on Reverb that made my loins stir! I had no idea they made them!

[@michaelolz]

I remember when I purchased the first of the Fender Mustang Micros. I was very enthusiastic about it and wrote a carefully worded email to Fender about possibly adding a small screen to it as well as a looper. They wrote me back! And they less-than-enthusiastically told me that they did not have any plans for a second one… I see they didn’t add a looper.

[@danhedonia]

Just bought a recon'd Hagstrom Super Viking. I'd played Hagstroms before but ... this is a tremendous guitar. I can't put it down, and I've got roughly ~40 guitars and ongoing recording (In other words, motivation to not be screwing around endlessly appreciating it). Hagstrom deserve and need more exposure.

[@TrondTillmanSynnes]

You can get a clean signal by connecting the Fender micro plus to the tuner output of for instance a volume pedal. This way you can send both signals to a DAW, a PA or your amp, or chose to combine two destinations. I'll be getting one as soon as they arrive at my local shop.

[@windslipper]

Well done, Mate!

[@terryshrk]

A few years back, everyone will remember Fender released a couple of Jimmy Page Telecasters. You could argue that it was a bold move ( similar to this Hendrix Flying V release) due to the fact that Page only used his "Mirror/Dragon" Tele on Led Zeppelin 1,..and switched to the his iconic Les Paul for the rest of his Zeppelin era. They even used an ultra psychedelic and trippy animation to promote the new axe. Tis new Hendrix V is probably their response,..LoL

[@wea69420]

There's a big difference, though, in that Page was seen all the time with other guitars on stage and in the studio, and who knows how many made it into records beyond the obvious ones (teles, strats, Danos, etc.). Hendrix was seen a lot less with other models. Both runs are little more than cashgrabs anyways lol

[@Robstafarian]

Not to defend the current incarnation of Fender, but Jimmy Page stopped playing his Tele because it was stolen.

[@Pieman62295]

isn't the stairway to heaven solo done on a tele?

[@szaki95]

The DNA FX Core is mono in, stereo out. You can also enable/disable the IR per side, so with a Y cable one signal can go to the mixer the other to your amp.

[@NeoMorphUK]

The reason for the rounded inlays on he fretboard is easy to understand… it is easier to CNC the fretboard without needing any hand finishing.

[@adamkrauss303]

I’ve had a Hagstrom Viking for around ten years. That resin/ composite neck is extremely stable and comfortable and was nicely finished. I have considered swapping the pickups, which can be a bit dark and muddy.

[@MrJingles021]

I'd totally buy a Hagstrom Swede. The specs they have on those guitars are insane! Stainless steel frets on a Les Paul style guitar. Love it

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Yeah you're right the Boss Delay video was great! 👌 Are Dungarees back in? 🤨

[@teerexness]

Love the Hagstrom. I'm especially fond of the use of synthetic ebony emulating materials on the fingerboard, rather than cheap looking laurel or other brownish wood variants. Brown just doesn't look good on fingerboards and they only get worse with use. I also applaud Hagstrom's use of something more interesting than dot fret markers. With a couple of pet peeves out of the way, I'll be giving these guitars a serious look!

[@ratatatuff]

I have always been a Yamaha fanboy but as soon as I played a Hagström I became a Hagström fanboy as well. They are such underrated guitars and punch well above their price class. I'm considering getting that sweet Tremar Viking Baritone now ...

[@teerexness]

@@ratatatuff I've been looking for one of those sweet triple P-90 Tremar Swedes, but they must be a helluva guitar. The supply of those just completely dried up. They are awesome guitars!

[@ratatatuff]

@@teerexness Triple P-90? Oh my, I missed that one! I love P-90s. Hm, maybe I should consider the Adina ...

[@AllanGildea]

Great value product, excellent contant as always, cheers.

[@robt6127]

Looking forward to the mustang micro review, 150 notes.... after taxes haha. I've had mine only a few months so seems redundant to buy a new model but like you it's quite a pain having to reference what color means what effect and such. It's great fun though when I want to noodle while watching tv and keep the pupper company. Not to mention I pre-ordered that Vai mini amp and now I feel like maybe I'm buying too many mini accessories at this point, hmmm.

[@duarteestelita7257]

Looking forward fornthat review too. And the Harley Benton multi FX unit, also. I've been looking at small 'gadgets' I can carry with myself all the time. Thanks Andy,

[@Zwidawurzn]

Actually, i got a Duesenberg Caribou for over 2k and i have no idea which tonewood the fretboard is, but i'm glad it came with an original hardcase because a proper case is always necessary.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

kAlways informative and entertaining. I wonder if you might bring your considerable charm to bear on the nice people at Hagstrom (if you meet any) and ask them if we will ever see Swedes or Super Swedes again. I miss 'em.

[@chris_2714]

I'm glad Gibson/Epiphone did the flying V vs. some other guitar Hendrix held one time in a photo. He was well known for using his V so it makes sense. Plus V's are just cool

[@yami_garasu]

I always liked your reviewing style. DDD pedal has a nice delay ay ay ay 😂

[@Will-xf3qe]

The hagstroms tuning pegs look like 6 little devo hats

[@DaveyMulholland]

£1500 epiphone 😂 I wouldn't even pay that for a gibson.

[@gameon2000]

There are people, that buy $4000 "Bocchi The Rock" anime signature Epiphone Les Paul golden black 😂

[@Waffle-TH3_C00L3ST]

😂 55 burgers 55 fries 🤣🤣itysl 🤘🏼❤️

[@LA.Guitar]

DNA Git Core has a stereo TRS output

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Great reviews and amusing presentation! :)

[@sesa2984]

I own a 90s memphis gibson es-335. Its great, obviously. I don’t think I care that much about every gibson having a rosewood fretboard. I’m happy with a well-made guitar that has sustainable and good sounding woods. There are so many different types of woods. I get excited about hearing the tonal differences of a wood I don’t yet know about. I don’t understand the absolute disdain of not using clearly overused woods, especially in an age where so many trees like sandalwood etc. are on the endangered list because of overuse in incence etc. I’m sure there will be comments about how much more available and abundant certain woods are than I know, but I still don’t get why we care so much. So many woods are interesting and beautiful. I’m starting to think we sould support the narrative that a diversity of woods are wonderful for guitars is the way to go. I can’t imagine loving my guitar any less because the fretboard was a shade different or made of a wood George Harrison’s wasn’t. I wish this feeling was ore prevalent in the guitar “community.” It seems to be a plce missed by the intention for preservation over deforestation.

[@seibrav]

Used your SW link for the Fender Mustang plus.

[@andsoistopped]

Definitely sorted that headphone amp out. A massive improvement.

[@13coyote13]

Finally they got rid of the fancy coloured lights that 50% of men can't see, part of the reason I got rid of the original one, so kudos for putting a display on the new Micro.

[@Cannibal_Actual]

Why can’t 50% of men see the light?

[@GahMehGrrrr]

Thanks. 🎉

[@deanallen927]

There are A LOT of pictures of Hendrix with at least a couple Flying V's. At Isle of Wight he used the black left handed one with the split diamond inlays.

[@tgunmusicchannel1973]

I’ve got the Boss DD200, it has more options than I could ever use. I wonder if the SDE-3 is in the DD200, will need to take a look.

[@PhilipTimm]

AY! I think You Should Leave reference @2:51 I love it!

[@joeycovers406]

@@PhilipTimm That made me subscribe to the channel.

[@PhilipTimm]

@@joeycovers406 .....OK...... Don't expect wall-to-wall comedy references, tho!

[@chasedartez4218]

Finally, lefties matter. My first guitar was a right handed Harmony from '93, and my dad had it restrung to play left handed.

[@hollywoodactress]

Wow that Harley Benton fx pedal looks great. Any idea who manufacturers it for them? Is it one of the already popular brands?

[@Pc118Gamer]

the DNAfx GiT Core is $82 before shipping to US, after shipping it seems to be around $120

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

Digital that simulates the sound of vintage equipment I've said it once and I'll say it again Fender Micro should be an option that it is already integrated in the Fender-Micro-headphones. but Fender-Micro and katana go are the best buy if you want mini -Andy, Thank you

[@dahmc59]

HOLD UP, SWOLL UP! Pao Ferro is sustainable fretboard wood similar to rosewood in appearance and feel, except it is a little more dense (somewhere between rosewood and ebony) and to me it is even prettier to gaze upon. It is also SUSTAINABLE (grows fast and abundant enough to not become scarce) and Fender has this on its 70th anniversery strats. (I have one and LOVE it, although the bridge saddles are HOT TRASH and replaced with Graph Tech String Savers.

[@drdoom8793]

Trying to teach these corksniffers is pointless. Even after Jim Lill's video, they just don't learn

[@kantina4765]

The problem with pau ferro is it looks like shit. Although I'm of the opinion all fret boards should be made of ebony (or plastic I don't really give a shit it just needs to not look like shit, doesn't affect how it sounds at all)

[@baldyhead]

I'm glad I bought an Epiphone V 16 years ago when they were only a couple of hundred "notes". Mine is a two piece korina bodied one, made in Korea. The equivalent is around 1200 "notes" today.

[@chachilin95]

I appreciate the trivia about Jimi and his public image with Gibson compared with Fender

[@infn8loopmusic]

@5:10 ah hah but that's where you're wrong. you see... My pedalboard is actually a full size guitar hard case so... It's it's own case and there is no need for a soft case, or Velcro, or even a pedalboard 😲 because the case is the board and the board is a case. It has room for 20+ pedals all the power supplies, extra cables, an extension cord, even the kitchen sink. 😮 Don't knock it til you try it. 🤣🌞 Cheers mate! Great video. Definitely will check out that HB FX unit more, pretty cool!

[@allanflippin2453]

Andy, I just saw a demo of Thorpy FX's "Old Timer" effects unit. I'm bringing it up because it sounds like something you'd truly enjoy. Please see if you can get a hold of one of these. Should bring a big smile to your face :D

[@steverolfeca]

I can’t watch any video about Mustang Micros, without giving a shout-out to the Boss Pocket GT. Sure, it’s larger, but the stereo sounds, onboard controls, KZbin integration, etc. make it a much more satisfying practice/learning/jam tool.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I agree the pocket GT is great fun and has its applications but there are space for both products as I would much rather plug in and play this than the pocket GT

[@steverolfeca]

@@TheGuitarGeek Absolutely agree that there’s a ton of great products in this space. That’s one of the reasons why I would mention a bulky product like the GT in the same breath as the Micro. I also have a cheap Amazon 5GHz wireless dongle setup that’s not only stage-ready, but allows me to use the GT wirelessly. There’s more than one way to grab great sounds while sitting on the couch…

[@michaeldean7220]

Really hoping that the mustang micro plus will force Boss to pull their finger out and get out a new katana go out soon. That will be an interesting comparison. I can see many people liking the Fender user interface but obviously the tones will be the real test.

[@ProfOfHifi]

My patience couldn't handle waiting for you to demo guitars. I liked both, Adina and Megin, but I was more interested in Adina because of the humbucker + P90 configuration (which is not unique, but somewhat rare), so I went ahead and ordered it already.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

:-D I get to play them next week!

[@danduntz2539]

They better make those new hagstrom guitars in lefty!!

[@AVM-Music]

Too much caffeine today Andy?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Maaaaybe

[@AVM-Music]

@@TheGuitarGeek wait? You didn’t turn the delayayayayay on

[@victorthomsen8520]

@@AVM-MusicI thought about it, but I didn’t know if people would miss it! Next time there is a delay on the list I’ll make sure to get it in there! 💪🏻

[@AVM-Music]

@@victorthomsen8520 😂😂

[@steveo44]

I would love to know how the micro amp sounds like next to the katana go. I had the original Mustang micro but like you never knew what the led lights were showing. So the micro had to go and i got a katana go!

[@Commonsensestillexists]

I had no idea the Katana Go was already discontinued. I've used mine daily since it came out - maybe I should box and store it in the hope that one day, it's considered rare and valuable... Nah ;)

[@RLocksley88]

Can you please play the Baritone Hagstrom if they have it at the Summit.

[@retromacman620]

At 1500 I think Epiphone should have rosewood, and the hard case. Considering all the other specs, I don't think the price is too bad for a V. The Boss delay looks very cool for that Digital Delay rack tone.

[@chaz__]

Most sane people agree that $1000+ for a guitar with Laurel is unreasonable. I'm glad fender put rosewood on the new player series. Puts pressure on other big brands to start bringing back rosewood. Even budget guitars are using it. Hopefully we see the back of laurel within 5 years, it just doesn't look right on established designs in my opinion. They are not even bothering to choose darker shades or to darken the laurel with dyes/stains.

[@matthewsommerville88]

I love my mustang micro I may just upgrade. The older model could just plug into Apples logic as well and be fully used, hope it is still possible

[@armendrz]

I am very happy with my Boss Katana Go, but tbh it was pretty annoying to see how they discontinued it a few weeks after release date. This kind of home study amplifier for headphones is perfect if you cannot play very loud. And I love to play everywhere in the house just carrying the guitar an the headphones. If it is easy to use, will be used more. But right now, I would buy the fender better than the Boss, due to the discontinued issue.

[@MikeLute]

A review about the Harley Benton "Spiral" knock off would be great!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

😂😂😂😂

[@Firedancer100]

I would like to see a review of the Harley Benton pedal

[@friendzok]

Agree about the original unit. Esp if you're colourblind....

[@allanflippin2453]

Andy, Recently, I saw a review for an Epiphone Korina Flying V which goes for $1299 and comes with BurstBucker pickups. It sounds very good indeed! My question is if you have any experience with BurstBucker vs CustomBucker?

[@nedim_guitar]

Meg-in is close enough as pronunciation of Swedish goes. 😃 Just do a longer "eh" in Meg, and you're home.

[@philoshaughnessy906]

Enjoying the vid. I just reallised that you remind me of Groucho Marx.

[@jakollee]

Damn, now I regret buying the original mustang micro. Always wait for the second version!

[@jameswalkling8512]

Hi, whats the offset behind you between the tele and the iceman?

[@randrothify]

So, the Katana Go came and went😅

[@EverythingABit_NothingRight]

The HB Core has a Stereo Output, right?

[@standingbadger]

Finally, some guitars for the ambidextrous! Thank you Gibson?

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Its saturday. Its time for Andy's overpriced epiphone of the week 😂

[@PooNinja]

88 €! That’s crazy! I may need some new DNA !

[@Robstafarian]

Please, allow me to explain that stereo terminology: "Panning" is normal stereo, which can be panned between the left and right channels (well played, Victor). "Discrete stereo" is actually dual mono, like using two combo amps with an ABY pedal. "Wet/dry" means that one output has no echoes and the other output does. "Dry mute" means that only the echoes are output (probably for wet/dry/wet use).

[@vonbarfuss]

Wow, cool & funny video…:)…. ( call it ,,Thomann‘‘ ) , but I also like Tollman😂

[@amotzbarakben-israel2691]

but is he Hag action as good as the Hag 60's?

[@daveben8485]

Can the mustang micro plus be used with a bass?

[@Bast6]

That Megin Hagstrom looks a bit like ke a D’Angelico

[@eddieellis677]

I would love to see a video using the Fender micro and the HB GiT as a recording interface. Anyone who has heard me sing can tell you I don't need a mic input, but I do need to get my guitar signal into a DAW using Win 10.

[@RobotShlomo]

For $97 USD I'm thinking the HB Git Core as an interface is a steal. I know that at the same price the Irig HDX was a piece of junk.

[@Releasethebats123]

That hagstrom looks like a Maton

[@jryan7932]

It was weird hearing you say "vintage digital". Hah!

[@-Pol-]

I wonder if the parts shortage thing is related to the EU ban recently coming into full effect on components containing nasty cadmium sulphide? (a worthy ban (I guess) that protects not just the environment but also the workers exposed through dodgy manufacturing processes).

[@ferenclucas2842]

i think you need stereo out of a multi effects pedal

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

The Epi Hendrix V actually has THREE strap buttons so you can play it backwards.

[@tomaselke3670]

Is there any "official" notice that Boss is actually re-releasing the Katana Go?

[@Bettys_Eldest]

Megan looks like a PRS Mira SE

[@jwstout007]

Harold Benton doesn't mind his little brother haning out to jam.

[@kingstumble]

The Hagstrom's RRP is £799. If that is the street price it's got no chance.

[@ralphhathaway-coley5460]

That multieffects seems ridiculously cheap for all the options available, looking forward to a review.

[@henrypeters5719]

Love Hendrix, but nowadays I think Kurt is the most famous left handed guitarist. Kurt’s influence on popular music is still in music today and we are definitely still living in a post Nirvana world.

[@leegollin4417]

I got Love Drops and she rules….

[@doctoribanez]

I dont get how the micro mustang can process all of that in the tiny body when it takes size for other things like that.

[@nickdryad]

Did you say Carlos The GAS seer?

[@RobertSaxy]

Forgive my ignorance I’m relatively new to caring about electric guitars compared to other instruments but is there a difference in sound and/or feel between Laurel and rosewood?

[@Robstafarian]

There is a difference, but I advise ignoring it until you have more knowledge and experience. Regarding the former, do you have any other questions?

[@SWBaek117]

feels, yes as their density varies. sound difference is highly controversial.

[@drdoom8793]

You have no idea what a can of worms you've opened. The short answer when it comes to solid body electrics is no, but a lot of old heads have been brainwashed by the industry into believing it does.

[@erwocoolis9451]

These toys are no threat to Kemper, Cortex, AxeFX, Helix. But imagine what Harly Benton could do for 500,-. I wonder why they don't.

[@purrpocalypse]

@@erwocoolis9451 I recently got a Helix and I was shocked at how bad it sounded to me. It reminds me of the old pods. I felt the same way about AxeFX, though... Kemper and ToneX are alright, but the best modeling I ever experienced are still the Yamaha THR amps. It's wild. I guess it's like how the Katana is just a rebranded Cube.

[@joermnyc]

It would be nice if someone made a digital delay that actually kept the full millisecond capability in stereo, instead of halving it.

[@DaveyMulholland]

No-one is stopping you! You sound like an expert, so get on it!

[@Robstafarian]

@@DaveyMulholland Why the hostility?