Harley Benton MR Classic - Affordable Headbanger!

A familiar shaped guitar with surf rock roots and a solid punk rock pedigree recently appeared in the 'value brand' Harley Benton catalogue and with a price tag of just $211 this was a complete no brainer. Can a guitar this cheap be any good?... well let's have a look and find out!
Here's link to the guitar on Thomann if you fancy one:
www.thomann.de...
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00:00 play in & coming up
01:12 what's happening today?
02:31 the mosrite ventures
04:54 all about the guitar, specs, etc
07:16 stupid screwdriver marks
08:12 colours & versions
10:24 let's weigh it
11:05 the badass bridge
11:18 fingerboard & frets
12:32 neck profile & measurements
12:47 pickup readings
13:51 under the hood
17:20 unplugged
17:40 todays rig
18:23 this is what it sounds like
21:29 a brief punk interlude
22:27 volume & tone controls
24:03 let's play something
28:46 what amp was I using?
30:26 so what do we think?
34:04 let's wrap this up
35:07 play out jam
35:36 colin was a headbanger...
Signal Chain Info:
TC Polytune / Boss CS3
Drive Pedals: TC Spark / Big Muff
Boss DD7 / Boss RC5 Looper
Amp: Harley Benton Tube15
Mics AKG C414 & SM57
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 into Protools
I AM NOT AN EXPERT. Some things I do know and some things I don't know but think I know and sometimes I say things that are not entirely correct. Once I have said things it's too late to correct them so please check any 'so called facts' with an adult, google, wikipedia, or someone else that knows.
We run this channel to provide therapy for our gear addiction and for an excuse to buy more. Please like and subscribe and keep coming back to watch our films if you would like to support the channel!
#harleybenton #electricguitar #theramones #guitaraddict #theguitaristas #guitarist #punk #headbanger

[@Jamalama555]

I found that Sometimes the inexpensive guitars (Not referring to the Benton) with their (cheap sound) come closest to the old blues records since they played kay and sears catalog guitars like silvertones other "student" guitars. Here we are spending a fortune to sound like someone who played a 5 dollar. Karma maybe I dunno.. lol

[@MAX96MENDES]

very true

[@USTTRM]

Much like James Cameron, we appreciate the guys brave enough to deep dive in the depths where lesser men fear to tread, and come out of it with such fantastic content. You sir did this today!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Mike that's appreciated 🙏 you know I just love the journey to discovery it take us on!! 😆👍

[@chrispfeifer7628]

As a old hippie born in the 60s, I'm glad that there are cheap guitars that are playable. Back in the day, cheap guitars were trash. Unplayable. CNC machines have really stepped up the game. These make electric guitars more accessible for everyone

[@sleepskateboards5710]

I got to say, these reviews are great. No one goes as deep into the guitars, with info as pickup reading, pickup routes, neck profiles and parts swaps. Which is very useful to the consumer. Please keep doing what you are doing. It’s a great service to the guitar community.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for supporting! 😎👍

[@gunner4365]

It's been said that it was better to have been 20 in the 70's than to be 70 in the 20's, a sentiment I think is mostly true. However, one of the few honest benefits of having made it so far is the out-of-the-box quality of modern entry-level guitars, most of which seem to be a far cry from the lumber and glued wood-chip beasts we struggled to play back in the day. I hope the new stuff will inspire more youngsters to keep playing.

[@theguitaristas]

If you think about it though... give or take a decade a lot of us on here are lucky enough to have experienced both worlds. I feel so privileged sometimes to have been a teen in the late 70's when so much was happening. OK I had learn on a piece of shit guitar until I could afford a decent one but it was worth it I reckon ! 😆👍

[@glenclarkchidley3637]

I paid more in 78 for my first new guitar, which turned out to be plywood.

[@grg-mpgmusic7247]

@@theguitaristas I started on a piece of crap Hondo II for $49 in the 70s....working into a lawsuit era Ibanez or 3 actually and a Fender strat made in 1973.....That was my 1970s

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@gunner4365]

Yeah, my point entirely. Back when, the music was the best, the instruments not so much. I was trying to remember my first guitar, a no-name Strat copy of a murky and unknown origin, and if nothing else I learned how to tune a guitar. Constantly. But that first time I got through "Proud Mary" without starting over, man, what a day. I'm glad the kids have a better opportunity to get their own "first-time" memory.

[@stealthbum34]

I love the Benton brand. If you’re someone like me who likes to do upgrades then it’s perfect. The main thing I look for in a good mod base is a nicely finished body and a great playable neck, which the Benton’s almost always have. Unlike other value brand guitar makers, the range of guitars is much bigger, so if you’ve always wanted to try an SG, Flying V, mosrite, Explorer, Les Paul…but don’t have the budget, the Benton’s are a must try.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍👍

[@allan-shephard]

Glad I stumbled across your channel. As an Aussie, there's just something about your laidback, direct and matter-of-fact reviews I really like. Haha. You're thorough and honest with a sense of humor too. Cheers 😁🍻

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Allan glad you found us mate! 😎👍

[@allantucker4972]

Another guitar and amp to put into my budget guitar adventures.. these are a bit harder to get in Oz

[@monmixer]

He is great, knows guitars and tells nothing but truth. Love this channel.

[@raycochrane3971]

I've always wanted an electric 12 string and, of course, a Rickenbaker was always a dream...still is. I did buy an HB Ricky 12 knock off is there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. ..stable tuning and the works. It does the job I require of it for recording. NO complaints at all. Another fair assessment of an instrument...built, feel, sound and playability are well essayed Thanks.

[@djangle67]

The reason they are inexpensive is there's no middle man getting a cut of the profit compared to Squier and Epiphone etc. That's why a £135 double bound Harley Benton tele is pretty much the same build quality as a £330 Squier Classic Vibe tele.

[@cirotheb5]

i don't know if you guys ever managed to own a classic vibe, i have two CVs and i owned an harley benton tele, and the build quality is poor if you compare the two guitars, i sold it because it felt cheap compared to the classic vibe

[@101Volts]

Just some FYIs here on Mosrite; as a Mosrite fan, the guitar was first built for a Country player, Joe Maphis - it was originally a "Joe Maphis model" from approximately 1959/1960 - 1963. Then The Ventures saw the guitar in 1963, Nokie Edwards thought it was great, and the Ventures contract started from 1963 to (probably a rough estimate of) May to July 1968. The Ventures were a popular Instrumental group, they weren't exclusively Surf, although they did contribute well to the genre. They hit it off very well in Japan, and because of them, Japan took very well to the Mosrite models. Also, the Ventures model shape really is based on a flipped over Stratocaster with a few re-designs. Also, Joe Maphis got his own differently shaped model later on, starting in 1966 - though it was the same outline as the Mosrite Combo, except this later Maphis model was made of different woods and doesn't have an F hole, though it's still chambered. Glen Campbell also was into Mosrite models in the 60s, though he never got his own signature Mosrite Celebrity model. He would play Mosrite models even later on, though Mosrite were a small operation from 1969 - 1992 (which was the time of Semie Moseley's young death at 57 of bone cancer - he probably breathed an awful lot of paint fumes, even with masks.)

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Austin, great info man thanks for that!... I'm ashamed to admit my research runs to about 10 minutes on google so it's good to have a more correct history 😎👍

[@HarleyBentonOfficial]

Thanks for the cool and super in depth review!

[@theguitaristas]

My pleasure glad you spotted it! 😎👍

[@harrydassori7726]

I watched this video twice. I don't know if its the speaker system for my TV but this guitar had tone that really shines. I like the options on the modern version except for the pick-ups. Once you, "hum-buck" a pickup it sounds different even in single coil. So when buying this guitar I think its best to resist the other features and buy the real P-90. Love the punk show!

[@ili-ili420]

I think that harley benton as a brand, providing cool colorful / lefty guitars that play great and have a sound with a character that is accessible to many more people who want to play with guitars makes them 100x time cooler brand than the showoff snob guitars for tenfold the price selling the brand name. It is a big win for all of us, and they are super fun!

[@gergnotsloh]

I just watch you for your guitar playing ! Just kidding, but seriously you have such a low key creative style. It's really been inspiring and motivational for me. I took a long break from my 1980 SG, but have been playing a lot lately. I always come here to see you play. Very refreshing compared to all the shredders I see on KZbin.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks mate that’s appreciated! 🙏😎

[@gergnotsloh]

@@theguitaristas Great little rundown of Chinese Rock too by the way. I'm looking for a looper now, as you've shown me how effective they can be when playing alone.

[@benjohnson4810]

That thing is cool. I like Mosrites mostly because of Iron Butterfly. The first guitarist used the very gear that the next guitarist used (Erik Brann bought it from Danny Weis). What a sound and look. Too cool. I also love The Ventures, but i prefer when they played Fender guitars live (80s-90s). It sounds perfect.

[@leftymadrid]

Thx for the review on the guitar... It was very helpful... Last night I ordered from Thomann the MR Modern, with the up-grades for only 198.00 euros! I think I'm going to really enjoy it!! It's nice they had it in a left-handed model.

[@MeesterAntrobus]

My cheapest guitar purchase was my $25 Mosrite. It was a used Ventures MkII with a broken trem arm & missing spring. bought in 1982. Looks a lot like the Ricky Wilson MkV.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I love this channel. You’re incapable of bull-shit. It’s refreshing. ☮️

[@theguitaristas]

Ah thanks that's appreciated.... I'm sure I am capable of it though! 🤣👍

[@craigpimlott204]

He could never be a politician that’s for sure 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@enthused7591]

They did a great job with those direct-mount P90s from the SC Special. They could put those pickups in any cheap guitar and it would battle with $600 guitars all day in terms of tone. Really great pickups.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@markjones7365]

Great review Colin,watched this particular video,as I’ve ordered an MR modern,left handed…on a whim,for the price of £167.00,sounds like money well spent,well I hope so 😊

[@carpathus]

100 percent agree with Colin's sentiment. Really dislike stuff getting buggered up especially when it's so easy to do it the right way.

[@justinkline1294]

I sang in my head the line "Hey, is DD home?" when you played Chinese Rocks. So it sounded good enough to trigger that auto response.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Justin, awesome song eh? 😎🔥

[@sqidvishus]

The guitar is cool. I was impressed that the volume and tone worked as well as they did. Usually on cheaper guitars those seem to be on/off rather than a gradual shift we'd expect. What was really impressive was that amp. I am very much looking forward to next week already! Thanks yet again for another fantastic film, Colin.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, yes looks like they are finally realising that decent working pots make a lot of difference for just a few dollars more! 😎👍

[@adrianviney6086]

I think, in general, we need to move away from brand snobbery. There are a lot of smaller Less "cool" brands that are working really hard to make excellent products, while the established brands are relying on their historic prominence. You appeared to really enjoy playing that and struggled to criticise it. I know you're a massive Gibson fan but please rethink about wether you would want to gig with it. Most people who come to gigs don't care what the brand of your guitar is, they only care about the quality of the music you create with it. Much love for the way you review guitars and the depth of your knowledge, I really enjoy your insights ❤

[@coffeerocker1429]

You saved the best bit till last mate! 1/4 of The white dopes, yea? My mate Ronnie Simmons toured with Ritchie Ramone for the last two tours. You'd have loved that gig! Pity we couldnt hear to tune (stupid copyright) Great seeing you mix it up. Stoked to see amp video. Have a great week.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, a third of the white dopes actually and if I can find a singer I’ll get the band back together… we used to do that number and it was brilliant fun. Living the dream! 😆👍

[@tbx2011]

"It´s not about the headstock, it´s about the guitar!" You are so right, and I share your opinion about the "Big G" after I have visited the store and was more than disappointed about their quality. I love budget guitars (mainly LP´s from Vintage and Cort). Nice vid as always, unbiased, focussed and clear. It´s a pleasure ;-)

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man! 😎👍

[@thehonestguitarist6543]

Vintage JHS guitars sound great!

[@mikesalt8248]

Artist Guitars Sydney Australia same factory that Thomann use some of there gear is amazing too. Bought a few of theres when I was Down Under in AUD which is less than UK Pounds. The last one I got is a DC LP Junior in yellow soon as I got it I sold my Gibson ! They now operate in UK , Thomann won't like that unless they have a finger in it

[@jefferywarburton2116]

The materials used on this one remind me a lot of my Ibanez gio gax70. It is a different guitar but, the same knobs, nut, plastics, scarf joint, pots, nut, screws.

[@margaretzabinski9977]

"the guy on the left there looks worryingly like..." Colin you are awesome! Love your videos.

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@superloekie2985]

The Harley Benton dc-600 VI vintage series might be an interesting guitar for you to look at, it's basically a gibson custom 3 PU for around €200 instead of €5.500. Nice playing as always👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, yes I’d like to look at one of their Les Pauls and that one sounds interesting!! 😎👍

[@KimmeU]

You have here described an perfect punk brand guitar. To play punk you have to go against the norm, and shun all the big and fine brands. Here Harley Benton is the perfect punk brand. Cheap and surprisingly good.

[@theguitaristas]

Actually Kimme when you put it like that you're absolutely right... in many ways this completely embodies the spirit of punk 👍🧷

[@nosub8969]

I got this guitar plus ..a HB Tele and Strat and I have just ordered a super strat R446 HB with hot humbuckers ..so I also have a DBZ with Humbuckers ,,so for about 750 quid I have the full flavour of pick ups to choose from...I have owned a Fender tele and I got to say the HB is every bit as good, if not better than the Fender. I love the fact that HB gives me access to sounds that I could never afford. Like you said its not about the head stock ..they play and sound great

[@edwinstovall3334]

"If it's bad, it can't possibly be as bad as the guitar I learned on." You have no idea how easily I related to that remark!

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍 Yep they were pretty bad back then!

[@fongy200]

Harley Benton like using the Badass type Bridges. The Mosrite Venture had the Tremolo system similar to the Jazz master. I expect the reason we don't see it on this model is simply because of cost. An appointment like that would bump up the price. I think it's alright for the money and without your content would be none the wiser. Thanks Col.

[@jeffwyatt7199]

When you were strumming just checking out the clean tones, it sounded just like Link Wrays tone.. cool for the price...

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

I had a HB fretless bass and built a kit HB Jaguar type guitar. Impressed with the quality of both

[@paulcatarino2209]

Not a shape I gravitate towards, but remove the neck pickup and cover the pocket with a reshaped pick guard, and ya maybe then we could have a cool single pickup rock/punk machine.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@lindseytackett3098]

I have no problem gigging with a Harley Benton , bought a DC 612 cherry custom double neck and it's very well made. So far I only use it on Hotel California.

[@theguitaristas]

Ah yes that’s going to work! 👍👍

[@bradleyclosson5042]

Thanks Colin! Makes me want to finish my real Mostite Avenger project. Needs electrics, bridge and pickguard.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one! 😁👍👍

[@johnwelch557]

Howdy from Arizona, USA. Excellent review as always. I have the sunburst modern version. I could not be happier. I have two rooms full of amps and guitars and other gear collected, played, gigged relentlessly with them all. This guitar far exceeded my expectations. One virtue not mentioned is the split coil feature. The single coil sounds are much stronger than I usually find with split coils. Really a terrific surprise. Anyway, I've already gigged a bunch with it and find no weaknesses. Stays in tune, vibrato never fails to return to exact 'pitch'. Love the locking tuners. I may have missed a review from you on this, but I couldn't find one. I don't care about branding. I'll play my custom shop strat on a my LP custom standard or anything else without a care. BTW, The Ventures weren't a surf band, they just produced a couple of albums during the surf era. They produced over 100 albums from the blues, R&R, jazz, rockabilly, Latin, etc. The Latin album is unbelievable. From 1958 to 1965 with relatives and friends continuing through today. They were complete, professional musicians. Anyway, thanks and please continue your entertaining and informative content! Thanks!!

[@johnfritz15]

Another great video. I had my drink ready even though you didn’t recommend one today!

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍 nice one.... I'm trying to not be too predictable so glad that message has been absorbed! 🤣🍹

[@EasyHeat]

Recently sold a blue sparkle Fullerton (Aria) Mosrite copy with better spec in yet another unfortunate Covid expense gear purge. Really regret letting that one go. It just popped up local in FB Marketplace, alas my gear budget is null at the mo' till I pay off my last big purchase, a Victory Amps V4 "The Jack" preamp. Which sounds absolute ace for direct recording I must say. I do see a few of these MD Classics going for $195 on the USA site. B-stock Candy Apple Red and the regular stock Black only. However, being raised on the RAMONES as a toddler in Jersey, and actually seeing them live on my 7th birthday in my home state of North Carolina back in 1983?! (My mum is the coolest!) A white one of these is the only one I'm after! For now anyways! Ha! Great channel mate! Love the content!! Cheers!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jason, cool story man you really got the T Shirt! 😆👍

[@EasyHeat]

@@theguitaristas My ASP causes me to either write a few words in a comment, or a book! Especially when I'm highly interested in it. It's a curse and a gift. Ha! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@keithh8661]

Thanks for checking it out for us!😎🎸

[@TheLadsBandLive]

Looking forward to next week’s Ampliristas!

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@lindamcguigan5989]

That Chinese rocks sold that on me great content as usual Colin ..... That Combo is sensational for that price

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Linda! 😎👍

[@nealixd.3011]

I would probably buy one of these if I didn't already have several good guitars with 2-3 P90s on them. It seems like a really good sounding, cool looking, simple but solid built guitar for low dough, no doubt. Nice demo. The big brother to this with the whammy bar and coil splittable humbuckers also seems to be quite a good value. Harley Benton makes some nice stuff. I have none, but I respect their efforts and vision, in making such cool, affordable guitars.

[@SavageImprint]

It's a really attractive guitar to say the least, and for offbeat body shapes I usually look for ones that are budget friendly. I was happy to hear you belt out those Thunders riffs, to my mind that's exactly the type of thing this guitar is made to do XD

[@ToddTheJoker]

As soon as I saw the Harley Benton amp behind you, I knew that had to be the one you were playing through, plus it had a mic in front of it..dead give away..lol. I actually have a 5 watt Stage Right amp and the Stage Right name is put on cheap amps from China and Harley Benton puts their name on the same amps..so my amp is the 5 watt version of what you have there, if this makes sense, I hope it does. Anyway, I like my little 5 watt(a Fender Champ clone I believe), it has no reverb but that's fine I have reverb pedals, and the amp is hella loud. thank god for the built in 1 to 5 watt built-in attenuatior, I keep it on the 1 watt setting mostly. For less than $200 you can't go wrong.

[@AndrewStevenHeadley]

This is a really well made review. I Can't decide what color to get.

[@tigersteamer]

Well it looks cool, and doesn't sound terrible. Pretty cool for the price, plus you look (as we said growing up in New England) "Wicked Pissa!" Playing that thing😎😎😎 cool vid, Cheers.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that’s a new one for me! 🤣👍

[@timharbert7145]

HB's are so fun to play. I purchased my nieces the child sized p-bass and strat guitar for christmas one year. every time we visit them, i can't put the bass down. it is sooo fun. and it sounds great thru my sisters Fender Rumble. I wish the HB amps were wired to work in the US.

[@ToddTheJoker]

You can get the exact same amps from Monoprice, they are labelled as Stage Right amps in North America. I have the 5 watt and I love it.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Tim, yes as Todd says you can get them from monoprice for around $250… i am years behind on this one there are loads of reviews check out 60 cycle hum for instance 😎👍

[@FingersOnAFretboard]

Clever that the budget model is 'Punk-approved' The upgrade version seems more appealing for twanging, but i dunno if humbuckers would be suitable for Surf. (someone could find a proper tremolo replica and try to mod this for an even more accurate copy). Love the Ventures (more surfy & West-coast than The Shadows)

[@djmojolosangeles8190]

No knock on name brands but Harley Benton are GREAT guitars, its not always about the name, its what you feel and can do with it!

[@Pete_Harris]

Great review and it also sounds cool. Have to say that aesthetically ''Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder' is a phrase that comes to mind regarding this interesting/quirky axe imo. 👍

[@matthewtyler-jones8317]

"I'll tell you what amp I am using later" it’s the Harley Benton Tube 15 isn’t it? I can see it peeking behind you. I have the Hartwood Interceptor 30, which is essentially the same (arguably a better cone - Vintage 30) with a more readable black face-plate and a detachable power cable. A bit more expensive, but I love it.

[@theguitaristas]

I though it was hidden until I got into the edit 🤣👍

[@davidhamilton7780]

Pushing the boat out and walking on water at the same time. Thanks Colin, great stuff

[@omojjegomosc8211]

great playing! came mostly for that, would love to listen some mix of your solos and jams!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that's really appreciated! 🙏😊 cuts of a whole bunch of my jams can be found on our TV channel: www.theguitaristas.vhx.tv under the 'steal my licks' series... and I'm flattered that anyone would want to listen to them! 😆👍🎸

[@omojjegomosc8211]

@@theguitaristas I'm gonna definitely listen to them. Really like your playing.

[@gerryloughran1676]

Wow this started as it was all going down hill fast but what a turn around it sounds like it hit the mark with ease and the big surprise is the amp that’s a big Wow… no surprise is trying to zero in the p90s … as for shielding wood does not conduct electricity… but all pickguards do as they are sceptical to static so shield the entire underside… enjoyed the blues tones … looking forward to hearing that amp dimmed

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Gerry 😎👍

[@mikecaldwell4442]

these are great...my go to guitar lately....splitter is cool as hell

[@garywagstaff7142]

Another terrific video. I picked up the MR Classic in blue some time ago…probably because it was on sale. LOL It was my first introduction to the brand. Wow, it did not disappoint! It punches way above its weight class. I wanted a vintage style P90 punk/beater guitar and was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Enough that I’m eyeing a couple more. FWIW, I actually DO have a Mosrite Ventures II Johnny Ramone. It slays…but it was also 10 times the price. A couple mods on the HB and it could probably get it close enough that nobody would care. The HB won’t have the resale value, but that is never a consideration for me. I purchase guitars to play, not worry about what it might be worth later. Pretty sure my Ibanez JS2410, or my other guitars…including signature models, won’t fetch massive amounts later either. Again, terrific video. Thanks for sharing.

[@mikesalt8248]

Well Colin I am stumped ! That is one of the best gutar tones I've heard !----- I like you love p/90's but this guitar wow ,don't like the look of it but what a tone and you vibed with it and restain was obvious because of the brand. Basswood is good wood ! There was no obvious cheap components. Now the amp ? I bought the 5 watt version of that in Australia and threw it in the bin it was crap !So I need to see your review on that was gobsmacked when you showed it! Would have thought it was a cranked Princeton. Loved the F____ screwdriver Rant Cheers

[@frankcarter6427]

in about 1977, the 16 year old me was pissed in some dingy rock pub in salford and , between the endless juke box blarings of 'free bird' and 'smoke on the water' out belched 2 n half minutes of the pure joy that is 'sheena is a punk rocker' grainy b and w pics in NME showed it was played on a weird upside down stratty thing and I've wanted one (but never even played a Mosrite) ever since - perhaps this is my chance -also never saw the Ramones live

[@theguitaristas]

I think it's maybe time for that low slung guitar Frank... here's some more inspiration in case you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaGWq5SbhN5_bbM

[@frankcarter6427]

@@theguitaristas ta - not seen it x

[@theguitaristas]

@@frankcarter6427 👍🧷

[@davew8542]

Great video Col. You get my vote to get the other model to review 🙂 The bridge post damage should not be there. You should email Thomann and see if they will replace the posts for you

[@HenrySchecker]

I look at it like this. The nearest mosrite cope is an Eastwood which retail now post pandemic for $700 USD. I've never played a mosrite shaped guitar, so I dont know if I'd like it. Being able to get into weird guitar shapes and get out of my comfort zone at an affordable price ticks all my boxes. I have a Harley Benton Rickenbacker 12 string copy and its a fantastic way to get into the world of electric 12 string at an affordable price. I have one of these MR-moderns on the way and if it's half as good as their Rickenbacker copy then I'll be very pleased.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one Henry! 😎👍 Let me know what the tuning stability is like with the tremolo... I am tempted!

[@HenrySchecker]

@@theguitaristas will do. Tracking info says it should be here by August 3rd. I know it comes with a graphtech nut but I'm probably gonna put some nut sauce on it anyway.

[@HenrySchecker]

@@theguitaristas so I just recieved mine today. After about an hour of stretching the strings and abusing the trem I can get the guitar to stay in tune pretty well. About as well as my classic vibe strat. As long as you don't go crazy with it, it stays in tune with moderate use for at least 3-4 songs. My biggest problem with it is the frets have some mild fret sprout on the bass side of the neck and it's slightly annoying. The action on mine was pretty high out of the box and the d'addario 10s feel heavier than 10s somehow. I'm going to adjust the trem so that its flush with the body and has no upwards motion, put nut sauce in the nut, probably gonna put a set of 8s on it. I'm not super technical or a very good lead player. I just want to be able to bash rhythm guitar with this and fret barre chords easier. It feels solid fit and finish wise. The pickups drive my fender excelsior pretty hard. I assume they must be pretty hot humbuckers. I really like the tuners, they feel super solid and accurate and the locks will make string changes easier. If harley benton sold the tuners by themselves they would probably sell very well. The cheapest feeling element of the guitar in my opinion is the neck. Somerhing about just rubs me the wrong way. It's not the shape, just something about the feel of the satin feels cheap. I'm probably spoiled by my other guitars. I think the MR is gonna be a keeper, but I feel like I'm gonna tinker with it. I think its got potential. The looks please me, nice dark fretboard too. Needs some lemon oil to cure the dry and dirty fretboard. Shockingly the stock electronics seem fine to me. I have some plastic chrome mosrite style knobs on order that will complete the look and a very cool Levy's Jazz solo cup guitar strap that I feel completes the look.

[@you2vertigo]

For every review I watch about a Harley Benton, they get cooler and cooler....a bit like what Zlatan said about IKEA furniture when someone told him that rich people don`t buy from IKEA (!)...and Zlatan responded: "but intelligent people do so". Keep up the enjoyable work....👍

[@theguitaristas]

I probably need to buy a few more and test that theory… 😁👍

[@you2vertigo]

@@theguitaristas Absolutely Colin....more "smart deals" ! They are the coolest 😉

[@adrian_V99]

I fell off the fence about cheap guitars and now I'm back on it- a few bad experiences with Harley Benton electronics. Why am I watching this when I won't be buying any further H-B's? Must be the cinematography and Colin's chops. Alas, the BBC missed it's chance to sign you up, Colin. And no lemon oil on maple fretboards, but fine on faux rosewoods. Cheers!

[@colmwatulikededazio973]

First time catching you , thanks to "the Algorythems" ...lol. As I was saying it to my mind it sounds like a 60s band. But anyway I was well impressed with your whole review and breakdown from beginning all the way through. Very fair throughout , rant and all. As starter budget guitars there is no arguing as to quality/value goes . Lovely finishes too .

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, glad to hear the system is working glad you found us! 😁👍

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great stuff Colin. The amp episode is going to be a great video, hearing it with different guitars. I’m gonna have to head over to the main channel later today! 👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Pinkie see you there! 😎👍

[@NeopolitianNPLTN]

That was a clever move to keep the amp a secret. Because that Ramones part sounded good! Plus it was a good tease for your next video.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@jdkimple]

Yes, I gig with my Harley Benton - it's a DC-Jr. It sounds great, plays fantastic and if someone spills beer on it (might be me), then who cares?

[@buzzburb1]

would be great to hear "mr moto "by the Ventures on a JA-60 as the used a Jazzmaster on the recording !

[@theguitaristas]

I’m guessing you’re going to learn it now! 😆👍

[@erichirst2766]

Good sir, you really do an awesome job of reviewing guitars from all price brackets. It really is a great age for new beginners and their first guitars. Considering getting the BM-70 from Harley Benton, might jump on it

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@manahaas]

never played one. sounds great and even more impressed with that amp. great review. my friday relax moment. cheers!

[@markdakel9253]

Fair and honest review of an entry level guitar HB offer some nice choices from other brands in the market at that price point. I was able to check out the SG style from Harley Benton, the fit and feel on that one was fantastic, tone was good I wouldn’t considered a gigging instrument

[@rocketpoolpki]

I wish Harley Benton made building materials...cos they've doubled in price...maybe Gibson have secretly taken over the construction industry...another epic review of a great guitar.

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍

[@jefftucker201]

That is a great budget option guitar for someone starting out and, it actually sounds great! Fantastic Vid Colin mate, have a great weekend and all the best! :) p.s. Love the 12 bar blues jam at 24 minutes, fantastic stuff!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jeff, have a great weekend mate!

[@henryhunter5026]

Enjoyed the review and am looking forward to the amplifier one sometime. I’ve had several Harley Benton guitars over the years, some have been ok and others pretty terrible but they’ve all been dead inexpensive. Out of curiosity I bought a couple earlier this year , a Les Paul double cutaway style DC Junior FAT and an SG Junior style SC 60, they both cost less than £200 each and I was really quite impressed with them, the DC Junior actually had an ebony fingerboard! As with your guitar the frets were very good and required just a quick polish to get rid of a bit of tarnish, both guitars had the same bridge/ tailpiece as your guitar it looks a bit chunky but does the job, the adjustable saddles allow for good intonation. It was a bit of a surprise to learn that Artec pickups are being used on Harley Benton guitars as they often use Roswell pickups, Artec pickups have long been available in the UK and have a good reputation for inexpensive aftermarket replacements, I’ve used their P90 style pickups on several guitars and have always been amazed at how good they are. I’ve yet to play a Mosrite copy that feels like the real thing but the MR Classic looks great value for money for the skint guitarist who isn’t to hung up on what it says on the headstock, you could take one out of the box and gig with it the same day.

[@activese]

Hi Colin, as usual pleasant, funny and informative, enjoyed it. When I think about famous musicians that used an "affordable guitar" to create legendary music, regardless of the brand and price, 2 come immediately to my mind: Red special from Bryan May and Dana Electro (Kashmir) Jimmy Page, and I believe that both, love them enough, to rely with confidence and proudly "gig" with them. And if anybody feels that the finish, tuning pegs, nut, bridge, saddles, scale length, coils output, shape, design, brand, strings, buttons, colour, size, headstock shape, contours,knobs, caps, pots, wood selection, weight and price is needed to create, play and gig....then, lets review, this affordable one, with worm holes included🤔​: Unlike the primary instruments of most musicians, the Red Special was built by its player, May, along with his father, he could not afford a Fender, Gibson or Höfner guitar. They began to work on the guitar in August 1963, with the project being finished in October 1964. The neck was constructed from wood from a "hundred-year-old-ish" fireplace mantel that a friend of the family was about to throw away. According to May, there are worm holes in the neck of the guitar that he filled in with matchsticks The neck was finished with a 24-fret oak fingerboard. Each of the position inlays was hand shaped from a mother-of-pearl button The body was made from blockboard (strips of softwood sandwiched between two plywood skins with oak inserts in the top and bottom layers sourced from an old table. It was covered with mahogany marquetry veneer on the top, bottom and side to give it the appearance of a solid-body guitar. White plastic shelf edging was then applied to the top and bottom edges to protect them from damage. The guitar features three single-coil pick-ups and a custom-made aluminium bridge. May purchased a set of Burns Tri-Sonic pick-ups and covered the coils of two with Araldite epoxy to reduce microphonics. The tremolo system is made from an old hardened-steel knife-edge shaped into a V and two motorbike valve springs to counter the 79 pounds (36 kg) string tension. the arm itself was from a bicycle saddlebag holder with a plastic knitting needle tip. For the same reason, at the other end of the neck the strings pass over a zero fret and through a bakelite string guide. Originally the guitar had a built-in distortion circuit, adapted from a mid-1960s Vox distortion effects unit. The switch for this was in front of the phase switches. May soon discovered that he preferred the sound of a Vox AC30 distorting at full power, so the circuit was removed. The switch hole is now covered by a mother-of-pearl star inlay, but was originally covered by insulation tape. I believe that if Bryan May was starting today, maybe just maybe, he would use a guitar kit or a Harley Benton 🤣​🤣​🤣​. Thank you and Cheers mate.

[@theguitaristas]

Something tells me that if Brian was starting out today he still would have built one from scratch! But yes it's true this proves that the 'tone' really comes from the fingers... and the contents of a skip! 😁👍

[@Charlies247]

The best, as always absolute pure joy to watch. ✊🏼Stay Free!

[@andrewmiller2868]

@17.10 I usually say "If it ain't broke don't break it" because that's what usually happens with me 😂. I thought the MR Classic came over sounding really cool with the Harley Benton 15W amp on the video.

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍

[@dantaylor1724]

Blimey, Col' your demo made this sound like a far more expensive Guitar ! Wouldn't be surprised they shift a few as a result ! Great Video.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Dan!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

The other one, with the humbuckers and trem is apparently a huge upgrade on this version

[@TommySG1]

It's amazing what you can buy these days with so little money! It sounded pretty damn good too, thanks for the video :)

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Thomas!

[@willgo7898]

" ... get a f'ing screwdriver that fits". Had a chuckle with that. Nice review

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

I bought a Harley Benton HB 35 a while back. It's very playable even though it will be much better after the frets have been leveled. It sounds very nice. I've gigged with it, and it was a very enjoyable experience. It will be nicer after I've installed treble-bleed circuits on the volume pots. It's very nice for what I paid. I will say that there's a lot of room for improvement though. But I enjoy doing upgrades, personally.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Dennis, all the more satisfying sometimes I think... improving a 'budget' guitar and making it something really special! 😎👍

[@paul_sebastian1154]

Great review again! It’s honestly quite amazing what you can get for the money these days. You looked like you were really getting into it too 🤟

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

Hi Colin. Great ‘life hack’ for the bridge stud vs. screwdriver problem - if you haven’t got a huge bladed screwdriver (or a 2p piece, or similar) is to lay a fairly thick elastic band on the slot and insert a ‘normal’ flat blade ‘driver’ into that. Provides sufficient torque whilst filling the slot and protecting the (cheap zinc or ‘pot metal’) stud. 😬 Plus: Artec make a really decent range of budget pups, available on Amazon and various other outlets.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Rob, I'm wondering if 2p pieces and other miscellaneous coins may be the cause of the problem rather than the cure? 😆👍

[@s76fitz]

! Bronze Thruppence !

[@wesstacey2379]

Another great entertaining video. Looking forward to hearing the Tokai Gold Top again,through the tube 15 will be interesting. I currently have some Murray P90 pickup's on order Cheers Wes

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one Wes! 😎👍

[@darrencarpenter6468]

It’s 3am here, I need a coffee. Looking forward to this. Thanks.

[@theguitaristas]

Morning Darren! 😎👍

[@darrencarpenter6468]

@@theguitaristas Good morning Sir.

[@monmixer]

I haven't pulled the trigger on this. I'm looking at a Canadian company is reproducing these guitars. The company is Eastwood. Not Eastman. The make affordable vintage copies. They are a bit pricey though 650 thru 1100 ish. So it's going to be hard for them to beat this.

[@gearViewmirror]

Great playing and tone, Colin! (......as always👍😎)! I was looking at the HB amp too, and then a second hand Blackstar Series one 45 2x12 crossed my way for 280 quid.....very happy🎸🤘🎸

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one that's a great amp for a great price! 😎👍

[@gearViewmirror]

@@theguitaristas Really chuffed because it's in pristine condition, like i won the lottery! 😎🙏🏼

[@scamp2268]

Good video as always colin that amp sounds really good can't wait for next week to hear what it sounds like with other guitars .

[@JaniErickson]

I like cheap guitars. "Coolness" is all about what you do with it imo. Great video. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@rubentrevino6288]

Great sounding guitar, love the bluesy licks, put a McCartney bass line and some ringo Starr drums and lookout !!!!!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Ruben, hey did you get my answer to your question on the TV channel ok? Thanks for signing up buddy! 🙏😎

[@rubentrevino6288]

@@theguitaristas hi Colin, Yes I did receive your reply, thanks so much for the info. Also enjoyed this week's video you had some choice licks going on really nice and I was also surprised by the tube amp!!! Have a great weekend sir!

[@davidmurray9193]

I've bought a few hb guitars and modded them with parts I had from other guitars and they play great, I think there a brilliant guitar for their price range compared to the equivalents we could buy in the 80s, impressed with the amp too, another cracking vid sir thank you

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers David!

[@gustafrenstrom8549]

Such a cool guitar. when i started out playing about 15 years ago all you could get at that price were weird off brand strat copies that were nowhere near as good as harley bentons.

[@jmartini8875]

Another fine review Colin. Never played an HB. Always thought of getting one though. I'm really liking the tone on the P90s with the muff pedal. Nice tone. Oh and the HB amp was quite nice as well. Thanks again. Cheers.

[@evanwright1180]

Great guitar review. I kept thinking , "Wow! that amp sounds awesome! I can't wait to see what it is." I figured it must be a Marshall (because that's what Johnny Ramone played). When I saw it was the HB Tube 15, I cracked up, because I that's what I use (The Stageright version), and every time I play through it, I think "Damn! This amp sounds awesome and it only cost $250"

[@baabaabaa2293]

P90s are me fav pups,(& urs too by the look of that wall behind you Colin!), we don't/can't get Thomann sent to Aust (as far as I know)..but the Mosrite copy sounds great, so did the amp! Any clue as to why HB didn't release an Alder & Ebony P90 version? I'd rather that than the buckers. Great review mate!

[@theguitaristas]

Shame you can't get them down there 🙁 I think it may be an easy swap if those HB are same size which is how they look. I may have to find out! 😁

[@richardlynch5632]

HB has been turning heads since they arrived on the market😎👍 Personally thought when they first burst on the scene that they were too good to be true, but HB has proven to be a great alternative to the big names. HB often offers updates that the big brands don't even offer...for much less...like Stainless Steel Frets 😃 HB may take Squier' place as the best for the price in Fender styles as well as all styles of builds...!!!😉 Pretty impressive really😉😎👍 Thanks for the informative video....as usual, it's damn good😁 😎👍❤🖖 Love Brother

[@scottmoyle879]

I’d like to see your take on the Harley Benton paisley telecaster.