Ultimate Affordable Guitar For Pros? | New Harley Benton ST-Modern Plus

Did Harley Benton just make the perfect affordable guitar line for pro guitar players?
Let's check out the ST-Modern Plus series with Kris and Guillaume.
Enjoy the video and leave a comment below!
Gear used: tho.mn/4bf4r
Recorded in Presonus Studio One: bit.ly/S1Pro6
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/uadx1
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: tho.mn/sonar
We use Cordial cables exclusively: www.thomann.de...
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
1:49 Playing | Not so clean
3:45 G's rig and guitar setup
5:00 Playing | Clean
6:35 First impressions
8:18 Playing | Overdrive
9:25 The specs
12:00 The HSS configuration
14:40 Turning down the volume knob
16:05 Outro jam
Webshop: www.thomann.de
Facebook: / thomanninternational
Twitter: @thomann / thomann
Instagram: @thomann.music / thomann.music
Pinterest: / thomannde
Visit our blogs:
GER: www.thomann.de...
ENG: www.thomann.de...
FRA: www.thomann.de...
ESP: www.thomann.de...
ITA: www.thomann.de...
NED: www.thomann.de...
FIN: www.thomann.de...

[@matijad2959]

Got mine in the first batch, same surf green colour Guillaume is holding. Great guitar, plays well, is super fun. Probably among top 3 Harley Benton models for me, along with SC 550 II and maybe the HH Fusions.

[@davidmultimedia2024]

Actually, they added 2 resistors to balance the single coils with the humbucker this time (to make them see 250K instead of 500K). I watched a video of somebody showing the electronics under the pickguard and the switch does have 2 resistors installed now (unlike the Fusion-III). So technically, they should be balanced (and to me, they sound balanced).

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Love mine. Coming from playing my Ibanez for a while the neck took a bit to get used to. After a string change and minor setup tweaks, it might be my favorite guitar I have (and I have $1k+ guitars)

[@vmathias2023]

Own 2 HB's. Whatever you guys are doing,keep it up. They can't be beat for guitars costing 2 times the price.

[@lollofunky]

yes but there is only ONE big question! ! WHEN will they be available again???

[@quiksilver78]

You guys REALLY need to introduce a Harley Benton MOD SHOP or something. I want that pink HSS but with the Indian Laurel fretboard ... c'mon, do it!

[@Elias-qj7dq]

these are soo sick, please do more colors with the roasted maple fingerboard

[@viktorstorelv]

The roasted maple looks amazing!

[@insidious.92]

nice guitars, but... when you're goin' to make a modern tele like this? with body contours and contoured neck heel, modern bridge, lockin' tuners, noiceless pickups...

[@Zwidawurzn]

There was a Harley Benton 7-string multiscale Tele on Thomann for about 200ish a few years ago. I still regret i didn't buy one.

[@siegfriedbayerl9203]

Hi, my ST modern plus hasn’t got such a georgious neck, and it detunes often and easily, best whishes

[@fraenkiboii]

Did I hear some RHCP inspired intro?? Beautiful! The surf green one Guillaume was playing is really beautiful and right up my alley. My wallet is in danger (again) 😅

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Hey dude, hey the RHCP vibe was strong in the jam, haha! Cheers //Kris

[@allboutthemojo]

​@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Chris, you guys should also try to get information of which of their guitar models you showcase will be available in the US Reverb shop because shipping cost from Germany puts the cost up way too high.

[@user-du1yk7uk9v]

The problem is that in RHCP there is a clown unable to sing that destroys everything 3 good musicians does, the drummer happier moments in his life have been when he played with the immense GLENN HUGHES ...finally a REAL singer and not a dumb clown unable to sing like shitty kiedis.

[@kennethdarlington]

Please give us similar hss strat type guitar with fixed bridge🙏

[@flashpadxxx]

I mean...just lock the bridge and your good

[@davidmultimedia2024]

Just fix the floating bridge yourself and you'll get even more tone/sustain than on a hardtail/fixed bridge guitar because of the added metal mass that amplifies the resonance.

[@flashpadxxx]

@@davidmultimedia2024 strange...I replied the same comment but it doesn't show up.

[@kennethdarlington]

@@davidmultimedia2024 done that. Fixed bridges do not require any hassle. And no need to max out saddle height

[@brattmoore]

Hi all. When I look at the electronic parts, I see 2 capacitors wired in parallel on the 2 single pickups : to let them see 250k with a 500k volume pot. Nice feature !

[@jassieblue]

Yeap, looked under the pickguard and it has capacitors for the single coils on the selector switch. 😉

[@davidmultimedia2024]

It's 2 resistors, not capacitors (capacitors are used on Tone pots and Treble Bleeds) But yes, the ST-Modern Plus models now have those pre-installed (unlike the Fusion-III).. I guess they listened to my complaining lol That was a very bad oversight on previous HSS/HSH models, especially for the price of the parts.. which is pretty much nothing at all.

[@brattmoore]

​@@davidmultimedia2024Oops ! Sorry, resistors (470k ?) and NOT capacitors !!! 😂😂😂

[@davidmultimedia2024]

@@brattmoore haha no worries.. and yes usually 470K ;)

[@charlesharper7292]

Instead of a push pull pot, I wish HB put in a push push... One of my Ibanez has this and I love it.

[@davidmultimedia2024]

I agree, but they're quite inexpensive and easy to swap.

[@NeungView]

And the ST-182+ ?

[@basti-fantasti]

I have the ST Modern Plus in SFG. A really great HSS guitar, but what many have already criticized in reviews: The humbucker wobbles too much because the rubbers are much too soft. On top of that, the strings on my model get stuck in the Graph Tech saddle. The Babicz vibrato is absolutely amazing in my opinion. The pickups are good, but I'm going to swap them for Tonerider City Limits on the neck and middle and the humbucker for Tonerider Birmingham. I'm also swapping the electrics for an Arty's Prewired Kit, with 2x tone pots and 1x volume pot and Switchcraft jack.

[@thatguitarstuff]

Those guitars look (and sound) amazing 🤩

[@flixbert]

I would love a T-Style with those specs! (But with the classic T-Style singlecoil-configuration please!!)

[@zezuntxiduntxi]

Yes! please the 182 model next! left handed in daphne blue!

[@szneka12]

Looking forward to reviews of the premium Harley Benton les pauls!

[@williammolina9792]

Would be nice with a thinner neck.

[@JS-jz3zo]

Beautiful guitars! I am also waiting for the st 182 plus! 😘

[@andreysidorchuk3946]

The neck profile in this guitars, like HB TE-25TH Firemist? And it's a disappointment that surf green color guitar won't come with a flame maple fretboard.

[@Andrea-qg5yk]

yea i would have liked to see more maple fingerboard options

[@TheRafared]

Need some T style with similar specs please.

[@stug5041]

I wired my HSS Strat such that position 2 was the middle pup, and 3 was mid and neck in series - 1,4,5 what you’d expect. I like it a lot better than the split humbucker + middle single in position 2 - on an HSS it’s just never what I want it to be, so I just decided to have a different sound instead 😂

[@viperBSG]

soon as these show up on the official Thomann Reverb shop page I'm buying. (free shipping in the U.S.)

[@CoyoteFH]

Wouldn't mind getting one in Olympic White. But no lefty in that color...

[@dragan4658]

I thought he built them in his basement. Great guitars for the price. A serious competitor for Fender quality wise in my opinion. Unfortunately the name on the headstock is a big influence on buyers. I plan to order one. Waiting for black body with maple fretboard, if it's not offered, then the dark fretboard will do. Great guitars!

[@Cpmnk]

Some nice high gain tones. Its been hard to find high gain chugs with this guitar

[@PooNinja]

No pedals??? Who are you and what have you done with Kris!!?! The roasted necks are gorgeous!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

I feel broken. Nothing makes sense anymore. I'll never play without pedals again, I've learned my lesson. 😆 //Kris

[@PooNinja]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses lessons learned

[@mellohope57]

What is the weight of the guitar? That is all I'm concerned about when I buy a guitar now. Thank you.

[@siegriedroy6467]

Some more „chordy“ metal stuff on the humbucker will be interesting. Is it versatile for metal, funk and more clean stuff?

[@tiagomarques6141]

I'm thinking about getting a new Harley Benton, but I'm unsure between the ST Modern Plus and the Fusion III, both in HSS configuration, what do you recommend. I'm new to the guitar world and still learning, so I want something as versatile as possible.

[@yellowdudewithedibleshorts]

6:03 I had exact same reaction as Guillaume !!

[@KrisBarocsi]

Haha, awesome! 🙌

[@tkabiranik]

Do not like those rounded saddles, how about the same ST models with Wilkinson 2 trem pickups like the fusions

[@sluys1999]

I'd definitely take these over the new fender player 2 series.

[@cironicholas526]

That bridge humbucker sounded pretty muddy during the clean demo

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

I’m a lefty and I bought the HSS that had the ceramic pick ups. My Guitar Tech just put some Alnico fives in it for me. I pick it up on Monday. It’ll be every bit as good as those are better cause I got way better pick ups that I bought.

[@charlesharper7292]

For me, it's a toss up between this guitar and the new PRS CE 24 satin for $499. With a nice gig bag. (Also tough to find...) Maybe I need one of each...😂

[@MAX96MENDES]

Come on Thomann ! You release this guitar on the world and it´s already sold out in ONE WEEK !?!?!?!!? - Now the public have to wait 10 to 13 weeks for the new stock ????????

[@lollofunky]

exactly what I was thinking!! great idea great guitar and Poor very poor planning !! they totally underestimated the success this model could have

[@HarleyBentonOfficial]

Sorry guys, we absolutely underestimated the hype 🥶🧡

[@UphillGardener-ly5sh]

Thomann have none left, they sent 130,000 to KZbin channels

[@theDestinationisnow.]

definitely sounds affordable!! kool video guys

[@MrJingles021]

Will there be TE modern plus guitars??

[@Hi-levels]

Is the neck stable? Or horrible lime fusions

[@Fenrirs_Ghost]

nice one

[@bluzmansix]

Look like good working guitars. Wish we could buy them in my part of the world - never mind.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

You can have two volume pots. A 250K for the single coils and a 500K for the bridge humbucker. Harley Benton, get on it!

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Ja, die für € 399 mit der klinkenbuchse auf der vorderseite klingt schön nach strat 👍

[@andreasbaum8304]

Made in China/Indonesia?

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

China

[@ovivan79]

Please keep one in the store to check out when I'm visiting from Vancouver in August. kthxbye. :)

[@ovivan79]

I'm actually a bit nervous about how it compares to my Suhr Classic S Vintage.

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

You know what, we'll keep 3 in the store for you. 🥳 I just checked it, the LPB, FBLB and the OW are in the showroom. Have an awesome trip, we're stoked to have you here in August! //Kris

[@ovivan79]

@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Amazing. Thank you Kris!

[@robertandre778]

nice

[@crave809]

This video is just like Harley Benton, great knock offs of the “real” thing, if not better. These guys are to Andertons (specifically Lee and Pete) as this guitar is to fenders🤣 I find it funny how everyone is trying to emulate Andertons on KZbin, I don’t mind it at all. It’s as awesome as Harley Benton is these days😂

[@JanSzedlak]

Where are delonge strats? :(

[@matthewearl9824]

I don't understand what flamed maple or stainless steel frets has to do with being a pro.

[@georgyj111111]

Only two weaknesses: No staggered tuners and the thin tremblock.

[@philxknife]

Intro-Jam was very Scar Tissue, wasn't it? 😉

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Indeed. :) //Kris

[@grigorkostadinov2194]

Fusions are better

[@dragan4658]

Are they really though? Better is whatever the player prefers, it is a matter of preference.

[@grigorkostadinov2194]

@@dragan4658 In my case I have both of the guitars and the overall feel of the fusion is much better to me

[@sebastiendeheaulme125]

Nice guitar but why promote it when it's not available on the website 😢

[@joelspaulding5964]

Create a pre-sale buzz?

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

You just have to type in Harley Benton the type of guitar and didn’t show up. They got left-handed ones me. I bought the left-handed only one they have like that and then I bought way more expensive pick up. Took it to my Guitar Tech and I’ll be picking it up on Monday, mine has better pick up

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

They were available when we shot this video, so it's not about pre-sale buzz. 😅 The combination of features, looks and price make them literally fly through the warehouse. They barely arrive and they are sold already. Don't worry though, a new batch is coming asap. //Kris

[@DragisaBoca]

If it was hardtail it'd be way better even.

[@charlesharper7292]

I swore I'd never get another black guitar, but...❤

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

Pretending like he's never heard it before.

[@michajanowski4338]

Better say about rattling humbucker.

[@Robert_Fordin]

Still milestone to Fender.

[@mctribble]

All good fun but a review without the weight is amateur.

[@johndo9648]

That’s useless. Every guitar has different weight. Amateurish 😂😂😂

[@danieledandrea4320]

Made in? china?

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Yes

[@MattTee1975]

Might I make a suggestion to Thomann's? Change the name to just "Benton". Genius, I know.

[@NeungView]

What a stupid name

[@TomTheWise_]

If it weren't for these stupid Babicz tremolos it would be an extremely nice guitar...

[@thefilmandmusic]

Sort out the crap headstocks ..Ruins otherwise good product

[@marquisdecarabas1312]

I never trust someone who presents his own guitars. No matter how much the guitar suxx, be shure the person will make it look and sound good in a video clip. 😂 But i will give it a try next time visiting thomann store in bavaria. But i dont like roasted maple anyways 🤷🏻

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Best call is to only trust what you see and hear. And if you follow us long enough you know we never praise anything just because someone asked us to. If we don't like something, we refuse making a video on it. If we like it, we say it. If we love something, we praise it. It's a very simple recipe but it works. And of course nothing beats trying out something in person and making up your mind about it. 🤘 //Kris

[@melexdy]

I dont know many. Bought a les paul by harley benton 4 years ago, for 250$ and it was a great choice. Sounds ok, cant be bothered to swap the pups, stays in tune , no issues so far. Dont trust them? Ok, but do u trust other buyers? Pretty solid name for themselves, all while epiphone and gibson are falling apart.

[@NeungView]

​​@@melexdySo right. I have 3 epiphones (that I bough late at night online - don't ask) and their build quality is horrendous. Problems with pots, output jack, nut, frets. Heard it had gotten better and tried a Les Paul and the button came off. I'm done with Epiphone. I have never been able to afford a Gibson, so can not comment.

[@melexdy]

@@NeungView Well you probably got the 3 bad ones someone tried to get rid off. Additionally sterling by musicman is also of poor built quality . Had a similar experience with one of their subs 30. Fell apart,wouldnt stay in tune etc