Seems ridiculous to me to single out “ HARLEY BENTON” for making copies of existing big name Fender, Gibson etc…There are hundreds of companies doing it worse than they are. I like the fact Harley Benton is made in Indonesia primarily, they are getting better and better. Strictly speaking of course a lot of their models are NOT exact copies. A boycott is absurd to me.
@itsalwayssomething7490
2 жыл бұрын
Who is singling just them out? I hear people complain about other brands too, especially when the Silver Sky came out. That was such a giant controversy. And again people said "why single them out when others do the same thing? I think it's a matter of HB being the most famous cheap brand. So, they end up being a bigger target. I mean, so many KZitemrs review HB, so when someone thinks of a cheap brand, they think HB. But obviously, more people don't care, hence why they are as popular as they are.
@rex8958
2 жыл бұрын
I don't think it's entirely about the design/copying. It's because everyone goes crazy when they see how high spec'ed and how little much a harley benton is. It's the unethical work environment and wages giving to the workers that people are starting to finally realize.
@Sankara561
2 жыл бұрын
@@rex8958 Why do you think the factories HB order from have worse practices than your favourite brands? They're the same factories anyway. Wages and conditions are increasing quickly in many developing industries and the sort of skilled manufacture involved in quality guitar building is an important driver for that. Most people recognise that the quality of Sire, Jet, high-end HBs etc is up there with the best of them and we gladly pay for the increasingly skilled workforce. Whereas all tech products including the premium brands are built under the same brutal conditions, suicide nets to catch despairing workers, and that's a much larger industry that consumers can do nothing to improve.
@rex8958
2 жыл бұрын
@@Sankara561 so because it’s a common business practice that makes it ok?
@wordragon
2 жыл бұрын
@@Sankara561 -What you said is not true. I worked with Chinese manufacturers and they have a tiered system of manufacturers based on what companies want. There are premium manufacturers all the way down to the worst sweat shops. There are even companies that set up their own manufacturing facilities in conjunction with a Chinese partner. Even in those tiers there are levels of QC and testing you can pay for based on your company’s tolerance of % of defects in production runs. Premium tier manufacturing facilities are as nice as anywhere in the world and can get to a smaller % of defective product than lesser manufacturers. It really is what the foreign company is willing to pay for that makes the difference in which manufacturer they use and what level of QC they pay for. My guess is that HB doesn’t use a premium manufacturer, hence the low prices. And, don’t they QC the product themselves? Again, lowering the cost. As an aside, American and European product companies have their well payed engineers constantly visiting manufacturing facilities even eating in the same cafeterias, etc. If every manufacturer was a house of horrors, none of these engineers would go there.
@Bob48
2 жыл бұрын
(CLA 15m)Harley Benton solidwood 000 model just arrived today. Looks amazing...finish is perfect. Plays even better than it looks. Great tone and action. These are quite the rig for the price. 445$ CDN shipping, everything included. I was skeptical at first but decided to roll the dice as Thomann has a 30 day return - no questions policy. NO regrets! For those of you on a fixed income like me, it's a hellova lot cheaper that its 2100$ Martin cousin.
@bretbrown7347
2 жыл бұрын
I used to own a 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom for years and years. Absolutely loved it. Didn't event want to play a different guitar. However, they have kept getting more expensive than they are worth, in my opinion. With that said, I decided that I really wanted a LP style guitar again, but there was just no way I was going to buy a new Gibson due to lack of quality and materials being used for the price paid. So, I did a lot of research and decided on a Harley Benton SC500. It has a similar feel to the LP I owned previously, but the heel join is much.. and I mean MUCH.. better. Now, I knew the components weren't the best and would need to be upgraded. However, even the LP I owned had crappy pickups that I changed out for Seymour Duncan Distortions. So, I did the same with my Harley Benton. Sounds amazing with just that one mod. With that in mind, I am now upgrading the electronics (I currently have it all apart) and all the hardware. By the time I am done, I will have a guitar that feels better to me, sounds better than a stock LP and costs about 1/5th of the price. Actually less than. About $800. A new Gibson Les Paul Custom, in Alpine White, with case, comes to about $5500 on zzounds.com, and it still doesn't have hardware as good as what I'm putting on my HB. I can also time my time and put a little money into it when I can. I can't see the downside to that.. especially considering I have done (and am doing) all the work myself. Ok, I know the first argument is going to be "But that was a long time ago that you had a Gibson". Yes, that is true. However, I just did a repair on a brand new (2 week old) Gibson Les Paul Standard. It costs $2300, Plus the case, and I prefer the feel of my $200 Harley Benton. That's not even going into the sound. Just the playability of the guitar. You could do the same upgrades to a Firefly or something similar as well. I, for one, am happy there are alternatives to the over priced big names. I don't need it to say Gibson on the headstock.
@thebeardeddread
2 жыл бұрын
"I just can't wait until somebody gets screwed over and everything goes to crap" had me laughing. I have a Harley Benton tele. It's a great guitar. A "real" Telecaster is pretty firmly out of reach for me at the moment, and is likely to be for a little while. The Benton gives me a little slice of the experience and I love it. Did me buying this take a sale away from Fender? No. I can't afford one! At most it took a sale from Glarry or Donner!
@getoffmylawnagain1816
2 жыл бұрын
I got a Squier FSR metallic Orange the other week for next to nothing. Plays pretty good after a setup.
@quitegenius
2 жыл бұрын
@@getoffmylawnagain1816 How is Squier any better than Harley Benton?
@duncanmclore7509
2 жыл бұрын
@@quitegenius I have a tribute ASAT Custom w/Filtron p/u's from G&L and I really love this guitar so maybe it has stolen a sale from Fender but I don't mind. I believe the Tributes are better than most of the other Malasia made copies I am not sure that I would ever spend over 1g on any solid body electric guitar.
@quitegenius
2 жыл бұрын
@@duncanmclore7509 I mean G&L was started by Leo Fender himself so I don’t think stealing design applies there.
@makingmusiconline2309
2 жыл бұрын
@@quitegenius because it is a Fender?
@the72u7h4
2 жыл бұрын
Harley Benton is fine. I have the double cut SG in vintage cream with 3 humbuckers. Love it. All I had to do was replace nut, and also new graphite bridge. I plan on putting locking tuners on it and it should behave and be in tune.
@egnbigdave
2 жыл бұрын
If I'm a kid starting out.. I can buy a good quality HB Telecaster for "X" amount, that might benefit from a few upgrades to better hardware and pickups... or I can pay 3 times as much for a Squier (with QC issues) that would need the same amount of upgrading, or 10 times as much for a Mexican Fender, or 20 times as much for a US made one. It's a no-brainer really - and if I only have that "X" amount to spend, Im not taking money out of Fenders pocket. A guy with the money spare to buy a custom shop Gibson or Fender isn't about to say "nah Ill buy a HB instead". The kind of cork-sniffers throwing their toys out of the pram are mostly those who's brain switches off and go into a cult like trance the second they see that Headstock logo (regardless of how bad the instrument is QC and construction wise - Rick owners, Im looking at you...) or the middle/ latter aged Doctors Dentists and Lawyers who buy up decent guitars to hang them on the wall and stare at them to impress their friends.
@gkarone3228
2 жыл бұрын
I have a Harley Benton ex-84 has ebony fretboard locking Groover tuners active Roswell pup's it's range could be better. $226.00 B-stock no one else can compare to that price for that level of offering metal, 80s rock, aggressive blues are all on board to be unleashed
@morrismorrisson6161
2 жыл бұрын
@@gkarone3228 I got a b-stock SC 450 for just 100€ (had a little poly smudge incredible easy to sand and polish). No other way I could have an LP style of that quality with my budget. People who want a Gibson will pay for it, but for people like me HB are a blessing
@KristianH1986
2 жыл бұрын
Let’s tell it like it is. They are boycotting them because they know full well that the quality to price ratio can’t be beaten and their business feels threatened by it.
@hawleybrowder4083
2 жыл бұрын
I have two Harley Bentons. A left handed SG style for my son and a HB35 Plus for myself. I could not find a lefty SG from Epiphone without being on a 6 month waitlist; and frankly I cannot afford a Gibson. The guitar is SG like but clearly not an SG. The horns are too clearly offset. The guitar plays and sounds great and my son loves it. My HB35 Plus is clearly not a 335 but the quality and playability is outstanding and at the price point, I have no complaints or regrets.
@rayray2012
2 жыл бұрын
My biggest issue was that they said they wouldn’t even work on Harley Bentons if someone brought it in for setup/repair. Don’t sell the brand if you don’t want but turning customers away because they bought one is ridiculous.
@douglasseitz9478
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah that was ridiculous to say. Now if you can sell a comparable guitar for around the same price plus you offer the service of your shop that's even better. But working on what they have is how you get them in the store in the first place.
@spencermorris7027
2 жыл бұрын
I don't believe they sell HB guitars
@lsdzheeusi
2 жыл бұрын
It's no different than a car mechanic deciding not to work on certain makes or models. Cheaply made items often take more time to work on than better made items, and even mechanics get to the point where they don't waste time.
@rayray2012
2 жыл бұрын
@@lsdzheeusi agreed, but that was not the argument that they made.
@OnBendedKneeMusic
2 жыл бұрын
That Casino Guitar dude needs to comb his hair. He looks like he drives with the window open.
@latheofheaven1017
2 жыл бұрын
Totally not guitars, but I liked your comment about refrigerators going on forever... back in the day. The same fridge that we had when I was growing up in the 70s, only got replaced 30 years later because the new technology was way more energy efficient. The old one was still working though.
@pabcrane
2 жыл бұрын
My parents still have their first 'fridge which they got in 1968
@josephkemler5668
2 жыл бұрын
Elbow working 30 yrs. on..for guitar...
@chrisjanvanderwalt4205
2 жыл бұрын
I own 3 x Harley Benton's and I love them. The quality is great, what you get for the money is unmatched, being a play at home guitarist who does not make money through playing I cant see any reason to pay for a over priced guitar. I also own Esp and Epiphone and purchased a new Harley Benton 2 weeks ago which has better specs and hardware at a 1/4 of the price that the Epiphone look equivalent had to offer. I then had money left over to also buy a fender champion amplifier and a hard case. Looking at it through the eyes of a beginner, ill always opt for a good amp, case and brilliant guitar with grover tuners, graphite nut, set neck and coil splits and be able to play immediatly for less money than only a big brand guitar with nothing else and most times not even a gig bag. For my part, keep it up Harley Benton
@stringsattached67
Жыл бұрын
Man you gotta go check out the new Guitar Max signature guitar it's so sweet .
@mondojellykingsofficial6450
2 жыл бұрын
10:36 "the Harley-Davidson guys..." 😁 Great info - but was amused by the HD slip. Cheers
@IDGAF_PLUS
2 жыл бұрын
QUOTE OF THE YEAR SO FAR!!!!!! "When it comes to Gibson, anything crappy is normal." ---- Phil McKnight
@viperocco
2 жыл бұрын
It has really become a roll of the dice hasn't it..
@PaulCooksStuff
2 жыл бұрын
The really scary thing is Gibson+dealers don't even seem to think it's a problem. They send blemished guitars to KZitemrs (Phil, Trogly regularly, Rob Baker, Rhett Schull etc). Even when they know in advance they're tubers and the guitar is an advertising hoarding it's not sanity checked first. It's like they feel immune to negative publicity and the need to improve, that customers should be goddamn grateful for any old crap they can get their hands on.
@IDGAF_PLUS
2 жыл бұрын
@@PaulCooksStuff Yep. They sent (as a gift) one of the very limited (250) Slash LPs commemorating his '4' album to Agufish and he immediately noted the tooling marks. And the customers that think they are so amazing either don't see it, got lucky and got a perfect one, or are so blindingly brand loyal they don't care. Reminds me of Harley Davidson fanatics (although they might be dealing with a better product).
@akwamarsunzal
2 жыл бұрын
Was great advertising for Harley Benton! 🙂
@stevemc75
2 жыл бұрын
Never ceases to amaze me the people who complain about made in China guitars while typing it on their made in China phone.
@xamislimelight8965
2 жыл бұрын
In made-in-china clothes, too
@alanpettibone
2 жыл бұрын
It is absolutely unfortunate that there is not an alternative to “Made in China” with phones. I hate that there is no option, even at an increased price, to buy a “Made in USA” phone. I would absolutely pay 2x to do so. The lack of alternatives is terrible.
@Shakedown1969
2 жыл бұрын
i think that’s a false equivalency
@francischang
2 жыл бұрын
@@alanpettibone sure there is, no Samsung phone is made in China. Most of them come from Vietnam.
@geraldhenrickson7472
2 жыл бұрын
It shouldn’t. People have been blaming the people of China for their “lot in life” for decades. Before that is was the people of Japan. Before that it was anything made in a “sweat shop” located in no particular country. The human condition is a strange and wondrous thing. I long for the simpler time when automation was the evil and elusive enemy. Onward and upward!
@livergen
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Phillip, as always honest and straightforward. I'm 68 been playing since I was 12 & my first guitar was a sears Silvertone (( wish I still had it )) ,, I can't begin to tell you how many guitars I have owned, from Gibson , Fender , Ovation, Whether it being an acoustic or an electric. And then of course every-off-the-wall brand in between, I got to the point to where it didn't even matter anymore and all I was interested in was how they sounded , the internal craftsmanship and quality build. These last few years I have stumbled upon the Orangewood line of instruments & really been blown away at the build quality and wonderful sound I am currently enjoying from my "Mason live" ... Many years ago I approached my guitar purchases I guess on a more personal level by picking the instrument up and letting it have the opportunity to tell me it's story you might say. There is just something about the individual characteristics each and every instrument has hidden inside it, whether it be the nature of the Tonewood used to build it, the feel of the neck , and all the little hidden elements that can only be discovered by letting it talk to you. Kind of like a one-on-one conversation you have to have. Anyway, always love listening to you and your honest feeling's and understanding of knowledge, most guitar players know the journey and remember the good pathways & the dead-end roads.. Stay Blessed & keep safe...
@anotherstart1
2 жыл бұрын
Your such a nice pleasant person. Great vibe and spirit about you. God bless 🙏
@ryanandring2688
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for answering my question Phil, I do miss the lessons at the shop and talking movies with you! I still use my first elective guitar I got from your place- Hope you are doing well and congrats on the success :)
@metalextras
Жыл бұрын
If you visited guitar factories in Indonesia, you can see the perfect blend of CNC, Indonesia's top quality tropical hardwood and Indonesian craftmanship. it is more efficient to have factory where the access to the raw material and quality labours are there.
@Chinaguitarsceptic
2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful shout out brother, thank you 😊 🙏 ❤️
@PhillipMcKnight
2 жыл бұрын
Any time, hope to talk again soon
@Xaltar_
2 жыл бұрын
This whole "boycotting XYZ for copycatting" is absolute garbage in 99% of cases IMO. The only time it is questionable is under the following conditions: 1. It's an actual fake pretending to be another brand. 2. It's competing in the same market at the same price point as the guitar it's copying. Copies typically provide an inexpensive option for people who, at their current income level, will likely never purchase the more expensive guitar. It doesn't even remotely effect the brands they are copying when it comes to the bottom line. If anything, many people buying say an HB SC550 will probably end up buying the real deal as soon as they are able. You buy the copy because you can't afford the real thing. If anything it keeps people's love of that style/model alive. If the big brands play their cards right they can actually use this to sell guitars. Done wrong however, you quickly end up with people wondering why they should spend $XXXX for something that can be had for $XXX with little to know sacrifice in value/quality. I think a lot of people whining about the copies fall into the camp that blame copies for waning sales from brands that consistently fail to meet the value to cost point for their instruments. TLDR: If a bigger brand is getting stung by copies, it is failing hard in other areas.
@marca7430
2 жыл бұрын
Putting boycott in the thumbnail is just a way to attract viewers. Their channel is fun to watch but it is just their opinion.
@MrSongwriter2
2 жыл бұрын
@@marca7430 it burnt those Harley Benton fan boys up something chronic. They we’re frothing at the mouth and the vast majority didn’t even watch the video. It was all over the HB Facebook group. Lots of them are deluded and think their guitars are better than guitars costing £1000 upwards. HB have bad QC some are fine but many aren’t and there’s too many HB shills doing reviews. Often if anyone is critical they want to burn them at the stake
@douglasseitz9478
2 жыл бұрын
I started playing in my early 20's and am now 51. Started on my grandfather's 1947 Kay acoustic and have moved up through Strat and Les Paul copies through the years of raising kids and making better money. Now I'm into the $400-$500 range Ibanez Standard guitars. I would love to have a actual Gibson Les Paul but can't justify the price in comparison to my talent as it is now. Plus I love my Ibbys. Affordable doesn't have to be poor quality or fit and finish. If your affordable line is of good quality then I will feel more confident that the upper line will be that much better.
@lewisbeeman
2 жыл бұрын
So, Casino guitars is a great shop. And it is in my town. It is owned and operated by a great guy and the staff is great. They can have an opinion and their opinion is based on their experience and preferences. Their opinion is also based on what they sell. But everyone else can also have an opinion. And that is ok also.
@pabcrane
2 жыл бұрын
@@markuyehara7880 - was there much of a backlash? Edit: I'm not being a smart arse - I genuinely don't know
@ronniboi312
2 жыл бұрын
This is an incredibly narrow-minded attitude. I am lucky enough to have a wall full of guitars (50 years of playing and I never sell them) Fenders, Gibsons, PRS, Yamahas and Squires plus some real budget guitars and I have 2 Harley Bentons which quite frankly are astonishingly good. Thanks to you Phil, I've modded quite a few of my guitars where necessary, to make them sound & play better. It's a bit sad how other guitarists "judge" by looking at the headstock and making assumptions about other musicians depending on the value of the instrument they're playing. Personally, I don't give a shit about the name on the headstock as long as the guitar feels right when I pick it up and play. If (god forbid) I had a fire the one I'd grab would be my 1980's Japanese Squire Strat which I absolutely love to play and always seems to be the one I pick up first when I'm working. To me... it's priceless.
@jeffmeija
2 жыл бұрын
i agree very narrow minded my fav guitar is a korean start worth 60 dollars and also have quite a few mij strats
@alexander_winston
2 жыл бұрын
@RonniBoi… I’m an old guy in the same boat. “Astonishingly good” is a great description. I have their ES-335 and it is superb. We should really be boycotting the $10k Strats and LP’s that are being marketed.
@stinkychickentitty
2 жыл бұрын
Dude that's awesome 👌 a few months ago I bought a Classic vibe 50's butterscotch tele with seymore duncan quarter pound pups installed, the older ones that came with brass barrel saddles and a nitro neck. My God do I adore that guitar! Squires are great 👍 Also bought a used squire stratocaster with duncan designed pups even more recently to donate to a young gun taking lessons with my teacher. Also a fantastic guitar! I'm probably gonna get one and upgrade it for myself now. I can easily afford to buy a fender but I've had such good experiences with squires I can't help but question WHY bother? Might buy an AguFish(KZitemr) signature HB when it comes out cuz the prototypes look pretty damn sweet
@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463
2 жыл бұрын
@@jeffmeija those are more hand made than the usa's right now just watch the usa and over sea's videos and the american made factory tours....
@werewolflover8636
2 жыл бұрын
Funny how everyone is okay talking crap about Gipson yet the moment someone tells the TRUTH about Harley Benton all of those who endlessly praise their cheap crap cry foul! And yes I do own one of their guitars, it was a gift in fact, and no it’s not a good interment and would cost way more than it’s worth to fix it’s many problems from tuners, pickups, to the nut, and the frets cutting my fingers! It also feels like plastic!
@DoodlesGaming
2 жыл бұрын
I just Googled Taylor T5 and the Harley Benton was displayed alongside it in the shop results at 1/10th of the price. I also love my Harley Benton so one guitar channel I've never heard of is going to change my opinion. But, great topic Phil
@etherboy3540
2 жыл бұрын
I have to agree about Chris Buck. The algorythm put him in front of me 4 or 5 years ago and I was totally blown away. He's such an emotional player, I can almost feel my eyeballs roll back into my head when he starts playing.
@Esch47on
2 жыл бұрын
He's a phenomenal player. His Friday Fretworks Uploads are superb content all round, from the playing to the subject matter
@andrewgarcia3136
2 жыл бұрын
Chris blows away pretty much all of the other players on KZitem imo. Also, he has one of the coolest Les Pauls I've ever seen
@paulsmith616
2 жыл бұрын
Harley benton guitars rule! I wish they were around when i first started cheap and cool
@Dram1984
2 жыл бұрын
I’ve had enough bad experiences on eBay/reverb that I only sell in person anymore. I’d almost rather just burn my gear than deal with selling online.
@metallsnubben
2 жыл бұрын
The 2 times I've bought something "online" I've gone to pick it up in person and tested out playing it a bit anyway, both buying and selling with shipping feels like a real ordeal
@danielkristan7637
2 жыл бұрын
Same
@steveamey3118
2 жыл бұрын
Phil -- I started playing guitar 2.5 years ago (but >1000 hrs of practice). Although I listened to a lot of KZitem, you are one of the few I still listen to. I am dedicated, but a nubie. I am moving from a Boss Katana to the next level of amp. My questions are: 1) how much $$ to hear a significant difference >Katana ($1000 or $1500) 2) how important is a effects loop? Many options...I am looking to buy a tube amp. How much makes a difference and how important is a fx loop? Love what you do. You really are making a difference in the guitar world to us beginnners (2.5 yrs; 1000+ practice hours) Thanks, Steve
@isaacroche3223
2 жыл бұрын
Fender 57 Deluxe Tweed!!!
@jasont3728
2 жыл бұрын
Hey mate. You will benefit from a FX loop if you are using the amplifiers gain (distortion) but also want to have chorus/delay/reverb pedals. Good luck!
@Bagledog5000
2 жыл бұрын
Andertons has a page "should I use an effects loop?" that will give you an idea of whether it will be important to you or not to have an effects loop. Mostly it boils down to whether you want to use the distortion on your amp or use a pedal for your distortion. I believe there's also a discussion of the effects loop with Chappers and how he uses it. Whether you're a fan of him or not the guy knows what he's doing and he'll have some useful info on anything guitar. I'd suggest going into your local guitar store, trying out some amps and seeing what you like best. Have the employees show you how to use the effects loop, and run some pedals through an amp with one ETC. A/B it with a Katana and see if you're getting any improvements. You'll figure out what you like soon enough. If you want some suggestions, try an AC30, a Blues Deluxe, a Marshall DSL 40 and a Laney Lionheart which is evidently still made in the UK. I don't think Laney gets enough love personally, and sometimes because of that, you can get great deals on their stuff. Good luck.
@kenhamilton2412
2 жыл бұрын
I went from a Katana to a Marshall DSL40 the sound is amazing, though I mainly play on my katana because solid state is just way easier to tame. I did get a captor x and that made the Marshall more manageable.
@alexander_winston
2 жыл бұрын
@Steve Amey….. beyond your budget constraints, don’t worry about the $$…. Trust your ears. I will say regarding tube amps, if I was starting today I’m not sure I would necessarily go that route. I have a Fender Twin, Vox AC, Blues Jr, Supro, Marshall Plexi and Marshall DSL (all tube amps), and I gotta say I find myself using my Line 6 Helix more and more. It sounds good and it’s just easier. Remember that you will need to add effects pedal board, while the Helix’ of the world have all effects built in. Also, as things are in the world (I.e. Russia/Ukraine), vacuum tubes are going to be harder and harder to find (they’re made in Russia). ElectroHarmonix has actually stopped selling them. Just my humble opinion. As I tell all my students, forget the branding and trust what you hear. If it sounds good, it is.
@gearViewmirror
2 жыл бұрын
Regarding Harley Benton, they are only so affordable because Thomann distributes them directly! If you were able to buy these guitars at local dealers, you would be looking at 3 times the price and would be in the same league as mexican Fenders, for instance....🎸🤘🎸
@codymcgrew4015
2 жыл бұрын
I wish Gibson would release a cheaper DC Jr. then I’d buy their brand. It’s like $3-$4K right now… that’s ridiculous for a guitar that was intended to be a student guitar back in its day.
@anotheryoutubed
2 жыл бұрын
These companies stopped caring about providing musical instruments to musicians a long time ago. It’s all just making the numbers work.
@bayougtr
2 жыл бұрын
You want the name, you pay the price.
@MisterBrain
2 жыл бұрын
They were still expensive back in the day
@codymcgrew4015
2 жыл бұрын
@@bayougtr don’t care about brand names
@codymcgrew4015
2 жыл бұрын
@@MisterBrain so were Jaguar’s. Fender has managed to make affordable versions to this day.
@markkenward7040
Жыл бұрын
Great conversation,agree with most all remarks. When young, I used Dad's Harmony and Kay F hole acoustics. Now at 71 years old, I can buy most anything on the market. I own 3 Gibson Les Paul s, a ES 135 H, several Epi electrics. 4 acoustics, including a Gretch, but my go to acoustic is a Johnson which I have played out for 15 years,it feels right,and sounds terrific. Played in churches, parks,nursing homes, hospitals, open mic, and paid gigs. I will buy lower end guitars to work on set ups,and to try different pick ups and hardware. It is a way to learn, make a guitar better, and get your money back,mostly, and have fun fun doing it. Thanks for the great channel.
@TranscendentBen
2 жыл бұрын
I have a 1975 Fernandes Burny Custom (see Reverb), it has the Stratocaster headstock, AND the name Fernandes is cursive with a backwards F! It's also a 3-bolt neck plate just like the early 70's Fender Strats.
@jloiben12
2 жыл бұрын
Casino Guitars boycotting Harley Benton because they do clones AND making such a big virtue signaling deal about it is incredibly cringe
@DamianoTassone
2 жыл бұрын
I actually blocked their channel cuz it was so annoying lol.
@MrRMB1
2 жыл бұрын
It sounded like the Casino guys were under the impression that they would be losing business now that HB is selling Taylor clones. I just don't see it that way. There's no way I would take my 2 grand, buy a HB and pocket the rest if I was originally going to buy a Taylor. Harley Benton is here to stay...sorry guys..
@cleopatra308
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing headphones. Have changed the way I play. Now I play along with famous bands (Bluetooth, wireless) whenever I want and the mix sounds fantastic. And the portability - I played outside at sunset overlooking a valley. Awesome.
@kramersurfer5280
2 жыл бұрын
Harley Benton all day ,they are an amazing product ,i have 3 guitars 1x12 cab 2x12 cab and the effects board ....probably cost under £1000.00 .
@otter5555
2 жыл бұрын
player since 1965. started gigging 1967. every guitar i have ever bought , regardless of price, was terrible. i had to learn early on how to make a guitar play well. my favorite guitar for the last 4 years is a no name chinese tele copy that i bought on ebay for $69.00. like every guitar i own , including my gibsons and fenders, i leveled and dressed the frets. filed the nut as needed, adjusted the relief to my liking and set intonation. i then added a $19.00 no name "hot rails humbucker" in the bridge. it plays wonderfully and sounds great. it stays in tune for a whole gig with the factory tuners even doing 2 octave bends. i do a Satriani tribute a couple of times a week. the guitar does every tone i need. the point is....money, most of the time, will not buy you a great playing guitar. a few hours labor will make almost any guitar play well.
@stinkychickentitty
2 жыл бұрын
Seriously? I'm all for affordable guitars but this comment makes me raise an eyebrow, didn't think it'd be possible to get decent sounds / playability from a sub $150 guitar. And yes I was factoring in your hours of labor for set up etc. Pretty much every instrument I've picked up at that price point I'd file into the "waste of materials" category cuz it felt like un fixable trash. Kudos on breaking the mold in that one. Got any vids of you playing these rigs?
@blaynelangille6328
2 жыл бұрын
Got my first HB last week, going to buy many many more
@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting topic. As a writer/composer (under performance rights organization, BMI Inc) I've been writing and recording instrumental music since 1984. I can tell you that unless they have a big reason and interest in you as an influencer on social media, the majority of the famous large named guitar companies don't care about YOU, regardless even on your level of playing. I do like and own an actual Fender and a Martin guitar.. They are not consider "high end" but they help me with the music that I write. I also have one offset electric guitar that looks like a Fender Mustang and a Dreadnought acoustic that looks like a Martin.. they both cost me about $100.00 give or take for each of them. I can fix and upgrade all of my string instruments, so TO ME it makes sense to keep more money in my pocket and get the body shape, pickup configuration and the over all sound that I need for the music I am writing and recording. My 2 cents.
@user-eu3mn6ss5l
2 жыл бұрын
Great comparison between Strat shape and acoustic guitar shape. I can't believe I never thought of that, but I'll never forget it.
@richardmartinez3342
2 жыл бұрын
I love how you provided the court docs from the case, and explained about how fender strats are public domain. I am trying to patent something myself and the process is SO complex. But learning things like this is so important.
@richardmartinez3342
2 жыл бұрын
When I think of the future, I imagine a world where technology has pervaded every aspect of human life, but doesn't contribute anything to our quality-of-life.
@drdrums1
2 жыл бұрын
Trademarks, if there are no conflicting marks, are relatively straightforward. Patents, in contrast, are a whole other level from trademarks, with many traps for the unwary. In my years of practice I've only once come across a non-attorney who knew enough to prepare a decent patent application. The biggest issue I see is most people have zero clue how to properly draft claims, which is an art in and of itself. Second to that is how to deal with rejections from the patent office, which is often exacerbated in light of the improperly drafted claims. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you get a good patent attorney to handle it.
@yargnad
9 ай бұрын
@@drdrums1I came here to say this exact thing. The Strat issue is a trademark matter, not a patent matter. I also felt that Gibson shouldn't have been able to defend their Explorer and V trademarks for similar reasons; they had not been actively protecting them for many decades and no one will really mistake a Dean for a Gibson. Anyone who could have made that mistake could also make that mistake with the litany of other V and Explorer shaped objects for sale from other guitar companies, even if slightly modified.
@latheofheaven1017
2 жыл бұрын
If you're a guitarist you should learn how to set up your guitar. Truss rod adjustment, bridge height, intonation... doesn't require expensive tools. It's like changing strings; do it yourself.
@johndef5075
2 жыл бұрын
I played with a guy who couldnt change his own strings.😅
@thebadterrorists5323
2 жыл бұрын
Best show for ever, I just love the shout out for the free market. Refreshing as always. I love you man.
@rmzzz76
2 жыл бұрын
C.F. Martin sued Takamine over headstock design in the 70s and won... Gibson recently tried to sue over acoustic and electric body shapes and lost... It's pretty well established a headstock can be trademarked... It's always the headstock... HB isn't violating trademark... Love the Casino channel folks, they just seem to hate HB for the same reason a lot of small shop owners do. The business model is a real threat on the value side. HB guitars do not compete with high-end product, they give you mid-range product at about half the cost. It's brilliant
@pabcrane
2 жыл бұрын
Although Rickenbacker seem to have managed to keep their body shapes as a trademark.
@e1jerry
2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate your point of view. The show is great as always. This show is one of the main reasons I’m a patreon of yours and some of my other favorite shows. You have an opinion but you don’t compromise yourself.
@beewebber3231
2 жыл бұрын
I thought those casino guitar guys were WAY off base. they push fender custom shop. You explained the situation PERFECTLY
@weedeeeter
2 жыл бұрын
I bought my Samsung washing machine/dryer kit in 2009. They are still working great. I had to replace the dryer element once, though. I bought a Samsung Fridge in 2013 and still working great. My experience with Samsung's appliances has been great.
@tomflynn2912
2 жыл бұрын
Same here
@tog2842
2 жыл бұрын
Quality advertising for HB, thanks Casino!
@PatrickAshe41
2 жыл бұрын
So I'm a longtime listener, but there's an issue I need to pick with you (nothing too big, though). I've heard you in past videos talking about how (and forgive me if my paraphrasing doesn't match your meaning) you can always ask for a deal/price reduction and oftentimes you'll get one, or even if you don't, the worst is that they'll say no and move on. Now, obviously this is anecdotal, but I just feel the need to share it. I've had this work a few times, maybe three, in some 25+ years of guitar gear buying and trading. (Obviously not nearly as much dealing as you, but frequently.) Most of the time it's a flat no, and a few times they'll hang up or get ornery. Here's the kicker: I've had that happen with Sweetwater. Twice. They're known for their customer service, and usually it's good, but twice in a row I've asked if I could work a deal out (and promised I'd buy promptly, even if it were a few bucks off of a $1.5k guitar) and they've hung up and wouldn't return my messages. So maybe you just have more charm or something from being a dealer, but it seldom (hardly ever) works for me!
@justinblackburn8414
2 жыл бұрын
“There are tons of bass players without rhythm” I resemble that comment 🤷♂️
@stevencirile
2 жыл бұрын
All 3 of my Harley Bentons are excellent! I’m actually selling my Real Gibson and Fenders!. Why because the HB’s kick there asses. End of story.
@drivenmad7676
2 жыл бұрын
I've got the HB TE52 and it's a great guitat.
@ronsheehan
2 жыл бұрын
Regarding the HB copy of the T5, Crafter makes/made a copy of it too.
@viperocco
2 жыл бұрын
"Vote with your wallet" that is a very true point
@jak7890
2 жыл бұрын
I feel like Yamaha often gives you more guitar for your money than the big players in their price point. I have a fantastic AES-620HB that definitely outperforms its price tag.
@bcaguitar
2 жыл бұрын
Intelligent comments about the industry, as always sir. Also, white fridges sound deader. :)
@shane011471
2 жыл бұрын
The very first guitar that I even picked up was an Ibanez RG 550 all the way back in 1988 and still own it and love it! Ibanez will always have a place in my heart as it's just one of those stupid things!
@FLITT
2 жыл бұрын
Every famous guitar brand is basically a copy and no one is mistaking a HB for an original, guitarists aren't stupid. I love HB and don't give a sh*t what anyone thinks about it 😁 If the big brands come out with guitars of equal quality and price I'll consider buying them too. I look out for myself, million pound/dollar companies don't need me to cry on their behalf.
@TophsCM
2 жыл бұрын
In regards to the Harley Benton stuff. One nuance left out was Taylor sells to Thomanns, Thomanns has their house brand (Harley Benton) rip off Taylor, and then sells the rip offs to compete with Taylor. As a rule, I try not to buy Chinese guitars (as I type this on an iPhone) But I’m okay with Indonesian stuff. For all I know these guitars are built by Uyghurs in re-education camps. It sucks bc I love the Paranormal Series from Squire, but my conscience (or internal bias) won’t let me buy them anymore.
@kix5284
Жыл бұрын
I agree. Do they want to be communists or capitalists. Can't have it both ways.
@tonepilot
2 жыл бұрын
At 10:35 you say Harley Davidson. Never yet found a Harley Davidson that ripped off a guitar but the year's just starting.
@andrewkoastephens210
2 жыл бұрын
I will be quoting you on “people don’t buy expensive guitars until they’ve owned inexpensive guitars”. That is a truth right there. That was true even when a “guitar collector” was as odd as a stamp collector or a butterfly collector and only a super famous rockstar owned more than two guitars. The used market for high end musical equipment was relatively inexpensive compared to today.
@tugginalong
Жыл бұрын
I just ordered a Harley Benton Gold Top and can’t wait for it to arrive. I can work on it myself.
@ericwarrington6650
2 жыл бұрын
RJ and Pete Thorn top notch man
@davedavid7061
2 жыл бұрын
The Casino guys boycotted the Fender acoustasonic rollout also. And they are huge Fender guys
@Goldsteinphoto
2 жыл бұрын
You make good points. I am just now trying to learn to play the guitar. While I could afford a $3,000 guitar, I am starting with a $70 Craigslist Strat copy. If I stick with it hopefully I'll get good enough to justify owning a more expensive guitar. Heck I live only about 35 miles from PRS.
@vlada
2 жыл бұрын
The comment section of the Casino video was exceptionally funny and witty. Worth checking out. I believe the video actually resulted in HB sales: Streisand Effect.
@drdrums1
2 жыл бұрын
Yay, IP issues! (Seriously. It's what I do for a living.) For any interested: One of the reasons why Fender's body design is not protectable as a trademark is due to functionality. By law, trademarks cannot encompass functional aspects of a design. The argument is that Fender's strat shape is, by and large, functional, with its curves providing a more comfortable playing experience and cutaways facilitating high fret access. Thus, no trademark. The headstock shape, in contrast, is mostly decorative, and so valid for use as a trademark. If you ever see Charvel or Warmoth headstocks, you'll see they're stamped as licensed by Fender (the result of a court case, actually) - so they're authorized copies. That said, there's not a legal reason I can think of why merely decorative aspects of a guitar body couldn't qualify for trademarks (I'm looking at you, Gibson Explorer and Flying V), especially when people have come to associate a particular body shape with a particular manufacturer.
@jeremywolstenholme9277
2 жыл бұрын
Very nice list of guitarists on KZitem,.I enjoy Mathew Scott, he's well worth a listen.
@alangreenway6695
2 жыл бұрын
RE: Pickups going wrong. The one issue I had with a pickup was in my 1998 Gibson LP standard in 1999. The solder to the pickup failed which I fixed myself, but had to send away to get potted (because I didn’t know how to do it). Since then it’s been perfect.
@lordcustard-smythe-smith9153
2 жыл бұрын
I prefer the bridge pickup in the cst-24 to a prs. So I now have 2 Harley Benton cst-24's. At no point was I going to buy a prs. There is an assumption by expensive guitar manufacturers that HB harms their sales, but HB are different enough with some of their models to stand on their own as a worthy product.
@toshineon
2 жыл бұрын
In some cases it even goes the other way. I bought a cheap HB Tele just to see if I would like that style of guitar, and I'm now contemplating getting an actual Fender Telecaster because I ended up liking that style of guitar.
@douglasseitz9478
2 жыл бұрын
Also I personally like buying from a store over online if possible. I buy all my guitars right now from a local store that matches fairly closely to Sweetwater prices. Now for that I get to touch, play, and get the tech's experience and setup for that little extra. I put value in service and personal touch. Plus he has always said if I find something he can't get I could always bring it in to have it worked on. That means a lot to me as a consumer. Almost 15yrs of going to the same store now. Have bought other stuff like keyboards, and drums and accessories and have never been disappointed
@olearywu
2 жыл бұрын
Just a rant: the 1099s on +$600 sales on Reverb, eBay, etc. is killing the churning of gear, and hence, used sales, at least for me. I sold +$2500 in pedals last year, didn't make a profit, and bought that much plus more back. I've sold $445 this year and will not sell anymore this year, and I've decided not to buy the UA Golden Reverberator, among other things, because I'd want to sell my Strymon blueSky and probably El Capistan to offset that purchase. This is sad and is not helping the economy or buffering against inflation (i.e., less used stuff in the market means prices go up). Anyone agree?
@garettj5257
2 жыл бұрын
I've seen a steady decline in used gear posting ever since the 5% fee and then another decline with the 1099's. I've almost memorized all of gear on the market (guitars mostly) that I search for daily becase we're lucky to see a new listing once a week. Unfortunately, I've had to offload a lot of stuff this year so I'm already over the 1099 limit, but its definitely the reason I will no longer be religlously buying/selling on Reverb.
@lukeyduke79
2 жыл бұрын
I'm a big fan of Iron Gear Pickups and Tonerider Pickups, not the hugest range, but what they do, they do well at a very affordable price.
@oldsledpurgatory3595
2 жыл бұрын
I left my '68 Bassman on for a week once because the light burned out and I didn't know it. That was about 15 years ago and it still works just fine.
@nelsonc6173
2 жыл бұрын
I love you Phil! I would never unsubscribe!!! You are one of the nicest most knowledgeable and sensible guitarist/luthier I watch!!! Rock on!!
@kevinconroy2583
2 жыл бұрын
Phil I have been absent your last few shows in anticipation for a cross country move. Was saving up to listen to your shows during the long drive. It actually took all my might to not listen before the drive but it was well worth it. Instead of dreading the drive it went by before I knew it. Thanks for all you do. Also other live listeners may be on spring break vacation possible contributing to a down tick.
@louaguado995
2 жыл бұрын
You said Harley Davidson instead of Harley Benton 😄 I have a H.B. double cutaway junior style with 1 p90 pickup. One of their cheapest electrics and it plays great. Pickup is a bit weak but I still love it.
@ericbush1279
2 жыл бұрын
Boycotting sounds like people are going out of their way to try and hurt a company. Realistically, I think most of us just very rarely are buying new guitars, so when we do we’re more to purchase from a company who we align with a little bit more. Same reason we love guitars with repurposed/sustainable wood, it makes people feel good and like they’re doing something positive with their dollar rather than feeding into something we don’t need to. That’s my two cents, at the end of the day, we’re all guitar players.
@jak7890
2 жыл бұрын
I know I'm super late to the conversation, but my take on it is that Harley Benton isn't costing Taylor any sales. When I was a freshman in undergrad, I really wanted a cherry burst Les Paul. An Epiphone one came up on ebay, I overbid on it, and it was mine. I bought an Epi because I couldn't afford a Gibson, and if that Epi didn't exist I wouldn't have just bought a Gibson; I would have just stayed with my cheap Squier Affinity strat (which I destroyed trying to work on :D ). And the reverse is true, too. People buy Taylor because they want the Taylor quality of wood and sound. HB may be amazing for the price, but that's still not on the same level as Taylor.
@bradconklin2878
Жыл бұрын
My brother accidentally left hi Blackstar Club 40 combo on for 5 days a couple years ago. Still running the same tubes today.
@buck7477
2 жыл бұрын
I love the competition! That’s why we’re having so much fun. And HB has a guitar build kit you don’t have to Solder! But I always try to buy American!
@simpson6700
10 ай бұрын
the thomann facilities take up probably half the village they built in and it's growing every year, it's crazy huge.
@softsmoken
2 жыл бұрын
About shipping-May 2022 I spoke with thomann specifically about how their shipping is working actually and they said now it's going by straight up weight after recent changes.
@lancegibson9317
2 жыл бұрын
I liked your disclaimer discussion. Almost all of my guitars that I have purchased new, required a set up for satisfying play. I can’t imagine it differently for a played one.
@SerkanBerksoy
2 жыл бұрын
Yes guitars were really expensive and not much alternatives like today. I get to got my Ibanez at 25, Epiphone at 30s, Fender at 40, Gibson at 45.
@ronfalkoff
2 жыл бұрын
I love the guitar economics discussion’s and always love the honest reviews and how you always find where people are in their guitar journey!!!
@0475cmoore
2 жыл бұрын
Its so true about having to sell a cheap guitar to sell an expensive one! I started my acoustic journey on an OLD Yamaha FG-300 with a metal bridge, then went up to a pretty nice Takamine maple cutaway, then to my D35. As far as electric guitars go….a Series 10 green lightning over a black body…I was a hair band kid!!!lol then many years later after a long life of playing acoustic, upgraded to an Electromatic Jet, then my Gretsch Broadkaster Jr! and an American Tele Deluxe! Japanese craftsmanship is the best I’ve encountered and hopefully it will make Fender and Gibson and other American manufacturers step up their game!
@richreid7098
2 жыл бұрын
Your point about the on site owner, even after sale of a company. The one who started the company is the father of that company. His dream. His ambition. His baby. The buyer has bean counters who at least influence the decisions going forward.
@JWCorne67
2 жыл бұрын
Both of my Epiphone acoustics were built in Indonesia. It is my understanding that the Inspired By Gibson line is all made in Indonesia, as well.
@mixodorians12
2 жыл бұрын
In the online watch community there is a real protest about homage watches, where companies like pagani copy a Rolex Daytona pretty much identically and sell it for a 1000th of the price. I like watches that are uniquely designed, and buy them based on the company that made them.. Seiko does many many unique, original and yet affordable designs. Swatch do too. Bullover as well. So you don't have to get a pagani watch etc. You can get a unique watch, made by the company that originally produced and designed it, usually for a very reasonable price, and avoid the homages.
@aprilkurtz1589
2 жыл бұрын
I just put a hold on a Revstar from Sweetwater. It was the mid-priced one. They're talking end of 2022, or early 2023 for delivery, which I don't mind, since it gives me time to save my pennies. Our fridge just crapped out at 19 years old. We bought a new one. You'll keep a refrigerator until the first time you get food poisoning! I don't take chances with spoiled food.
@musicman9418
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for doing this show. All that you have said here needed to be said.
@brad-guitar-miller813
2 жыл бұрын
If you think there is a back log on guitars, check into appliances we've been waiting 6 weeks for a new fridge because our 20 year old one was as much to repair as the new one.
@violao206
2 жыл бұрын
Owning the factory bears out for boutique classical guitar builder Kenny Hill. Kenny owns his own offshore China factory that builds his affordable line New World. His New World Performer P650 model at $1400 street outperforms every model in its price class. For reference, Kenny is the guy that helps voice the very successful Cordoba classical guitar line. I would have remarked that either Spanish built Alhambra or Cordoba Guitars were leaders, but Kenny Hill's New World outperforms just about everyone. Quality control at the factory is key.
@luisrovira2872
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, please post the Yamaha explanation of what's in the Revstar.
@tonytribble2977
2 жыл бұрын
Spark amp is easy to make adjustments on your mobile device/IPad. They all should be this easy. I’m with Phil, if I have to plug into a computer & download a program, forget it !
@phowell333
Жыл бұрын
The Catalyst is great. You can use it as an "amp" or feed your Helix to it, bypassing the preamp, and use it as an FRFR type monitor. I've had a Katana. I the the Catalyst sounds better, built better, and easier to use. The Katana requires you to use the app if you want to maximize it. But once you do, you have 5 "channels". It's just a pain though.
@stoneysdead689
2 жыл бұрын
The reason you can't patent shapes like the Strat is because it's built to be functional- the shape is made to sit comfortably on your leg and allow you to have one arm over it and still be able to look down and see everything comfortably, it has cut aways so you can reach the upper frets, etc.- any guitar maker can argue that without being able to copy this general design he can't really design a functional guitar. So, it was ruled they couldn't patent it, same for the Tele, or the Les Paul- the shapes ae too utilitarian- you can't patent a simple curve or an angle. The pickups have to go under the strings- and to sound right they need similar spacings, etc- frets need to be spaced correctly- etc., etc.- all that stuff is crucial to making a guitar of any kind. But a Flying V is different- its shape is about aesthetics, not functionality- so it can be patented. There's no functional reason another maker would need to use that exact shape.
@ronmclendon8777
Жыл бұрын
I had an Ovation Bread Winner in the white. Easily one of the best guitars I ever owned unfortunately someone decided they needed it more than I did and stole it. to this day I wish the duplex I lived in had a stronger door and better lock.
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