Timestamps Team assemble: 00:00 Hello! 00:15 Introduction and what we’re doing today 01:35 Squier specs and info 04:26 Harley Benton specs and info 06:36 Today’s rig and plan Clean Sounds 07:40 Clean tone reference chords 08:15 Ringing open indie pop chords 08:41 Funk rhythm chords 08:55 Country ballad arpeggios 09:08 Country lead sound 09:22 Ascending droning indie chords 09:35 Blues progression 09:58 Strummed folk pop chords Overdrive Sounds 10:15 Droning indie riff 10:30 Edgy indie barre chords 10:44 Mellow indie rock chords 11:01 Indie rock barre chords 11:25 Garage rock riff 11:41 Kings Of Leon inspired riff 11:56 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff 12:11 Airbourne inspired rock riff 12:34 Groovy rock riff 12:48 Quacky classic rock riff 12:57 Classic rock riff 13:14 Hendrix inspired riff Heavy Overdrive Sounds 13:31 Classic hard rock riff 13:48 Hard rock riff 14:05 Hard rock melodic lead 14:27 80s rock riff 14:47 Glam rock rhythm riff 15:14 Alternative rock riff 15:38 Pop punk riff 16:04 Pop punk melodic lead riff 16:20 Green Day inspired punk rock riff 16:47 Punk rock power chords 17:00 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning) 17:16 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D) 17:42 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D) Metal sounds (all in Drop D) 17:59 Metal chugging riff 18:17 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang 18:41 Heavy metal lead sound 18:58 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff 19:11 Hardcore punk riff 19:39 Classic metal/sludge riff 20:15 My thoughts 21:01 Price 21:34 Looks/aesthetics 22:27 Build quality/feel 24:03 Weight 24:43 Feel and the HB’s roasted maple neck 25:00 Playability and necks 26:19 Sounds and pickups discussion 29:23 Which guitar is better? Which should you buy? 31:41 Final conclusions
@jimleylek3258
Жыл бұрын
I think you have perfected the fine art of reviewing electric guitars. Please continue to remain neutral, and please continue to give us your totally unbiased opinion. I honestly believe you have created a league of your own. Once I watch your review of a guitar I am interested in, I have no need for anyone else’s opinion. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind comment! It really makes my day to get such kind feedback like this. I do think I have a pretty good formula here... and maybe I don't make the most exciting videos on KZitem, but I do try to give a full and fair overview of every guitar and piece of gear I look at :) I wish I had access to so many more guitars so I could continue in this way! Many thanks again for watching and taking the time to write me, and rock on!
@Arthur_My_Dear
7 ай бұрын
@@RichWordsMusicAbsolutely the best guitar reviews I’ve come across. No diddly diddly, shredding or pseudo pentatonic blues. Just really great rhythm guitar and riffing. You should have 10 times more subs and 100 times more wouldn’t be undeserved. I’ll contradict you on one point - your reviews really are anything but unexciting. And really helpful. Keep it up stay independent 🙏
@archiiebarrett
Жыл бұрын
Squires more subdued and casual. The HB is brighter and has more of a rock n' roll bite than the squire. Honestly, the HB is closer to a traditional Tele imo, but the squire ain't bad.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
You actually might be right about that. I did another video a while ago where I compared the HB to my Fender Tele and my Squier Classic Vibe Esquire, and the HB came out sounding most like a traditional Tele of those three! Sometimes the bite can be a bit much... but hey, that's a Tele for you! Cheers for watching :)
@the.communist
5 ай бұрын
Squier is brigther
@jimmyx4599
2 ай бұрын
I think the HB TE62 is brighter in sound to the squire.
@11000038
8 ай бұрын
A finely crafted review. Brief and to the point. No stupid effects or out of tune playing. Subscribed!
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the sub too 😊 Cheers and rock on!
@vernhanna4399
3 ай бұрын
I think I like the Harley Benton, you’re making both of them sound good though.
@RichWordsMusic
3 ай бұрын
Well they're both really nice choices for sure - glad you liked the playing!
@pyratoothNL
Жыл бұрын
Not necessarily better but different. I preferred the Roswell in the bridge of the HB, more top end and twang which if you're looking for a Tele for traditional uses it's better. I think the opposite is true for the neck pickups, with the Squier having more warmth. Roasted maple neck is great on the HB, but I prefer the blue on the Squier. So I think it depends on your application.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yes, great comment and that all makes total sense. The Roswell is a more traditional Tele in tones - in fact, I compared that guitar to my Squier Classic Vibe Esquire and my Fender Mexican Tele in another video and the HB was the most traditional Tele-esque of those three as well! Like you say, it's all about how you'd use it and what your personal tastes are. Overall though, what a great time to be a guitar player looking out for 'cheap' Teles like this! We are spoilt for choice :) Cheers!
@57RickH
Жыл бұрын
I preferred the sound of the Squier, and do love that color 👍🏻
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Me too, and me too! They really knocked it out of the park with this guitar - I'm very pleased with it :)
@bobcabo4509
7 ай бұрын
I just purchased a Squier Sonic Tele last week and love it. Perfect, right out of the box.
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
Awesome, happy new guitar day! Really happy to hear you're enjoying yours and it was set up perfectly like mine :)
@amphora8321
Жыл бұрын
very good , thorough video. Unusual to get this level of depth/insight on cheap guitars.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it! And that's a good point... I hadn't really thought about it like that, but it is true that most videos here document more exclusive guitars. Ah well, I'm happy to be filling that gap slightly with my videos! I don't own any guitars over $1,000 and I am not sure I ever will :)
@linusfran
7 ай бұрын
Cant believe i fell for the california blue too😂 before seeing your video..i did ask them to lower the play but was not possible..its on the way cant wait to try it out.Thanks for a really great and detail review
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
It's a stunning color, that's for sure! Really hope you like yours when it arrives. I think you will! Let me know once you have tried it what you think of it :) And thanks for watching and enjoying my video :)
@eertje01
Жыл бұрын
Great review! I love the squier sonic range for the colours they offer. I have a HB te-62 in shell pink. I modded it with better pickups, a fender bridge with brass saddles and a black pickguard. It's a looker and a rocker! I think I found out something important to why the HB sounds twangier. The bridge is placed a few mm further back than fender and squier. Just something to take into account when considering buying it!
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Cheers! That TE-62 of yours sounds fantastic... any pics of that anywhere? Those are exactly the kind of mods I would consider doing to mine! And yes, props to HB and now also to Squier for their new boldness in choosing finishes for their guitars. Very good point on the bridge position - that is something I need to look into for sure! That combined with the pickups and I'm sure that's the reason.
@Paul_Lenard_Ewing
Жыл бұрын
The HB I liked better. Flat neck, maple neck, strings through body, and definitely the string definition as I play often busy complex music. The Fender had the better color. Thanx big time for your usual thorough demo. You and Brett Kingman are the best two reviewers on the planet, and I subscribe to over 200 reviewers.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Paul! To be mentioned in the same sentence as Brett Kingman is pretty sweet, as he has been one of my personal faves for a long time now. I sub to a lot, but not as many as you! Seems like the HB is definitely more your thing... I'm wondering if they'll bring a few more colors out for the TE-62 as well, because I think it's been selling well for them and people seem to like the more modern paint jobs these days.
@markstacey2906
Жыл бұрын
I think the squire sounds better...I own a Harley Benton 62 which I have so much fun playing...Both sound excellent to me...Thank you for sharing...
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
I agree... but I do really enjoy the HB as well! They're kind of variations on the same theme. We are lucky as guitar players to have so many great affordable choices these days :)
@carlomaletti4284
10 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review. Purely based on this - as much as l like Squiers - l’d have to choose the HB. A) I prefer it in the looks dep.t - whatever the colour is, l personally like it more, especially in conjunction with the mint p/guard & the caramelised neck/fingerboard. B) As for the sound, l find the often criticised Roswells more jangly & well defined than the Squier’s p/ups.
@nikolaki
7 ай бұрын
Beginners today may not know how lucky they are. I just bought myself a lefty Harley Benton double bound version of the model reviewed. The body and neck are finished very well. The only thing I would change is the tone pot for a reverse log pot.
@nikolaki
7 ай бұрын
As a lefty, there is no choice since the Squier Sonic is not available left handed. 😅
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
Yep, the TE-62DB is lovely... I've been tempted with them too! And I love that the brand makes a bunch of its models in left-handed versions too. Shows they actually care. As far as I know, Squier does the black maple board Sonic Strat in a lefty, and nothing else. Shame!
@dt9r
7 ай бұрын
I have both and the HB surclasses the squier completely , I had a spare Duncan set, put in it, sooo nice
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
Yeah, I bet the Duncans made a big difference. I still haven't found the need to swap out my pickups yet, but may go down the same route as you in 2024 :)
@13soulz
28 күн бұрын
Thanks for the review! What I heard was the difference between an ebony or rosewood fret and a pure maple neck . The maple being brighter while the rosewood a bit warmer… both are solid for the price !
@kempman9811
7 ай бұрын
Great review mate. The sounds on KZitem are still very compressed but I can hear that the HB is much clearer than the Squier. I would give the HB a go.
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot! Yep, even on KZitem the differences come across... give the HB a go if you ever get the chance!
@southernsantapiper7556
5 ай бұрын
I preferred the HB in sound. Seemed to cut thru more. Great Value!
@RichWordsMusic
4 ай бұрын
The HB definitely has a more cutting tone, I agree! For the money, it's a wonderful guitar.
@GuyNarnarian
8 ай бұрын
I liked the Harley Benton. This video might have convinced me. Get some brass compensated saddles and it should rock.
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
It's a great guitar for sure, and I think brass saddles would be a real improvement for sure! Hope you get to try one soon :)
@GuyNarnarian
8 ай бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic I got one, love it. Need to set it up a bit, and I do think brass saddles would be a small improvement. I still CANNOT believe how nice of a guitar the HB is.
@ORiffs-IL
Жыл бұрын
The Benton, easily. Pickups sound clearer, with more definition, and also less noisy in high gain.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
I agree that the HB pickups have more definition, but to my ears there's just something about the Squier's bridge pickup that wins it for me - even though the HB sounds more like a classic Tele! It's horses for courses, I guess, but ultimately it' a great time to be guitar players and have all these awesome affordable choices! So many great options for all tastes and styles.
@goodbyepolarbears172
6 ай бұрын
It really does go to show how subjective this is. I was so surprised to find you came down on the side of the Squier because, in several places in your playing demonstrations, I got the feeling you yourself were displaying a little more enthusiasm for the Harley by just throwing in a little inspired twist. Just goes to show that what we think we are putting out may not be GETTING out whilst our own enjoyment may be a lot more internalised than we think it is. I remember Bob Geldof being surprised that, during filming his part in The Wall film, director Alan Parker asked him to display more anger. Geldof himself said HE felt he was already seething! 😄
@user-ry5hm7ho8t
26 күн бұрын
The Harley has the bridge pickup closer to the bridge than the fender. We get a higher end on the Harley, but less volume. I have seen a very well known performer use the Harley set up, but it is used on other guitars. I saw 'Prince' play a set up the same.
@jeffs6114
Жыл бұрын
Body size -Squier Neck shape -squier Back loaded -Benton Neck material - Benton Sounds -tie …..Color - Squier! Maybe the shell pink Squier would win for me?
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yep, you're pretty close to my way of thinking there... and I am always torn when there's a Shell Pink option as well! I came extremely close with the HB TE-62 when buying mine (had the Shell Pink in my basket before opting for the 'safer' LPB) and there's a few lovely pink Squiers in the Sonic Series. I might have to pick up a Mustang or Strat at some point too! Cheers for watching :)
@PeteMOBie1
8 ай бұрын
Rich another great honest video. My bias is Harley Benton so its no surprise that I had the opposite preferences to most of yours, maple fretboard, 12 inch fret radius, glassy sounds. Horses for courses. The TE-62 will have a scooped mids tone, faster atttack and more dynamic sound due to the Alnico 5 magnets in the Roswells, wheras the ceramics in the Sonic have a fuller mid range and sounded a tad louder than the Roswells on the clean demos. If the Harley Benton is too glassy and sparkly for you, then the tone can be thickened up a bit by spending another £8 to£12 for some intonated Brass saddles or even the Gotoh In-Tune saddles for another £20 or so. Brass saddles bring out the mid range more and tames the highs. If you are left hande like me then I can recommend a set of Gotoh In-Tune saddles as they are reversible.
@derick-smith
9 ай бұрын
I'm so happy to have found your channel. There isn't a "right" way to do guitar reviews (certainly lots of wrong ways) but you've done as well as anyone I've seen. If you saw my view history, you'd know that is a serious compliment!!
@PooNinja
Жыл бұрын
I’m leaning towards the squire because of color alone. Sounds were good on both so it came to looks.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
He he, after 140 of my videos you are finally understanding the ways of the blue guitar 😎 Fine choice though, and I think that looks are super important when it comes to cheaper guitars!
@andreasf6671
Жыл бұрын
Tbh I think the HB color is much cooler looking while the Squier looks a lot "cheaper". But it's a matter of taste!
@PooNinja
Жыл бұрын
@@andreasf6671 yup just a color preference on my part
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@PooNinja I would love it if Squier had also done an LPB finish with a black plate and a dark board... that's the top choice every time!
@seanhammond4034
5 ай бұрын
I have a HB SE & a Squier Tele ( in Lake P Blue, looks like Mick Ronsons. I like both.
@RichWordsMusic
5 ай бұрын
They're both cool guitars for sure! I pick up the Squier more these days, but there's really not much in it. Rock on!
@MAX96MENDES
6 ай бұрын
Thank you for the very good and honest review! :) I also bought the Harley Benton TE-62CC PLB telecaster . It just arrived and it plays great. Very well made ! Got some new brass saddles for it. Cheers
@jamesa375
7 ай бұрын
Happy new year man.To me it was very helpful you mention the weight of these.Thanks for that.Noone ever bothers to mention the weight of a guitar.As far as these two i like the Harley Benton better.Cheers.
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
Happy new year to you too! Yep, when I started making videos I realized this was a question that got asked every time without fail, so I always weigh guitars now :) Glad you found it helpful! And hope you get to give the HB a go soon :)
@LookieChannel
Жыл бұрын
Big wow again, for the unmatched tone demo and honest review. I dont know how you do it, but you always release a video answering my latest gear questions :)) I completely agree on most, and also on statement about new guitars purchase, always worrying at which QC level the guitar arrives. For me the fret leveling is most important for players who cant fix by themselves, that would be a dealbreaker. Sadly most of the guitars have some fret level issue, at least mine purchases do. Good job Rich, very good!
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much... it seems I know what you were thinking again ;) You make a great point about level frets - this is definitely something that most players (especially newer ones) won't want to touch on their own. And again, this is why I always say you should budget in for a tech setup on every new guitar, whether it's €149 like the HB here, or €1,499! It always makes it better to some extent. When it comes to worrying about buying guitars online, this is something which improved a lot in recent years, but it's still a bit of a lottery :) Luckily the guitar makers are upping their game! Cheers for watching as ever and rock on :)
@theuke1139
Жыл бұрын
God I love how you play every genre keep up the amazing work
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Ha ha, thanks a lot! I try to get a riff for every taste in there if I can :) Cheers!
@Lamz..
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant shoot-out again, very interesting comparison. Fender/ Squier has accepted the challenge, and that's good news for us gear addicts. I'd like to _think_ it is, anyway. :)
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot! Yes, Harley Benton has possibly been the shot in the arm some of the other brands needed. And we, the guitar players, win from that :) Fingers crossed things keep improving in this sense!
@Lamz..
Жыл бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic Still somehow I managed to spend more money on affordable gear in the last few years than I did in the decades before that. Something doesn't add up. :)
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@Lamz.. I guess the one thing that adds up is the number of guitars, amps and pedals we all have ;)
@Lamz..
Жыл бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic lol for sure! So much good stuff, and cheap. Makes us a bit greedy. But it's a lot of fun, though. Space is my limitation now, maybe it's just for the better that way. :)
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
@@Lamz.. You're totally right... I've recently become worried at how stuffed full of gear my room is. And of course you can only play one guitar at once ;) The thought of having to sell stuff really frightens me though 🥲
@ahalsell6869
5 ай бұрын
I been looking at a ton of reviews for both of these and their variations that close in price. This is honestly the most helpful review. Your editing and huge variety of genre play examples. I liked the tones of the Harley Benton best but I think the squire might be most affordable since I'm in the states.
@benjaminhawthorne1969
11 күн бұрын
While it is true that it is impossible to PERFECTLY intonate all six (6) strings on a three (3) saddle bridge, Leo Fender employed a three (3) saddle bridge on his original "Broadcaster" design for a reason. When one of the strings using the saddle is plucked, a vibration is imparted to the saddle. This vibration causes the other string sharing the saddle to vibrate "sympathetically" with the 1st string. In addition to the scale length and single coil p'up in the bridge position, this contributes to the unique tome of a "Telecaster." Models with the modern six (6) saddle bridge design can NEVER capture the "Mojo" of that tone! To be honest with you, I cannot hear the difference between a PERFECTLY intonated guitar and one that is NOT PERFECTLY intonated, but I can hear the difference in the quality of tone between a 3 saddle and 6 saddle Telecaster. So, I am purchasing this 3-saddle design from Harley Benton, Model No. TE-52.
@TheTwangKings
10 ай бұрын
I agree, Sonics are really nice. But mine had nut and string tree issues that affected the tuning stability. Also a couple of tiny but annoying neck lumps. I fixed the issues myself easily though, so I am really enjoying my Strat.
@RichWordsMusic
10 ай бұрын
Oh, I'm sorry to hear yours had a couple of issues, but glad you could fix them and are now enjoying the guitar. I'm tempted to try one of the Sonic Strats soon too. All the best and happy music making!
@TheTwangKings
10 ай бұрын
Thanks! So far, no regrets about buying the Sonic Strat, it turned out to be a good player!@@RichWordsMusic
@RichWordsMusic
10 ай бұрын
@@TheTwangKings Great, really happy to hear that! Enjoy and rock on!
@GoodfaYou
Жыл бұрын
Spot on review..I own both and agree with all the points you made …I really do think both are a good value for the money …HB neck is a joy to play and out of the box set up was better then the Squier ..Only thing to add is The strings on the HB are Daddario EXL and squier strings are cheapo unplayable crap ..I enjoy both, would have a hard time choosing one over the other
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Aha, nice to hear this feedback from someone else who also owns both! The neck on the HB is the standout feature on that guitar, but I wish it had a profile more like the Squier's. I got very lucky with the setup on my Squier, I think - the HB was basically perfect out of the box, as they usually are. Ask me today, and if I had to sell one, it'd be the HB... but that answer might change tomorrow ;) Cheers and rock on!
@sylvain1111
9 ай бұрын
Thanks for the work and the great video
@RichWordsMusic
9 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot, glad you appreciated it and enjoyed the video!
@Neil-Aspinall
Жыл бұрын
The Squier definitely has slightly sweeter PUP's and with the individual saddles it is a no brainer.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yep, agree on both fronts! Really happy with how well Squier have done this model.
@user-ry5hm7ho8t
4 ай бұрын
the benton has it, but the fender had more lower end, so to match it we would have to increase the bass.
@Omar-pj1ue
6 ай бұрын
Squier I just got one for $75 and it's perfect!
@RichWordsMusic
6 ай бұрын
Wow, that's a bargain, great score!
@jimqartworks
Жыл бұрын
amazing, very detailed, just followed you, thanks so much, since I'm from Hollywood area, I will get the Squire and personally I prefer the sound also , buying as a gift for a friend!
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful! That is going to be one amazing gift for your friend too, how kind :) Cheers for subbing to my channel and enjoy the other videos too :)
@podeeeerdelmembrillo403
9 ай бұрын
sound is very similar in both, it depends of the amplifier, effects pedals, etc., but the Squier is tremendous
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
Yes, I agree - the Sonic Series overall is really good! Both these guitars are great choices though, and extremely versatile.
@dazzer1730
5 ай бұрын
Excellent review and comparison!!
@RichWordsMusic
4 ай бұрын
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it!
@milesrowe991
6 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for the review! Personally, I prefer the HB, partly because I know that I can play longer on the neck without fatigue on my te-20 (which has the same neck dimensions as the te-62), but also because it sounded more like a standard Fender Telecaster to me, which was a bit of a surprise. I really thought the Squier would win hands-down in that second department. At the end of the day, I've only tried that model Squier at a guitar store, and I play my Harley Benton tele for probably for at least a couple of hours on any given day, so there might be some familiarity-based bias there. Regardless of preference, it's great that such playable instruments are available at those price points.
@BlazertronGames
8 ай бұрын
I much prefer the look of the HB! Not a massive fan of the colour (I'd get it in seafoam green, personally) but the roasted maple neck, the mint-green pickguard, and the vintage bridge make it look so much cooler, in my opinion.
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
It's definitely a cool looking guitar - slap a rosewood board on it for me and it'd be even better in the looks department!
@Kostiaya
2 ай бұрын
At the end I chose a fender because I always wanted to have a fender. There is some difference between two of these, but it's not significant I watched some other videos and I liked HB's sound more, but in this one fender is better HB is definitely cleaner
@wizrom3046
8 ай бұрын
The Squier bridge saddles were really far back, it looked almost like the bridge had been screwed to the body too far forward (too close to the neck). The result was that the Squier bridge pickup was further forward, further away, from the "bridge" giving it a noticeable bass boost on the bridge pickup. Great video and quite thorough review, but I dont think your comparison was exactly between pickups, really you were comparing different bridge pickups and different bridge pickup locations. 🤔 Anyway thanks for the great review. 👍
@coolfool183
Жыл бұрын
the six saddle bridge is a massive quality of life improvement that is a dealbreaker in my opinion. the ease of setting intonation and action is nonnegotiable
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Yep, I totally get that. It might not be right for traditional Tele lovers, but it simply makes the guitar a lot easier to set up and look after!
@realdocloco
7 ай бұрын
Everytime I replaced a three saddles bridge by a six-saddles one, I noticed a loss of tone. I made the experiment not once but several times, on several telecasters, because at first I was wondering if it was just my imagination. So the six saddles is a big no for me - there's intonable three saddles bridges now anyway, so you have the tone and the intonation.
@summerboy1958
11 ай бұрын
Rich, I agree with those who like your tone comparisons. One quick riff on each in a variety of styles. Most reviewers play "long" tunes then swap. Most of the time I can't remember what each sounded like when the other is playing. In this comparison I do like the HB tones better in all genres. I would, however replace the barrel saddles with individual saddles. I don't care about a traditional look, I like easier intonation. Thanks and keep it up.
@theflev-matic4892
9 ай бұрын
I like the squier more but both are good
@RichWordsMusic
9 ай бұрын
Agreed, both have their advantages but I slightly lean towards the Squier too :)
@nicolofugi
7 ай бұрын
Great demo and review. Overall I prefer the tone of the Squire. With such a small price difference, I'd go there.
@ericellquist7007
Жыл бұрын
First of all, I am not a musician, so there's that. But all things being approximately equal, the sound of the H.B. was preferable to that of the Squire. My preference in music probably informs that choice Jazz, Blues, Jazz-Rock, or Fusion if you like, and Blues -Rock. The sound of the H.B. seems richer to me and perhaps that is not the signature of a Fender Telecaster as such. Anyway thanks for the very informative and enjoyable video, all the best to you.
@steveroberts
Жыл бұрын
For me the alnico 5's come into there own under crunch. Have more to give
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
They certainly have a different flavor with a bit of drive, I agree! They're at their strongest for the indie rock and AC/DC rock stuff, at least to my ears.
@aminahmed2220
Жыл бұрын
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day also stay safe I am a telecaster person to be honest
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it :) If you're a Tele person I think you might really enjoy this guitar too... try one if you can!
@sebastian38200
7 ай бұрын
ojala pudieras analizar tambien la tagima tw 55
@RichWordsMusic
7 ай бұрын
I would love to try some Tagima guitars too! Hopefully one day I can. I tested some briefly at a show last year and they were great!
@peterlucas8629
8 ай бұрын
I would have thought the HB with alnico pickups should sound better, but I think it sounded a bit thin especially on the lower strings. I prefered the Squier for tone.
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
This surprised me a little too, and ultimately I agree with you: there's something about the Squier which is just a little more palatable to my ears :) Cheers and rock on!
@johntate5050
9 ай бұрын
The main difference between the two guitars is that the Squier is fantastic whereas the Harley Benton is brilliant.
@RichWordsMusic
9 ай бұрын
That is a very valid reading of this - I love it!
@GOICOBA
8 ай бұрын
The HB definitely has that Twang
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
It certainly does!
@gappyoooo
6 ай бұрын
great review 👏
@RichWordsMusic
6 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it!
@volomazurika1530
Жыл бұрын
such a nice video! thank you a lot! all details, very nice AB! squier has a little more depth to my taste
@RichWordsMusic
11 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed the video! There's something my ears prefer about the Squier too, although it's very close :)
@Steven_SK
Жыл бұрын
Very close! Can I get the HB neck on the Squire?
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Now THAT is an interesting question. I assume it'd be possible (from a eye check, the necks and pockets look very similar), and a qualified tech surely could do it. It might require a bit of shimming!
@BugGenerat0r
2 ай бұрын
In the USA at least, the Harley-Benton is a little bit over $200.
@RichWordsMusic
2 ай бұрын
Yeah, they are more expensive over there, I guess due to import costs. Still good value, but not as good as they are in Europe. Hopefully HB can work out a way to change that in North America soon!
@rasmusk.4001
2 ай бұрын
A bit weird to test a maple neck vs. a laurel. Two completely different punches...
@RichWordsMusic
2 ай бұрын
It's more about the overall "Tele under $200" vibe here. And while I agree - it would be perfect to do maple vs maple - I can only work with guitars I own... wish I had more to do better tests.
@mikeblue385
8 ай бұрын
the harley kicks ass.
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
It's a great guitar - I've had mine just over two years now and I still love it.
@barriehercock8612
Жыл бұрын
Nice guitars ,good review, ive got a 2019 bullet telecaster, which is string through body ,the string through body appears to be on the new affinity with a belly cut at the back ,the sonic is top load like my 2019 affinity telecaster and is not a direct replacment for the bullet, around our area the new affinity is only around £20 more and has a gloss headstock and split head tuner ,the pickups are higher output tha the bullet around 6 ohms for the bridge and 5 ohms for the neck , my bullet was around 4.5 bridge and 4 neck ,they sounded nice but not much output ,ive relaced mine with Wilkinson Nashville ,7.5 ohms and 6.4 ohms neck ,really improved the sound for £40
@meinvornamemeinnachname715
5 ай бұрын
I would prefer the clean and crunch sound from the Squier.
@RichWordsMusic
5 ай бұрын
Me too! It's thicker and fuller somehow.
@johncollins5552
Жыл бұрын
Great video as always Rich. I like both but if I could swap my burst Jet tele(pretty good but I dont bond with it) it would be the squier, California Blue is one of my fave Roy Orbison songs.
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks John! Interesting... I've never tried a Jet but have heard great things. What is it about yours you don't quite bond with? Thanks for the tip on the song too - I'd never heard it before but really like it :) Shall have to get the chords and play it on the Tele later!
@johncollins5552
Жыл бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic tbh I am not crazy about single coil sounds The Jet roast maple neck is great btw, I just prefer humbuckers and p90s overall.
@johncollins5552
Жыл бұрын
The Jet is full size body,good weight, chunky neck, the burst finish was very good, generic tuners, solid feel switch and controls, frets finish good,the ashtray quality is good.Bargain for the money.
@petermartin1967
5 ай бұрын
Just found your channel and subscribed immediately 😀👍🏻 Brilliant video, I really enjoyed it. Really well put together!!! 👍🏻 I thought the HB was too bright for me, I much preferred the sounds of the Squier. I am quite new to playing the guitar and I love Teles!! Looking forward to watching future videos on your channel ( and the old ones 😀👍🏻). Cheers buddy.
@13soulz
28 күн бұрын
If you preferred the sound of the Squire because the HB sounded too bright you might want to stick with a rosewood or ebony fretboard being maple frets tend to be sharper sounding and brighter too… Been playing a long time and that’s something I’ve noticed.. Cheers bro n good luck 🤙🏾🎸🎸😊
@Arthur_My_Dear
7 ай бұрын
The Squier sounded better, looked better and I have loved every Fender and Squier neck I have ever played. My Second guitar after starting on. Jedson Tele copy was a Japanese 1983 Squier Strat. Gas got the better of me and I sold it off cheap. Do you think I have always regretted that? The biggest plus for the Sonic Tele though is the ease with which you can customise and upgrade it. I’m just getting into setting up and modding guitars and thinking of doing a course. I have both a loaded Tele pickguard with an SD mini HB and a Duesenberg Multibender that I want to try out on a cheap Tele. Squier ftw
@henkdehaan2434
5 ай бұрын
I m gonna test the te 69TL...also ordered it.....
@Luke-Emmanuel
5 ай бұрын
hb high notes were much brighter cuz well, its not as beefy as the squier. Has its place in certain genres or studio recordings if needed for certain sounds.
@amongwhitewalls7849
5 ай бұрын
harley benton won for my great tone and looks nice.
@RichWordsMusic
4 ай бұрын
Yeah, the HB is a wonderful guitar - I still have it and play it regularly over more expensive guitars!
@stephenstapleton1324
9 ай бұрын
Like a maple neck and freatboard
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
I usually prefer rosewood myself, but the roasted maple on the HB is lovely!
@jonatanronaldgonzalezariza18
3 ай бұрын
Hello my friend what is better ? Harley benton te 62cc or harley benton te 62 db ????? Saludos great video
@RichWordsMusic
2 ай бұрын
Hey there, good question! For me, they're pretty similar. But I prefer the roasted maple neck/fingerboard on the TE-62CC :)
@zeleznacesta
10 ай бұрын
I like squier a bit better soundwise, HB looks a bit nicer. However, it's not a superfair comparison as squier has rosewood fingerboard versus roasted maple. It makes a difference. I have quite a few highend guitars, I might even buy one of these. Thx for the review.
@richardmerget
8 ай бұрын
Perfekter Test, sehr gut gemacht !!! Ich fand die Squire klanglich breitbandiger und ausgeglichener bei Akkorden. Bei den kurzen Passagen mit Einzeltönen klang für mich die Harley besser und durchsetzungsfähiger ...weiter so !!!
@DesertScorpionKSA
9 ай бұрын
The Squier pickups are warmer than the Harley Benton and don't have the chimey sound I expect from a Tele. I prefer the clearer brighter Alnico pickups in the Harley Benton.
@RichWordsMusic
9 ай бұрын
Yes, that's a good analysis - the HB pickups are actually more "old school Tele" to me as well.
@andiebetjemann7920
Жыл бұрын
Very informative comparison. A way to allow more twang would be to get the squier and a set of those Roswell AlNiCo-Vs. This new line of Squier Sonic appears to be very promising. Are you planning on comparing the new Squier Sonic Mustang to your HB MS-60?
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed this one! Yep, some Alnico 5s would really get a bit more twang out of the Sonic Tele. I may do some upgrades at some point. I think Squier have done a great job with the Sonic guitars, and like I say in the video, I think the likes of Harley Benton have made them have to improve their offerings! Which is great for us players. I would love to try out the Sonic Mustangs too! Would you prefer me to try the single coil or HB version? I'm guessing single coils would be more authentic for that comparison...
@drsaufproblem
9 ай бұрын
I've been playing guitars for over 20 years now and bought a TE-62CC one or two years ago. Last week I ordered two Fender Player Plus Teles but I really disliked the ergonomics of the Fenders. Different neck feeling, also way heavier than the HB. Looks like I'd rather spend the money on upgrades for the HB.
@MJG817
4 ай бұрын
Great reviewer... Im so close to getting a HB Telecaster
@RichWordsMusic
3 ай бұрын
Thanks a lot! I love my TE-62... can thoroughly recommend :)
@MJG817
3 ай бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic ordered
@NoNameNo.5
Жыл бұрын
The HB is much better, I have both. It’s lighter, tones are better, lighter, neck and feet ends are superior
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Nice to hear from someone else who also has both! Yeah, I actually think (based on other feedback I have seen elsewhere) that I got very lucky with my Sonic… in general terms I would say Harley Bentons are less of a risk to order online now in terms of what kind of setup you’re going to get.
@bobbaxter952
4 ай бұрын
I just bought the Squire on the strength of this video,the pickups are weak!!You just can't hear individual strings ring out when distorted,it's like the pickups are a foot away from the strings?? I'm really disappointed so far.
@RichWordsMusic
3 ай бұрын
Hmm, that doesn't sound good. Try raising the pickups and hopefully that'll do the trick!
@f2plover287
Ай бұрын
Can you do newen telecaster vs squier sonic and affinity?
@RichWordsMusic
29 күн бұрын
Hopefully, yes! Which newer Tele models did you have in mind?
@MBSGAMES_
3 ай бұрын
Did i stil hear that high ringing noise on the squier, that you mentioned in your other video ?
@RichWordsMusic
3 ай бұрын
Yeah, maybe you did when the gain is up higher... I just don't know what causes it!
@TheDancingSaxophone
Жыл бұрын
Amazing review! I’m not in the market for either guitar but you kept my viewership all the way regardless! If I was getting a guitar for the wedding band I play in I’d get the Squier because it seems a little more versatile across genres. If I was going to be gigging on broadway in Nashville I’d go with the Harley Benton.🤘
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot, really glad you enjoyed it! Yep, I'd be with you on that too... for Nashville, you'd possibly want that extra sparkle and top end the HB has, but for overall stuff, the Squier is a safer bet I think. Thanks for watching :)
@capnjames
10 ай бұрын
They should make a really basic squier sonic jazzmaster like some of these budget brands have made…even if it’s just an offset strat 😅 I think a lotta people would buy them to mod
@RichWordsMusic
9 ай бұрын
Oh, I totally agree... I'd buy one too! Would be an amazing idea. I love my Harley Benton JS-60, which is pretty much what that is... like a gateway offset guitar for beginners who don't yet need the trem or the extra tonal circuitry! Do that in a few of the newer, quirkier colors and they'd sell them by the truckload...
@capnjames
9 ай бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic totally plus it’d be easier to figure out for new players maybe than a jazzmaster with all the bells and whistles
@quentinbarnes767
3 ай бұрын
Personally I prefer the sound of the hb,even more now thomann have dropped the price to 77 quid including shipping! Regards Q.
@garywillacey9979
8 ай бұрын
Did you load them up with the same set of strings? This makes a huge difference if you're comparing tones. One set of strings might be warmer or tangy compared to other strings.
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
Yep, GHS Boomers, 9-42! You're right, by the way - the age of the strings can make a big difference too.
@garywillacey9979
7 ай бұрын
@@RichWordsMusic That's great! You did an amazing comparison. 👏 This was possibly the best honest sound to sound comparison I've seen on KZitem. You also play beautifully. Thank you. Bless
@HiredGoonage
6 ай бұрын
that HB sounds bloody harsh
@RichWordsMusic
5 ай бұрын
It's certainly got those authentic Telecaster glassy highs!
@thomashalley7258
6 ай бұрын
Id use the harley benton for cleans and the squire for dirty tones.
@11000038
8 ай бұрын
Btw I liked both!
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
Me too! I think they're both excellent value for money guitars.
@henkdehaan2434
5 ай бұрын
I already ordered the HB 69TL thinlie ( after studied all models) /............................. to me It seems tjhe most payable and good sounding guiar for a top 40 cover Band !!!
@DougHinVA
5 ай бұрын
I don't see the HB in any part of the video... only the Squier. And it is SQUIER... not Squire.
@BlazertronGames
8 ай бұрын
How would you say the HB compares to something like an affinity?
@RichWordsMusic
8 ай бұрын
That's something I would love to try - from my shop testing experience, the Affinity guitars are really geat these days, and would be great competition for the HB.
@scottanderson4175
7 ай бұрын
Firefly 🤦🏻♂️ Roasted maple compound radius neck bone nut ball end stainless steel frets and locking tuners 😉
@alanswanson7515
Жыл бұрын
Just got the hb in Dakota Red - very light and bright. Could the brighter tone of the Harley Benton be the maple fretboard vs the laurel board on the Squier?
@BassGeekz
9 ай бұрын
I vote for the Squier. :) I like it's sound much more. HB has too much highs. It hurts my ears... :D Squier has a more mellow and balanced tone I prefer that. :)
@the.communist
5 ай бұрын
I almost prefer the ceramic ones
@akist8455
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic video and comparison, the best thing is to buy both :-)... They are so cheap!😏
@RichWordsMusic
Жыл бұрын
Ha ha, exactly! I'm happy to own both. Cheers for watching and glad you enjoyed the video!
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