28 differences between Harley Benton SC-550 and SC-550 Plus 

You are clearly UTTERLY insane! But that makes you unique!

We, the customers, at least those who still have an interest of what we buy in detail, need to say "Big Thanks!" to you for investigating this deep! I think you do a great job and this work may avoid getting into trouble after buying.

"An insignificant one, but still a difference!" And THAT is what makes your reviews and overall channel so unique. You go to THAT level of detail. I'm soooo glad I suscribed about a year a go

The level of detail in your videos is amazing. Every video is a chance to learn new things,

The old SC 550 is sounding just AWESOME.......

Man! It’s the most complete review I’ve seen! Thanks!

Another great deep dive guitar review. I love the consistency and the fact that they are INTERESTING! Thank you!

Wonderful work Max, love your thorough teardowns.

Hello, thank you for the professional high quality, cool and interesting videos! Especially this one helped me much to learn and know the 2 guitar models differences between it! I found your channel by searching on RU-vid for this HB 550 guitar model. Greetings from Bulgaria! :)

From Ohio, USA here. I’ve been researching the 550 Plus and I’m pretty sure it’s my next purchase as guitars go and my first Harley Benton. Thanks for the video!

Thanks, I always enjoy the research you do. I was just checking the differences in the two models.

What a great channel! Great and huge job, as always. Congrats man.

I like this style of comparison video between two similar models, good job!

Excellent review! I'm addicted to ur channel. 👍

That’s an awesome comparison and I’m greatful for it. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 !

Absolutely amazing review overview of the differences. Coool😎

Dude! Love the way you lay out the details of these guitars. The Plus is the winner to my taste.

Great job in comparing these two guitars. I prefer the distorted sound of the emg's and the clean sound of the passive pickups.

Great deep dive. High quality video 👍

A good review and a very well put together video, very professional, nice.

Fantastic video! I just bought a SC550-Plus EMG and it's an amazing, I mean an AMAZING guitar! Cheers from Portugal!

awesome video, Ben here from Malaysia, keep up the good review.

Your video came up as a suggestion as I’ve been REALLY wanting to learn to play badly, I’m thinking if I invest in a nice guitar that it will give me more inspiration to buckle down and take lessons! Great video and I enjoyed watching it from beautiful Key West Florida!

Nice review as always!!! ✔ To my ears the SC500Plus with the EMG pickups is much better for Crunch and Hi Gain sounds. It has tight bass and good definition.The SC500 with the Roswell Pickups is better for cleaner sounds, it has a sweet tone, but with Hi Gain sounds muddy.

Thanks for the comparison! I like the sound of the regular SC550 better than the Pro 550 version. Besides the regular has a shielded cavity, and I can add my own humbuckers. HB makes a descent LP. I still have my go to 71' Gibson LP Custom but I'm still very impressed with what HB is accomplishing for the bulk of musicians that want a relatively good axe.

Great video. I’m glad you told me about the bridge. I bought a 450 not long ago and tried to tweak the intonation.... strrrrip. That’s the Phillips style. So next order I got them to throw in a HB brand bridge. I think it was like twenty bucks. Solved. I think these are the two styles we’re looking at here. I think I’m gonna pick up a Std. I’m mot crazy about active. I dunno maybe one of each. I like the old finish better. It’s different

great video. when you playeed guitars, i closed my eyes focusing on differences in tones. i did not noticed big difference.

Awesome review! Love it. I’m from Delta BC Canada

Thanks for digging so deep.

Old SC550 sounded better to my ears.

Fantastic review! I’m looking to get a SC-550, so I am watching all the videos I can. Tim from Tacoma, Washington, USA!

Great job on the differences . 😎👍🏼

Wow! You really dug deep! Thank you so much for the video!

Very thorough review, thanks

Nice review and demo man! Very informative. Both guitars have qualities I like but overall, I'd have to go with the pro. I can shield it myself. 🤘

A really very good job!! Thanks for it as I'm interested in the 'Plus', I've learned a lot. Very, very good, man Stevie, Germany, Düsseldorf, older ;)

New York, USA. This review is awesome. I own SC custom II, awesome guitar. I really like the Roswell pickups. Comparing to my Gibson trad and classic, the $300 HB is actually a better playing guitar! My ideal guitar: a single cut with FR, fast neck, belly cut, contour heel, passive pups, with coil split functions, and traditional LP depth (not like a LTD). -- there is no such guitar yet...

Great fun video Max. 🙂. On second listen to the sounds clip, I still think the sc550 rocks a bit more down and dirty.. and the plus has a bit of depth and clarity. Two different guitars indeed. I think the Roswells suit the classic Lp vibe a bit more but nothing wrong with Emg's..love them. My SlatxmgQ3-6 is my Emg girl..and she screams like a banshee.

Great video, Stephen McMahon from Wales UK, keep up the good work 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🎸

Thank you for great DEEP review.

Great review man!!!

Killer review dang!!! Thanks

Australia; fave guitar so Far is an LP kit guitar I built with lots of upgrades. Good work mate.

Awesome video! I really enjoyed. I come from Athens, Greece.

This is microscopic!! I like it a lot. You covered all that oftenly are not used to talked about when considering e guitar quality.

I've been waiting for this. I just started the video here we go. Great content. I have a SE PRS. I heard these are made in a couple of the same factories. I'm really curious about the quality.

Great review.

Excellent comparison. I have the same regular SC-550, and it's amazing for the price. The one area I would have liked you to compare was the build quality details. Specifically, the binding. My SC-550 is wonderful, except there is some weird discoloration in spots on the binding that were just poor quality control in manufacturing. It's like they didn't wait for the stain to dry before putting on the clear coat. I would be curious to see if the switch to the different mfg location improved the little details of the construction (I realize that's only cosmetic, but it all counts when you're laying down your hard-earned cash). Otherwise, I'm surprised at the sound similarity between the two. The difference is much less than I anticipated. It looks like the only thing I'm really missing, of real significance, is the locking tuners. Those would be nice, but otherwise, probably not worth an upgrade to the Plus. Greetings from Oregon, USA. Keep up the great work!

Wow, best comparising EVER!❤️

Thanks! From Brazil!

Hello ! Since you've reviewed the SC-550 plus and the amarok series, can you compare them sound wise because they have both very similar harwdare, the only thing that differs is the body shape. Thank you for the review, great content as always :)

I like the build quality of the plus but would like some passive mics better. Super meticulous review. I am writing from Caracas.

Thanks! Watching from Norway. Do you have any comparison between the SC-550+ vs. SC-Custom?

Kansas City can’t wait to get either one of these

Enjoyed your most informative video, I am in Ireland and researching a secondhand 550 with wilkinson zebra pickups, know I can check if they are active or not, dont really care either is Better than my epi lp special I expect!

With the v2 of SC550 Standard it would be so helpful if you would compare it to the SC550 Plus. The obvious upgrades are: - Lighter - Stainless Steel frets - New, better Pickups

Hi, Max! Very thorough review. Thank. To be honest, the main question - is it worth paying 100 euros for new modifications - remained open. The body of the guitar has become thinner. And the specificity of the LP sound is how to make out with a massive body, a rather thick neck made of dense wood. The price in-crease is mainly with more expensive pickups and tuners. The EMG sound from the Roswell sound. But the difference is very small. EMGs sound a little clearer, tighter and may have a higher kickback. Roswells pro-duce a more unclear sound. Moreover, in another reviewed review, the same can be noted for pickups with covers. Lock tuners WSC Schaller style J07LKF are unknown to me. Probably the same for most guitar-ists. On my guitars I dealt with Grover, PRS, Fender, Schaller. These mechanisms work smoothly and relia-bly. Even options that do not have lock locks. If the decision was made to go on increasing the birth of models, it was worth installing the tuners of the same Schaller. Their price difference from WSC Schaller style is small. The change of the manufacturer's plant for us buyers means little. It is clearly not connected in response to the wishes of buyers. Instability of quality in the form of minor paint defects and inconven-ient logistics are more likely causes. Hopefully the old SC 550 models will remain in the HB catalog. The buyer will have a cheaper base for modification according to their preferences. It is upsetting that the packaging has not changed at all. Tuning levers and tremolo bags continue to roll around the box. Epiphone ships similarly priced products in a more durable box with air bubble film spacers. Good luck.

Did you notice any neck dive on the SC-550 Plus? thanks for this awesome comparison.

Hey Max! Have Thomann some gretch like solid-body sigle-cut with BT(like) pickup, something that mimic (somehow) Gretch 5220 Electomatic BT, rather then LesPaul ?

Thanks for this real awesome review. a question: I'd like to play songs from Slash and guns n'roses...Which one do you recommend for ? thank you

Do you know the measurements for the vintage looking tuners on the regular SC550?

On my SC-550 Plus, the tone and volume knobs seem to have been switched (top two are volume and bottom two are tone). Is that also the case on yours?

Excelente explicación hermano

Wow, quite a dramatic difference between those two besides the pickups!

They both sounded way more similar than I expected, clean I could hear the difference but the EMGs did not sound much like emgs to me. I am guessing the construction and overall finish is better given how good indonesian guitars have become.

Does the 550 plus with emg clears well when you rollback the volume knob?

Both sound good and it’s probably a preference more than which is better.

I'm brand new to guitars i cant yet play the cowboy chords. what would you suggest as first guitar that maximizes features value and durability while minimizing cost?

It was interesting to see the lack of strap locks on the plus, I guess they assume you'd want to put your own on. I also thought it was interesting the plus had the open style switch. I always assumed a closed style was a better switch.

Good video, great info.... I'm fixing to get a Guitar from Thomann.... glad I waited... the new plus seems a little nicer to me.wished it had passive pups tho🤔,but at least they are EMG'S LOL ☮️

best reviews on yt

I want to buy my first guitar, I was watching the SC 550 deluxe and now I find this model that looks new. In this case what would be better? Sc 550 deluxe or sc 550 plus emg FTF? Thanks!

The SC550 standard sounds more vintage to me...I think i'll try one out.

Heynow Max - greetings from Southern California! My quest for the best Les Paul experience available for under $1000 US leaked onto your site. I decided on the used Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Limited Edition, which comes with genuine Gibson Burstbucker 2&3 pickups, for $700 which left enough budget to replace the bridge & tail hardware with a Faber Master Kit. I also buffed out the factory satin body to a glossier finish with Meguiars ScratchX and darkened the laurelwood neck with some walnut stain so that it looks *exactly* like the rosewood fretboard on my relic Strat by Dan Strain (Danocaster). The Faber hardware is a solid upgrade and I think it looks better AND more authentic now. It's not really a problem but I could do with a little less gain - I may buy a Gibson Burstbucker 1 for the neck and move the BB2 down to the bridge, keeping the stock bridge BB3 as a spare. I'm a hobbyist who has been playing nearly 50 years and has owned about 8 electric guitars, mostly the very famous ones plus a big ol' cheap 1970's hollowbody knockoff I ditched long ago. I've historically been a Fender / Martin man but have always been curious about Gibson / Taylor and have toured the Taylor factory locally (recommended :o) My favorite guitar is my 1963 Danocaster double-cut, which won out in a head-to-head with an actual 1957 Strat at the Guitar Center - 'nuff sed.

super!! Thanks!!!

Which one sounded warmer to your ears ? I really like the Les Paul look. I can't afford a true Gibson, so I'm looking for good alternative sounding and quality guitar. I juggle between a 2021 Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s and a Harley Benton SC-550 Plus EMG. Can you help me on that ?

The newest SC 500 (I just bought) has changed from the one you have. No more strap locks and the fretboard is a Asian cherry. Also the body is weight relieved. You missed that the SC 500 has a 4A top, the Plus is 3A. I bought the Desert Flame Burst and it looks great. I am adding Hipshot locking tuners.

hey just looking for HB comparisons , i just cant believe how affordable they are, i may get there V Clasic and replace the pickups w S.D Perley Gates. and im in Nwe Jersey USA.

Which model Harley Benton has the thinnest neck, you've reviewed quit a few. I contacted them and they said the Amarok ... after watching your Amarok review it's not as thin as they claim, was hoping you measured them on these 550's but no luck.

What is the difference btn passive and active pups? What is the advantage or disadvantage of each?

Great vdeo. Witht the different types of tuners I'm assuming that they have different size holes for the tuners to go through. Did you check that and if sowhat were the sizes? What are the diffeferences in the turning ratios of the tuners?

Great vid and review, but great riffs as well... your stuff?

Maybe you didn't notice, but they are much different in colour as well 😉

Awesome review! The Cort factory did justice to the SC-550 Plus! :) I know that I did a shitty review to the new model, so I waited for a professional like you to dismantle the axe to the bone. Unfortunately, today I've witnessed more than once that the pickup selector couldn't switch to the bridge pickup, so I had to change pickup positions many times in order to get it right. I hope that it is а temporarily problem. I have a modest question - do you find the bridge to be high quality, like a real Tune-o-matic? Greeting from Bulgaria!

dude i'm glad i started making cheesy guitar vids, i'm getting all these cool channels recommended to me right on man!!

Please make a review about kramer focus vt 211s

The most important differenxe for me was fretjob and pickups

I have a guitar that looks exactly like the sc-550 + but Ive had it for like 4/5years it has Wilkinson pickups. It has no locking tuners. Is this the precursor of these 2 guitars?

Have you tried the SC550 ll ? I wonder if it has an actual maple top or just a veneer… The pickups are different too…

So is there a 100 Euro difference build. and soundwise? Which one do you prefer, Max?

I preferred the tone of the passive 550 pickups.

Love my Harley's

The unwound G string sounds much brighter clean on the plus. Another big difference is price.

I may buy one of these SC 550 plus guitars for heck of it because its only $359....If it sucks I'll donate it.

hi, from the Netherlands, I like single coils mostly

Hey dear @MaxSoloMusic bro plz help me out i am getting huge guitar buzz when ever i am touching any metal part. Its a sss strat.

You would probably find that Thomann sources production batches of Harley Benton guitars in purchase orders that are then sourced out ("vendorized") to one or more of at least a few different SE Asian factories in China, S Korea, Indonesia and/or Viet Nam. This is not necessarily a bad thing as generally they are all capable of comparable quality work, depending on specs and price, but they each might use different machinery, tools and techniques to arrive at the final product. At the factory level, materials, hardware and supplies are sourced in much the same way. Then craftsmanship and available parts and materials can vary with location and shift so sometimes you may get a better or worse guitar than average for a given model's specs. Some or many of the physical differences observed in these two very similar HB guitars (as well as with other well-known name brands that have 'budget' lines of their product made in these same factories) might vary on the next two you sampled, just depending on when and where they were made and what it took to keep the factory running that day or week to fill and ship orders. Most of the differences you noted in these two otherwise same guitars probably come from the simple fact that they were built in different factories.

I haven't seen quite as thorough a comparison on these before.

THE POINT OF THE HORN ON THE CUTAWAY LOOKS WIDER FROM THE NECK ON THE PLUS

В плане звука Плюс везде чуть прозрачнее, а старый чуть плотнее, но не уверен, что в миксе это будет заметно. Возможно качество Harley Benton SC-550 Plus выше и не нужно ничего менять, допиливать и за это стоит доплатить, если это качество стабильно. Но у 550 тоже многие говорили об отсутствии проблем.