Harley Benton semi-hollow shootout! Aeolus vs HB-35 Plus | Is the Aeolus really worth an extra €150?

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Today we’re comparing the Harley Benton Aeolus against the Harley Benton HB-35 Plus to found out which is the most versatile guitar in the budget brand’s portfolio right now!
This video came about because I recently did a review/demo of the Harley Benton Aeolus (the link to that video is below), which is sort of a cross between a 335 and a Les Paul. And a bunch of you asked me to shoot the Aeolus out against the HB-35, so here we are!
The Aeolus and the HB-35 Plus are two of Harley Benton’s most popular semi-hollow designs, the HB-35 Plus being the brand’s take on the classic Gibson 335 model, and the Aeolus being somewhere between a semi-acoustic Les Paul and a 339 or a 335.
Get the Aeolus here: bit.ly/HBAeolusRWM
Get the HB-35 Plus here: bit.ly/HB-35PlusRWM
They’re both top quality instruments for their respective prices, and exceptionally versatile too. There’s a few key differences between the two, though, from the price (the Aeolus is €399, while the HB-35 Plus is €249) to body and neck woods to pickups and hardware. On paper, the Aeolus should be a level up on the HB-35 Plus… but is this the reality when you test them out side by side? And which of the two guitars feels, plays and sounds better? It’s time to find out!
In this video, I play a bunch of riffs in a number of different styles on the Aeolus and the HB-35 Plus, making sure we get through sounds on all of the various pickup options (both guitars have two humbuckers that can be split down to single coils). We’ll cover all the genres I like - indie, country, classic rock, alternative rock, and a bit of heavier stuff too - and we’ll see which of these guitars is the ultimate Harley Benton semi-acoustic! Which do you prefer? Let me know in the comments!
Here are the links to the different playing samples and talking parts:
00:00 Hello!
00:41 Intro and what we’re doing today
02:02 Aeolus specs/info
05:20 HB-35 Plus specs/info
07:35 Today’s video plan and my rig
Clean Sounds
08:32 Clean tone reference chords on all pickups
10:01 Poppy barre chords
10:33 Strummed country pop chords
11:14 Country ballad arpeggios
11:41 Strummed folk pop chords
12:17 Bluesey southern rock riff
13:07 Atmospheric droning indie chords
Crunch Sounds (Amp's Clean Channel w/Greer Lightspeed)
13:47 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff
14:18 Hendrix inspired classic rock riff
14:52 Airbourne inspired classic rock riff
15:26 Greta Van Fleet inspired classic rock riff
15:50 Southern rock picked arpeggios
16:13 Classic rock rhythm sound
16:47 Groovy classic rock riff
17:42 60s rock rhythm riff
18:04 Indie octave chords riff
18:53 Upbeat indie barre chords
19:21 Indie rock barre chords
20:13 Palm-muted open string indie riff
20:38 Fat indie rhythm chords
Lead Channel Sounds
21:12 Classic hard rock riff
21:47 Hard rock riff
22:21 Glam rock riff
22:50 Foo Fighters inspired modern alt rock riff
23:25 Alternative rock riff
24:19 Pop punk riff
24:47 Pop punk melodic lead riff
25:20 Punk rock power chords
25:49 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning)
26:20 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D tuning)
27:09 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D tuning)
Clean Channel w/Revv G3 Distortion Pedal (all in Drop D tuning)
27:41 Hardcore chugging riff
28:12 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang
28:36 Hardcore punk riff
29:07 Thrash metal riff
29:28 Lead sounds
29:52 Classic heavy metal/sludge riff
30:58 My thoughts and the versatility of these guitars
31:47 Build quality
33:22 Playability
35:48 Weight
36:37 Sounds and pickups
41:31 Which guitar is best? And which would I buy?
47:30 Final conclusion and goodbye
Watch my full Aeolus review and demo here: • Harley Benton Aeolus |...
And my full video on the HB-35 here: • Harley Benton HB-35 Pl...
I ran the two guitars into my Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 head, using my Greer Lightspeed for the overdrive and my Revv G3 for the heavy distortion sounds. The amp went from the Red Box DI straight into my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, which went into Logic Pro X. That's it. No post-processing on the sounds was done.
Here’s some links to those bits of gear:
-----
H&K Black Spirit 200 head: bit.ly/HKBS200rwm
Greer Lightspeed: bit.ly/LightspeedRWM
Revv G3: bit.ly/RevvG3RWM
Focusrite 4i4 (this is the newer equivalent of my 2i4, which they don’t make any more!): bit.ly/rwmFR4i4
-----
Enjoy!
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Backing music from the RU-vid Audio Library: Duck In The Alley - TrackTribe.
#HarleyBenton #Aeolus #HB35 #SemiHollow #HarleyBentonGuitar
Note: certain links in the description are affiliate links. If you click said links and purchase anything as a result, I will receive a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help to support the channel. So, if you do that, thank you very much!

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6 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 198

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Here's the timestamps for you people on phones: 00:00 Hello! 00:41 Intro and what we’re doing today 02:02 Aeolus specs/info 05:20 HB-35 Plus specs/info 07:35 Today’s video plan and my rig Clean Sounds 08:32 Clean tone reference chords on all pickups 10:01 Poppy barre chords 10:33 Strummed country pop chords 11:14 Country ballad arpeggios 11:41 Strummed folk pop chords 12:17 Bluesey southern rock riff 13:07 Atmospheric droning indie chords Crunch Sounds (Amp's Clean Channel w/Greer Lightspeed) 13:47 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff 14:18 Hendrix inspired classic rock riff 14:52 Airbourne inspired classic rock riff 15:26 Greta Van Fleet inspired classic rock riff 15:50 Southern rock picked arpeggios 16:13 Classic rock rhythm sound 16:47 Groovy classic rock riff 17:42 60s rock rhythm riff 18:04 Indie octave chords riff 18:53 Upbeat indie barre chords 19:21 Indie rock barre chords 20:13 Palm-muted open string indie riff 20:38 Fat indie rhythm chords Lead Channel Sounds 21:12 Classic hard rock riff 21:47 Hard rock riff 22:21 Glam rock riff 22:50 Foo Fighters inspired modern alt rock riff 23:25 Alternative rock riff 24:19 Pop punk riff 24:47 Pop punk melodic lead riff 25:20 Punk rock power chords 25:49 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning) 26:20 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D tuning) 27:09 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D tuning) Clean Channel w/Revv G3 Distortion Pedal (all in Drop D tuning) 27:41 Hardcore chugging riff 28:12 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang 28:36 Hardcore punk riff 29:07 Thrash metal riff 29:28 Lead sounds 29:52 Classic heavy metal/sludge riff 30:58 My thoughts and the versatility of these guitars 31:47 Build quality 33:22 Playability 35:48 Weight 36:37 Sounds and pickups 41:31 Which guitar is best? And which would I buy? 47:30 Final conclusion and goodbye

@alanpriest5047 2 года назад

A great review. What I liked was how you didn't say one was better over the other but how each one meets different tastes and requirements. In other words, horses for courses. I have the HB35Plus in metallic blue and love it

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks Alan, really glad you enjoyed it! I do try to be as honest as I can in these videos and I like to try and answer every question I myself could have about a guitar or piece of gear, hence the comments on how I feel they stack up for different scenarios and styles. The HB-35 Plus is a wonderful guitar, particularly when you consider the price. I'd have had the Metallic Blue one too, but there weren't any in stock for months when HB sent this one. Enjoy yours!

@robertpreato3891 2 года назад

Outstanding work on this review. Really enjoyed it so much.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks a lot Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I do put quite a few hours into these videos so it's great to get comments from people who appreciate them :) Cheers!

@DesertScorpionKSA 2 года назад

I have an HB-35 Plus and it's a good guitar. The pickups on the Aeolus are a bit brighter with more clarity, while the HB-35 Plus pickups are rounder and beefier. They're not that much different. I like them both but the Aeolus sounds better clean to me. I like them about the same with distortion though the HB-35 Plus sounds a bit more rock and roll.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yep, I would agree with all of that (except that I probably prefer the HB-35 Plus on cleans, especially on coil split mode). And the HB-35 Plus definitely has a bit more of a vibe to it for the overdriven stuff. Pehaps they chose those Tesla pickups for the Aeolus to continue the 'modern' guitar theme, whereas the HB-35 Plus is more classic...

@michaelk5507 2 года назад

Good stuff, as usual. One other extremely important thing about the Aeolus compared to almost all other hollow bodies, and a distinct advantage; is that one can change the pickups at a later date with relative ease because of the second access area on the back of the guitar, which obviously means one doesn't have to fish everything through the F-holes! Hurra!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it :) Yes, that's a great point and one I should've mentioned! Great spot, and I totally agree - changing pickups on semi-acoustics is usually an absolute nightmare. Not with the Aeolus!

@Roxomusica 4 месяца назад

Realy good man, just bought an HB-35 Plus Gun Metal Blue and was looking for more indie, alternative rock aproach samples. You did it all! Thanks for this

@DREOS7777777 2 года назад

What a nice review. Thanks a lot, fantastic job!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Cheers, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

@bertbregdenz2756 5 месяцев назад

I bought HB35+ in Black/Gold B.B. King Version ! Kind regards from Berlin 🌻

@RichWordsMusic 5 месяцев назад

Awesome, hope you are really enjoying it! Happy new guitar day and rock on :)

@jimmyjames2022 2 года назад

Great comparison and well detailed as ever! My first electric long ago when I was a teen was a 335 Framus so the HB35 is very tempting but my horizontal dimensions have increased. So a 339 sized Aeolus would be my pick now. But I've already spent my new guitar gear budget this year, so I've got lots of time to watch more reviews here before next years budget rolls around.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks a lot, glad you're still enjoying the videos! Yep, I have never actually tried a genuine 339 model myself except for once very briefly at a store, but I feel like I might be in the same boat as you, so that's something for me to try soon. I would love for Harley Benton to actually do the HB-35 Plus in a 339 size - I think that'd be great. An HB-39 Plus. My budget for the year is done too though, so we're both waiting for 2022 now, and who knows what goodies they might be unveiling then :)

@dawoud8013 2 года назад

Subscribed for the great comparaison ! thank you !

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks a lot, and I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

@dawoud8013 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic ;-)

@aahmed8239 2 года назад

Great video thanks 😊 Good luck with the channel 😀

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks so much, and I am glad you enjoyed the video!

@kostantismp3704 2 месяца назад

both awesome i must built a collection of these in next years

@StuartBridson 2 года назад

One thing to remember about the Aeolus is that it wouldn't be too much work to add a second push pull pot onto the volume to be able to split both pickups independently. That's my plan when I get one.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

That is a very good point, actually, and that wouldn't be too hard to do at all if you know what you're doing! Let me know how it works out for you!

@AwesomeSaussage Год назад

Thank you for the video. 👍🏼 I was leaning toward the hb35plus already before I watched the comparison. Now I'm sure I'll get the hb35. 💪🏼

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

No worries, glad you enjoyed the video and it helped you decide on the HB-35! I hope you love yours when it arrives. They are great guitars indeed.

@alfonsocastillo4553 Год назад

Great, thank you very much for sharing all this info :)

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

No problem, thanks for watching and enjoying! Rock on :)

@AlainChatignon 2 года назад

Thank you Rich for this review, with a very interesting comparison! The Aeolus seems to be a bit more powerful and more precise with its Tesla pickups.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it! Yep, there's definitely something a bit more modern sounding and precise about the Teslas for sure. The HB-35 Plus is a more classic guitar overall...

@hvhvgitaar Год назад

Thanks for this review. The easier access to the internals on the Aeolus is a big plus in my view. It feels a better long term investment with the frets and tuners. As for the sound: the clean tones on the Aeolus sounded much better defined in the mids and lows, where the HB35plus sounded muddy to me. So it’s time to save a bit more and get the Aeolus for me …

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I agree with your analysis here: all plus points for the Aeolus, and in these ways it's definitely worth the extra money. In terms of the hardware and woods, it's a step up on the HB-35, and that control cavity is a super useful thing to have if you ever need it! Hope you manage to get your hands on an Aeolus soon :)

@ManfredElsingBielefeld 2 года назад

Nice video,as always!Very interessting and nice to see and hear!Thx!The Roswell and the Teslar are quite near and they arnt bad!For me they are very good;you can work good with amps and effects!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks Manfred, happy you enjoyed this one! I agree - the two pickups are fairly close and they are very versatile too. They are definitely going to work with any amp/pedal setup! Cheers :)

@silviopimentel7247 2 месяца назад

Great review!! I actually thought the 35 sounded warmer and a bit of a wider range. But the size & better neck features of the smaller one.

@RichWordsMusic 2 месяца назад

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I agree about the tones... the HB-35 just sounds that little bit fatter overall. But the Aeolus's neck wins for me as well :)

@EEMukanya Месяц назад

Until I watched this review, I was going to buy the HB-35 Plus. After hearing the Aeolus for the first time, I will now go for the latter guitar. The price difference is worth it.

@JohnSparksScotland 2 месяца назад

The Aeolus sounded much hotter - yes, aggressive - it therefore perhaps sounded a little harsh. The balance between the bottom strings and the top strings seemed better for the distorted stuff. Good guitars - great demo!! Would love to hear the Aeolus with P90s

@charlesharper7292 6 месяцев назад

I was unaware of the HB Aeolus. I was about to pull the trigger on the 35plus till I watched this video. Anyways, the green color on the 35 plus is a bit outrageous. I love it! 🤙

@nidranrebreski2828 2 года назад

Just one word: GREAT!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks so much!

@bitFetcher 9 месяцев назад

Nice review! The Aeolus Frost appeals to me aesthetically on several fronts, but I’d love to have heard how each of these respond to slide playing!

@RichWordsMusic 9 месяцев назад

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Ooh, I'd also like to hear a great slide player try both of these... that's something I'm not good at at all ;) But these guitars would both be well suited to it, I think...

@jaywright9820 8 месяцев назад

I ordered a HB35 Plus CH yesterday and can't wait for it to get here! Thanks for showing how these guitars compare. As for how they sound, I was hearing a warmer (more hollow body) but lower output (?) from the HB35+ Roswells, then the Aeolus Teslas higher output(?). I'm no expert but I'd have to give the nod to the Aeolus for a more modern sound but (I'm biased) I enjoy the warmth and even 'growl' of the HB35+ sound more.

@RichWordsMusic 8 месяцев назад

Very nice! Hope you love the HB-35 when it arrives... they are fantastic guitars, and I totally agree with your analysis of the tonal differences. The Aeolus's Teslas definitely give it a more pristine, almost hi-fi edge. The HB-35 sounds fatter, thicker, dirtier even. So if that's what you like I think the HB-35 will be 100% your thing! Let me know your thoughts after you get it and have had a play with it :)

@frikadasvarias Год назад

Great comparison. If you´re interested in buying one of these guitar, this is a very good place to find out which is better for you. Congratulations for your videos!

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Thanks so much, I'm really happy you enjoyed the video! I hope other people also find these helpful :)

@Mr3DBob 2 года назад

I have an HB, and I find I don't like the splitting on the treble pup, but I use it on the neck pup to keep it from flabbing out too much.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yes, I'm with you there. I don't mind it on the bridge too much, but you need to tame it with the tone control. It can really help with neck pickup tones though, as you say! All in all, a handy tool to have for sure.

@DMSProduktions 2 года назад

They both sound pretty similar, but the Aeolus was brighter sounding all round than the HB35! Nice 1 Rick! \m/

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

I was surprised at just how similar, but yep, the Aeolus is brighter, and a little more aggressive to me. Both rather lovely guitars! Rock on, good sir :)

@DMSProduktions 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic * Bows *

@johnbaade1467 2 года назад

Thanks for your help.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

No worries! Glad you found the video useful.

@johnbaade1467 2 года назад

I have a Aeolus, what would be the things to look for , to change or leave on. I have not played long, but my mind is always on it. Thanks for your Service and Great channel.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

It depends! That's a very personal thing. I would say only change something if you're not happy with it - so if there is anything that's not doing what you want, then that's what you should consider changing. For me personally, with the Aeolus I was always thinking about changing the pickups. They're good, but for me the weakest point on an otherwise outstanding guitar. So that's what would be in my head. But if nothing is really bothering you, then don't change it... just enjoy the guitar as it is and play on :) Hope that helps!

@rossbrigolimusic Год назад

I think i like the darker tone of the Roswell pickups of HB-35. That's how semi hollows supposed to sound. The Aeolus sounds like my Les Paul.

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

I'm with you - for some reason, the Roswells sound more lively than the Teslas and have a 'bigger' sound too. They're fantastic. I've played many HB guitars over the past few years and also seem to prefer the sounds of the Roswell models over the ones with Teslas...

@serbellof 2 года назад

Hi, great performance, great comparison between the two guitars. In my opinion the Aeolus sounds better because she has a rounder and fuller sound as well as a higher output. But I like the sound of the HB35 plus because it is more balanced in the whole range. But they are two beautiful guitars, even if they are in the low-medium range

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks, glad you found it useful. Yes, it's interesting, but they both definitely have their own advantages - both great guitars, and quite similar in sound overall, but I guess also for different kinds of player. The Aeolus is the more modern guitar for sure, and the HB35 is simply a great 335-type. Thanks for watching :)

@jonmatthews4254 2 года назад

Massive consideration for me would be the access panel on the Aeolus in case mods or fixes were ever needed.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yes, I agree 100% - doing any work through f-holes is an absolute nightmare! So the Aeolus wins on that front for sure.

@IliaDem 2 года назад

Talking about "a cross between ES and Les Paul", Gibson and Epiphone actually have such lineup. It is called ES-Les Paul. Epiphone Uptown Kat, Wildkat, Alleykat are also quite similar.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yes, I've heard about the ES Les Pauls, but have never seen one to try. Sounds like a decent model. I'm a big fan of guitars like the Alleykat too, but they're such a different vibe visually. Would love to find an ES Les Paul to check out one day! Thanks for watching :)

@stigsy5609 2 года назад

Recently I bought the Aeolus and I like it very much despite I usually play much more expensive guitars. Be aware that it is bigger than a Les Paul, but smaller than a 335. I use the 335 case with some padding. I did some minor mods and can split the Pickups separately now. My Aeolus was very well set up, even inside. I lowered the Pickups and even got more clarity. Did I mention that I like it? Nice comparison anyway...

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Ha ha, I think you like it! I'm a huge fan of the Aeolus. I believe it's a 339 size, and I've seen someone else saying that HB recommended their 339 cases to people who ask about hard case options. Nice call on the double split option. I could see myself mixing the split neck with the bridge humbucker a lot, if that was a stock option. Rock on!

@stephanematis 2 года назад

I own both, the Metallic Blue/Yellow/Gold (somehow reminds me of the Russian Czar's summer castle) HB35 Plus and the Frost Aeolos. The neck is what pushed me more to the Aeolus and I think with a different humbucker set, I will cherish it even more. Perhaps a set of Gretschy humbucker set.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

The Aeolus has a great neck, for sure. At first I thought I'd like it a bit thinner, but I grew to love it pretty fast. And being satin, I'd take it over the HB-35's as well. Would love to hear it once you've got some other pickups in there! Filtertrons could be an amazing choice... as regal as the finish on your HB-35 Plus!

@antWales1 2 года назад

Excellent review once again, Rich. I am still toying with buying an HB35 Plus, albeit in a more sober colour with chrome rather than gold hardware, but I fear that HB are starting to creep out of their roots on price as they offer better spec’d guitars. The HB35 Plus remains remarkable value at £211 in the Uk v £339 for the Aeolus. The latter is also great value but knocking on the Epi price door (not necessarily better guitars, but win on brand image for most people). I can think of a good quality British watch company that started with low pricing but has now pushed up into competing with higher end watches). Anyway, loved the sounds and it has really helped me make a decision (against the other short listed Casino Coupe, if indeed I could get one!).

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Cheers, glad you enjoyed this one! And I agree with everything you say 100%. I've actually had a couple of chats with some other guitar players I know recently, and one or two believe HB should be branching out with guitars like the Aeolus as a different brand name. In a way I agree, as they are tarnished by the HB name to an extent (they're seen as the cheapest guitars out there, which is what they are, regardless of how good they are!). But I do believe they'll carry on making the so-called 'entry-level' models as they must be the absolute top sellers. No-one else can compete with the pricing on something like the HB-35 Plus. And the Aeolus is competing with the Epi 339 or other semi-hollows, as you say. I've never tried the Casino Couple, but would love to! They look like excellent and physically manageable guitars. And yes, a more traditional color would be lovely, I think :)

@antWales1 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic An interesting thought about the branding; they have got the pricing relative to quality (based on reviews) just right on the HB35 Plus. If they introduce a HB premium sub brand, they would need to ensure the quality was consistently spot on and choose a name that didn’t completely distance itself from its HB roots, but shouted premium quality. Harley Benton something. Connoisseur? Exclusive? Signature? Classic Series? Suggestions welcome!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@antWales1 Yes, I agree. The HB stuff is spot on to me, and I'd just up-brand the more expensive stuff. Perhaps in their place I'd get a known luthier or builder on board and call it Harley Benton XYZ, or HB by XYZ, or whatever. Harly Benton by Suhr, for example. That's if they can find a top-end builder to besmirch their own name by appearing together with HB, of course ;) But I think that could cultivate some respect for the brand. But HB Premium, or Exclusive, or similar would also be great. They'd need a different photo/video studio for it as well, and that'd be a great start!

@lsmorgado 8 месяцев назад

Very good review and comparison! Tone wise the Aelus sounded better to me in clean mode with a fuller warmer sound. More treble on the 35. But in gain modes both sounded very similar. If I walked into a (Thomann) store, which one would I buy? Besides the price difference, it would all come down to how they would feel in my arms and hands. And the aesthetics of course.

@RichWordsMusic 8 месяцев назад

Cheers, I'm happy you enjoyed it! The Aeolus is really a super impressive guitar, and I just wish it had the Roswell pickups like the 35... something about the Roswells just sounds super fat for indie and rock stuff, which I love. But overall the quality of the Aeolus is maybe slightly better. I also agree - if you get the chance, try both in person, and then you'll be able to make the right choice. It's always a bit of a gamble buying online! Good luck and let me know which one you end up choosing :)

@AlanMorley Год назад

I bought an HB35 Plus a few months ago but never took to the sound of the Humbucker pickups and hated the split coil feature. I couldn't get a clean sound that I liked and when the coil split was activated - half the volume vanished. If Harley Benton did a version of the Epiphone Casino, I would have gone for that as I'm really into the classic 1960's sound and the Casino was the choise for many guitarists back then. In the end, I went into a 'modding frenzy' and changed a few things on the HB35. Swapped the pickups for some HB size P90's with new volume/ tone pots, fitted locking tuners, installed some rollers into the bridge and tweaked the action by tightening the truss rod by quite an amount. Having mainly played guitars with the Fender style bridge which is fully adjustable, I dislike bridges that don't have individual height adjustment for the strings. In the end the HB35 plays like a dream with a low action, stable tuning and powerful P90 sound. Well worth the effort.

@jprayos2669 5 месяцев назад

Can you mod mine? Hahaha

@jamescoughlan8193 Год назад

For my ears the aeolus sounded better with the cleaner tones but with any crunch and distortion the Hb just took over which surprised me. Both nice though.

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Yeah, the HB-35 Plus has some magic to it when you hit it with a bit of drive - it just had a bit more life to it, a bit more fatness. The Aeolus is maybe a more hi-fi and pure sounding guitar, which perhaps means it is a little bit lifeless in comparison when it comes to the rock 'n' roll stuff... or something like that. Hard to describe, but our ears agree! They're both great guitars, though, like you say.

@retrochannel1763 2 года назад

well made review, thanx! It is very useful for me, because i was fallin in love with the 335 guitar, but have not much money. Therefore i think about to buy the budget version from HB and you show, that is a quite good guitar. about the rosswells: I have a pair of filtertrons and they sound 99% alike the gretsch broad trons for half price. Name of the brand not always say much about quality. best regards!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks a lot, I'm glad you found the video useful. And yes, I agree with you as well - the HB-35 Plus gives great performance and sounds for the price, and the pickups are great too. I really think that for €249 it's basically impossible to find a better 335-type guitar! And I have never tried the Roswell Filtertrons, but would love to one day :) Happy guitar hunting!

@retrochannel1763 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic thanks for answer. The Filtertons are not the best choice for aggressive rock and high gain metal. And also they are not super bright, like singlecoils. But for my style of music they fit very well. For Clean and classic rock sound they give warm, mellow sound. btw. If i buy the HB 35 i will by a Vibrato from Duesenberg and mod that baby. Green and Gold! So beautiful!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@retrochannel1763 Interesting. I'm quite intrigued by the Filtertrons, especially after hearing your description. I need to try some soon! I have plenty of bright guitars - maybe I need something more mellow too :) And yes, I had imagined a Bigsby would be great, but the Duesenberg too! That'll look amazing!

@stevehanham9266 2 года назад

Interesting comparison Rich. To my ears the Aeolus definitely sounded better on the clean settings. However, on the crunch settling not a lot to choose to be honest. I think the Aeolus comes across as a more powerful guitar. I don't honestly remember if in your individual reviews you said that they were both 'true' semi hollow or had a solid block through the centre. This would make a difference to the sound of course. One huge advantage (to me anyway) that the Aeolus has is the access to the pots and switch. Guitars with f holes tend to gather quite a lot of dust on the pots and it can be a bit of a nightmare to clean them let alone change them! I would liked to have heard some blues playing as I think, although, as you said they are very versatile, I think that this is mainly what they would be used for. Anyway, they are definitely both great value for money and I think that I'd be happy with either.😁 Cheers. 😊😎🎸

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

I thought this was very interesting too, especially with how similar the two guitars sounded on a lot of settings. I'd imagined they'd be a little easier to tell apart. The Aeolus definitely has a bit more of a modern, aggressive tonality to me, whereas the HB-35 sounds 'bigger' the more you up the gain. But they're both top sounding guitars, and both do the job for me on anything I set them to. Even blues (which I don't play much, but should've included at least a clip of here)! They both have centre blocks, yes. I think I probably mentioned this previously in the dedicated videos, but can't remember either ;) And you're absolutely spot on about that massive advantage to the Aeolus - this is a big omission on my part. Easy access to the electrics and inner workings of a semi-hollow guitar is rare, and a great selling point for me. So thank you for bringing that up! It's another reason to go for the Aeolus for me. Rock on :)

@casandre2 Год назад

the Aeolus has a deeper cleaner sound, as a jazz player that will be my choice :-) ... good review, thanks

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

I agree, and somehow it's an all-round more elegant choice for jazz I think... hope you enjoy yours, and thanks for watching :)

@dlmullins9054 Год назад

I double dog dare you to give an honest comparison review of your Harley Benton against the new Donner DJP-1000 335 style guitar. lol... just kidding but i would love to see it between the two great inexpensive guitars.

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Ha ha, in all honesty I had never heard of that Donner but I just Googled it and it looks pretty neat! I might have to contact them and ask if they'll let me borrow one for a video :) Cheers for the tip!

@andrewfrancis3591 2 года назад

Thankyou for your hard work. To my ear the Aeolus sounded really clear coil taped and both PU's clean. Very close.

@andrewfrancis3591 2 года назад

P/S What are the acoustic sounds like?

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Glad you enjoyed it! Yep, the Aeolus is a really clear sounding guitar, and the coil-tapped sounds really cut through. They're both top guitars though, and I was actually surprised at how similar they sound given the different body sizes and specs. In terms of unplugged acoustic sounds, the HB-35 sounds 'bigger', as I guess you'd expect, and it's a bit louder to my ears. The Aeolus has a more mid-focused sound to it, but they're both loud and pleasant enough sounding to strum along at home without plugging in! For pure acoustic sounds I prefer the HB-35 though.

@andrewfrancis3591 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic Thanks Hearing implants mean I'm unable to hear my solid bodies. I've tried the HB CST24 but have not jelled with it. I love playing unplugged it shows all my mistakes.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@andrewfrancis3591 Ah, OK. You would probably hear these two no problem. I love a bit of unplugged playing, or just playing clean through the amp... it certainly forces you to clean up any sloppy playing technique!

@andrewfrancis3591 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic Ended up buying the Aeolus, Restrung with De Addario's all frets level, nut cut perfect, fret ends 9 out of 10, relief perfect. intonation just G string needed the action dropped .5 mm for my likes. Very happy with the guitar does a great clean, slightly smaller body great for couch. Excellent value. Thank you so much for your help.

@simonvoigt6262 2 года назад

I bought the hb35 plus as b-stock for 199€. it was a great deal, I don't see any problems its looks absolutely new. It's great set up out of the box and plays very well. I love the build quality and the split coil feature. Overall a great guitar to choose.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Wow, that's a bargain for €199! At €249 the HB-35 is already a steal. Enjoy yours - they're great guitars and incredibly versatile too.

@simonvoigt6262 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic That was a really good deal. I can recommend everyone at Thomann to take a look at the B stock. In my case I saved 1/5 of the price and got a new guitar, can't see why this is a B stock, would have let it pass as new.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@simonvoigt6262 Amazing. I've always been too scared to order B stock unseen, but might give it a try this year! You do save a lot and you can still always send them back if they're not right...

@SG-js2qn 2 года назад

I've been thinking over this decision for a while, and since I don't play professionally, I'm inclined to get the blue plus. I like the Tesla pickups and other upgrades on the Aeolus, and I appreciate HB making more work quality guitars. I'm just not there yet.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

I believe you'll be more than happy with the HB-35 Plus then. Really, all HB guitars are incredible value for money and punch way above their weight in terms of performance (especially if you get a guitar tech to set them up for you when you buy them) and you do see pro players using even the cheaper ones! And the Aeolus will always be there when you're ready to take the next step in your guitar journey. Hope you enjoy the HB-35 Plus when you get it!

@lorenzoblum868 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic Hello Rich. Thank you for this review. I can see you had fun doing this and as a result I enjoyed it too. Did a lot of rewind and fast-forward and as you said, tesla and roswell are incredibly similar. Also as you said, with higher gain it seems roswell do a slightly better job because they tend to have more "howling" ? So I would tend to believe Aeolus might be more suited for blues /jazz? But there is one detail you did not cover. According to thomann the fretboard radius onThe HB is 305 mm with 628 mm scale, same as a 335 whereas the radius on the Aoelus is 350 mm with 635 mm scale. Did that affect the playability? I play blues, funk, picking. Would be glad to hear what you have to say.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@lorenzoblum868 Thanks a lot Lorenzo, this was a lot of fun indeed :) I agree about the pickups... I am almost convinced they are the same ones with a different name! And it's the guitars that make the rest of the difference. You're right, that's a detail I didn't cover. To me, the radius didn't make any difference to my playing experience, but the overall profile of the neck did (the Aeolus neck is quite a bit chunkier). The scale length also doesn't bother me, as I often alternate between Fender and Gibson scale lengths. When it comes to you, it's also I guess down to what you personally prefer. If you are more familiar with the more rounded board and a Gibson scale length, the HB-35 will feel like home. The Aeolus feels like a more modern neck, great for fast playing but also rhythm and chords. I find it incredibly comfortable, and it also has the advantage of being a satin finish, which I always prefer! I find satin necks a lot easier to play. I hope this helps, but just let me know if you have any more questions :)

@vincentryanborres 2 года назад

Lovely comparison. I would prefer Aeolus not only because of the looks and specs but also it’s smaller. I hope it’s also lighter than HB35.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I feel the smaller size is an advantage too, and there's another I didn't mention in the video (but should have): the Aeolus has a back plate, so it's very easy to access the pickups and wiring should you need to or want to. Normally that's very tricky with semi-acoustics! But regarding the weights, you'd be surprised: they're almost dead on. The Aeolus is 3.46 kg (7 lbs. 10) and the HB-35 is just a smidgen under 3.5 kg (7 lbs. 11). Of course, these are just the two examples I had here and could weigh myself, but I assume this will be a general rule that they're all around that same weight. I'd also hoped the Aeolus would be a little lighter! It's still not a 'heavy' guitar at that weight, but feels weighty when you hold it up next to the HB-355 because the HB-35 is so much physically bigger.

@vincentryanborres 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic thanks for this detailed reply. Yes saw that back plate. Didn’t click in my head but yes you’re correct because my friend got a semi-hollow like the HB35 and it’s was hard when they were fixing the pots. Again thank you so much.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@vincentryanborres No worries! It seems that HB really thought through everything with the design of the Aeolus.

@vincentryanborres 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic it seems like it.

@dawoud8013 2 года назад

Thank you for your video !!! it would be great to ear unplugged test. Well The TESLA PU seems to give more details in the sound. But yes same kind of sound between the HB-35 Plus and the Aeolus.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it! I agree - with hindsight, I should've recorded me playing them both unplugged as well :) (For me, the HB-35 sounds better and bigger unplugged, but the Aeolus is still good for this!) I'm surprised overall how similar these two guitars sound - and they both sound great!

@dawoud8013 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic Thank you for the unplugged information ! ^^

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@dawoud8013 No worries!

@dawoud8013 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic the HB-35 Plus is ordered ^^

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@dawoud8013 Great, I hope you love it!

@musicmesse1 2 года назад

Listened through a “classic” very analytic AKG k300, the Aeolus sounded more clear and more balanced in the cleans stuf. So it might behave a lot different in a bandmix. Modern I guess… I have the plus, and it has a very good old paf sound, especially distorted. The rest of my pickups are all p90, those differ brandwise and guitarbody wise. All very good. Many amazing choices indeed.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Spot on analysis - that's how I feel as well. The HB-35 is the old school rock and roller, and the Aeolus is the modern-flavored do-it-all machine! I haven't had either in a mix either, but I do think they'd both do extremely well. I'm also a huge P90 fan and have 3 or 4 guitars with them now - they have this direct attack and assertiveness no other pickup can match! What a great time to be a guitar player :)

@rockinbobokkin7831 9 месяцев назад

I listened to both, and i can tell the better tone for more money , but I'd still get the e35 make...the color is sweet and that's the neck profile i like, i prefer the reach of double cut, and the sound difference isn't great enough for me to spend more. Especially when it will fo through filters and pedals anyway

@davidlalremruata 2 года назад

HB should make it easy for us Indian guitarisers to buy their fantastic guitars.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

They should! I think in the future they will develop a stronger international distribution network. These guitars deserve to be easy to get in all countries! Hope you manage to get one soon :)

@PooNinja 2 года назад

It’s is hard to tell the two apart, but I like the big ole green one better.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yeah, ask me again tomorrow and I might say the green one again too :) They're very close!

@PooNinja 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic I had to watch instead of just listen. They sound a bit different but as far as I heard the decision is more style than sound.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@PooNinja Yep, spot on. If you just listen you start to hear subtle differences, but it's definitely a taste issue as to what you prefer as opposed to one just being 'better'. Rock on!

@ARK_Channel_26 2 года назад

I prefer HB35 more natural and harmonies.. Look's cool too on HB35, the difference I think it's just the output pickups.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

In some ways the HB-35 is the more natural sounding guitar, I agree! But I'm actually amazed at how similar these guitars sound, considering how different all the specifications are... Thanks for watching!

@MatsDagerlind 9 месяцев назад

Seems like HB scaled down on the tuners for the Aeolus from the Grover locking tuners mentioned here to HB branded no name and not locking tuners. About the nut it now just says "graphite", not Graphtech, but it might still be, it's a bit unclear.

@dannyschindler 2 года назад

Great review. Appreciated your honesty and objectivity. Subbed 👍 I just can't decide which I prefer... But it's a golden age for good quality low price guitars. I guess the manufacturing processes have just improved so much they don't HAVE to be hand made in America to sound good. They can be made for buttons in China. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. I don't think there's anything fundamentally wrong with endorsing low cost high quality products made in the far east. I just hope they can pay their workers a descent wage and still produce guitars at that price point!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it and cheers for the sub! I agree. These days, it's actually getting pretty hard for companies to build a bad guitar. The quality of builds from places like China and Indonesia has shot up, and they're no longer a synonym for 'cheap, low quality guitar'. I think most people would probably choose to buy Made in America or Europe if they could, but the prices for those have shot up too, and some are simply out of reach for 99% of players. And the quality is not always that much better either. I do also agree that we should ask questions about wages and working conditions in far east factories, though. It's my understanding that more companies are working to better this situation too, but we still have a way to go.

@dannyschindler 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic Absolutely agree. Great work with your channel mate... Wishing you continued success this year. I know gear review channels are 10 a penny on YT but you're doing a great job. Keep it up! Thanks again 👍

@IliaDem 2 года назад

Is CST24-HB closer in width to HB35Plus or to Aeolus? I bought HB35Plus and it is too big for me, my right shoulder is always way too high. Trying to figure out if CST24-HB will solve this.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

I haven't played a CST-24 HB, but I am 99% sure it will be closer to the Aeolus in terms of size. The Aeolus is probably between the HB-35 and the CST-24, but closer to the CST-24. I can totally understand that some people find the HB-35 too big.

@rafzputin 2 года назад

so torn between these two. love the versatility of the HB35 plus, but the specs of the aelous seem to override that easily. I dont want to be modifying the guitar... My other issue would be travelling with these babies. seems like aelous is likely to have better choices for secure hard cases for air travel

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yep, it's a tough choice. If you don't want to do any mods, the Aeolus may indeed be the way to go. It is kind of like a modded standard HB guitar, and you also get the roasted maple neck, etc. The Aeolus is smaller too, and apparently it fits in a standard 339-size case, so in that way could be easier to travel with as well. Hope you end up being happy with the one you go for :)

@Malcolm701 Год назад

The aeolus has the very strong advantage in that it has access panels on the back for changing the electronics...which can be a hassle on 335 type guitars... worth £150 in my view.

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

I agree 100% - that's something I kind of discovered with the Aeolus, and I would love it if all hollowbodies had this option! Makes any kind of work and maintenance so much easier.

@jeannedark8075 Год назад

Really enjoyed this video and have ordered a hb 35 plus as it seems a bargain at £168, I would also say that HB have improved their quality beyond all recognition in the last 2 or 3 years, I bought three HBs 8 years back and returned all because they were so poor (I believe those were Chinese made). I may have to buy an Aeolus too, surely this is basically a copy of a Framus Jan Akkerman (one of the most desirable guitars ever made) built to a good spec (£333 seems very cheap indeed for what you get)

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Oh yes, the HB-35 is a real bargain... at £168, it's a no-brainer. I also remember HB guitars from a few years ago, and they are a different entity completely. And yes, I've had the Aeolus too (there are a couple of videos about it on my channel actually, including a comparison to the HB-35: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yZub3r2ASA8.html) and it's mind-boggling how HB can fit those specs into that price point. If you were to see the Aeolus's specs on paper, you'd assume it was a £1,000+ instrument. Funnily enough, though, I didn't know about the Akkerman Framus - just googled that , and it is not too dissimilar! Glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for watching :)

@jeannedark8075 Год назад

@@RichWordsMusic I've always fancied either an original Jan Akkerman or the AK 1974 re-issue, however the former are around £5000 and the latter £2000 second hand so the Aeolus seems like a great bargain, also not dissimilar to a Vox Virage ( another £2000 or so) played by Prince in his latter years, great reviews, cheers

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

@@jeannedark8075 Oh wow, they must be pretty rare... those are proper 'vintage' prices. Thanks for this info... need to see if I can try a Virage at some point too! They're probably very hard to find now too, though. Cheers!

@_Uh_Oh_ Год назад

Was it in a sale when you bought it? They are £215 now - or did you get the normal model which is £169?

@jeannedark8075 Год назад

@@_Uh_Oh_ that was the normal price when purchased, cheers

@Kestrel-zc1du Год назад

two nice tools, similar in sound, the 35 remember the 335, actually, the Aeolus is pretty much an original craft, this, for me, makes it interesting...

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Thanks! Yes, I love the fact that HB made a semi-original design with the Aeolus. It's a fantastic guitar, and also it is proof that these 'cheap' guitar companies can also sometimes try original designs! They don't always have to make copies :) Rock on and cheers for watching!

@PlayWithYourThumb Год назад

I'd prefer the "upgrades" of the Aeolus on the HB-35.

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

It would actually be really interesting to add up all those costs and see where you come out! I suspect you'd still be looking at less than the price of the Aeolus. I suppose one big factor here is the roasted maple neck and those stainless steel frets, and that's something you couldn't just swap out.

@steveroberts 2 года назад

The Aeolus pickups are clearer. That was the main difference for me.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yeah, in some ways they're clearer (and for me, more aggressive) but it's always fairly subtle. I thought they'd sound more different considering how different the guitars are on paper overall...

@richardmerget Год назад

To me the better Pick Ups are the Roswells....

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

Overall I prefer the Roswells too... would love to see them in the Aeolus in the future!

@storm14k 2 года назад

Realizing that Aeolus looks kinda like a D'Angelico. Anyway I'd jump on it if I weren't afraid that they are going to release more colors lol.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yes, it kind of does - it's very elegant, that's for sure. Hmm, I think it would totally make sense for HB to do more colors - maybe in 2022... fingers crossed!

@CNylundPhotography 2 года назад

You sure as.... Looks like you're digging the HB-35 a hole lot more👌

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yeah, they're actually really close! I reckon if you asked me on a different day (or if I had had the blue HB-35) the answer could've been different...

@yachinyphotography Год назад

The aeolus sounds much better in the lead channel ,overdrive etc, the hp was messy, and dirty. In the cleans the hp has a vantage sound, but less versatile sounds

@RichWordsMusic Год назад

I agree with that - there is a preciseness to the Aeolus that the HB-35 doesn't have. The HB-35 is great for classic rock stuff, though. Both great guitars, and overall I'd say the Aeolus is worth the extra money!

@davidlalremruata 2 года назад

How is it that one guitar can be most appropriate n suitably fantastic for so many genres of music? Jazz n Blues plus old time Rock n Roll, sure but Punk n Thrash Metal as well? Maybe there's perception to be overhauled here. Hmm

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

It's interesting, and something I think about a lot. Possibly too much ;) Can one guitar actually do the jobs of three or four specialists? Maybe, in some cases. These two guitars are actually super versatile. And I guess the question is: how close do they get to the real things? For metal, I think they are 99% there... mostly the looks are wrong. But close your eyes and listen and they are playing real metal. I guess the one thing they can't really replicate is a Telecaster twang, although they can do that to some extent. Definitely worth investigating!

@claudiog.riedemann59 2 года назад

Awesome review and great quick playing on each genre, Rick, thankyou heaps!. I'd give the edge to the HB35 plus, more organic and classic feel. Size matters when it comes to hollow / semi hollows and you can feel a more airy sound in the HB35 plus. Same sort of difference between the originals Gibson 335 and 339. Finally, to my ears Epiphone tones don't get much better than these two, and they sometimes disappoint in comparison (too aggressive). The real step up would be a Gibson itself, but money-wise is just an unfair contest. Just ordered a black HB35 plus, not sitting on a fence anymore!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Thanks a lot Claudio, I'm really happy you enjoyed it! And I hope you love the HB-35 Plus you just ordered! You're right, size does matter, and these HBs really do perform way above their price level. I agree about Epiphone pickups being a tad more aggressive, and of course you could change pickups, etc., but then a used Gibson gets closer in price. For value, HB rules right now, and with the HB-35 and the Aeolus you also have two very different flavors of semi-hollow guitars... what a great time to be a guitar player, with so many lovely affordable options! Rock on and thanks :)

@Will-eb7fr 2 года назад

Both desirable - but the HB 35+ is got the edge for me...

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yep, they're both great guitars and I think ultimately it's a taste thing in the end. I'd love either!

@jaszulni 7 месяцев назад

The hb 35 is a bit lower in output i must say..

@RichWordsMusic 7 месяцев назад

It is, yes, and more classically voiced too...

@marcmadler454 2 года назад

First again! Hell yeah!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

You're too fast ;)

@marcmadler454 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic I guess I just have a feeling for when the video is online. Haha

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@marcmadler454 Ha ha, maybe I should start trying a few sneaky different times!

@marcmadler454 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic 😂

@4315jdickey 2 года назад

I thought the HB 35 Plus sounded better

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

For some sounds, me too! Especially rocky stuff. Overall they're fairly evenly matched for me though, which is surprising considering how different they are on paper.

@aliengrey6052 2 года назад

There is very little to choose from. In a mix well you wouldn’t know. But the Aeolus did sound a little more gutsy. Too the end though the aeolus did come out tops.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

I agree - I think the differences will all but disappear once you add other instruments in. The Aeolus is certainly a little more aggressive to me as well, and I prefer it for certain things, and the HB-35 for certain other things. All things considered though, I'd probably pick the Aeolus if I could only have one :)

@aliengrey6052 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic could you do a comparison between the aeolus and the new hb dc dlx gotoh? Reason is both have the same pickups, stainless steel frets although one is an sg and the other a les Paul. I have ordered the hb dc gotoh in black but I would also consider the Aeolus, it would be very interesting!!!! Indeed

@4315jdickey 2 года назад

Sounds the same to me.

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Yep, I can't tell the difference either half the time!

@tomd8313 2 года назад

Mod the 35 your own way, youll have a much more versatile guitar!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

I'm thinking that might be a great option... I have a tech friend who's done that and his HB-35 is just incredible!

@tobyben6431 5 месяцев назад

no more grover locking tuners on the aeolus in 2024

@RichWordsMusic 5 месяцев назад

Ooh, interesting change... I guess I need to see how good the HB tuners are in comparison, but I would suspect this is a price reduction exercise, and I have to say most likely a quality downgrade.

@tobyben6431 5 месяцев назад

@@RichWordsMusic well, they went up in price too :) Graphite nut now tho

@tobyben6431 5 месяцев назад

@@RichWordsMusicso yes, definitely a value reduction combined with a price increase. They could at least have gone for the HB locking tuners🤷‍♂

@williampage5869 2 года назад

Oh please stop!!!!

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Hmm, stop what exactly?

@timothymathew1540 2 года назад

Hardware on hb35 plus is the tops of crap..cheap plastic useless nut...horrible tunes and horrible roswell. I changed the bridge.....and tuners and put a bone nut. 50s wiring with a cheap Chinese pickups and it was night and day.....spend your money on an epiphone or larry carlton es 335

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

Well, I don't know... I own three HB guitars now (that I paid for myself) and they all have the same generic hardware as the HB-35... and I find all of it to be just fine. I mean, I'm not expecting USA-made Fender quality or anything, but they get the job done. I do know some people who have had bad experiences though. Maybe it's a case of getting lucky or unlucky when you order. But they are great platforms for upgrades, that's for sure, and all those things you mentioned will certainly improve them no end... and yes, I would love to try a Larry Carlton 335! They look amazing for the money too.

@timothymathew1540 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic haaaa yes...I just was unlucky and got some 🍋 lol....but you're right ✅ its a good mod platform. The hb 35 plus now has a great sustain. The other 3 Harleys now has bone nuts anlocking tuners. The bone nuts are cut as a fender custom shop. My luthier is fantastic. I'm just a sub newbie player lol. But as an engineer..I just enjoy getting someone to mod and change my guitars...aNd collecting rely good pcs.....I live thru good musicians like you lol

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@timothymathew1540 Yeah, I feel sorry that you got unlucky when you ordered some. I feel like they must have a 1/2% lemon rate ;) I'm happy you're able to improve yours, and it is also a great feeling when you put a bit of work into an average guitar and it becomes a really good one! And of course as a new player, it's so important to have guitars that are easy to play and inspire you to keep practicing. Enjoy yours and happy playing and modding!

@timothymathew1540 2 года назад

@@RichWordsMusic haa...it actually has some sustain...now...im lucky I have an experienced luthier lol 😆 😂 😅....and I love your riffs and videos. Keep it coming

@RichWordsMusic 2 года назад

@@timothymathew1540 A decent local luthier is worth their weight in gold! Don't lose that phone number ;) Thanks so much too, I'm really happy you can enjoy my channel!