Ive got the ash bodied te52 real heavy beast but i love it. also double bound te62. dc junior. sc550" and the knock off acoustic mini taylor clone. all good and great value.
Ive got some iron gear steamers? Or something like that, got em given to me when i swapped em out for emgs in a mates geetar. They're really nice, not too hot and quite versatile :) Awesome vid as always sir, thats one hell of a nice tele :)
I’ve tried an Iron Gear Blues Engine (neck) Humbucker and Steel Foundry (neck) single coil with one of my partscaster Teles - they sound really good to me, especially when I’m wearing my Iron Gear t-shirt 🙂
Great video, you've really set the bar high, and they're just getting better and better! Not tried a HB yet, but seriously considering it now. Only problem is I can't help being a bit of a guitar snob, and after buying a couple of good, but but budget guitars ( Jet JS400 and Solo King flame top MT) I'm looking to get either a USA Vintage reissue 60's Strat or a PRS DGT goldtop. I'm tornado don't know which way to go! I know this is very self indulgent, but with my 69th birthday coming later this year, I'm thinking life's too short to worry about justifying my decision s! Anyway, buddy, keep up the good work and I'm already looking for to your next offering!
Thank ya very much mate! 😃🙏 I've only heard great things about the PRS DGT (SE) - I'm curious to try one myself 😃 You're right - Life's too short - Go as mental as you can afford to 😁👍
Just installed an Iron Gear Rolling Mill (standard 9k) in the Bridge of my Jackson Soloist in place of the SD Distortion. What a difference! much better. A lot less output but the clarity is hugely better which made the guitar sing. I used to be a metaller hence the tag and soloist so i love the slinky neck and Floyd etc but i play mainly 70's and 80's blues rock now and these have transformed the guitart what i actually need.
I bought a black Fusion-T and fitted Roswell Filtertron style pickups and pickup mounting rings. It's very wonderful. I think I'll give myself 5 Stars on Trust Pilot. I can do that can't I ?
Hey man, youre cracy kinda Guy, but you are honest! And that counts. Loads of joy. ♥️ and subscription tough. I also own a Fusion T HH HT and i love it. Greetings from Germany. Cheers.
I've heard from guitar shop guys that Harley Bentons can be quite hit or miss, but they admit this might biased by disproportionately seeing dodgy examples that need correcting. Personally I have a blue Fusion T that has great build quality and plays great. It's a very minimalist design and I have no complaints. I enjoy it as much as my more expensive guitars.
I've adopted a rule of thumb... That once you get to £250 and up with Harley Benton, the consistency and quality takes a leap up 👍 I've tried a few of the cheaper models (but never owned one) and they've been fine. But I've heard of a lot more issues with some of the sub £250 models. The Fusions are really great though! You've definitely got yourself one of the good uns 😎👍
Nice video! I have the HB Fusion T, all blacked out with the EMG actives (399 US dollars). Will never part with the machine - had to re-pocket the neck by 1mm, but that was the only fix it needed. Absolute bargain and a solid player! Got a fusion III during the customer appreciation sale this year and have been looking at pickup replacements - maybe a Dimarzio set, not sure, still thinking about it. For 206 US dollars it is the greatest Charvel clone on the market and just a wonderful neck! We do need to request some 9.5 radiused necks on Strat and Tele models from HB! Give the people what they want! Until then, the Jet guitars do look like a viable affordable option, for sure. Cheers!
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏 Yeah the black Fusion T looks great man - Kinda classy yet menacing 😎👌 and you're right about the Fusion 3 being clos to the Charvels - That's why I'm considering moving on the Fusion ii, as I have a Charvel too. I'm not really a shredder and can't justify keeping em both 😬
That rolling mill pup sounded awesome split. I had a Harley benton strat in natural swamp ash. Got it off ebay for £130, it had Wilkinson ez lock tuners and Wilkinson pups. Didn'tike the neck so it went within a week. Mick Dundee has fairly bulked up 😅😅
Totally agree mate - love the split sounds on these 👌 I'm guilty of buying Guitars I know I won't like the neck on but the prices and specs are too good to pass up 🙈 I need to stop doing that 😂 And yes... I believe Mr Hogan, was going to be replacing Stallone in Rambo 18 right after the Croc Dundee 5 shoot, hence looking a bit more jacked
Grrrrrreat video and review matey 😎 I don´t have that guitar but something "similar" (The EVH-Wolfgang special) its got 2 humbuckers , which actually don't need any changing. It is the perfect guitar for all types of music - Rock, metal-shredding, jazz, blues, pop, punk and even your aunt Connie´s favorite Frank Sinatra songs. However, I just bought an Harley-Benton TE-62cc LPB telecaster and will be changing the pickups and do a few "mods" to it. I might just try installing one of these Iron-Gear humbuckers on it and see what happens. I might just create another "Frankenstrat" ! As for this guitar model, I might buy next an Harley Benton Fusion-T EMG HT Roasted SBK , or a Harley Benton Fusion-T HH EB OCT - Some folks say it has a roasted maple neck which smells of nice Canadian bacon ! If you are selling your guitar, I may be interested in buying it. Does the maple-neck smell of roasted Canadian Bacon ? That H-B Fusion 2 is a keeper just because of that flamey gorgeous top look on it. Don´t sell it man ! You will regret it later.
Thank ya mate! 😃🙏. Unfortunately the guitar left me a couple of weeks ago - my mate Si-Borg Guitars bought it. He's very happy with it too. Obviously depends on your tastes, but for your TE62, Iron Gear have some great reviews on their single coils too - I've not tried em yet myself tho. I've not experienced the bacon smell on any of them yet. But I've bought most of em used, so very likely the previous owners have licked off all the bacon fragrance 😛👍 and STILL on the fence about the fusion 2 😬. I think if it was HSS I'd be more inclined to keep it
Hehe... I am the 123 like on here! Cool guitar! I like T style guitar to hotrod the guitar like this. And yeah I have to do a smidge of woodwork on Imports to have them accept standard sized pots and sometimes on pickups because stock pickups are typically cheap and corners are actually cut. Cool guitar amigo!😎👍✨
Nice one mate! Thank you so much for Watching - Liking and commenting! That's the perfect trifecta of feedback for a YT vid for me - Cheers mate! 😃🍻 And Kudos to you for having the skills and knowhow to mod your Axes 😎👍 Cheers mate!
The split sound in the Middle is nice. I have tried a lot Harley Bentons (especially LP450Plus and SC450Plus). They are good (because they are not that tradional but not too progressive).
Thank ya mate 😃👍 and yeah I love both these pickups - they make a great combo 👍 Even though their quite affordable, I still can't help myself looking for bargain used Iron Gears on eBay 😂 #tightfistedscotsman
@@stevecassidyguitar yeah, I’m going to have a look at some myself, might upgrade my Harley T20 ( I think that’s what it’s called ) the cheapest one anyway 😂👍👍🤠🎸
I love HB’s but they can be hit and miss. I like a gamble so have taken a punt on b stocks a few times from Thomann. Always been lucky so far. Great video Yin. 🙌🙌
Thank ya mate! 😃 and good for you 👍👍 As I've I've bought most of my HB's used - they could have been B stocks, I'd never know. But my experience rule of thumb has been any HB over £250 is far less of a risk getting a dud. They're massivley competitive from £250 - £400
Super tones, Sir -especially those split sounds. Sweet. Just think there’s maybe a Charvel out there sporting a single original tuner! I’m looking on eBay right now 😄👌
Good choice with the IronGear pickups! I'm a fan of the AlNiCo 2 Tesla Shark and AlNiCo 4 Blues Engine (instant Santana vibes). Unfortunately, Brexit happened before I could buy some for myself.
Agreed! I didn't chose these ones personally - The previous owner (my mate) had em installed, but I was over the moon with them - great sounding pups! I've never heard a bad word a bout any Iron gears yet. I'm always on the lookout for used sets on ebay 😁 #tightfistedscotsman 🙈
I have 4 HB's and really like them. Back to the theme of the 12'' radius. I hope they offer some 9.5 options in the future but until they do I'm stuck at 4.........
Looks like you are also starting to thin out your collection. You can't beat having a spring sale of guitars that are not been played. I am still on a roll 5 Fenders with unplayable 9.5" baseball bat necks have left my collection.🎸 Now i have to start looking at my Harley Benton's etc and make some tough choices, but some will have to go.😥 Best of luck with selling yours Steve, you need the space for the 2024 Jets.🙂👍💓
We're getting there Barbara! 💪😃 Good on you for continuing to thin out the herd! This HB was sold to my mate a couple of weeks ago. The CST24 is next up for the chop - But I can't sell it until I've made a proper vid on it 🙈 Had a look at Any Guitar Geeks Namm24 Jet vid. Nothing really new.. well.. nothing that's not already been up on thier facebook for a while. So hopefully theres some more to come in Q2 Q3 Q4 🤞😃
@@stevecassidyguitar Just be patient Steve, all good things come to he who raves about Jet guitars, and they make them in the right neck radius. I have a CST24 but made the mistake of buying the hardtail, despite a new bridge and roller saddles the damm thing still doesn't intonate as it should, so that will be going, i also have an XT22 that is no longer made, which is not a surprise, it has a flat uncomfotable body and the dreaded Roswell pickups with a gritty edge, so that will also be going. I may keep the Fusion mk 2 as it is more like a strat with an ebony neck that is a dream to play and i spent a bit on new iron gear Alnico 2 pickups that sound so smooth, great for Shadows tunes even better than a Fender Strat! Onwards and upwards Steve, at least this clearing out is keeping me active.🙂
@@stevecassidyguitar Re the XT22, problem is that it plays like a hammer! and the Roswell pickups do it no favours. I don't think i will get much for it, it can't have been a big seller for HB to discontinue selling them.
@@Barbarapape You might be surprised - A lot of people are after HAMER guitars and they don't really exist anymore, and it's rare as HB don't make em anymore. Ya never know 🤷♂
Been watching more of your videos. I like your positive but nonetheless critical approach to things. Congratulations for your channel and thanks for the videos
It's a really nice guitar and sounds great with the Iron Gear pickups. Neally purchased one of these guitars a while back, when it was in the sale, but managed to resist
Thank ya Mate! 😃🙏 I know right? It's the same cycle of HB, Jet, Fazley innit? 😂 I've still got to finishe the modded Jet Vs Fender player vid, and the proper review of the Soloking. Then the next vid to feature the any Jet stuff after that will be the Gretsch Double Jet 😃
BRILLIANT ! ! ! Totally cracked me up when I saw Croc Dundee 'Paul Logan'... Yes, Harley Benton's appear to be a '12"-radius-and-ALNICO-5-only- zone'... I believe they are 'thinking' of going to a 9.5" radius for Fender-style guitars, but I'm not holding my breath. At the moment I think the only 9.5" radius they have is on a compound neck which straightens out to a 12" by the time you get to the dusty end. The only other thing I'd add is that I do have a 7.25" radius '57 re-issue strat which, contrary to what you hear, doesn't give me any issues whatsoever with string bends (it depends how well you have it set up). Gilmour, Clapton and Mayer all go for a 7.25", so who are we, mere mortals, to argue... :-)
Ha! Cheers mate 😁👍 IF HB have a 9.5" - 12" compaouind radius already - Sign me up! Do you know which model that is? 😃 and I totally agree Re the 7.25" and choking out on bends - for the examples you stated, some people think 9.5" is also too round and will choke out, but it's all about the set up imo 🤷♂️
@@stevecassidyguitar I don't know about any 9,5"-12" compound radius guitar, but I'm quite sure I knew if one existed. I still think the SC/DCX DLX/LTD Gotohs are the HBs with the roundest necks at something close to 10".
I had a bit of GAS for something like this to keep in drop d but it has subsided since I got the new Jazzmaster, I am also out of room for new guitars so would need to move something on first. Watch this space though, the GAS will probably return with a vengeance! The new Sire models will not help at all…
I hear ya mate! GAS is an unsatiable demon, we think it's gone, but it's only in slumber, waiting, and growing more powerful!!! ... n' stuff 🤷♂️ But yeah that Blue Sire Jazzmaster has defo got my GAS going 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar, I have too many guitar's. I thought to do a collaboration with someone. Where I live, it's horrible for guitar's unfortunately. The people here at the convent told me guitar's were fine at a small number but then a few months later they changed their minds and I am fearful that I cannot have even one in the home. I'm now looking for a roasted maple neck and body so I can have them outside with me.
@@stevecassidyguitar , things usually do man. I was just enjoying the guitar boom. It's over now so likely doing something else like farming. Guitar's will come back in trade only. Get ready, you'll feel it too.
I had a TE52 which was great. I used it for recording and my guitar teaching for a few years then eventually sold it to a lighting tech who wanted something to take on tour.
Very Cool, Thankyou Steve. WOW What a Stunning Guitar and Sounds amazing, as does your playing as always. We don't get Harley Benton here in Australia unless pay crazy import costs from Thommann. I have an Artist Guitars TC-59 "Telecaster" 'Splittable Humbucker guitar' Truly amazing Guitar. Some say too heavy but I find it Ok and just Amazing to play. Fretboard and neck is amazing. My First Artist Guitar and inspired me to get another ten Artist Guitars OUCH. But NO Regrets, every Artist Guitar is AMAZING. All The Best. Thankyou. Cheers
@@stevecassidyguitar Update, having watched your 9.5 rant, I have bought a 9.5 neck to try on the Fusion T that I lovingly sanded down almost to Fazley spec but I am to scared to go further in case I hit the truss rod, which would not be good. Watch your channel! 😆
@@mototakahe836 Nice one mate! I'd be really interested to know how you get on with the fit on the Benton and If it all works out. Which 9.5" neck do you get?
I've enough Harley Bentons as they were my lefty venue for trying different styles. Right now, shipping and miport costs to Canada make it no longer a cheaper alternative. Anyways, I have to sell a few of mine to get better, but I'm in no hurry.
Can't argue HB are great for exactly that - dipping your toe into certain models without breaking the bank. Unfortunately less of an option for you these days. I'm also thinning the HB herd 😁
They sound really good and the HB fusion seems great for the bucks, but the Roswell’s are pretty average. I agree 12” feels a bit to flat. I have that on a Wolf Hollowbody. 9.5 or 10 is perfect.
I didn't like the Roswells at all. But I'd prefer Harley Benton to stick with putting the cheapest pickups in thier models as possible to keep the cost down. I'd rather change em to pickups more suited to my taste anyway 😁 Wasn't aware of wolf guitars - just had a look. Impressive! 😎👌
@@stevecassidyguitar unfortunately it cost some with tolls and shipping from USA but I really wanted that one. It’s purple with all gold metal and I put a Deusenberg tremolo on, the first day. 😂 Now I’ll put the P90s on, well as soon as they come from UK to Sweden.
They are called pickup side mounting cleats. I would have a bit of fun with that guitar and put a Harry Potter decal on it, the font is practically the same LOL
Thank ya kindly mate 😃🙏 So glad you're enjoying the vids 😃 How do I follow that? well... I've ran out of vids again for now 🙈 So the next 2 Fridays at 6pm are gonna be Livestreams again until I can catch up again 😆
Btw Steve ,I know you favour a 9.5 inch fret board too ,I just bought a 2020 Squire Bullet Mustang and apparently in 2019 they changed from a 12 inch to 9.5 .The basswood models only weigh about 5.5lbs too{the Mustang is written smaller on the post 2019 headstock] .Mine in black was £90 on Reverb arrives tomorrow ,bargain [I hope lol]Guy selling it assumed it was 12 but I'll find out soon .
Oooh! That's interesting! 5.5lbs would be a dream for gigging! I'm just home from playing a wedding tonight, with an achy back - So weight its very much on my mind right now 😂👍
My Mustang arrived btw .It's 5.7 lb and an absolute breeze to handle and know I'll be reaching for it over my 3lb heavier FenderJagauar every time .As for the fret board radius I'm still not sure and I've ordered a cheap gauge set .If you look at the nut it looks flat but it also looks like bone so a replacement and I know the guy thought they were all 12 so may've fitted it in error ..The frets themselves don't look so flat tho I'll measure it properly tomorrow .Does play nice tho so maybe I cant tell the dif and its all inmy head lol .The only peculiar thing about it is the skunk stripe stands a bit proud of the neck and feels odd so will sand that down .Frets are nice and smooth tho and well rounded so I'd 100% recommend one of these ,esp if you get a sore back from gigging @£90 used its an absolute steal
@@Dave062YT Very cool mate! I'll keep an eye out for one - especially if it's 9.5" 😁. The 24" scale length will be something I'd have to get used to. I wonder how far it could go with mods 🤔 I'd want to change it to HSS 😂
@@stevecassidyguitar It's def pretty easy to convert to HS and SS I've seen the pick guards on ebay .HSS I'm not sure but the swimming pool routed bit looks plenty big enough.
I have a pair of blues engines in my HB HH. I love them. I'm trying to order another pair of foundry pickups for my other HB tele but trying to get their website to take my debit, credit or Paypal is not working. I am so frustrated. worked great last month and their support was no support
Great to hear you like the pickups - not so great to hear you've had issues with Thier website - thanks for sharing 👍 I must confess I've never actually used the Iron Gear site before to purchase. The set on this Harley Benton was already in place when I bought it. I bought a used Rolling mill for the bridge of my fusion ii. And a used Jailhouse rail for a partscaster. Both off eBay 😁
Hi Steve, very nice video. Great sound. I had several Harley Bentons of many styles, (S, T, LP, 7-stringers). Way too many to list them all. I never had a really bad one. 7 string R457 (129 Euros) needed a bone nut and was perfecr. LP junior style was almost perfect. The LP standard ones = great. DIY s-style kit was a lot of fun. Did not like my Amarok 7 string too much but was specswise a good guitar. BUT my TE-62CC SP is unreal. I got it because it's pink and when i say pink it is REAL p.ssy pink. I sold my loved Fender player strat because i did not need it anymore because of the TE 62. It was set up perfect. The pickups are not too loud but very good. It feels like a f..in' Tele. And now a question. What Iron gear Humbucker would you buy for the Jet JS 400?
I put a HSS set of Alnico ll Toneriders into my JS-400 and it really has a cleared the sound up compared to the ceramic pups(which are not that bad, but pile on some gain and they get 'slurry'!?) Just my 2 cents🎸🤘🏼🎸
Thank ya mate 😃🙏 and wow! That's a lot of experience with HB's ya got there - Nice! 😃👍 Humbucker for the Jet JS 400 well... I do love the Hot Slag in this one, but I'd probably want to try something a bit brighter and lower output if it's going in a strat. Maybe the Blues Engine or Tesla Sharks? Also a great shout from @gearviewmirror here with the Toneriders. I've not tried those specifically but heard good things 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks Steve! Yesterday i installed a new pickguard( loaded with Tonerider Pure Vintage SSS and my custom wiring), on my Fender Deluxe Roadhouse Strat and they sound amazing! It's like i got a new guitar but feels better! The response is superior to the noiseless pups that are originaly installed! Have a great weekend🤗🎸🤘🏼🎸
@@gearViewmirror Awesome - that's great to hear! I'm almost certain i've got a set of Pure Vintage here too. But I'm really excited to try out the Surfaris I've got here too 😃👍
Ha! Nice one mate 😂👍 I do need to slow down a bit, and my ritual of having a strong coffee before filming.. is porobably not a smart move 🙈 Thank you for checking out the channel 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar , no need pal. I’ll struggle through the Scottish accent! I’m American but can understand you quite well. I need to get back to my Scottish roots, 37%.
I uploaded a wee vid on my jet fingerboard to my RU-vid account. My pal bought one and was raging as my fingerboard has a wee flame on it and his hasn't. Maybe I was lucky??
Funny you should mention... I'm just editing a vid right now talking about exactly that. It's only the Fazley Phynica's that fit on the Jets (But they're all discontinued now 😕) . I don't know about any other Fazley models - I've not checked them. If you do.. let us know if anything else fits 😀👍 Jet JS400/450 = Fazley Phynica FSST 720/820 - All HSS interchangeable 👍
I think I might know you what you mean. There's something about the natural finish against that perticular shade of roasted maple that's kinda close to the shade of the body, but not quite right? 🤔 A bit like when ya see double denim - and the jeans have had a lot more washes than the jacket 😜
@@stevecassidyguitar Personally I just dont think flame tops look right on anything other than a Lester Paul esp on Teles .Also I bought a top end HB single cut the same colour flame top and it had a bare patch that ruined it so I had to return it and only buy solid colours now ,That's the biggest prob with buying online so play safe now buying new,