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Post by rolle2010 on Nov 3, 2022 23:41:42 GMT
I'm a beginner in playing the guitar and I don't know much about hardware and guitar models. My idea is to get one of the ST models, which I have already done in the form of a HB ST62Vintage, and one LP SC model from Harley Benton. The idea is also that these guitars will serve me for a longer period, at least a couple of years, because second-hand market in my country is bad and my income will not allow me to change guitars often. Also the option to order a guitar from Thoman and return it if I don't like it also is not possible.
So with very little knowledge and not much room for error, I started researching on the internet and after countless reviews some general conclusion is that SC550 is the best model from LP SC line. I literally could not find a single bad review for that model which I could not claim for the others. It seemed that there was no dilemma in the choice, but the problem arises in the fact that SC550 is often not available in my country, and when some appears, they usually ask for twice as much money as for all the other models from the SC line(SC200, SC400, SC450,SC500,SC1000) which are always available and the prices are similar to each other.
So my question is - is the SC550 really that much better than the rest of the SC line and is it worth shelling out significantly more money for it and waiting for a good opportunity? Or some of the other models are almost the same or very similar to the SC550 and they are good enough as SC550?
Otherwise, I mostly plan to play classic rock and a little blues. Maybe very rarely some metal but the chances of that are very slim. I like the looks of the HB35 the most, but it's a different beast I guess, and as I've always put functionality before looks I guess I should still look at the SC550.
So what do you think about all this? Any help and opinion is more than welcome!
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608 posts
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Post by oghkhood on Nov 4, 2022 6:00:50 GMT
By SC line, 3 models are above the rest : SC550, SC450+ and the Gold top P90.
However, I consider by experience that you would get more for the bucks with the CST line ( aka PRS clones ), when it comes to "mahogany" bodies with humbuckers or P90
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Post by rolle2010 on Nov 4, 2022 20:50:23 GMT
Actually, at the beginning my idea was to buy only one guitar, and the CST24 was my favorite. Beautiful guitar and the reviews are good.
In the meantime, I got the idea to take a guitar from both extremes, ST and LP, to play them both until at some point I choose one that suits me better.
And that's why I'm now asking about SC models, while the idea of CST is put on hold because it seems to me that CST is somehow halfway between these two extremes(ST and LP). I didn't completely give up on it, ST&LP just seemed like a better idea... but maybe I'm wrong.
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608 posts
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Post by oghkhood on Nov 4, 2022 21:03:05 GMT
No it is not half way for sure. I presume that you are saying this because the CST is a double cut design. But it trully is quite like a LP ... a lot more comfortable to play. And when it comes to extremes .... then what would you say about a Superstrat like the Fusion III vs an Explorer with active pups ? These are a bit more extreme don't you think ? although the former is directly inspired by the Strat, and the latter created by Gibson with the same woods as the LP ? The CST is also featuring the same woods as a (LP) SC I mean, just do not forget that you are completely free to choose the guitar that you want, but just be carefull with the influence of marketing
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Post by rolle2010 on Nov 4, 2022 23:29:09 GMT
No, when I said that it seems to be somewhere in between, I didn't mean only the design, although as it seems to me the design is also a fusion of those two styles, but more about the length of the scale which if I understand correctly should be one of the biggest differences between the two styles(ST&LP). SC(628mm) < CST(635mm) < ST(648mm). By extremes, I was referring more to classic representatives of totally different conceptions of guitars such as ST and LP, and not to the derivatives that were created after that. But I can easily imagine guitar from Fusion series as the next guitar after my ST62, but I don't think I'll ever want to buy an Explorer series guitar. I mean, just do not forget that you are completely free to choose the guitar that you want, but just be carefull with the influence of marketing That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid with these questions because who better to give me advice than people who have direct experience with these guitars. These answers are very precious to me!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 5, 2022 0:00:22 GMT
I'll throw in my .02c worth. Bias or personal preference, I'd go with an SC Custom II over any of the more traditional SC series. Why? Prefer its modern C neck profile, thinner body bulk, hardware features & functionality. KISS. Three knobs two volume, one tone w/split coil. Grover tuners. And they sound like this even if I don't. Disclaimer: I own one, not a improved heel II but the original similar to as in that vid, albeit a unimpeachable quality Vietnamese manufactured SC Custom in Honey Flame.
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Post by DerAlex on Nov 7, 2022 8:44:46 GMT
I had the SC400 in my hands once, it felt like a cheap guitar (and I guess this will be the same for the SC200). Immediately sent it back. I really liked the SC450+ with the P90 pickups, that would be my recommendation to get a good guitar at a great price. My SC550 is definitely better than the SC450+ but if you are on a budget I don´t know if it would be worth twice the cost for you. That´s what you have to decide - it is not necessarily twice as good as the SC450+. I am somewhat an instrument snob and want (in my affortability range) the best bang for the buck and this is why I kept my SC550. YMMV Looking at what kind of music you want to play I would really vouch for going the P90 route - I adore P90 - in my book most underrated pickups. I think the single cut P90 guitar from HB is awesome - but never had it in my hands: www.thomann.de/de/harley_benton_sc_special_tv_yellow.htmI found that video quite helpful - with subtitles you should be able to get what he says: Good look with your decision.
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frank432
Harley Benton Club Junior Member
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Post by frank432 on Nov 8, 2022 14:42:08 GMT
I'm a beginner in playing the guitar and I don't know much about hardware and guitar models. My idea is ...
Ok whatever your idea is... your idea is wrong, because it is based on cerebral thinking rather than real life experience.
You can't pick the perfect guitar on the paper, because the perfect guitar after paper graduation, may fail you in real life for reasons you can't even imagine. Eg it is too heavy, it is too light (that is top heavy) or its shape is gonna get to your nerves for whatever reason etc.
It's like choosing a wife from a catalogue, than she's delivered to your front door and you discover that in the picture she was 10 years younger and her character is horrendous. You simply can't pick the perfect guitar on the paper, be smart about it.
Also, please, don't believe everything youtubers say about Harley Benton, they get paid for it, as simple as that. Harley Benton are ok but they certainly come with their issues. You're not cheating the system, but just buying an ok guitar for a bit less that what its retail price could actually be.
Buy a cheap guitar, like the ST 62 deluxe (for instance, or whatever you like) and be ready to change it in the future when your ability to play and select a guitar are better.
I wish you luck with your music.
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Post by rolle2010 on Nov 8, 2022 21:27:16 GMT
@manxcat thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely keep it in my mind, sound good and promising! DerAlex The problem here is not only the price, but also the unavailability in my country. In general the market for guitars in my country is not very good which is a reason why I want to avoid trading/selling the guitar anytime soon if possible. In the last 2 months, there are only 2 copies of SC550 in circulation, one of them for left-handers and one in bad condition. Both too expensive compared to other models which are constantly on offer. But even with higher prices they are not out of my budget, and if the guitar is definitely better than the others, as you say, of course I have no problem paying more. The only thing is to wait for a decent copy to appear on market. On the subject of P90 magnets - I often come across recommendations for this type of magnet, and I really really like one guitar with them CST24T, but I'm afraid it's already too similar in terms of scale length and the singles I already have. frank432 I am aware of what you are saying and I completely agree with you but unfortunately, with such little experience and without being able to try out and return guitars I have nothing left but to keep cerebral thinking. That's why the idea is to buy two opposite poles in terms of guitars until I understand what suits me better. Selling/swapping guitars frequently is not an option at this time. I am also aware that HB is not a miracle, and that there are many paid praises on yt. Let's be real, we're talking about a guitar that sells for $250. But in my country I don't really have many other options beside HB and they are either to buy an unknown junk and hope it will be usable, or to get an entry-level model of a better-known brand(Ibanez, Yamaha and Squier) that is significantly more expensive than HB and doesn't offer much more.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2022 22:37:57 GMT
Just something else to add to your buyer confusion. Watch this shootout. = ] Caveat: The SC Custom PLUS featured here (vs the Gibson Custom Shop conventional Les Paul) comes customized with with EMG active PUPs, and so is dearer than the SC Custom II. I know which I'd be buying and playing and why. If one goes with logic to remove emotive brand snobbery or bound by self imposed stuck in the mud stickler for the traditional aesthetic out of the equation, the thinner faster non-baseball bat neck, less body bulk and lower weight of the SC Custom II or Club wins hands down over the Gibson or any of the HB traditional clones regardless of its huge price and performance factor advantages.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2022 23:06:59 GMT
I am also aware that HB is not a miracle, and that there are many paid praises on yt. Let's be real, we're talking about a guitar that sells for $250. But in my country I don't really have many other options beside HB and they are either to buy an unknown junk and hope it will be usable, or to get an entry-level model of a better-known brand(Ibanez, Yamaha and Squier) that is significantly more expensive than HB and doesn't offer much more. You keep talking about "in my country". Which country specifically are you referring to? Why the intentional mystery/secretiveness? I'm in Australia. If it's Russia that's fine by me, although I doubt Thomann would currently to export there right now given the hypocritical sanctions nonsense. It'd help us to help you to know where you are in the world. And you really should unload yourself of the encumbrance of that Neanderthal thinking that Yamaha (or Cort) Indonesian manufactured guitars are "entry level". Your perception is errant and you are talking out of your proverbial naughty word omitted here when you e.g. Yamaha are "more expensive than HB and doesn't offer much more." Be honest with yourself. Apart from reading (far too many) specs on paper, or listening to You Tube emotively brand biased reviews mainly from Americans (God help us all!), you really don't know. Theoretical knowledge is neither experience nor endows the wisdom that comes with it. Listen to frank432 He speaks TRUTH and wisdom. Ibanez (& I own a non entry level Ibanez too) are overpriced. Their similar price tier products to the two aforementioned are lower BQ vs e.g. Cort or Yamaha because of their preponderance for celebrity endorsement and promotion they have to pay big money for. Similarly Squier. Outside the USA ugh! Just Ugh! Owned by Fender Corporation, regional price gouging is almost their brand signature. Gretsch the same because of their complete association in all but name with Fender Corp. Gibson, well, just laugh. I do. Outside Europe (& the UK) now, with the possible exception of the USA which being the market size they are and thus unfairly internationally favoured by Harley Benton, pretty much everything Harley Benton is not only now much more expensive compared to what it used to be, but comes with a horrendous international shipping cost impost, particularly $$$ painful if buying a single guitar as if as I understand it, you intend? For that reason, even I have written off buying Harley Benton guitars for the moment. There are many other brands which are absolutely great playing guitars and available for a relative song. Price and availability varies dependent upon where you are in the world. Hence, where are you?
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frank432
Harley Benton Club Junior Member
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Post by frank432 on Nov 9, 2022 6:31:13 GMT
frank432 I am aware of what you are saying and I completely agree with you but unfortunately, with such little experience and without being able to try out and return guitars I have nothing left but to keep cerebral thinking. That's why the idea is to buy two opposite poles in terms of guitars until I understand what suits me better. Selling/swapping guitars frequently is not an option at this time. I am also aware that HB is not a miracle, and that there are many paid praises on yt. Let's be real, we're talking about a guitar that sells for $250. But in my country I don't really have many other options beside HB and they are either to buy an unknown junk and hope it will be usable, or to get an entry-level model of a better-known brand(Ibanez, Yamaha and Squier) that is significantly more expensive than HB and doesn't offer much more.
Thanks for taking time in reading all of the comments. Harley Benton is a good choice in my opinion, given your options. Choose the one the appeals to you in the best way, the one that "speaks" to you, and good luck.
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Post by JAC on Nov 9, 2022 7:28:31 GMT
You keep talking about "in my country". Which country specifically are you referring to? Why the intentional mystery/secretiveness? I'm in Australia. If it's Russia that's fine by me, although I doubt Thomann would currently to export there right now given the hypocritical sanctions nonsense. It'd help us to help you to know where you are in the world. And you really should unload yourself of the encumbrance of that Neanderthal thinking that Yamaha (or Cort) Indonesian manufactured guitars are "entry level". Your perception is errant and you are talking out of your proverbial naughty word omitted here when you e.g. Yamaha are "more expensive than HB and doesn't offer much more." Be honest with yourself. Apart from reading (far too many) specs on paper, or listening to You Tube emotively brand biased reviews mainly from Americans (God help us all!), you really don't know. Theoretical knowledge is neither experience nor endows the wisdom that comes with it. Listen to frank432 He speaks TRUTH and wisdom. Ibanez (& I own a non entry level Ibanez too) are overpriced. Their similar price tier products to the two aforementioned are lower BQ vs e.g. Cort or Yamaha because of their preponderance for celebrity endorsement and promotion they have to pay big money for. Similarly Squier. Outside the USA ugh! Just Ugh! Owned by Fender Corporation, regional price gouging is almost their brand signature. Gretsch the same because of their complete association in all but name with Fender Corp. Gibson, well, just laugh. I do. Outside Europe (& the UK) now, with the possible exception of the USA which being the market size they are and thus unfairly internationally favoured by Harley Benton, pretty much everything Harley Benton is not only now much more expensive compared to what it used to be, but comes with a horrendous international shipping cost impost, particularly $$$ painful if buying a single guitar as if as I understand it, you intend? For that reason, even I have written off buying Harley Benton guitars for the moment. There are many other brands which are absolutely great playing guitars and available for a relative song. Price and availability varies dependent upon where you are in the world. Hence, where are you? Please don't get too worked up on the subject. I think we understood your point of view and personal preferences but please remember that everyone has a right to like and dislike whatever they want. If you need to attack other things to praise the thing you like, that takes away from the point you are trying to get across. (And if the OP wants to disclose his country or not, that is totally up to him).
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thunderbird
Harley Benton Expert
Less purchase, more practice
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Post by thunderbird on Nov 9, 2022 8:43:00 GMT
Buying a cheap guitar will mean you need to get set it up to your personal preferences. If you are handy, there are plenty of DIY vids on You Tube, if not add cost of guitar tech. At a minimum, intonation and maybe nut might need work. I have had some that have needed full fret jobs, not cheap, but I have tools and can manage. Good luck in your guitar hunt! These two recent buys had the nuts cut well, particularly the SC Special TV Yellow, but the intonation was way out of whack on both, luckily the bridge affords a large range of adjustment. The DC will need to have the pick up shimmed closer to the strings.
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Post by rolle2010 on Nov 9, 2022 8:52:28 GMT
@manxcat
I'am from Serbia. So it is in Europe, but not in the European Union. I didn't mention the country because it seems unrealistic to me that most people even know where it is, let alone be informed about the guitars available here. Ordering is not an option because packages are known to "disappear" in transit from time to time, and import duties are often charged unrealistically high.
Besides the well-known brands, the only guitars available for sale that I could find anything about on the internet are Aria, Jay Turser, Flight and Soundsation guitars.
HB is not officially available, but a few people bring them in significant quantities from Thoman, mostly B stocks with little visual damage.
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