Ranking Worst To Best Import Guitar Brands Under $300

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  • čas přidán 17. 07. 2024
  • Import Guitar Brands Under $600 Video
    • I Ranked Import Guitar...
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    Here are some Affiliate Links to some of the highest rated guitars that I liked
    My Favorite Sub $300 Gretsch
    imp.i114863.net/zEaEm
    My Favorite sub $300 Epiphone
    imp.i114863.net/EmamX
    My favorite sub $300 Jackson
    imp.i114863.net/bx3xB
    My Favorite sub $300 Traveler guitar
    imp.i114863.net/3nPnv
    My favorite sub $300 Yamaha
    imp.i114863.net/vBnBA
    My favorite sub $300 Harley Benton
    www.thomannmusic.com/harley_b...
    My favorite sub $300 C&G
    reverb.grsm.io/cg4276
    My favorite sub $300 Tagima guitars
    reverb.grsm.io/tagima
    My favorite sub $300 Ibanez
    imp.i114863.net/Y6g6O
    This is were I buy my used gear online
    reverb.grsm.io/PhillipMcKnight
    Here are some other products from a dealer I trust and buy from online
    imp.i114863.net/c/2224555/791...
    This is the pick I use
    amzn.to/3e3NhH5
    These are the cables I use Klotz 15ft Cable with breaker ( You will never go back)
    amzn.to/2YilLQS
    String Swing Wall Hangers. The only Stands and Hanger I use
    imp.i114863.net/aErjN
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    The straps I use are Dimarzio straps and I've been using them since 1992
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    D Addario Fret Polish Kit
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Komentáře • 1K

  • @prasannasayami1351
    @prasannasayami1351 Před 3 lety +203

    Solid Body Import Guitar Brands Under $300
    35. Donner/Silvertone 0:25
    34. Monoprice 0:46
    33. Hardluck Kings 1:01
    32. Oscar Schmidt 1:17
    31. Glary 1:33
    30. Peavey 2:04
    29. AXL 2:32
    28. SX 2:43
    27. Hofner 2:57
    26. Auston 3:11
    25. Washburn 3:34
    24. Aria 3:43
    23. Stagg 4:05
    22. Vintage 4:31
    21. Mitchell 4:53
    20. Daisy Rock 5:13
    19. Traveler 5:40
    18. Hadean 6:12
    17. Kramer 6:31
    16. Schecter 6:48
    15. C&G 7:12
    14. Slick 7:37
    13. Xaviere 7:57
    12. Sterling 8:14
    11. Yamaha 8:47
    10. Dean 9:16
    9. Cort 9:54
    8. Squier 10:12
    7. Ibanez 11:13
    6. Gretsch 11:36
    5. Jackson 12:50
    4. Fire Fly 13:29
    3. Epiphone 14:34
    2. Tagima 15:18
    1. Harley Benton 16:06

    • @kevinking2468
      @kevinking2468 Před 3 lety +3

      The SX vintage series strat style neck with jumbo frets is really nice.

    • @kenshiroxxx90
      @kenshiroxxx90 Před 3 lety

      ugh

    • @parker486
      @parker486 Před 3 lety +5

      @@alittlebitoflight every single cheap Gretsch guitar I've ever played has held tune just fine.

    • @alittlebitoflight
      @alittlebitoflight Před 3 lety

      @@parker486 I'm happy for you (sincerely). I was hoping to buy one. Really liked the pickups on the solid body I played (G5222) and the ones in their older slim hollow bodies. But I'm not paying a grand+ (Australian) for something that won't hold tune (all hardtail too, no licenced Bigsby).

    • @parker486
      @parker486 Před 3 lety

      @@alittlebitoflight That's completely fair. I'm sorry your experience was less than stellar.

  • @HarleyBentonOfficial
    @HarleyBentonOfficial Před 4 lety +193

    Well, we are glad you dig our guitars Phil :) All the best Bene

    • @isaacyesca4728
      @isaacyesca4728 Před 3 lety +9

      I love you guys

    • @HarleyBentonOfficial
      @HarleyBentonOfficial Před 3 lety +10

      @@isaacyesca4728 Thanks Rogelio!

    • @AKEZ_076
      @AKEZ_076 Před 3 lety +1

      I have a question,
      I wanna buy one of your guitars but i dont know if i should get the paradise flame prs or the sc 200 student pack,
      I am left handed btw

    • @bradgray9703
      @bradgray9703 Před 3 lety +2

      I have the H.B. TE-70 RW, and if not for this stinking virus causing shipping delays,I would own several more models by now. The only mod I did to this guitar was locking fender tuners. Not because the tuners were bad. I just like locking tuners.

    • @thestratman7903
      @thestratman7903 Před 3 lety +7

      We would LOVE to have more access to these here in the USA!! With shipping being an extra $100 it's hard for those of us who haven't had our hands on one to buy 3 or 4 of them to make the shipping worth it...You guys make about 15 guitars I want to buy really bad!!

  • @lacroixphoto
    @lacroixphoto Před 4 lety +137

    I got hooked on Harley Benton guitars for about a year. I now have 6 of them, and bought two for my son. Great bang for your buck.

    • @simontemplar3359
      @simontemplar3359 Před 4 lety +10

      I went way overboard- also 6. weird. They really are phenomenal for what they cost, even with higher shipping. I also have a Monoprice Tele copy and a couple Xaviere tele copies. I think I have a tele problem. HA! But Harley Bentons are for sure an amazing value. Their PRS inspired double cutaway guitars are fantastic.

    • @caseylee12
      @caseylee12 Před 4 lety +4

      I've got 14 guitars, but no super strat. I'm looking at one of their Fusion 2 guitars. Maybe the green one.

    • @Kylora2112
      @Kylora2112 Před 4 lety +15

      Harley Benton is *THE* mod platform brand. You get the top-tier build quality for cheap so you can drop in $150 on electronics, pickups, and tuners and have a $1000 feeling guitar for under $400.

    • @simontemplar3359
      @simontemplar3359 Před 4 lety +4

      @@Kylora2112 well said. Absolutely accurate too. I threw new p90s in the SC GT450. Not saying it's as good as a les Paul gold top but way better than what I'd get elsewhere for the same money

    • @Kylora2112
      @Kylora2112 Před 4 lety +5

      @@simontemplar3359 Yeah, you can put $500 into a Harley Benton and parts and get something on par with a $1000+ Schecter or LTD. And I love Schecter and LTD.

  • @bukimari
    @bukimari Před 4 lety +4

    I'm really glad I chose a Tagima! It was actually yours and Marty's videos that convinced me and I absolutely love it. I upgraded the switch and the pots, as well as installed a push/push pot in the bottom tone knob to engage the neck pickup so I can get those Gilmour sounds. Thanks again!

  • @Sankeyite
    @Sankeyite Před 4 lety +5

    Whew, glad Firefly made the list. I've been happy with them, the epi special ll is another one. Thanks for the reviews!

  • @malicesmom
    @malicesmom Před 4 lety +256

    Who knew there were 35 brands under $300? 🤷‍♀️

    • @abcrx32j
      @abcrx32j Před 4 lety +5

      They are technically 36

    • @dbmabe
      @dbmabe Před 4 lety +16

      @@abcrx32j There's actually more. I was a pawn broker for several years, and the brands we could order to sell new were Main Street, Kona, Johnson, and a few others. However, most of those are not worthy of even being in the top 60. Bad fret sprout, electronics issues. I was in a local pawn shop the other day and noticed they are selling new Silvertone Strats. That's a recent development. Silvertone's were never available in the catalog's when I was ordering.

    • @jimnelson575
      @jimnelson575 Před 4 lety +3

      @@abcrx32j mmmmmmmmmm
      Mmmm
      Mmm

    • @ZaneDalton
      @ZaneDalton Před 4 lety +4

      Jim Nelson what the fuck...

    • @tomix1970pl1
      @tomix1970pl1 Před 4 lety

      heavyvibrationstudiopl.bandcamp.com/releases

  • @bendall248
    @bendall248 Před 4 lety +1

    This is the list that I have been waiting on. thank you

  • @jackpot848
    @jackpot848 Před 4 lety +1

    Awesome info on this video. I'm not really in the market but my buddies are always asking me about guitars for their kids. Good job!

  • @jonathanhandsmusic
    @jonathanhandsmusic Před 4 lety +9

    I've heard a lot of good things about Harley Bentons. I'm not surprised that they made number one on the list. Good video!

  • @jvbrandaom
    @jvbrandaom Před 4 lety +16

    Really cool to see Tagima ranked so high. They're kind of overlooked here in Brazil, maybe because they're so common place. People tend to value Squiers and they can get kind of expensive here, so your opinion is very insightful and might be useful for people thinking about "upgrading" their Tagimas to Squiers when it could potentially be just a sidegrade

    • @galangsyamilbasayev4476
      @galangsyamilbasayev4476 Před 4 lety +7

      Same thing happen to Cort in Indonesia. People tend overlooked Cort because it so common here. Little did they know almost half of squier and ibanez even the PRS SE is made in PT Cort. Put respect in Cort name

    • @johnkoch9315
      @johnkoch9315 Před 4 lety +4

      To me my perception is they’re starting to get a bit more popular now in the US by getting on most of our radar for the first time by launching their made in Asia stuff which had been selling okay on import on Reverb and stuff now finally getting into online retailers over here. To me that stuff is very obviously Fender inspired, but kind of boutique, sort of like a Squier meets Michael Kelly.

    • @markyurick4137
      @markyurick4137 Před 4 lety +1

      I never had a cheap Tagima that was not garbage. And when they are garbage, Tagima does nothing to help. Their customer service is non-existent. i don't know anything about their Brazilian stuff, but the Asian stuff is crap. More importantly, if you buy the crap, you are stuck with it. People comparing Tagima's Asian stuff to Mexican fenders are hallucinating. Mexican Fenders and even cheap Squiers are far superior guitars. It's really not close. I would much rather have a Bullet than a Tagima.

  • @noahmassey372
    @noahmassey372 Před 4 lety

    So excited for this! You really get to see a brand’s consistency’.

  • @stuntmaster127
    @stuntmaster127 Před 4 lety +1

    Awesome list definitely keeping an eye out for some of these brands

  • @fmoreirafilho
    @fmoreirafilho Před 4 lety +41

    Hello from Brazil! Thanks for showcasing Tagima guitar once more. The first Tagimas were totally handmaded, with a superior quality, and a faithful copy of a Fender 1976, with bullet tuss rod, but with brazilian electronics (a little les quality) and different woods, like Marupá and the neck in ivorywood, woods that could be considerated exotic in US. The former owner of Tagima, Seizi Tagima, has another brand, the low-coast SEIZI GUITARS. Tks

    • @GustavoFavareto
      @GustavoFavareto Před rokem

      Muito bom ver uma marca brasileira numa posição de destaque em um canal gringo, principalmente sabendo que aqui dentro muita gente torce o nariz pra ela.

  • @brandonfairchild5340
    @brandonfairchild5340 Před 4 lety +6

    Been digging firefly for 3 years now. Love them.

  • @garymcaleer6112
    @garymcaleer6112 Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks, Phil. I like to keep up with your posts. I always learn something new. I pray all is well, brother.

  • @friendhui4320
    @friendhui4320 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for all these videos. This video had a ton of information that I learned. Great job 👏

  • @altonT
    @altonT Před 4 lety +8

    I have 2 IYV guitars I bought for under $200. The SG model has 24 frets and has become one of my all-time favorites. Playes as well as a Gibson or Fender.

  • @andrewk658
    @andrewk658 Před 4 lety +23

    I was literally looking for sub $300 guitars for my dad about 30 minutes before this video dropped, perfect timing!

    • @chancemiller9340
      @chancemiller9340 Před 4 lety

      Has can take 4 days to 4 weeks to arrive in the US. If you're in Europe, delivery is much more predictable.

    • @overcome8628
      @overcome8628 Před 3 lety

      Look up EART guitars, Don't buy Harley Benton , trust me on this.

  • @dbraysd
    @dbraysd Před 4 lety

    YES! Love the video Phil! Thank you for all your hard work!

  • @TiagoCostaMusic
    @TiagoCostaMusic Před 3 lety +1

    What a great video! Thank you so much dude, this actually helped a lot. Many students ask about cheap guitars all the time, and this is amazing!

  • @artamussumatra6286
    @artamussumatra6286 Před 4 lety +17

    Love the Epiphone bolt ons, and the Squier Bullet Tele is phenomenal. This is really a golden era for low buck/high quality guitars! 😁👍

    • @innocentoctave
      @innocentoctave Před 4 lety +1

      The Squier Bullet Tele is excellent. I have an FSR version in Butterscotch Blonde. It cost £130. I can't imagine a better guitar for the price. It isn't perfect, but it's also a great platform for upgrades.

    • @artamussumatra6286
      @artamussumatra6286 Před 4 lety +2

      Paul B I have the Surf Green one. Imho, it compares very favorably to my American Pro. 😁👍

    • @innocentoctave
      @innocentoctave Před 4 lety +1

      @@artamussumatra6286 It's a great guitar. My Vintera Telecaster is obviously better, but it cost three times as as much, second hand. If you can't play the Bullet, you can't play. A very good example of why it's more important to practice than to worry about how much your guitar cost.

    • @artamussumatra6286
      @artamussumatra6286 Před 4 lety +1

      Paul B Yup, a great guitar is a great guitar, regardless of price. My Ampro Tele cost 10X what my Bullet Tele did, but I love them both equally.
      I also used to have a Mexican Standard Tele, that I’ve always regretted selling, it was fantastic. I won’t make the same mistake with the ones I’ve got now, they’re both keepers for sure!

    • @mikebaird6788
      @mikebaird6788 Před 2 lety

      Yeah I like the epi bolt-ons too because the neck problem on the demand Gibson's you can always replace it easier

  • @joeabstractjoe
    @joeabstractjoe Před 4 lety +11

    I tried a Harley Benton and absolutely love it. I now have 5 different styles and play them more than my top name brands. Thanks for the video brother. 🎶🎸🎶

  • @ferenclucas2842
    @ferenclucas2842 Před 2 lety

    Thanks so much this is one of the best videos I have seen all year ❤

  • @anthonyskellern5970
    @anthonyskellern5970 Před 3 lety +1

    Brilliant video - packed with information and engagingly presented. Lots to think about and a wonderful service to guitar fans and players.
    Phillip is definitely the guy you want to walk round the guitar store with if you have some spare cash!

  • @Jopeymessmusic
    @Jopeymessmusic Před 4 lety +42

    Harley Benton went through a little bit of a renaissance over the last 10-15 years. Initially when they were introduced, they were bad. Quality of parts, fit and finish and playability were all terrible. I don't know what happened, whether they shook up management or changed factories or maybe invested more into their R&D department but Harley Benton is now a serious contender in every price bracket under like, 800 bucks. It's great to have choices in that price bracket.

    • @kevinr.3542
      @kevinr.3542 Před 2 lety +5

      I'm so happy a brand like them exists.

    • @joshwallace2183
      @joshwallace2183 Před 2 lety +2

      They don't even make their own guitars, they are Chinese outsourced..

    • @Luckyrider1958
      @Luckyrider1958 Před 2 lety +6

      @@joshwallace2183 So does Ibanez, ESP.. and over half the others out there.. SQUIER is outsourced by Fender.. EPIPHONE is by Gibson.. SO WHAT??

    • @edorissen
      @edorissen Před 2 lety +5

      @@Luckyrider1958 This guy probably expects each brand to build a fricking factory of their own, lmao. Not gonna happen if you don't want all the guitars to cost 1000+ dollars.

    • @Luckyrider1958
      @Luckyrider1958 Před 2 lety

      @@edorissen Exactly.

  • @donaldscheer5206
    @donaldscheer5206 Před 4 lety +3

    Great List! some other guitar makers that are working hard to improve their Brands are: Grote & IYV.

  • @ianmwright66
    @ianmwright66 Před 3 lety

    Very useful to have your thoughts, and I was delighted to see HB come out on top, as I have a TE70 Delux arriving for Christmas from the missus! My first Tele, so can't wait! Stay safe, regards from Wales.

  • @robphillips8351
    @robphillips8351 Před 3 měsíci

    Hey, thanks for putting out really honest and great information..

  • @caseylee12
    @caseylee12 Před 4 lety +13

    I've got 3 mid-high end guitars (fender pro tele and strat, and Gibson Les Paul studio) and I love them, but you know what I play more? Hard Luck Kings Bossman (LP style- I replaced the bridge with a Kaish) , Squire bullet telecaster, and Glen Burton tele, which I got for $50, and I can't believe the neck in this thing! Luck of the draw? Anyway, you like what you like, and if you like it, you'll play it more.

  • @therugburnz
    @therugburnz Před 3 lety +7

    I bought the $75 to the door Glarry. I heard they were decent for the price, and I just wanted something to use to practice my custom paint technique. They do work way waaaay better than the beginners stuff we bought for same price in 1977. Remember back then $75 was a weeks wages\months rent in my town back then. $75 is now a days pay.

  • @Theweeze100
    @Theweeze100 Před 4 lety

    Really great list, love your commentary Phil.

  • @scottreynolds6317
    @scottreynolds6317 Před 4 lety +1

    Awesome vid. Love this series!!!

  • @orvilfarley7861
    @orvilfarley7861 Před 4 lety +65

    I kept seeing Harley Benton videos and hardly a bad comment on any of them. I thought for the price I'll take a chance just to see for myself. I was shocked at the quality for the price range. Great guitar, at least the one I bought was. I'm considering buying another one.

    • @user-ec6vp8kw3q
      @user-ec6vp8kw3q Před 4 lety +1

      I've got heaps of them and in my opinion there cheapest models are no different from the no name guitars you can by on eBay. Big difference is thomann will give you a refund if you get a dud which does happen often. When you get the higher end Harley Bentons SC-Custom, HB-35+, CST 24T you get shockingly good guitars for the price.

    • @DatBoi-mo9vc
      @DatBoi-mo9vc Před 4 lety +10

      @@Mark-OutWest its kinda rediculous to blame the brand for that. UPS workers and mail workers in general in the US are being complete dicks lately, and i think its the extra workload that quarantine is causinf

    • @chancemiller9340
      @chancemiller9340 Před 4 lety

      @@Mark-OutWest - I've been following the arrivals of HBs to the US on the Facebook page and it is shocking how bad those boxes look. Serious piñata practice before those things get to the buyer. I mean, amazingly awful.
      If you buy a guitar, and I may some day, you have to buy a hard case with it if you want to be assured of it arriving in a condition that you won't immediately pack it up and ship it back.

    • @DeadmeatDarkdaylight
      @DeadmeatDarkdaylight Před 4 lety

      well on my experiement about HB guitars are like good to bad perhaps nowadays that quality is on a top than years a go many guitar what I had was like hollow and didn´t played at all like dull sounded on acoustic side... but I have to say good thing about HB strings not oily anymore and that brightness is awsome

    • @AngelMartinez-qs3cf
      @AngelMartinez-qs3cf Před 4 lety

      Cool, what model did you buy?

  • @michaelmillican5592
    @michaelmillican5592 Před 2 lety +17

    I don't know how Grote guitar was left off the list. It is currently one of the best affordable guitar companies ever. They build guitars that most companies would not even entertain the idea of building. Firefly is a great guitar and I'm glad you put it on the list. IYV is doing some special things as well. These Asian guitar makers are absolutely destroying the market!

  • @jbaldwin2462
    @jbaldwin2462 Před 4 lety

    I luv these best and worst videos! Thank you!!!

  • @johnlobato6402
    @johnlobato6402 Před rokem

    Thanks so much, great information about Tagima!

  • @shaalis
    @shaalis Před 4 lety +5

    The Epi Studio LT is an AMAZING guitar. The pickups are very good. It's not a baseball bat neck. It sits well. It's not very heavy. It's VERY much a Les Paul for the cheap.

  • @markyurick6699
    @markyurick6699 Před 4 lety +6

    I love these lists, generally. They are very helpful. I don't necessarily agree with all of the ratings (I think the Tagima guitars are crap and their customer service sucks) but it's a great way to start a conversation. I really think that the customer service aspect of Squier should rank them a bit higher and the affinity is great guitar. Harley Bentons are shipped by idiots. About half of them are damaged in shipping. It's a pain.

  • @ScrewballMcAdams
    @ScrewballMcAdams Před 2 lety

    Great list, Phillip. Video was excellent. Steve

  • @felixjordanguitar
    @felixjordanguitar Před 2 lety

    great video, you did a lot of work tx

  • @runaprayascitta3970
    @runaprayascitta3970 Před 4 lety +431

    Great now make a list about guitar under 15$ because thats all the cash in my wallet right now.

    • @bramabull111
      @bramabull111 Před 4 lety +26

      Here's something they call a "plectrum"

    • @LarryHovis
      @LarryHovis Před 4 lety +13

      I can Print out a luscious cardboard guitar for you in that price range. Just sayin'.

    • @liquid7315
      @liquid7315 Před 4 lety +6

      Hahahahaha. Damn that really made laugh.

    • @elephantsmemory3142
      @elephantsmemory3142 Před 4 lety +28

      I wish that I could afford a wallet

    • @icedvengence3845
      @icedvengence3845 Před 4 lety +3

      Glarry uh... no wait.......

  • @christophersmith5413
    @christophersmith5413 Před 4 lety +5

    those tagima guitar rock, my friend has a guitar shop and he bought some tagimas great sound was set and ready to play and the quality and finish was beautiful,

    • @markyurick4137
      @markyurick4137 Před 4 lety

      Gonna have to disagree. I have had several Asian Tagimas and they were all garbage. Customer service is non-existent. People who compare them to Mexican Fenders have never played a Mexican Fender. I would rather have a Squier Bullet for about half the price.

  • @rockdaddy2168
    @rockdaddy2168 Před 3 lety

    This took alot of research, thanks for that. Interesting input on Firefly. I've played a couple and they are impressive for the price point. Thanks for all the info.

  • @ricardobermudez6229
    @ricardobermudez6229 Před 4 lety

    Great video as usual!!! I think you can take your time and talk more about guitars and show more pics

  • @kopprophet3819
    @kopprophet3819 Před 3 lety +20

    I'm surprised you completely missed IYV (Inyen VIna) guitars (Korean company making guitars in Viet Nam) with a similar business model to Firefly. I've set up 4-5 of them now and I think they blow Firefly, SX, Hadean, Indio, Starshine, etc., away. II can't believe there is not a bigger buzz on them... but at least the prices will stay low.

    • @johnwillard6198
      @johnwillard6198 Před 2 lety +2

      Totally agree

    • @jasonhancock5918
      @jasonhancock5918 Před 2 lety +2

      I agree i just pivked one up on a trade and i am totally in love with it. Honestly my favorite electric guitar ive ever owned.

    • @mcmeyer76
      @mcmeyer76 Před 2 lety +1

      I have 3 different models now (one I got on a black friday deal for $110), and in the price/quality comparison of every other guitar I own - they blow the rest out of the water. Love their work, and play these guitars more than any of my others.

    • @psyche234
      @psyche234 Před rokem +2

      Surprised to not see Donner or IYV

    • @Falstaff-mr8fk
      @Falstaff-mr8fk Před rokem +1

      There has been a very obvious lack of reviews on the larger guitar forums for IYV guitars. Just on the smaller channels. I guess they aren’t paying anyone for reviews yet

  • @demongeminix
    @demongeminix Před 4 lety +106

    Is it just me, or does it seem like Phil was gonna say a bit more on each brand, but cut it off or edited it out for time considerations?

    • @tomix1970pl1
      @tomix1970pl1 Před 4 lety +2

      heavyvibrationstudiopl.bandcamp.com/releases

    • @tonyfedor9052
      @tonyfedor9052 Před 4 lety +1

      @@tomix1970pl1 I would have to say that kicks ass ! 💪😎👍 You ever listen to Pat Travers from the early to mid 70'2 on into the 80's ? Check out the album " Putting it Straight" with "Snorting' Whiskey and drinking' Cocaine" and "Crash and Burn" . . . 😁

    • @jahmosaxenamp6797
      @jahmosaxenamp6797 Před 3 lety

      Stop picking it apart and just play it!! 🤘

    • @Meccarox
      @Meccarox Před 3 lety +2

      I felt that way too.

  • @MrEric622
    @MrEric622 Před 4 lety

    Loving these vids Phil- keep it up.

  • @MichaelTaylor-ff6lw
    @MichaelTaylor-ff6lw Před 3 lety

    Awesome video! Super helpful. I play acoustic and have been looking for an electric that won't break the bank. This video really answered some of my questions.

  • @wilvern1955
    @wilvern1955 Před 2 lety +3

    I noticed you didn't mention IYV guitars. I recently bought a thinline style tele with p90s that I was pretty impressed with for $150. Came with good setup,, only needs minor adjustment, pickups sound good, neck is straight, no fret sprout, stays in tune well, pretty finish. I think I agree about the Gretsch thought, my next inexpensive guitar too.

    • @seeburg10
      @seeburg10 Před rokem

      I just bought one myself. Great tone and sustain.

  • @johncrafton8319
    @johncrafton8319 Před 4 lety +5

    Squier should bring back the Vintage Modified line. That sub-$300 price point with nearly Classic Vibe levels of quality and kit. Plus, they had that lovely-but-quirky "Squier Vintage Modified '51", which is just a sweet instrument for the price.

    • @markyurick4137
      @markyurick4137 Před 4 lety +1

      I've got a "51 and is really is a great guitar. Agree on Vintage Modified- what a great value.

    • @kriswhite91
      @kriswhite91 Před 4 lety

      Pretty much the 70s classic vibe Strats are just a vintage modified with a classic vibe logo.

  • @bman-jy3gh
    @bman-jy3gh Před 3 lety +1

    holy crap i needed this video, thank you

  • @RetroFan1992
    @RetroFan1992 Před 4 lety +1

    Haven’t heard of a lot of these guitars! Interesting, great video

  • @ransombaggins9301
    @ransombaggins9301 Před 4 lety +18

    Good list! I would have put Yamaha in the top 5 or 7, easily. Also, really surprised to see Gretsch as high as that given how little selection they have at this price point. Especially after seeing you mark so many others down for apparently not offering enough (but at least as much as Gretsch). 🤔 NO WAY Firefly should be in the top 5 IMO. Their quality control is horrible! That alone should put them below companies like Yamaha. Firefly belongs in the teens at best. Really hard to argue with your number 1.

  • @swordofhonor2
    @swordofhonor2 Před 3 lety +20

    harley benton is great. the shipping kills it. it adds up. and if there's something wrong you cant return it. For $300 you can get a decent ibanez.

    • @stevewilliams2895
      @stevewilliams2895 Před 2 lety +1

      yea id say their 100-200 guitars arent worth it tbh unless youre in europe. but something like the fusions and amarocks? they are worth the shipping easily. super high speced guitars for the price

  • @garrettsgarage4769
    @garrettsgarage4769 Před 4 lety

    Nice video. I appreciate all the research

  • @p3t3playsmusic41
    @p3t3playsmusic41 Před 4 lety

    Great videos, I would love to see a couple of videos like this on bass guitars.

  • @mattlombardi54
    @mattlombardi54 Před 3 lety +8

    SX is pretty solid for budget guitars, I have a liquid and a hawk. Liquid has p90’s and the hawk is a strat copy. Both pretty good and playable without upgrades.

    • @koDaffi
      @koDaffi Před 2 lety

      I was debating between an SX or Harley Benton. Was thinking about Bad Cat but then I seen on Amazon Hard Luck Kings LP is identical to Bad Cat LP. Only difference was the brand on headstock.

    • @Luckyrider1958
      @Luckyrider1958 Před 2 lety

      @@koDaffi HB's are great.. have several.. But shipping has gotten really high.. used to be you could ship up to 3 for 39 bux.. now it's like 80 bux.. if you order more than one (you, or you and a few pals) you can divide the shipping cost per Pc by 3...
      SX are also solid bets.. Have Several of those too, and they are really a working guitar.. Rondo often has some on sale.. that's when I got mine,...

  • @TheSdrake1967
    @TheSdrake1967 Před 4 lety +5

    Hey Phil, have you ever looked at Dragonfire pickups? I'd be interested to hear your take on them.

  • @michaelcrosby4970
    @michaelcrosby4970 Před 4 lety +1

    Favorite list so far. Useful information.

  • @justme8108
    @justme8108 Před rokem

    Love the video. Thanks for the help

  • @markdavidofficial4274
    @markdavidofficial4274 Před 4 lety +3

    Sterling Sub Guitars and basses. Under 300$ and the best guitars for modern styles of music . I have gigged and recorded with both and they are my favorite

  • @texanfournow
    @texanfournow Před 4 lety +14

    For the most part, a very rational list. Two exceptions: I would rate SX much higher--great guitars--and I would rate Firefly much lower--they are infamous for Q.A. issues.

    • @LarryHovis
      @LarryHovis Před 4 lety +4

      One of my favorite guitars is a Firefly (the Les Paul style). One of my least favorite is a Firefly (the ES-335 style). But the LP with Alnico 5 pickups and me setting it up...that thing is dynamite and I'm not going to spend big money when I have this. It is in my top 3 (out of 14 electrics, all very different from one another).

    • @aarons.8532
      @aarons.8532 Před 4 lety

      I have an XS Bass. I swear it plays as good as basses I've spent $500 on.

    • @nocaster5120
      @nocaster5120 Před 4 lety

      texanfournow I recently bought three SX guitars and they all had scratched up frets with horrible filing marks in them

    • @LarryHovis
      @LarryHovis Před 4 lety

      @@aarons.8532 BASS. Doesn't apply. We all know it has fewer notes.

    • @bhollyfanhardin9627
      @bhollyfanhardin9627 Před 4 lety

      I have owned a few sx guitars complete junk i own two fireflys way better than sx guitars...sx are not even in the same league.........The two fireflys are on par with the squier classic vibes i have tried...the fireflys have bone nuts alnico pickups full size pots great setup out of the box the sx junk has non of this......

  • @ikeus6857
    @ikeus6857 Před 2 lety

    Thanks.. This helps my research for a next

  • @imannonymous7707
    @imannonymous7707 Před 3 lety

    This is another great review...king of gear reviews this channel is

  • @WhiteNacho
    @WhiteNacho Před 4 lety +5

    Stagg Chili is actually pretty good with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese some diced onions and a liberal shaking of Franks Red Hot !

  • @curtwuollet2912
    @curtwuollet2912 Před 3 lety +10

    Check out IYV guitars. I've got a really impressive LP style.

  • @chrisdurham6517
    @chrisdurham6517 Před 4 lety

    This series is awesome. Great idea.

  • @redelk2974
    @redelk2974 Před 2 lety

    Mr McKnight you have a great talent of directly explaining it. Thank you so much. Definitely a go to for the real stuff.

  • @TheDrunkenScoundrel
    @TheDrunkenScoundrel Před 4 lety +7

    I got an EPI Les Paul Special II P90 delivered for $139 and it’s a total keeper.

    • @mikeellis9720
      @mikeellis9720 Před 4 lety +1

      How and where please?

    • @TheDrunkenScoundrel
      @TheDrunkenScoundrel Před 4 lety

      I searched for promo codes and got a 20% off from retailmenot - it wasn’t supposed to apply to Epiphone but it did. Use a desktop as their site is not optimized for mobile. Just as a warning if you like that color? The actual color is nothing like the picture. It is barely yellow at all. www.wwbw.com/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Special-I-P90-Electric-Guitar-H77433-H77433000002000.wwbw

  • @67lilbear
    @67lilbear Před 4 lety +5

    What about the IVY brand from Vietnam?

    • @cumminspower
      @cumminspower Před rokem

      Also didn’t notice this was from 2 yrs ago, lol

  • @luckydee7909
    @luckydee7909 Před 2 lety

    Brilliant,very helpful and clear.

  • @lincolnjohnson6511
    @lincolnjohnson6511 Před 4 lety

    Love this series Phil!

  • @alexanderpotts8425
    @alexanderpotts8425 Před 4 lety +3

    I've honestly never heard a bad word about Harley Benton hey. I've been really tempted to order a fusion, even from Australia, because I just can't find a lefty guitar like it at that kind of price...

    • @Cookie4yabro
      @Cookie4yabro Před 4 lety +1

      Go for it! I too can vouch. Harley Benton guitars cannot be beat for value for the money. Every guitar I received from them came set up well and for the most part play almost as good as guitars 3x the price. My Harley Benton TE-52 was only $136 and it sounds and plays as good as the $400 classic vibe Squier Tele.

    • @alexanderpotts8425
      @alexanderpotts8425 Před 4 lety +1

      @@Cookie4yabro mate that's the recommendation I needed! haven't found a classic vibe guitar I didn't like!

  • @kenhall6525
    @kenhall6525 Před 4 lety +6

    I have a Harley Benton Tele copy TE-52 and a L.P. copy SC450 deluxe, they've quickly become my favorite guitars !!

    • @Separade
      @Separade Před 4 lety

      Ken Hall the TE 52 is they absolut classic. I own one too besides my real American Stat and Les Paul because I wanted to own a tele. When I picked up a 400 Bucks Classic Vibe squier last week I was shocked how cheep they feel compared to any harley benton I touched. Returned it immidiatly.

  • @brettthibodeaux4309
    @brettthibodeaux4309 Před 2 lety

    Excellent video. Thank you!!!

  • @sgt.grinch3299
    @sgt.grinch3299 Před 2 lety

    Thanks. This helps me advise my grandson who is just starting to learn guitar.

  • @wyliehudson8396
    @wyliehudson8396 Před 3 lety +6

    Being a dumpster diver for 30 years i just found my first guitar. Cadenza electric. Wish I knew how to play it.

    • @chiefinspector7280
      @chiefinspector7280 Před 2 lety

      Easy play the notes on the 3rd 5th and 7th fret. They all will be in key.

  • @robertclarkguitar
    @robertclarkguitar Před 4 lety +3

    Phil,..Remember I used to have an issue with the beginning of your channels success but I didnt hate it...Something happened over that first year with your tone, you found your niche and found it you did indeed. Classy, clean and non biased and no Mr. KNOWITALL mentality. Which I knew you were not that guy in the beginning. Thus the success you found. Being you is what sold your channel to many. Your passion was the key to the gate and you swung it open. Keep smiling and stay you!! Always a pleasure watching your show, live and non....peace. PS. THE ROO says Hi!!

  • @sevenswordsx7
    @sevenswordsx7 Před 2 lety

    Well done! Short and sweet.

  • @djack_1977
    @djack_1977 Před 3 lety

    Extraordinary knowledge of guitars... great video

  • @dontderockmeriz4546
    @dontderockmeriz4546 Před 4 lety +5

    My Monoprice Indio telecaster is the best $99 I’ve ever spent. It’s beyond gorgeous. Needed a little end filing. 20 minutes later I have a guitar that smokes. And yes, has the tele twang.

    • @artamussumatra6286
      @artamussumatra6286 Před 4 lety

      Cool. Nothing brings the joy quite like a cheap, yet great tele! I love my Squier Bullet, it gets as much play time as my American Pro.

  • @wmw0702
    @wmw0702 Před 4 lety +4

    Most of those guitars probably just come out of the same factories in China, Indonesia and Korea.

    • @bkon4675
      @bkon4675 Před 11 měsíci

      Yeah, I see a lot of the same parts.

  • @Tiburcio1950
    @Tiburcio1950 Před 3 lety +1

    Another great video. Really like these kinds of reviews. I have purchased a number of the ones you reviewed used a upgraded them for under $100. They key for me is to start with a good base guitar in the under $300 new price range. I have Harley Benton, Firefly, Cort, Yamaha., Johnson 1983... all from you list. Again great video. Make one dedicated to parts for upgrades, off brand of course.

  • @brunobarrerafoto1278
    @brunobarrerafoto1278 Před 2 lety

    This is a spot on review! I’m currently waiting for a Gretsch jet jr, owning a couple of epiphine Sg g400 and a Cort m520, and couldn’t be more in Tune with this review. I mostly work on studio recording environment, and I’m usually more inclined to working with any of my sub 300 guitars than the more expensive ones I own (Jem, Ibanez SA prestige, Jackson, tele standard and Washburn)

  • @everythingbobbywolfe
    @everythingbobbywolfe Před 4 lety +5

    I can't believe I still haven't tried a harley benton. They are crushing it

    • @FloridaManRacer
      @FloridaManRacer Před 4 lety

      take the plunge. you won't regret it.

    • @everythingbobbywolfe
      @everythingbobbywolfe Před 4 lety

      @@FloridaManRacer I've been sooooo close. They make a double neck sg??

    • @greevar
      @greevar Před 4 lety

      @@everythingbobbywolfe Indeed, they do. DC-Custom 612 Cherry

    • @everythingbobbywolfe
      @everythingbobbywolfe Před 4 lety

      @@greevar well, son of a bitch. I predict 2020 is gonna be the.year

    • @FloridaManRacer
      @FloridaManRacer Před 4 lety

      @@everythingbobbywolfe sure do. and it's a looker... www.thomannmusic.com/harley_benton_dc_custom_612_cherry.htm

  • @monmixer
    @monmixer Před 3 lety +4

    If you capture the young player with your product you have the chance to keep them forever.

    • @PhillipMcKnight
      @PhillipMcKnight  Před 3 lety +2

      Well put!

    • @monmixer
      @monmixer Před 3 lety +1

      @@PhillipMcKnight I learned to play on a Teisco that I talked my Mother into buying for Christmas when I was 12 or maybe a bit older. But that guitar had great action. It was pretty easy to play surprisingly. I did have an acoustic since I was around 10 and that thing was certainly not easy to play. This was in the late 60's going into the 70's. the choices out there today are mind blowing not to mention youtube lessons instead of all the records that I destroyed learning by ear and then the Sony Walkman's that I had worn out. 3 I believe. Young people right now have all the reason in the world to learn. They have no clue how much time they are going to save compared to us older people. lol Love your channel.

  • @kaysmith5495
    @kaysmith5495 Před 2 lety +1

    I’m really glad you talked about Gretsch and Epiphone because I own one of each I bought under $350. The Epi was used but I got it restrung and set up and it’s perfect! The Gretsch is original, straight from the box and love it! Both are heavy guitars though so I also bought a Squier Telecaster for the lighter weight. I knew very little about brands, just went with how they felt and playability so really good to know my views are shared by someone more expert. Thank you for this excellent review.

  • @davidg4726
    @davidg4726 Před 4 lety

    Great video! Uhoh! Now I am thinking about that Gretch! 😎🤘

  • @fernandogarajalde4066
    @fernandogarajalde4066 Před 4 lety +8

    When are we gonna do one of these for us lowly bass players? We spend and make money too...

    • @mitchellvanvliet
      @mitchellvanvliet Před 3 lety

      It's safe to say bass players make more money! They are spending less time getting laid 😂

    • @dreugh424
      @dreugh424 Před 3 lety

      @@mitchellvanvliet you're right, we'd rather spend our time doing something fun ;)

  • @stoffls
    @stoffls Před 4 lety +9

    I bought a Harley Benton SC450 for 180€ this year. And honestly: I was really shocked how great this guitar is. Top built without any flaws, came even perfectly intonated. And the P90s sound amazing. This guitar is an absolute keeper and the price is unbeatable. Especially here in Europe you can hardly get a better guitar for that money.

    • @raytorvalds3699
      @raytorvalds3699 Před 4 lety +1

      Agreed. I've had a couple of Harley Bentons too. They were all good. Not just for the price, but good... period.

  • @chrisnedbalek2866
    @chrisnedbalek2866 Před 2 lety

    Great video, thanks!

  • @Hulkhoagie1
    @Hulkhoagie1 Před 4 lety +8

    So glad he called out Hard Luck Kings for the pieces of firewood that they are. Their attitude also sucks.

    • @gamingwithmrgvil3511
      @gamingwithmrgvil3511 Před 4 lety +1

      Maybe I got lucky with them. Last year I got a spider which is their version of a firebird. Setup was perfect and plays great. Only thing I did was a 1/4 turn of the truss rod once it got used to the Florida humidity. Only negative it's a big heavy beast due to the body shape and it's 2 inches thick solid wood at the center piece. Not for those with weak backs.

    • @caseyshelton8388
      @caseyshelton8388 Před 3 lety +1

      Love my HLK Lady Luck

    • @DJBuglip
      @DJBuglip Před 3 lety +1

      The green one in my pic is from them and played like a dream out of the box.

  • @Steve-of8zo
    @Steve-of8zo Před 3 lety +14

    It really magnifies how the "premium" guitars are way overpriced.

  • @cosiogalko
    @cosiogalko Před 2 lety

    I love my Jay Turser guitar collection. Huge selection and every style you can imagine and they play and sound really good for cheap guitars. Good video like your knowledge and channel. Be well. 🎸

  • @zadokmotorfreight2423

    Wow, that was an incredible video!!

  • @thehound2161
    @thehound2161 Před 4 lety +5

    HB dominates this category. I am up to 6 of them. Yep, it is a commom "problem". The finish, wood quality, and set up's have been very good. Go for the higher end of the line up, the extra $50 or so is a big step at these prices. The SC-Custom's have all but been removed from the line-up. These and the SC-550's are mighty beasts, built with love.

  • @twinsmm1
    @twinsmm1 Před 4 lety +6

    Never heard of Stagg chili.

    • @albertgein3082
      @albertgein3082 Před 4 lety

      Delicious

    • @twinsmm1
      @twinsmm1 Před 4 lety

      @@albertgein3082 I'm in the Rochester NY area. Never seen it around here. I looked it up and see it's from Hormel. They sell Hormel chili around here. Haven't seen Stagg though. Maybe I just haven't paid attention.

  • @spokes28
    @spokes28 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for the evaluation of these guitars. I have two Harley Benton guitars with one more on order. I have not played any of the other 34 guitars but I am very happy with the Harley Benton guitars, although since they are shipped from Germany and must go through customs there, they do take a long time to get.

  • @LesPauloCaster
    @LesPauloCaster Před 4 lety

    Great list as usual! Where I live I can only get the Epis, Jackson and Squier... Never thought there were that many brands under 300.
    I had never got so early on to a video, wow! Greetings from El Salvador!

    • @tatialo37
      @tatialo37 Před 4 lety +1

      Same here in Puerto Rico!!!

  • @ABCDEFGHIJKELA...
    @ABCDEFGHIJKELA... Před 4 lety +6

    no ESP/LTD?! blasphemy, my good man!