Harley Benton Fusion-T - Detailed Review Part 2
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- čas přidán 10. 09. 2024
- In this video: Harley Benton Fusion-T HT Roasted detailed review Part 2. More measurements, facts and details. Fusion-T pickup switch update. So which one is it - Mahogany or Sapele? Pickups specs. And my personal opinion about this guitar.
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#harleybenton #electricguitar #telecaster
I installed a Seymour Duncan JB TB4 and what a difference it made in over all tone. Really woke this guitar up. I will also add that it is an extremely comfortable and pleasant guitar to play. Stays in tune very well.
Right, even though there's no bevel for the right hand. There's no tremolo arm and knobs are far enough. I found myself practicing on this guitar more than on any other. Wanted to mention that in the video and completely forgotten
Watching this a year later, it’s cool to see how the company probably took your advice. The newer fusion T comes with HAF pickups, and they just released a black one with emgs for $399
Must say your guitar rewievs are among the most thorough and high quality that I’ve ever seen.
Thanks!
The PUs are so-so if you play at home with a domestic
Thanks! Love the feedback. I didn't run into the sticky neck problem, well we didn't exactly have too many gigs this year. My plan is to check a couple of Bentons next time we're allowed to go on stage though. I wonder if those necks are produced the same way as what we see on Ibanez guitars.
Agufish m.czcams.com/users/agufish99
He has solved the neck problem with Harley Benton as he polishes the neck on any of his Benton guitars.
@@KimmeU yeah, I remember Hunter mentioned that
@@MaxSoloMusic Not sure. The Ibanez SMol neck is also natural wood but doesn't feel greasy as this after 1h playing.This fingerboard and neck-back gets dirty quick.
Same here. It is a beauty but...playing under 30° it becomes greasy as hell.I have to clean it with a towel every 20min. The control buttons also are on the cheap side and failed on me.I had to change all electronics and pots
I would be thrilled to see any mods to an Harley Benton guitar to increase the tonal abilities of these guitars.
Nice :) I was planning to mod it anyway, might as well do it on camera
@@MaxSoloMusic that would be awesome! I've been thinking of this model for a mod platform but was held off because of that switch placement. Now that that's fixed it seems like a great choice. Would very much like to see you pimp it up!
My plan is to add SD P-Rails, drill two extra holes into the control cavity, change the switch to a Freeway 3B3 6-way switch, add two 4-way rotary switches (one for each pickup) to select P90/Rail/Series/Parallel. Then change the pots to master volume and master tone, with a push-push switch on the tone pot for bass cut. That amount of wiring should balance out that neck dive!
Or maybe I'll just change the pickups to Iron Gear Blues Engines
Your reviews have become my favorite in all CZcams.
Excited to see part 3!
Glad you like them!
Hey Max, I love the suggestion of upgrading this guitar with each of the mods you suggested. Perhaps a before and after would be appropriate too. Great work mate. 🇦🇺
I generally don’t get exited by gear review videos but Max, your is the exception. The best analyst.
I will give my final review soon. Still loving it so far. I actually love the pups. But I'm used to strats mainly.
Excellent deep review. I'm no pro...haahaha
If this feel like higher price then 399 i'm so glad i got it new for 260 euros, it's a really good looking guitar, and even if i spend 100/200 euros for pickups it's still higher value
Never had a problem dialing roswell pick ups in they're actually very good,
I have found that all high output pickups sound virtually the same. I have moved to medium/low output pickups as to my ears, they work much better with effects and express a better sound.
I am still waiting for my Fusion T but I confess that I am pleasantly intrigued with the "darker" sounding Roswells. If there is one thing a Telecaster DOESN'T need, it is more high end LOL.. besides, there is this little dial on my amp labeled "treble".. maybe that might help? LOL
Cheers and keep up the great work.
Love the channel
:)
Thanks Owen!
Completely agree on stock Roswells. I could only use them with low cut EQ first in the chain, otherwise it was a total mud fest.
Mud fest? :) Sounds like fun 😂
I have to say, you have the best guitar reviews on YT, hands down. Keep it up!
Hey thanks for a great in depth review on the harley fusion. Enjoyed our time together. Good show.!!!×
I plan on putting SD Antiquities in mine! Can’t wait for part 3!
I just discovered your channel, amazing job you're doing here, really pleasant to listen to. And now i'm waiting for part 3 aswell ! Greetings from France
Thank you very much!
I have the fusion 3 tele HB-HB with tremolo in freaking sparkle silver... (not my thing but I fell for the thing!) Well, I swapped out the electronics, used dual coil taps and GFS-EVH pickups. WOW!! She came to life on the rock front but also in single coil modes. She sounds like a true tele yet can rock as well! LOVING this glitter-fest of a guitar! The added mid range from the GFS-EVH pickups makes it jump out and in single coil, it sounds very close to a true tele. Cheers!
Thank's perfect review! no blabla! I dream this model with good P90 pick up!!
Great review !! you really do a real thorough job.I'll be checking out more of your reviews Thanks
Thanks!
As a YT content creator I have to applaud your work on this two part review. I couldn't imagine doing this detailed of a review. Very good work. You have earned a new sub.
I found you while looking for reviews on this specific HB Fusion T. I was researching before pulling the trigger on this model and you have single handedly given me every bit of information I need to be an educated buyer.
I think I will try one of these Fusion T's. I am thinking a JB/Jazz, JB/'59 pickup swap would be just right. Or maybe an EMG setup with an 85 in the bridge and a 60a in the neck. I love the 85 in the bridge position.
Thanks! I'm glad to hear it was helpful
I think the Roswell HAF vs LAF demo needs its own video, even before swapping them. The Fusion II comes with both, the uncovered HAF are clear, "sharp" and the covered LAF are "soft" or "warm", as one is used to expect from PAFs humbuckers in old Gibsons. The covers themselves don't do much for that but they pass on the visual message so buyers can make a conscious choice. There should be no surprise. The LAF have been in all the SC models (except one, the SC-550 Paradise Flame with HAF) and in the semi-hollow CST-24HB. They are also in the 22 fret Fusions while the sharp HAF are in the modern, 24 frets models.
I wish Harley Benton had chosen the Roswell PV3 instead of the LAF for their LP-style models.
The older Harley Benton SC models with Wilkinson pickups were so much brighter, livelier and less compressed.
@@ErebosGR it's so funny reading people talk about pups. There's never an universal answer. Ive heard that the Roswell's are too bright, too muddy, too quiet, too loud. People have so different ears and taste
@@wm1573 Pickups can be measured both electrically, in resistance and inductance, and in frequency response.
I don't care what other people say.
@@ErebosGR indeed. or even easier use what is pleasing to your ears. People think way too much about these things
You are such a pro it's unreal. Thank you for your efforts.
Max I found you searching for background on fusion T. I know this is old now, but, looks like HB has done some of the issues you identified.
I've ordered mine and waiting. I will mod it. You gave me the idea to go 5way super switch. It will be my first super switch mod, plus I'll have additional volume made independent with push/pull as well. This scheme will provide 11 coil combinations. I spent all day yesterday working it and drawing it up. Liked your review and I've subbed. Part 3 didn't make out. I thought you were going to mod it.
Great job! It was a very informative video. I was looking at the Fusion one or the two for moding. Also great idea with the super switch an additional push pull pot.
hello, I would like to know the spacing between the strings on the bridge of this guitar. thank you from italy
hi. It's in this video at 6:43
Topp quality rewiev (as always from you :-) Thanks Max!
Thanks!
i wish they had a black or white fusion-t with active pickups and jumbo frets. i would buy it immediately
1:55 it would be great if they round off the contact between the strings and plate edge. This prevents strings breaking and tuning issues.
Good point! That's definitely a weak spot right there! I wonder if the original Hipshot bridge is the same or rounded
I put in a set of DiMarzio EJ Customs, still get great bell like cleans and good distortion tones.
Awesome! I want to try at least 2-3 different sets
I agree, the EJ Customs should be a good fit with the guitar since they are very bright and chimey.
I've already seen three times part 1 & 2. Could someone tell me where part 3 is?
It’s not public yet
Dude! you are a guitar genius!
Hi Max, excellent and extremely detailed review, thanks! I have this guitar on my wish list for quite a while. In fact I am looking for a lightweight Telly with a neck humbucker and that one seems to fit the bill. I play mostly jazz, though, and I would probably swap the neck with something more jazz oriented and use thicker gauge strings. Do you think the guitar is versatile enough to produce a decent jazz tone?
That Cort is a beast. Better than all other budget LP copies you can get.
I agree!
Super switch mod, yes please. As I mentioned when we spoke, I'm building a tele with two mini rail humbuckers, and would like as much versatility out of it as possible.
Yeah, that's the plan :)
Two seymour duncan P-Rails manged by a 10 way Freeway Switch 5B5-01? That's my plan if I find one in the second hand market. (I like to test guitars before buying) Thank you for the useful content.
Haha! I have P-Rails! But only for the neck. Still need to get myself a freeway switch though
Neck is the best position to put it!
@@danielbluez I have it on two guitars and I figured the final sound depends a lot on where the pickup is located. I mean 22 vs 24 frets. I'm not happy with what it sounds like in my 24 fret guitar
@@MaxSoloMusic That's interesting. I've done a variable split coil (web.archive.org/web/20160118011652/www.smitspickups.com/coiltapping.htm ) on a HB SC 550, with a neck dimarzio 36 aniv (sweeet sounding pickup by the way) and the two separate coils sounded different, but good. (Another thing I found out, a split humbucker sounds better with bit of the other coil) Best.
best review I've ever seen.
Hits more closely to the Les Paul guitar sound. Sounds good, I am a lefty and purchased two one in black and one in natural flame roasted and love them both, of the two however I lean a bit more to the black HT.
I'm still waiting for Part three! I am on the fence for this guitar with tremolo. I have an Angus Young signature humbucker laying around together with a Gibson PAF+. But I want to hear how your changes to the guitar change the sound of it! :)
Hi Max. Really good review (as always).
Iv'e got one of theese and I realy like it and it is pretty much flawless from the build point of view. I'm not totally happy with the pickups thou, but that is easily fixed. I've got a Roswell P90 neck and bridge, a Tonerider AC4 neck and a few more to try, but as long as they are less microfonic I will be happy.
The guitar is very, very good, at least as good as the PRS SE Zach Myers or SE245, but those have better pickups.
This, and the TE-20 are the HB to recomend!
Thanks Nik
HAF vs PAF, neat.
I would likely try Seymour Duncan SH-2n and SH-4 JB, but I guess I am a bit traditional on this front. And I have a set lurking here somewhere.
Though upon reflection, I think Bare Knuckles would rock, likely True Grit for that middle of the road and versatile. Brute Force perhaps, Juggernaut and Ragnarok are likely overboard.
Hey Max- you had mentioned a part 3- moding- guess it slipped through the cracks? I have is a series 1 Fusion T (strait 3-way switch). Thinking of going with some slightly hotter pickups and better tone & volume pots and replace the jack. All on a budget of course. Anyway was looking forward to seeing your mods. And yes thank you for your dedication and details in all your videos!
Hey. Yeah, there were so many other videos I wanted to make first. That is still on my mind though and I have some pickups ready to go. So, I'm hoping to get to those experiments sooner or later
Just ordered one of these 12/30/21, and hope the set-up and shipping is going to decent, since it's the Holiday Season and people want to get the hell out of work!
Have pick-ups in mind because I've heard other reports of these being rather low output.
Happy New Year!
Received the guitar last Thursday. At first blown away by the neck, the frets, and looking things over. Then I discovered a blem in the veneer (not the finish, perfect) by the neck pick-up.
Thought no big deal. Then noticed the strings are not centered. High E string very close to the edge of the fretboard, while you can see a big difference in the low E. The Pick-ups were also moved as far in the cavity as possible, and still don't align. Bridge is obviously off.
In the US. Not sure what to do. Shipping is a bitch, and I could drill/plug the screw holes to properly align. Pretty bummed out right now. Will try to contact them tomorrow.
Excellent!... and what did you finally come up with? Which were your pickups upgrade and more? Waiting to see the outcome to know if pickups could really help here. Regards!
The Cort looks and sounds great.
I recently bought this guitar after watching part 1. It's a great guitar and the neck feels amazing but the pickups are a let down. I am now hoping to swap the electronics and pickups out, possibly for the iron gear blues engine/dirty torque set or maybe something hotter. Not sure yet.
Hey Chris, what did you end up doing to the guitar?
I have the Blues Engine / Dirty Torque in another guitar and I prefer the Blues Engine so much I´m contemplating putting 2 of them in a tele model.
Fusion T is way more Les than Strat. Better bridge pickup is all it needs. I like LPs but I could make this HB tele do what I want.
You make really nice and useful videos
Thanks!
Very good detailed review! Can you please upload a part three with Pickup swap ? :)
Thanks for this
your reviews are priceless. btw I couldn't find the part 3. where is it?
I'm seriously considering a B-stock for $288. That'll be about $350 with shipping. Pickups? Why, Seymour Duncan Whole Lotta Humbuckers with nickel covers for the same price as the guitar, of course!
You answered the one question I had, before I asked it. I am thinking about learning guitar and have been looking at the reviews on this model and it all seems good, the other model I was looking at was the Fusion 2. But as a beginner, would you say the model T was the better option. Any advice would be welcome.
Hi Max big hello from Northern Ireland, UK. I am interested in this guitar. I found Wilkinson pickups when I was looking for a pair of hotter pickups for a cheap LP copy I had laying around and the sustainability they produce is amazing. Wilkinson pickups are not expensive pickups and may be in the price range of many people looking at this video. I would love you to please do something on Wilkson pickups on another review. I bought 3 Vintage V100 guitars when I heard how the Wilkinson pickups sounded.
So... where's the third part of this? Very curious to see which mods you did to this guitar. I bought one today and will try different pickups as I have Gibson 57 Classics, 490's and Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz laying aroundhere. Just curious if you changed the pots to something that works better.
Your videos makes it easier to make a decision over these brands. Requesting help in getting the breath of the guitar body . as I am not a big guy and most guitars look big on me unfortunately
I think that instrument would really benefit from the 36rd anniversary dimarzio pick-up. Love your channel!
It might! Unfortunately Dimarzio has ignored all my messages so far
The idea of importing a Harley Benton guitar from Europe to the USA is kind of a hang up point (ie, will it go smoothly? will there be any major hiccups along the way?), but this video has me tempted to look at some of their line.
Filtertrone,P90 soapbar,Lollar Gold Foil
Great review! Subscribed!
Thanks and welcome to the channel
We are still kinda waiting for the part 3 :D
So does Roswell supply different pickups for this guitar?
Great video as always Max, it would be interesting to hear it with a JB and 49 combination!
Thanks Chris. Seymour Duncan JB?
@@MaxSoloMusic Yes.
I'd say something that's good for coil spliting..I've heard Seymour Duncan slash pickups are great for it
Excellent and thorough reviews. I’d be very interested to see you review some PRS (say the Custom SE) and to compare them against the Harley Benton version.
SD Jazz/JB combo or Dim AirNorton/ToneZone. I think it is a big plus; a start point to have a fair comparison as the market has already a lot of this pickups combination in various brands. So we could concentrate on see how this guitars actually sounds and "feels".
I still need to find the SD somewhere. I had a couple of guitars with them but they're all gone
1. Very very very good review
2. I didn't knew you can put a 5 way lever switch on a HH guitar, can you please make a demonstration that this works and I promise I will install one on my guitar.
3. How do I choose the right humbuckers for this guitar? there are thousands of them out there. This is a rant already so here it goes: As guitar players we want clarity and volume output from our guitars. The rest should be taken care of by the pedals and the amp. SIMPLE AS THAT. But instead we get thin sounds and dirt. It's just a magnet for crying out loud , why is it so hard to build a good one, and even harder to choose the right one? I don't want to take soldering as a new hobby, I only have like 30 min a day to enjoy playing guitar. Why can't they insert a module for solderless pickups? In this day we have smartphones and 5G internet yet we play music on 100 year old technology. End of rant.
I feel you! I kinda was thinking the same and might have a solution. It's in the development but hopefully I'll be able to show it next year. Speaking of a 5-way switch, yeah, it's possible and there are multiple wiring options. I'll get to that in one of the videos
@@MaxSoloMusic thank you very much for supporting this community. Best regards
Hi, Max! Thank you for the review. Do you think Seymour Duncan's 59 in neck and JB in bridge would be good pair on this guitar? Will the perform well in split coil?
I believe it should work nicely. Although, I gonna have to try that first before I can confirm :)
I'm thinking of getting this guy. I was looking at adding duesenberg pickups too it. I love thier sound, and im looking for a cost effective paloma or Falken alternative. Seems this might be a good fit. Thoughts?
Hey Max, great video. Thanks. Btw, which strap lock are you using in this video ? Thanks in advance
Hey, thanks! I use Dunlop Straplok on many of my guitars
@@MaxSoloMusic Thanks for you quick reply and for sharing guitar knowledge on your videos 😀 👍
Great hatte you want to try so mich weit the guitare. A pickup combination is interesting.
Bridge, Humbucker and Neck, Filtertron.
Just had a Fusion T HH Flame etc delivered with a pretty blonde effect veneer top. Sadly the strings miss the poles of the bridge pick up and the tone control does not have much effect for most of it's travel. The bridge pick-up sits snugly in it's hole in the body so the hole will have to be enlarged to move the pick-up. Trouble is if I send it back I've got a major problem getting the customs duty back (Duty £64.26, UPS "brokerage" £11.50), if I do not the cost of repair (luthier) takes the guitar out of the budget cost bracket. This is Saturday so I have to wait 'til Monday to talk to Thomann. Just seen the review and wonder how Entwistle Nashville pick-ups would do, they are smaller which may save some woodwork.
nice review! What is the exact measurement of the neck please? in mm or in inch? Thanks!
I'm actually thinking of getting one as a platform - I'd install a lollar CC in the neck pocket and a Certano b/g bender. Any feedback?
I've just ordered two Seymour Duncan P-Rails for the above.
Comparing the sound of that Cort and the HB it really is a shame that HB can't get a better pickup company to work with. Everyone always says they aren't very good. That Cort sounds awesome.
Roswells are generally not bad at all. It's just this particular model, the LAF, that is weak. I wonder where Cort get their pickups from
Cool idea to test the guitar with the haf humbuckers 👍👍👍
It was literally one of the first things that came to my mind when I plugged this guitar in :)
A nice set of iron gear blues engine pickups would transform the fusion T into a totally different beast!
Thanks for this nice vidéo still not decide to buy this guitar. I would like to heard with seymour duncan picks. Thanks for you videos..
hey i want to get one and put P-Rails in it with Triple Shots so i can get 24 different pickup combinations
But it looks like the neck is so close to the pickup that the triple shots won't fit. But i could shorten it like 1-2mm to make it fit right?
and in the first part, u sad that the Veneer is rather thin would it still be possible to refinish the top. grinding the clear layer of with sandpaper and
applying dye ?
and btw u make the best guitar reviews on YT
Hey, thanks! Yeah, pickup frames definitely won't fit. However, it's not a big problem as you can use two push-pulls and a 5-way pickup switch to achieve the same or even better functionality. In the past I used to make pickup frames with built-in micro switches and I dropped that idea - those switches tend to die pretty quickly. As for sending down the clear coat on the front, I believe it can be done.
Man..
What a brilliant job here. ;)
Just bumped into your channel looking for Harley Benton guitar reviews.. as i am looking to buy one.. and damn... you basically answered most of my questions about this guitar..hehehe. Clearly and in a very solid way.
I'll check some more of your videos.. but kudos, in deed !
if you were not a guitarist, and wanted a 6 string for a great clean (& crunch) sound, to play opposite your other guitar (Ibanez j. Custom RG8520 7string) which HBenton would you go for ? (this Fusion T; the HB35; the SC ?)
I am a fan of the Suhr Alt-T Pro sound, so i was thinking of modding this one or preferably the TE-90QM, with the Thornbuckers. Do you think it would be overkill ?
Thanks very much for the video
Cheers from Portugal
I love the stock pups.
Wow! Just as I expected - some may like them. Surprises me every time though :)
Hey Maxsolo! Its been a while. Wanted to update my mindset over the few years. Its been a keeper 1rst and foremost. But the cavity on mine isnt shielded like yours but i have no issues with grounding and mine is the HH FNT with the wilkenson trem. The only issue i have had is at times the bridge humbucker seems to lose power as it sounds lower volume but if i wiggle the switch comes back but it still splits so its not likely the coil splitting when engaging. Very strange i say. But its been working ok lately. Ill put a new switch in one day. I wish i had opted for the ST super strat style is all. I mentioned LOVING the pickups. Well, I still do but a bit more guitars have graced my hands and they are Not the best. So i know youve had way more experince. Thanks again. ❤🎉@MaxSoloMusic
Mine is seemingly painted in the cavity like the color of the guitar but not poly over it leaving it like a non gloss flat in the cavity. 😮 lol
I really like fact that it is a hardtail and the directly mounted pickups...I would love to see one made with a real single coil Tele alnico pickup in the rear.. directly mounted ala a GE Smith Telecaster and that same humbucker for the front pickup.
Love the details! Also would love to see mods to this guitar!
Please add a step by step video on how to modify the guitar to your specs and where the parts can be purchase in the USA.
Would it work for worship and praise music?
Would it be possible to swap the neck/body with either other Harley Benton guitars or even Fender sized parts? If anyone can answer this it's you!
I would try Suhr Thornbucker Pickups. best pickups in the fusion II series. Did the change. Best results, very different and much better.
Ok, I can imagine those are gonna be pretty hard to get. Anyone has a contact at Suhr? :)
Kindly try a seymour duncan pickup on this fusion T. Thank you
Would really like to hear which PU's you'd recomment for this one.
I have the trem version... My mods - 2*Seymour Duncan P-Rails and the Fishman Power Bridge with all the recommended wiring upgrades including a treble bleed!
Awesome! I have P-Rails on two of my guitars. Do you have access to all coils separately or just use them as 'humbuckers'?
lol i also plan with the P-Rails but i want to instal them with the Triple Shots and do a refinish of the top
@@TatePictures I've also got the triple shot surrounds. Next I'm trying to get it to make the tea?
@@colinricgmailcom did the triple shots fit right away because the pickups is so close to the neck?
@@TatePictures Two ways of dealing with it... Cut away the side of the surround to fit the neck or rout the cavity a little wider.
Great video.. Wundbar.
I would likie to see you try some Dimarzio's.. or Duncans.. Either, the Super 3 in the bridge, and PAF Pro in the neck, or maybe a Custom 5 duncan in the bridge and a Jazz in the neck.. or some EMG's maybe or ?
Thanks for this very much. Regards from the midwest USA.
Thanks. So far both Dimarzio and SD were completely ignoring all my messages. However, I'm waiting for some other nice pickups to arrive from the US soon.
great review! please test with low output humbuckers because I am interested playing jazz with this like ted greene
Great review. Also, how would it be if you try to install traditional Tele style pickups? I know it will make it look bad with all the gaps around the pickups, but I can't stop wondering how it would turn out.
I'll do it eventually. I have a good tele set just sitting there and waiting for experiments :)
Awesome detailed review -- where is PART 3?
Thanks. Part 3 is still in planning
Ohhh, what happened to part 3?
It's still in planning. I've got some pickups already. Just need to finish some other urgent videos first
Cool review.
Thanks!
waiting for part 3 :D
Me too!
As soon as this is guitar with passive humbuckers, would be beat to try some EMG HZ pickups. Glad if you would be able to.
Я использую EMG в дешёвой Ямахе, и звучит очень даже достойно, а HB это гитара, которая реально нуждается в качественных звучках
You do need both dark and light, though. The darker the pickup, the more you can distort it with less fizz. The lighter the pickup, the better it sounds cleaner. So, it's really a matter of personal taste.
Fizz is usually handled in post-production EQ. Plus, you can use your tone control.
You can't add brightness as easily though.