Cheapo Harvey Benton bowl back?

Gandorf

I'm tempted to buy one of these from Thomann (or thisone in blue).

At least my GAS attacks are cheap :-)

(The 360 degree zoom views are really nice from those pages)

For 122euro it looks like it might be worth a punt..... anyone bought any of the HB stuff before?

I don't expect it'll be as good as an Ovation but it might be as good as an Applause.... or will it be junk?



Thx
Gandorf

Beecher

Generally you get what you pay for. If I were to buy a cheap bowl back I would go for this. It got a great review in Total Guitar a few years ago and apparently can hold its own against 3-400 euro acoustics. In saying this however nearly all of Total Guitars reviews seem to be very favourable concerning the product they are reviewing but for so little money its worth a shot.

vengeance52

Beecher wrote:

Generally you get what you pay for. If I were to buy a cheap bowl back I would go for this. It got a great review in Total Guitar a few years ago and apparently can hold its own against 3-400 euro acoustics. In saying this however nearly all of Total Guitars reviews seem to be very favourable concerning the product they are reviewing but for so little money its worth a shot.

He he, we shud get comission on these things. But yea, i had a good look at one too and the seem grand. Bit twangy without amp but sounds nice through amp accordin to reviews.

Beecher

vengeance52 wrote:

He he, we shud get comission on these things. But yea, i had a good look at one too and the seem grand. Bit twangy without amp but sounds nice through amp accordin to reviews.

True mate, im still considering getting one (I know ive been saying that for months now). I dont play much acoustic so I cant really warrant spending a huge amount on one so Ill prob bite the bullet soon.

Bratach Bán

I have a Harley Benton acoustic - 38 euro. It's strictly a beach/party/travel guitar.

The bad: The action is high, and cannot be easily lowered. The truss rod has very little impact on neck relief. The saddle cannot be reduced in height, because it is firmly glued into the bridge. :rolleyes:

Some of the frets are high, and not seated properly on the fingerboard.

The good: It sounds very acceptable, and plays in tune all the way up the neck. The tuning stability, despite the cheap tuners, is better than I had any right to expect from a guitar of this price. There are no sharp fret ends.

I have used this thing every day without fail since it arrived. I have thrown it in the boot of my car, I have played the hell out of it, I have brought to heavy drinking sessions where it was passed around and abused - and it's still fine.

All in all, I'd say go for it. It'll certainly be usable, just maybe not comfortable.

Gandorf

Thanks lads,

The thing is, you see... the thing is....

The Collins might be a better guitar. Probably is in fact. Yep. But I like the LOOK of the HB better... it's just... different.

Shallow eh?

Thanks for the advice

Gandorf

Oh, these infinity guitars on ebay look nice as well (89 euro!!) they have the nice Ovation-ish headstock as well.

Blimey that's cheap.

Beecher

Gandorf wrote:

Oh, these infinity guitars on ebay look nice as well (89 euro!!) they have the nice Ovation-ish headstock as well.

Blimey that's cheap.

Wow that is kinda hot. Get one and report back! If its anyway decent ill pick one up for myself!

leninbenjamin

for a noob: what are the advantages of bowlbacks? i've considered getting another acoustic for a while now and have been drawn to them somewhat though i know sweet f all about 'em

Gandorf

Supposedly they provide better projection. The ones I've played have a bright jangly sort of sound. I quite liked it but some people hate the sound.

I think I'm going to buy one of those black ebay ones...

Gandorf

I decided to go for the blue for the hell of it 115 euro including UPS shipping. I'll post an update when I get it.

The Freeman

its very aesthetically pleasing i have to say, let us know if its any good sure..

jimi_t

Yeah, definitely let us know if it's anyways playable... I'm very tempted to get one meself

Gandorf

OK, it arrived today. First impressions:

- It needs a clean, it's pretty dusty :-)
- Action is VERY high, you need bionic fingers. I'll be lowering it tomorrow.
- Sound is very good, even with the default crap strings. I'll be putting some Martin lights on it when I do the saddle so that should make a big difference. Played through my microcube it sounds identical to the Ovation applauses I've played. Played unplugged it sounds jangly and a bit thin but very acceptable for the price.
- Overall finish is pretty good, the top is great but the "leaves" are a little rough, a light sand might be in order.
- Neck feels nice and smooth, frets are grand, tuners are better than expected.
- Came well packed with an allen key for the truss rod.
- Small nick on the headstock but I won't be loosing any sleep about it.

Overall, a very good beater if you have a bowl back craving.

Pics:

Gandorf

Update - there is a crack where the neck joins the body on the lower side. It might be OK but the ebay seller has agreed to have it collected and returned for a refund or replacement. Bit of a bummer but a big thumbs up for customer service.