Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
Get the HBJ-45E : thmn.to/thoprod/597905?offid=1&affid=288
A â¬200 acoustic guitar thatâs actually playable? Well, stranger things have happened - but not many.
Today I'm looking at the Harley Benton HBJ-45E, a slope-shouldered, matte black dreadnought that costs less than a weekend city break. Solid Sitka spruce top, ovangkol back and sides, and a built-in preamp with tuner - the HBJ-45E is aiming squarely at the âwhy spend moreâ crowd. But does it deliver tone or just good looks on a budget?
Gear Used in this video
The Orange Crush Acoustic 30 Amp
Sweetwater (US ðºðž) - sweetwater.sjv.io/aO6Nzo
Thomann (EU ðªðº) - thmn.to/thoprod/471155?offid=1&affid=288
Andertons (UK ð¬ð§) - clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=323652&a=3288404&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andertons.co.uk%2Forange-crush-acoustic-30-twin-channel-30w-1-x-10-acoustic-combo%2F%3Fsearch_query%3Dornage%2520crush%252030
Lewitt 540S Large Condenser Mic
Sweetwater (US ðºðž) - sweetwater.sjv.io/19OGkx
Thomann (EU ðªðº) - thmn.to/thoprod/453914?offid=1&affid=288
Andertons (UK ð¬ð§) - clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=323652&a=3288404&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andertons.co.uk%2Flewitt-lct540s-large-diapragm-condenser-microphone%2F%3Fsearch_query%3Dlewitt%2520540
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ð€ Join youtube.com/channel/UCI5i6aBbINMIEkYW3b6olHg/join
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ð€ Buy something on Reverb - tidd.ly/3YklJqD
00:00 - First Look and Setup
00:59 - First Sounds - Cowboy Chords!
02:14 - First Sound Impressions
03:06 - Full Specs Breakdown
06:08 - HB03 Preamp Overview
06:26 - More Mic and Amp Sound Tests
09:36 - Is It Gig Worthy?
12:06 - Styling and Playability
17:32 - Final Verdict and Outro
DISCLAIMERS
Some of the links in this description are affiliate links. If you purchase gear through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!
All opinions shared in this video are my own and were not reviewed or influenced by any outside parties.
#TheGuitarGeek #harleybenton #budgetguitar
Get the HBJ-45E : thmn.to/thoprod/597905?offid=1&affid=288
A â¬200 acoustic guitar thatâs actually playable? Well, stranger things have happened - but not many.
Today I'm looking at the Harley Benton HBJ-45E, a slope-shouldered, matte black dreadnought that costs less than a weekend city break. Solid Sitka spruce top, ovangkol back and sides, and a built-in preamp with tuner - the HBJ-45E is aiming squarely at the âwhy spend moreâ crowd. But does it deliver tone or just good looks on a budget?
Gear Used in this video
The Orange Crush Acoustic 30 Amp
Sweetwater (US ðºðž) - sweetwater.sjv.io/aO6Nzo
Thomann (EU ðªðº) - thmn.to/thoprod/471155?offid=1&affid=288
Andertons (UK ð¬ð§) - clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=323652&a=3288404&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andertons.co.uk%2Forange-crush-acoustic-30-twin-channel-30w-1-x-10-acoustic-combo%2F%3Fsearch_query%3Dornage%2520crush%252030
Lewitt 540S Large Condenser Mic
Sweetwater (US ðºðž) - sweetwater.sjv.io/19OGkx
Thomann (EU ðªðº) - thmn.to/thoprod/453914?offid=1&affid=288
Andertons (UK ð¬ð§) - clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=323652&a=3288404&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andertons.co.uk%2Flewitt-lct540s-large-diapragm-condenser-microphone%2F%3Fsearch_query%3Dlewitt%2520540
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE CHANNEL
ð€ Subscribe for more updates by clicking here - elkqr.link/jdkhn
ð€ Join youtube.com/channel/UCI5i6aBbINMIEkYW3b6olHg/join
ð€ Support the channel on Patreon: patreon.com/AndyGuitarGeek
ð€ Buy something on Reverb - tidd.ly/3YklJqD
00:00 - First Look and Setup
00:59 - First Sounds - Cowboy Chords!
02:14 - First Sound Impressions
03:06 - Full Specs Breakdown
06:08 - HB03 Preamp Overview
06:26 - More Mic and Amp Sound Tests
09:36 - Is It Gig Worthy?
12:06 - Styling and Playability
17:32 - Final Verdict and Outro
DISCLAIMERS
Some of the links in this description are affiliate links. If you purchase gear through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!
All opinions shared in this video are my own and were not reviewed or influenced by any outside parties.
#TheGuitarGeek #harleybenton #budgetguitar
