Jump to content
Nickthatguitar2

Best swap out gear for a Harley Benton self build

Recommended Posts

Hello, I've recently just put together a kit Harley Benton JAG kit...it's come out quite well and is in my opinion playable, however I'm replacing the nut as I filed t he e existing one down too far with a brass one, 

 

Also the tuners hold but are absolutely shocking to turn and are so tight and uncomfortable,

 

The p90s will need upgrading at some point also with the wiring, as I bought this guitar for £66 I can't complain really, you get what you pay for, just a quick question would anyone have any advice from experience of any decent mid range replacements for all these parts going forward?,

 

Many thanks Nick

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've always been impressed with GFS pickups - https://www.guitarfetish.com  - great range of different types, and a lot of fun, offbeat looking stuff that would really make a guitar look 'different' than anything you could have bought stock, if that also appeals. If I were to build another guitar in future, I'd be tempted to start with some of their 'kwik plug' pickups, as it would really make life simple if I wanted to chop / change / try something else later on. 

https://www.axesrus.co.uk have come a long way from their early days of being something of an electric guitar broker's yard. They used to stock GFS; they now I see have their own brand of pickups, also available in pre-wired plates. Made in the UK. I've bookmarked their 'late sixties' prewired plate for when I turn up the right Strat body and neck for my Black Beauty project. Bought a few bits from them back in the day, always decent stuff. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, EdwardMarlowe said:

I've always been impressed with GFS pickups - https://www.guitarfetish.com  - great range of different types, and a lot of fun, offbeat looking stuff that would really make a guitar look 'different' than anything you could have bought stock, if that also appeals. If I were to build another guitar in future, I'd be tempted to start with some of their 'kwik plug' pickups, as it would really make life simple if I wanted to chop / change / try something else later on. 

https://www.axesrus.co.uk have come a long way from their early days of being something of an electric guitar broker's yard. They used to stock GFS; they now I see have their own brand of pickups, also available in pre-wired plates. Made in the UK. I've bookmarked their 'late sixties' prewired plate for when I turn up the right Strat body and neck for my Black Beauty project. Bought a few bits from them back in the day, always decent stuff. 

Had a look at the GFS ones on YouTube and they sound good, can’t find a U.K. supplier though sadly. Did you import yours or get them from axesrus or somewhere else?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 15/01/2022 at 14:03, T-Bay said:

Had a look at the GFS ones on YouTube and they sound good, can’t find a U.K. supplier though sadly. Did you import yours or get them from axesrus or somewhere else?


It was a long time ago, but if memory serves, I did both without any particular problem (save wait time from the US). 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Col the Plunker said:

Wilkinson pickups are decent, and won't break the bank. I used them on my H.Benton homebuild SG. The Wilkinson mini humbucker may possibly fit a P90 route. That would be interesting.

+1 - I have also had good experience with Wilkinsons! See also: Vanson, and Tonerider. I recently put a pair of Vanson's PAF clones into my SG copy, and I'm very pleased with the results.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 31/12/2021 at 15:15, ezbass said:

Artec P90s are stupidly good value for money. I fitted them to my Epiphone Casino and they were a major upgrade tone wise.

I ended up getting a pair of these and am blown away for the money. They are superb.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 21/04/2022 at 08:25, T-Bay said:

I ended up getting a pair of these and am blown away for the money. They are superb

Me too, I was surprised and delighted with the results. To be honest, my expectations were not great. I took a gamble on Artec hot rails to replace the bridge pup in my Squier Tele. The original single coil was just too tinny sounding. What a transformation!! As the rail is really a small humbucker, the axe has a richer tone, more sustain, and NO more buzz. It fit perfectly too. If the arch in it is effecting the volume in the outer strings, then you can grain it down flat like I did for my Thinline.

(l sprayed it black as I sanded through the chrome)

I even fitted one on my vintage Jim Harley Strat to beef it up. For the money they are a no-brainer, and I'm amazed at the results. Just goes to show that you don't always need pricey replacements.

 

 

 

IMG_20220502_235103_317.jpg

IMG_20220502_235039_800.jpg

IMG_20220502_235000_361.jpg

Edited by Col the Plunker
Typos
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...