TEST: Harley Benton AW-5

Is it my imagination, or is yellow the new fashion color of the year for anything that can be housed in small, rectangular metal cases? Now that the third cabinet with this color falls into my hands within a few weeks, one may believe in this thesis. With the Harley Benton AW-5 I also have an effect for testing, which is still a little insider tip on the pedalboards of this world. We're talking about the so-called Auto Wah, an effect that was used very often in the seventies and immediately creates a pleasant vintage feeling.

Well, what does an Auto Wah do? In contrast to a classic wah wah pedal, where an edge-splitting bandpass filter is controlled by the angle of attack of a pedal, the bandpass filter of an Auto Wah is based on the envelope of the incoming guitar signal, or in simpler terms, hard attack equals strong shift of the bandpass filter into the treble range, soft attack equals weak shift into the bass range. This means a direct conversion of the touch technique into a sonic effect, which again massively emphasizes the personal aspect of the playing style. Its primary field of application is a crunchy rhythm guitar, clean or slightly crunchy, with which you can get the maximum effect in a funky touch technique.


Concept

As the house brand of the music house Thomann, the label Harley Benton is known in the effect pedal field as a provider of ultra-cheap pedals, which rarely exceed the 30, - Euro retail price mark. With the Custom Line series, however, Harley Benton has made a step in the direction of "Boutique Pedals - Made In China", in order to be able to supply the musician with inexpensive effects even in the high-quality pedal range. This claim refers to all components of an effect pedal such as processing, design and of course sound. Well then, let's take a look at the eye-catcher, which is located with the dimensions (W x H x D): 120 mm x 56 mm x 95 mm at our feet and with its four soft rubber feet also finds good grip on smooth surfaces.

In terms of workmanship, the Harley Benton AW-5 gives itself a very good report card. No stray lugs, clean transitions and a tidy interior, although the mounting solution of the included 9V battery makes you wonder. It is only clamped between the circuit board of the true bypass switch and the outer wall, so that the entire pressure load is on the circuit board. Could have been solved more nicely. Alternatively, the product can also be operated with a 9V power supply.

In terms of control options, three chickenhead controls are available, which are labeled with the words Mode, Drive and Q, whereby the mode switch defines three fixed control ranges with the letters hp, bp and lp. All the designations should not be internalized too much, as they may cause confusion. Drive has nothing to do with overdrive, but controls how low the frequency range of the signal to be processed is selected. Q has nothing to do with the slope of a fully parametric equalizer, but controls how far up the effect opens. And the letter abbreviations hp, bp and lp do not stand for highpass, bandpass and lowpass, but contain a two-stage lowering of the bass range.


Practice

Yes, this is a real joy when you first activate the effect. I recommend lp to capture the full frequency range of the guitar, a Q value of 3 o'clock and a Drive value of 9 o'clock. Now add the most dynamic playing possible with the strumming hand and the sun comes up. Unlike modulation effects like chorus or phaser, in which a fixed effect can be turned on or off, the Harley Benton AW-5 is an interactive effect that forms a symbiosis with your playing. You just have to be careful not to use it on every number, as such a flashy effect will naturally wear on your ear quickly.


Conclusion

The Harley Benton AW-5 brings an unjustly disdained vintage effect to new life. The merging of the personal envelope in the form of the velocity hand with an interactive, edge-splitting bandpass filter makes the effect a highlight of the pedalboard. Only the restriction to clean and crunchy sounds limits the range of application of the pedal, otherwise the effect brings new life to almost any musical style. Note, in no case switch a distortion before the pedal, which robs the signal of any dynamics and leads the auto wah effect ad absurdum.

Additional Informations:

- Harley Benton is a German musical instrument brand that has gained popularity for its affordable yet high-quality products. The company was founded in 1998 and has since become a go-to brand for guitarists and bassists worldwide.

Harley Benton's mission is to provide musicians with instruments that are both affordable and high-quality. They achieve this by partnering with manufacturers in China and other countries, utilizing their economies of scale to keep prices low while ensuring that their products meet their quality standards.

Harley Benton offers a wide range of products, including electric and acoustic guitars, basses, ukuleles, and various accessories. Their most popular products are their electric guitars, which range from classic Stratocaster-style models to modern seven-string guitars.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Harley Benton guitars is their exceptional value for money. For example, their HB-35 guitar, which is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that is modeled after the Gibson ES-335, has a price point of around €200, which is significantly lower than the cost of the Gibson original. Yet, the HB-35 is still considered to be a high-quality instrument with excellent sound and playability.

In addition to their affordability, Harley Benton instruments are also known for their quality. Many musicians have praised the brand for their consistency in delivering high-quality instruments at affordable prices. This is possible due to the company's rigorous quality control processes, which ensure that each instrument meets their standards before it is released to the market.

Another aspect that sets Harley Benton apart from other brands is their customer service. The company is known for their excellent after-sales service, with a dedicated customer support team that is available to assist customers with any issues they may encounter with their products. This has helped to build a loyal customer base for the brand, with many musicians returning to purchase more instruments from Harley Benton over the years.

Harley Benton has also been successful in utilizing social media to engage with their customers and build a community around their brand. They have a strong presence on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, where they showcase their products and provide tutorials and other educational content for musicians. This has helped to create a sense of connection between the brand and their customers, and has also helped to increase brand awareness.

In recent years, Harley Benton has expanded their product line to include other musical instruments such as ukuleles and basses. They have also launched a range of accessories, including guitar pedals, strings, and cables. This has allowed the brand to cater to a wider range of musicians and has helped to further establish their reputation as a reliable and affordable brand in the musical instrument industry.

Overall, Harley Benton has achieved a remarkable feat by providing high-quality instruments at affordable prices. Their commitment to quality and customer service has helped to build a loyal customer base, and their expansion into new product lines has further strengthened their position in the market. With their continued focus on innovation and quality, it is likely that Harley Benton will continue to grow and succeed in the years to come.

- The Auto Wah is a type of guitar effect pedal that is designed to mimic the sound of a wah-wah pedal, but with an automated sweep instead of being controlled by a foot pedal. The effect is achieved by using a filter that responds to the dynamics of the guitar's signal, producing a sweeping effect that mimics the sound of a wah-wah pedal.

Auto Wah pedals have been around since the 1970s, with some of the earliest models being produced by brands such as Mu-Tron and Boss. The effect was popularized by guitarists such as Frank Zappa and Jerry Garcia, who used it to create unique sounds and add texture to their playing.

The Auto Wah effect is achieved by using a filter circuit that is triggered by the dynamics of the guitar's signal. As the volume or intensity of the guitar's signal increases, the filter circuit opens up, producing a sweeping effect that mimics the sound of a wah-wah pedal. The effect can be adjusted using various controls on the pedal, such as the sensitivity and resonance knobs, which allow the user to fine-tune the sound to their liking.

One of the advantages of using an Auto Wah pedal over a traditional wah-wah pedal is that it allows for more precise control over the effect. With a traditional wah pedal, the sweep is controlled by the user's foot, which can be imprecise and inconsistent. With an Auto Wah pedal, the effect is automated, allowing for a more consistent and precise sweep.

Another advantage of using an Auto Wah pedal is that it can be used in a wider range of musical contexts. While a traditional wah-wah pedal is often associated with blues and rock music, the Auto Wah can be used in a variety of genres, including funk, jazz, and even electronic music.

There are a variety of different Auto Wah pedals available on the market, with different features and price points. Some popular models include the Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron, the Boss AW-3, and the MXR Auto Q.

The Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron is a classic Auto Wah pedal that has been used by guitarists such as Trey Anastasio of Phish and John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It features a range of controls, including sensitivity, decay, and resonance, allowing for a wide range of sounds.
The Boss AW-3 is another popular Auto Wah pedal that is known for its versatility. It features multiple modes, including a classic Auto Wah mode, a dynamic filter mode, and a humanizer mode, which adds a vocal-like quality to the sound.

The MXR Auto Q is a compact and affordable Auto Wah pedal that is popular among guitarists who want a simple and easy-to-use effect. It features a single control knob that adjusts the intensity of the effect, making it easy to dial in the perfect sound.

In conclusion, the Auto Wah is a versatile and unique effect pedal that has been used by guitarists for decades. It allows for precise control over the sweeping effect, and can be used in a variety of musical contexts. Whether you're looking for a classic sound or something more experimental, there is an Auto Wah pedal out there that can help you achieve the perfect sound for your playing style.

- Musikhaus Thomann is a German-based company that specializes in the sale of musical instruments and equipment. Founded in 1954 by Hans Thomann Sr., the company has grown to become one of the largest music retailers in Europe, with a wide range of products and services that cater to musicians of all levels.

With a strong online presence and a vast selection of products, Musikhaus Thomann has become a go-to destination for musicians around the world. The company offers a range of products, including guitars, basses, drums, keyboards, and DJ equipment, as well as a range of accessories such as cables, stands, and cases.

One of the reasons for the company's success is its commitment to customer service. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all products, as well as a three-year warranty on all Thomann-branded products. Additionally, the company offers free shipping on most orders over a certain amount, making it easy and affordable for customers to purchase the products they need.

Musikhaus Thomann also offers a range of services for musicians, including instrument repairs, music lessons, and a recording studio. The company's instrument repair service is staffed by trained technicians who can repair and service a wide range of instruments, including guitars, drums, and brass and woodwind instruments.

The company's music lesson program is led by a team of experienced teachers who offer lessons in a range of instruments and styles. The lessons are available both in-person and online, making it easy for musicians to learn from the comfort of their own home.

Musikhaus Thomann's recording studio, Thomann Recording Studio, is a state-of-the-art facility that is equipped with the latest technology and equipment. The studio is staffed by experienced engineers who can help musicians with all aspects of the recording process, from pre-production to mastering.

In addition to its online store and range of services, Musikhaus Thomann also has a physical store in Treppendorf, Germany. The store, which is located on a 4-acre campus, is a destination for musicians from around the world, with a vast selection of products on display and a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to try out instruments and equipment.

Musikhaus Thomann has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. The company has implemented a range of environmentally-friendly practices, including the use of renewable energy sources and the reduction of packaging waste. Additionally, the company has partnered with a number of environmental organizations to support conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Musikhaus Thomann is a leading music retailer that offers a wide range of products and services for musicians of all levels. With a commitment to customer service, a range of environmentally-friendly practices, and a physical store that is a destination for musicians around the world, Musikhaus Thomann has established itself as a trusted and respected brand in the music industry.