Special Invitation To New Members
- Thread starter Gitfiddler
- Start date
fastfreddy
New member
Hi everyone I’m fastfreddy, not fast as in quick on the guitar and my name isn’t freddy…I used to enjoy watch a motorcycle racer called fast Freddie Spencer so I've pinched his nickname. I just joined after purchasing my first Heritage H535. It’s a thing of beauty for sure but better still it plays and sounds fantastic and so versatile too. I wasn’t sure if I’d like the Schaller pups or not but am very pleasantly surprised at how good they sound. They are staying and I’m really pleased with all the hardware. Quality is certainly there and I’m going to be buying another Heritage as soon as I can save enough money.
I own all kinds of stuff, a man just can’t have enough guitars…2001 Gibson LPC, early 70’s Japanese SG, Peavey, two unusual Korean Indie guitars which are a lot of fun for very little money. Anyway that’s a bit about little old me and now I’m looking forwards to reading interesting stuff about these superb USA built guitars, cheers.
I own all kinds of stuff, a man just can’t have enough guitars…2001 Gibson LPC, early 70’s Japanese SG, Peavey, two unusual Korean Indie guitars which are a lot of fun for very little money. Anyway that’s a bit about little old me and now I’m looking forwards to reading interesting stuff about these superb USA built guitars, cheers.
TalismanRich
New member
Welcome aboard, FF.
Ah, the classic red semi-hollow. It doesn't get any more iconic than that! I like your choice.
Ah, the classic red semi-hollow. It doesn't get any more iconic than that! I like your choice.
NFB418
New member
Hi - I'm Jason and I'm new to the forum as of today. I just scored my first Heritage - a 1991 (according to the seller) Eagle in Antique Sunburst. I haven't had much experience with Heritage; I only know their history (or heritage, ha!) and I've been looking for a big bodied archtop for a while. I'm really a bass player by trade, but I've made Jazz chord/rhythm/comping my passion and I practice that as much as I can when I'm not gigging. I've owned a few Jazz boxes - a Japanese D'Aquisto reissue, a Korean D'Angelico reissue - but I've always craved a quality American-made 17" archtop. I recently sold a 335 to fund my purchase and, although, the guitar is still on its way to me, I have a feeling this is going to be the one (I hope!). Considering the vintage/used prices of L5s and L7s, plus the current new offerings from other overseas manufacturers, I figured that picking up this Eagle was a no-brainer since it fit all of my criteria.
If anyone has any info on these single pick-up Eagles, and I'm sure there's lots of it on this forum for which I'll be doing some research in the coming days, please chime in. I was doing as much research as I could prior to purchase but I'd love to hear anyone's take on these guitars. Thanks!
If anyone has any info on these single pick-up Eagles, and I'm sure there's lots of it on this forum for which I'll be doing some research in the coming days, please chime in. I was doing as much research as I could prior to purchase but I'd love to hear anyone's take on these guitars. Thanks!
Genericmusic
New member
:wave: Welcome to the cult. :laughing7:
alitz
New member
Hello all
Recently acquired a H 535 from Wolfe Guitars and should be picking it up at Fed Ex tomorrow. It should be the final piece of my collection puzzle which I chose because I was looking for a ES 335 type that was 1. Not quite as expensive as the available ES 335s. 2. American Made 3. Best quality for the money. I believe the H535 is my answer. Just joined and if you want to check out my profile for more info, have at it. I only for my own enjoyment and even though I'm not very proficient, I now have acquired all the equipment that will keep me busy in my retirement years that will come in about 10 more years. Hope to spend some time checking out the forum and seeing what's new.
Cheers.
Recently acquired a H 535 from Wolfe Guitars and should be picking it up at Fed Ex tomorrow. It should be the final piece of my collection puzzle which I chose because I was looking for a ES 335 type that was 1. Not quite as expensive as the available ES 335s. 2. American Made 3. Best quality for the money. I believe the H535 is my answer. Just joined and if you want to check out my profile for more info, have at it. I only for my own enjoyment and even though I'm not very proficient, I now have acquired all the equipment that will keep me busy in my retirement years that will come in about 10 more years. Hope to spend some time checking out the forum and seeing what's new.
Cheers.
Spectrum13
New member
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzHello everyone - new to the Forum. I've picked up two Heritages both from Brent (thanks Brent!) - an H170 and an H150CM
View attachment 20854
Oh yea, here's my man cave - a bit of a Dr. Z Fan
sloguitarfreak
New member
Thank you for the invite!!!
My name is Robert and I am a huge Heritage fan. Currently I own a 535 and a 575. These guitars are hands down the best of the best, and I've played them all. They unlock the guitar player in me and they are just a blast to play. This is my first post of what I anticipate will me many.
Playing and enjoying music is something extremely special and has brought me great friends, great times and we are are very fortunate.
My name is Robert and I am a huge Heritage fan. Currently I own a 535 and a 575. These guitars are hands down the best of the best, and I've played them all. They unlock the guitar player in me and they are just a blast to play. This is my first post of what I anticipate will me many.
Playing and enjoying music is something extremely special and has brought me great friends, great times and we are are very fortunate.
Hello all! I'm new here and don't generally participate in forums so I hope I'm posting in the right place. I've been a fan of Heritage since 1986 when I learned about the company. In 1985 I was 25 years old, playing actively in the local/regional scene. and I started a guitar shop in Texas. At first I dealt mostly in used and vintage but also some lower end imports brands. Dealing in vintage instruments enabled me to set up at the shows around Texas. By 1989 I was aware of Heritage but hadn't yet become a dealer. While exhibiting at the Dallas show that year, a guy stopped at my booth because he noticed my dobro brand resonator and was at the show looking for one. He was toting a Heritage H-535 for trade. We struck a deal and even though I've sold countless rare vintage pieces thru the years, I held on to this guitar.
It's special not only because it's such a fine instrument. It's also the documented first ever production model 535. I'll post a scan of the letter signed by Bill Paige reflecting this. Also, the dealer this was shipped to had a shop in Waco, TX. This shop was a huge dealer for Heritage at that time and honestly, seeing them at a previous show was how I became aware of them. We spoke regularly at the shows. One of those times, I mentioned that I had a first production model Heritage. He looked at me and said "you have a blonde H-535". Shocked, I asked him how he knew that and he replied "it's the only first production model I've ever let go". For years after that when I saw him at a show he would ask "are you taking good care of my guitar?". I expected to see references to him on this site but a search of his name brought nothing up. I figure a lot of members here know who I'm speaking of.
Best I recall I became a dealer for Heritage by late 1989...maybe early 90. Not only did my shop sell quite a few, I ordered some amazing models for my own collection. Sadly a divorce necessitated a mass liquidation of my personal guitars. I'm talking about a Johnny Smith The Rose circa 1990 and many others. With the exception of a 550 that I custom ordered for myself (with upgraded figuring) I have no idea where any of those are today but still miss them. I do plan to approach the guy who has my old 550 and try to get it back.
I closed my shop in 2015 and am now semi retired. The last 10 years of operation really sapped the "guitar player" in me. I got to the point I didn't play much outside of store demos. Finally last year I began to play more...and more. Anyway, the reason I found this forum is that I'm now working on a music project with a writer in upstate New York. The current song calls for a semi hollow tone. So for the first time since around 1996, I restrung the 535 and recorded with it a couple days back. Going to try to get the final track tonight. This guitar rings like a bell and is as much of a joy to play today as when I first brought it home around 30 years ago.
This guitar is not for sale and will never be. I have a grown daughter who plays and has some nice pieces in her collection. That's where this will go one day. I'm truly humbled to be the guy who owns this guitar. I hope my new friends here enjoy the story!
It's special not only because it's such a fine instrument. It's also the documented first ever production model 535. I'll post a scan of the letter signed by Bill Paige reflecting this. Also, the dealer this was shipped to had a shop in Waco, TX. This shop was a huge dealer for Heritage at that time and honestly, seeing them at a previous show was how I became aware of them. We spoke regularly at the shows. One of those times, I mentioned that I had a first production model Heritage. He looked at me and said "you have a blonde H-535". Shocked, I asked him how he knew that and he replied "it's the only first production model I've ever let go". For years after that when I saw him at a show he would ask "are you taking good care of my guitar?". I expected to see references to him on this site but a search of his name brought nothing up. I figure a lot of members here know who I'm speaking of.
Best I recall I became a dealer for Heritage by late 1989...maybe early 90. Not only did my shop sell quite a few, I ordered some amazing models for my own collection. Sadly a divorce necessitated a mass liquidation of my personal guitars. I'm talking about a Johnny Smith The Rose circa 1990 and many others. With the exception of a 550 that I custom ordered for myself (with upgraded figuring) I have no idea where any of those are today but still miss them. I do plan to approach the guy who has my old 550 and try to get it back.
I closed my shop in 2015 and am now semi retired. The last 10 years of operation really sapped the "guitar player" in me. I got to the point I didn't play much outside of store demos. Finally last year I began to play more...and more. Anyway, the reason I found this forum is that I'm now working on a music project with a writer in upstate New York. The current song calls for a semi hollow tone. So for the first time since around 1996, I restrung the 535 and recorded with it a couple days back. Going to try to get the final track tonight. This guitar rings like a bell and is as much of a joy to play today as when I first brought it home around 30 years ago.
This guitar is not for sale and will never be. I have a grown daughter who plays and has some nice pieces in her collection. That's where this will go one day. I'm truly humbled to be the guy who owns this guitar. I hope my new friends here enjoy the story!
Thanks so much! For me it's really neat to be using it again! The opportunity to buy and sell guitars like this are what inspired me to open my shop. Now as things have slowed down, my passion has come back!
Gitfiddler
Charter Member
Hey TXmike59, welcome to the HOC! And thank you for the back story on that beautiful H535 #1!!
Don't be a stranger.
Don't be a stranger.
I appreciate the hospitality. Being on this forum has motivated me to reach out to the guy who has my 550. If I get it back, I'll post pictures!
TalismanRich
New member
I'm loving that story, Mike! Its always good when you start to find the passion again for something you have loved doing in the past.
The guitar looks to be in IMPECCABLE condition.
The guitar looks to be in IMPECCABLE condition.
It was a sad day when I realized that my passion had become my "job". Music retail is a different business than it was in the mid 80's. I miss the interaction with customers and definitely miss getting my gear at cost! I feel that this project has brought me full circle.
As for the guitar, it is as fresh as you could ever find. Very small spot of hanger rash on the back edge of the headstock (there since I began my stewardship of the instrument) but zero play wear or cosmetic issues. The shot of the back has some glare but yes, it's flawless!
I played in a church band....more accurately a complete orchestra, for a time around the mid 90's. It was a great experience working with keys, strings, brass and woodwinds. Those were the only times this or the 550 I mentioned ever got play time....until recently!