Gitfiddler

Awesome! I pulled my 2007 H555 out for a quick comparison In addition to the new larger headstock shape, these new H555's have 5-ply binding around the body (one more than previous models), and 3-ply around the headstock (2 more than before). Interestingly, the f-holes are now unbound. Still, I'm glad to see Heritage bring back its blingy triple nickel semi-hollow. Here's my '07...

Excellent analysis. For me, my first choice will always be a tube amp, with a few pedals. That said, the closest I'll get to a modeler, is my DV Mark Eric Gales Raw Dawg 250. Connected to a 2x12 speaker cab, that tiny box can fill a small auditorium with great tone.

Tad, I think you'd love an 80's Rivera-era Fender Princeton Reverb II. Only 22 watts and 6V6 tubes, but it sounds like a much bigger rig. 🙂

New and used H530's are available from a variety of sellers, and are a great hollow body option. Another option is the much more rare H525. It's tone is a bit thicker due to its 2 1/4""body depth. I believe there is one currently for sale by an HOC member on this board as well as on Reverb.

Awesome Marty! What a thoughtful and generous gift.

Merry Christmas to all of the HOC! 🎄🎅

I put my HOC 137 (#004) up for sale a while back, in my attempt to thin my herd of gitfiddles. I'm so weak, that after a couple of weeks, I pulled it OFF the market. That thing has such great tone, and wonderfully full neck, I couldn't bear to let her go.

Awesome photo!

I've got no skin in the game, and respect Heritage for trying to reach the beginner or low income guitar buyer. My only issue is the bolt-on necks of some of the Heritage imports. Sure its cheaper to build than a set neck, but it's a big turn-off, unless you're building a Strat or Tele type guitar. To me that really cheapens the guitar and diminishes the brand.

A hollow body Heritage version of the original ES-140 would have been a cool build IMHO.

And what about the names "Prospect", "Academy"? Were those Kalamazoo street names?

Clips from those beautiful guitars and big ass amps?!

Awesome snatch, Brent! Play it in good health.

Ahh, feedback! That's why solid and semi-hollow body gits were created. You might need to invest in a 535 for playing out with that Z rig. 🙂

Great photos and great custom Millie!!

@Cryoman...I'd love one of his designs for my ltd. ed. HOC H137.

One of the few guitars that I regret selling was a very limited run Ibanez AR3000 reissue. Man, what a wonderful guitar!

Here ya go. Hmmm...just noticed a lighting/reflection issue that makes it look like a vertical scratch. But she's perfect. 🙂

Daniel, my 'retirement-gift-to-me' Millie Y2K has some of your desired specs.

I have 2 wah wah pedals. My favorite is a Crybaby Wah/Volume pedal. Very effective, especially for live playing. My second wah is an original late 60's Crybaby. It's in great shape, but more of a legacy piece that reminds me of what I used waaay back in the day.

I agree that Milies (H155, Custom, Pro, Y2K, etc.) should be reintroduced by Heritage. It certainly would bring a more unique build concept to the market, and separate Heritage from a crowded field of solid/semi-hollow body guitar designs. At one time Heritage offered a Custom Millie as part of its bespoke program. https://heritageguitars.com/products/custom-shop-h-155m-electric-guitar-vintage-orange-translucent-ah16211 https://heritageguitars.com/products/custom-shop-h-155m-electric-guitar-silver-top-ah16208

Jay Wolfe's shop advertised that they Plek'd each Heritage that came into their shop back in the day. Not sure if the variability of Heritage guitars from the factory prompted that move or not. I bought two Heritage guitars from him, one new (H555) and another used (H575) and both were set up perfectly.

So what the heck is "NCJ Day"?? Well, it stands for "New Cookie Jar Day"! 🙂 And not just any cookie jar. It's a 1999 limited edition "Fender Cookie Master" cookie jar! Fender offered only 2500 of these things. They pop up for sale every so often on the inter-web. It's so cute, I couldn't resist, even if it may never have cookies inside. Check it out... Here's where the cookies go... Here it is next to its big Heritage Liberty cousin...

The only Heritage I had re-fretted was my H157. It was a custom order with several upgrades, but the tiny frets were my least favorite. I had it re-fretted by Gary Brawer, one of the best guitar techs in the SF Bay area. He followed my request for "no nibs". The end project came out fabulous! Each fret end has a rounded (hot dog) shape and the guitar plays superb. Not sure why more guitar builders don't offer this as an option.