Is it just me, or has Heritage gotten better?

[Guest HRB853370]

Will they are taking bets on how long it will take you to end up with a super eagle and already have five push pins in south atlanta.

 

Don't count on that one Spectrum, I have nuff now to deal with! I can play four days out of the week with a different Heritage.

 

I have a fully equipped practice studio here- we should jam sometime. Where you at in Hotlanta?

[Spectrum13]

Don't count on that one Spectrum, I have nuff now to deal with! I can play four days out of the week with a different Heritage.

 

I have a fully equipped practice studio here- we should jam sometime. Where you at in Hotlanta?

 

Sandy Springs /Northridge

[Patrick]

I wanted to post this as a general reply . . . but it is most specific to a question posed by Will. "Do you surmise that Ren, Marv, Jim, Vince and the rest of the team read our posts on the HOC forum?"

 

While none of those you mentioned have said as much to me personally, I'm sure that they do. I would suggest that we all should continue to post our concerns, opinions and everything else as though we were absolutely sure that they are reading our every word! However, it would be totally unrealistic of any of us to expect that there would be any replies . . . to any of our posts .. . by any of the owners. Such replies would be certain to create as much ill will and controversy, as they would good will and satisfaction. Heritage is a relatively small shop and they are running very "lean and mean". I expect that if they were to start replying to even just 1 or 2 posts . . . they would then become inundated with all sorts of questions . . . from the important and relitave ones, to the wild, wacky and unnecessary ones. "why don't you guys make your 150s with a long neck tennon?" "Why don't you make a strat style guitar?" "why don't you remodel Vince's office?" "Why are you closed on Fridays?" "Why aren't you in Guitar Trader"? "What ever happened to Lane Zastrow?" ON, and ON, and ON and ON . . . some questions they can't answer . . . some they would choose to not answer . . because it's just none of our business. But either way, they would eventually displease some with a lack of response or a not quick enough response . . . . or a response that the person asking the question just doesn't want to hear!

 

If any of us has a question that we feel is an important one, I believe that it should be directed to Heritage in the form of a letter, sent by snail mail. Even then, just realize that with the HOC having hundreds of active and participating members, it could lead to a requirement of 1 or more full time staff to deal with that aspect of customer realtions and communications.

 

The're listening . . . the're monitoring . . . and they're actually acting on some of our input. "I know it in my heart!!" (that's a line from Days Of Thunder . . . Duvall to Tom Cruise on the crash at turn 3)

 

Just don't post a question and expect an answer. It ain't gonna happen . . . and I don't think it should!! Gotta go get another cup of coffee . . . I'm running out of words.

[barrymclark]

Will they are taking bets on how long it will take you to end up with a super eagle and already have five push pins in south atlanta.

 

Don't count on that one Spectrum, I have nuff now to deal with! I can play four days out of the week with a different Heritage.

 

I have a fully equipped practice studio here- we should jam sometime. Where you at in Hotlanta?

 

That is only 30 minutes from work! I will be there to intercept any unwanted Super Eagles!

 

Spectrum is all of about 5 minutes from where I work. My wife works in the Northside Hospital area.

[Guest HRB853370]

I wanted to post this as a general reply . . . but it is most specific to a question posed by Will. "Do you surmise that Ren, Marv, Jim, Vince and the rest of the team read our posts on the HOC forum?"

 

While none of those you mentioned have said as much to me personally, I'm sure that they do. I would suggest that we all should continue to post our concerns, opinions and everything else as though we were absolutely sure that they are reading our every word! However, it would be totally unrealistic of any of us to expect that there would be any replies . . . to any of our posts .. . by any of the owners. Such replies would be certain to create as much ill will and controversy, as they would good will and satisfaction. Heritage is a relatively small shop and they are running very "lean and mean". I expect that if they were to start replying to even just 1 or 2 posts . . . they would then become inundated with all sorts of questions . . . from the important and relitave ones, to the wild, wacky and unnecessary ones. "why don't you guys make your 150s with a long neck tennon?" "Why don't you make a strat style guitar?" "why don't you remodel Vince's office?" "Why are you closed on Fridays?" "Why aren't you in Guitar Trader"? "What ever happened to Lane Zastrow?" ON, and ON, and ON and ON . . . some questions they can't answer . . . some they would choose to not answer . . because it's just none of our business. But either way, they would eventually displease some with a lack of response or a not quick enough response . . . . or a response that the person asking the question just doesn't want to hear!

 

If any of us has a question that we feel is an important one, I believe that it should be directed to Heritage in the form of a letter, sent by snail mail. Even then, just realize that with the HOC having hundreds of active and participating members, it could lead to a requirement of 1 or more full time staff to deal with that aspect of customer realtions and communications.

 

The're listening . . . the're monitoring . . . and they're actually acting on some of our input. "I know it in my heart!!" (that's a line from Days Of Thunder . . . Duvall to Tom Cruise on the crash at turn 3)

 

Just don't post a question and expect an answer. It ain't gonna happen . . . and I don't think it should!! Gotta go get another cup of coffee . . . I'm running out of words.

 

Patrick, I hope you did not misinterpret my question. I was only speculating abour if they read what we say about their products, about their company, about their reputation, about what we like and dislike, about what we would like to see in the future, etc etc. No way, whatsoever, was I suggesting that they EVER start a thread or reply to a thread that we begin. By not doing so, they are acting in a true professional manner, and maintaining their independence from our group. I know that I can email Heritage and Ren will reply to me, or I can pick up the phone and Bill, Ren or Vince will answer (well, sometimes the answering machine picks up).

[Guest HRB853370]

I wanted to post this as a general reply . . . but it is most specific to a question posed by Will. "Do you surmise that Ren, Marv, Jim, Vince and the rest of the team read our posts on the HOC forum?"

 

While none of those you mentioned have said as much to me personally, I'm sure that they do. I would suggest that we all should continue to post our concerns, opinions and everything else as though we were absolutely sure that they are reading our every word! However, it would be totally unrealistic of any of us to expect that there would be any replies . . . to any of our posts .. . by any of the owners. Such replies would be certain to create as much ill will and controversy, as they would good will and satisfaction. Heritage is a relatively small shop and they are running very "lean and mean". I expect that if they were to start replying to even just 1 or 2 posts . . . they would then become inundated with all sorts of questions . . . from the important and relitave ones, to the wild, wacky and unnecessary ones. "why don't you guys make your 150s with a long neck tennon?" "Why don't you make a strat style guitar?" "why don't you remodel Vince's office?" "Why are you closed on Fridays?" "Why aren't you in Guitar Trader"? "What ever happened to Lane Zastrow?" ON, and ON, and ON and ON . . . some questions they can't answer . . . some they would choose to not answer . . because it's just none of our business. But either way, they would eventually displease some with a lack of response or a not quick enough response . . . . or a response that the person asking the question just doesn't want to hear!

 

If any of us has a question that we feel is an important one, I believe that it should be directed to Heritage in the form of a letter, sent by snail mail. Even then, just realize that with the HOC having hundreds of active and participating members, it could lead to a requirement of 1 or more full time staff to deal with that aspect of customer realtions and communications.

 

The're listening . . . the're monitoring . . . and they're actually acting on some of our input. "I know it in my heart!!" (that's a line from Days Of Thunder . . . Duvall to Tom Cruise on the crash at turn 3)

 

Just don't post a question and expect an answer. It ain't gonna happen . . . and I don't think it should!! Gotta go get another cup of coffee . . . I'm running out of words.

 

Patrick, I hope you did not misinterpret my question. I was only speculating abour if they read what we say about their products, about their company, about their reputation, about what we like and dislike, about what we would like to see in the future, etc etc. No way, whatsoever, was I suggesting that they EVER start a thread or reply to a thread that we begin. By not doing so, they are acting in a true professional manner, and maintaining their independence from our group. I know that I can email Heritage and Ren will reply to me, or I can pick up the phone and Bill, Ren or Vince will answer (well, sometimes the answering machine picks up).

[Patrick]

Patrick, I hope you did not misinterpret my question. I was only speculating abour if they read what we say about their products, about their company, about their reputation, about what we like and dislike, about what we would like to see in the future, etc etc. No way, whatsoever, was I suggesting that they EVER start a thread or reply to a thread that we begin. By not doing so, they are acting in a true professional manner, and maintaining their independence from our group. I know that I can email Heritage and Ren will reply to me, or I can pick up the phone and Bill, Ren or Vince will answer (well, sometimes the answering machine picks up).

 

No man . . . I didn't misinterpret at all. You were very clear in your question. I knew that you were not asking why they didn't respond . . . only if anyone thought they were looking in on us. I believe they are!

 

As I'm sure you've noticed, I have a habit of offering opinions and advice even when it's not being solicited. Some find it to be presumptious and other find it to be just plain rude. I'm pretty much OK with that misinterpretation. I kinda look at it what I do as just thinking out loud.

 

I wasn't calling you out on it at all. In fact, I'm glad that you asked the question. It gives us all a chance to back up and realize that they probably are reading our posts . . . so we should proceed with that understanding. I was also just trying to take a proactive approach to offer some advice/opinion on what I thought might cause the start of what I've occasionally read on some of the posts here. From time to time, some wonder why they don't hear back from the plant on the many concerns they've posted here.

[Guest HRB853370]

No man . . . I didn't misinterpret at all. You were very clear in your question. I knew that you were not asking why they didn't respond . . . only if anyone thought they were looking in on us. I believe they are!

 

As I'm sure you've noticed, I have a habit of offering opinions and advice even when it's not being solicited. Some find it to be presumptious and other find it to be just plain rude. I'm pretty much OK with that misinterpretation. I kinda look at it what I do as just thinking out loud.

 

I wasn't calling you out on it at all. In fact, I'm glad that you asked the question. It gives us all a chance to back up and realize that they probably are reading our posts . . . so we should proceed with that understanding. I was also just trying to take a proactive approach to offer some advice/opinion on what I thought might cause the start of what I've occasionally read on some of the posts here. From time to time, some wonder why they don't hear back from the plant on the many concerns they've posted here.

 

Right on Patrick, we are on the same page!

[tulk1]

I think we might see different responses, well, more responses, from the 'zoo if this were a company sponsored forum. As it's not, maybe they don't feel the need (or right?) to weigh in on every subject that comes up. Perhaps they keep their distance to allow us to maintian our own autonomy and identity. That, and they are busy making our guitars!

[Gitfiddler]

They've gotten better AND more consistent IMHO.

[Patrick]

They've gotten better AND more consistent IMHO.

 

 

Well now . . . that's the same thing . . . only different. Being consistent is better, just as long as you continuously do things better consistently. If they want to stay in business, they had better do things consistently better and on a consistently better basis . . . . constantly! (sorry gitfiddler . . it's the coffee)

[Gitfiddler]

Well now . . . that's the same thing . . . only different. Being consistent is better, just as long as you continuously do things better consistently. If they want to stay in business, they had better do things consistently better and on a consistently better basis . . . . constantly! (sorry gitfiddler . . it's the coffee)

 

OK, I'll elaborate on my brief comment to show the difference between 'better' and 'consistent'. Heritage has always built great guitars. However they used to have the reputation in the market place for being inconsistent, especially in the QC department. A few guitars would leave the factory with minor flaws (poorly cut nut or uneven fretboard carves). One of the jokes on the Gear Page was that the builders drank while they made instruments. That might have been funny to the poster, but not to many Heritage fans such as myself. But there were QC issues here and there before Vince took over the reigns. Since then the quality has been consistent from my point of view. There was a lengthy thread a while back that discussed this topic. The build quality has gotten better and better as they seem to have gotten into a groove down at Parsons St.

 

Also they have upgraded hardware and electronics. Now they use Tone Pros, Seymour Duncan, Switchcraft, as well as higher quality pots/caps. Even the tailpieces are upgraded on some models. Ren is probably responsible for many of the upgrades, most notably his proprietary HRW pickups. Finally, the finishes on the newer Heritages is second to none. My oldest Heritage is a '93 Golden Eagle and the newest love of my life, a custom ordered 525. The difference in the finish is night and day. Both are beautiful, but the 525 is better than any Heritage I've ever seen.

 

Yes, this is my perspective and maybe not the generally accepted opinions of others here, but I stand by my comments. Heritage has gotten better and more consistent. Both elements are necessary if a business is to remain on top of their game and their market.

 

Geez, I didn't even have a cup of coffee yet!

[Patrick]

OK, I'll elaborate on my brief comment to show the difference between 'better' and 'consistent'. Heritage has always built great guitars. However they used to have the reputation in the market place for being inconsistent, especially in the QC department. A few guitars would leave the factory with minor flaws (poorly cut nut or uneven fretboard carves). One of the jokes on the Gear Page was that the builders drank while they made instruments. That might have been funny to the poster, but not to many Heritage fans such as myself. But there were QC issues here and there before Vince took over the reigns. Since then the quality has been consistent from my point of view. There was a lengthy thread a while back that discussed this topic. The build quality has gotten better and better as they seem to have gotten into a groove down at Parsons St.

 

Also they have upgraded hardware and electronics. Now they use Tone Pros, Seymour Duncan, Switchcraft, as well as higher quality pots/caps. Even the tailpieces are upgraded on some models. Ren is probably responsible for many of the upgrades, most notably his proprietary HRW pickups. Finally, the finishes on the newer Heritages is second to none. My oldest Heritage is a '93 Golden Eagle and the newest love of my life, a custom ordered 525. The difference in the finish is night and day. Both are beautiful, but the 525 is better than any Heritage I've ever seen.

 

Yes, this is my perspective and maybe not the generally accepted opinions of others here, but I stand by my comments. Heritage has gotten better and more consistent. Both elements are necessary if a business is to remain on top of their game and their market.

 

Geez, I didn't even have a cup of coffee yet!

 

 

I absolutely understood exactly what you meant when you posted "better and more consistent". To quote Johnny Ringo . . . Tombstone . . . "I was just foolin' about" And don't even get me started with your '93 Golden Eagle. You know exactly how much I love that guitar!! As I've said, I truly believe that the guitars coming out of Parsons Street now-a-days are the best ever. And, I know that's going to carry over to the Golden Eagle I'm picking up at the plant this Thursday . . . which, by the way, has a sunset sunburst finish!! Just 69 hours and 20 minutes to 8:30 AM Thursday . . . but, who's counting???

[Gitfiddler]

I absolutely understood exactly what you meant when you posted "better and more consistent". To quote Johnny Ringo . . . Tombstone . . . "I was just foolin' about" And don't even get me started with your '93 Golden Eagle. You know exactly how much I love that guitar!! As I've said, I truly believe that the guitars coming out of Parsons Street now-a-days are the best ever. And, I know that's going to carry over to the Golden Eagle I'm picking up at the plant this Thursday . . . which, by the way, has a sunset sunburst finish!! Just 69 hours and 20 minutes to 8:30 AM Thursday . . . but, who's counting???

 

10/4!

 

Your Sunset Burst Golden Eagle is going to be KILLER!

[pushover]

This is a very cool thread.. Giving the 'boys (and gal of course) their due...

 

The other thing I'll mention is that some HOC forums like the Heritage guitar forum are "indexed" via search engines such as google. I ran into a guy (a friend of a friend) who made some derogatory comment s about Heritage guitars and turns out his source of information was one of our own HOC threads that was talking about inconsistent quality. It's certainly true that #@$% happens and sometimes a bad one will get out, but it's nice to see a thread like this that highlights the good, and better matches my own experiences with Heritage guitars.