Pagebucker, H-Semi-Hollows, & Darker Bursts

[Halowords]

Geez, I'm a procrastinator . . .

 

Anyway, I've been off the forum for a while, but have (still) a Dark Almondburst H-150 that I positively love. My daughter turned three which means for the time being I have a bit more time than when she was younger and more dependent.

 

First, I'm finally getting a Pagebucker for my guitar. Hence the procrastination part. I've been talking about this for like two years but had my daughter, moved, and have just been playing my guitar stock. I'm wondering if any of you have ever tried that setup and your thoughts on A) If you liked it, and If you have any tips for playing around with it. I just ordered it on Monday, so it's not here yet. I'd also be interested in hearing how the split-coils and out-of-phase sounds do on semi-hollow bodies since . . .

 

Second, I think I'm going to pull the trigger and get a Heritage semi-hollow once the right one comes along. I'm thinking an H-535 because I plan it for rock-orientated playing. It's going through a Marshall Vintage Modern (and hopefully someday through a Riviera Knucklehead Reverb, Mesa Boogie Mark-IV, Vox, or some other amp that can do the squeaky clean). The VM actually cleans up nicer than I thought it would, but I think a full-on Jazzbox would probably buzz, and the H-535 seems like the way to go. That said, I'd be open to other semi-hollow suggestions, and I do see myself getting into Jazz and love the option of being able to play clean-yet-warm music as well. I've also thought about the H-555, however it sounds like the maple neck and ebony fretboard make them significantly brighter/sharper (depending who you talk to)? If there are any good opinions to look for, model-wise or feature-wise, I'd love to hear them.

 

Third, where can I find out what finishes there are as far as the darker, brown-ish, or just antique-looking finishes available? I am normally not uber-geeked out about finishes, but I really love the dark Almondburst on my H-150 and love the colors I've seen described (real or made up) as "Autumnburst", the richer/browner Tobacco/Tobacco Bursts, Antique Sunbursts, or just the ones that have a nice burst on the edge but let the grain show through in some nice, rich, antique-looking shade of brown without being too dark. I wouldn't care so much, but I expect to get an H-535 or similar (see above) and lovingly play it until I pass it on to my child(ren) years and years down the road. Thus, I might as well get something that sounds awesome but also looks nice if it's available.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

-Cheers

[tulk1]

Halo, welcome back to the Forum. Life goes one, eh? Not sure what a Pagebucker is? I assume it's a Humbucker that is supposed to sound like Page? How about some details?

 

On the finishes, Heritage has some swatches on the site. For me, the 4 best are OSB (Old Style Burst), DALSB (Dark Almond SunBurst) and ALSB (Almond SunBurst). But of course, finishes are like pickups, strings, etc. It's all what pushes your buttons. Not sure Heritage has an "AutumnBurst" or "Tobacco Burst" altho' we see them described as that all the time. My guess is to hang on, you'll probably see some pics of the different color schemes before the day is out.

[tulk1]

Duh, only listed 3. 4th would be BlackBurst. Oh wait, Sunset Burst is darned cool, too. Had an Amber Burst that really killed ........... and dang it!!

[Halowords]

Halo, welcome back to the Forum. Life goes one, eh? Not sure what a Pagebucker is? I assume it's a Humbucker that is supposed to sound like Page? How about some details?

 

Thanks tulk1!

 

The Pagebucker is a wiring setup that lest you do coil splits for single coil and a Strat setting in the middle switch position, an out-of-phase switch, somehow use both pickups as one giant pickup (beats me). I have heard good things about them, and I think there was a '96 Jimmy Page edition Les Paul that had a similar setup. Presumably, Jimmy Page uses a similar setup. The website looks kind of rough, but word of mouth is that it's a reputable shop & setup. The guy at Sheptone highly recommended them.

http://www.torresengineering.com/noname7.html

 

On the finishes, Heritage has some swatches on the site. For me, the 4 best are OSB (Old Style Burst), DALSB (Dark Almond SunBurst) and ALSB (Almond SunBurst). But of course, finishes are like pickups, strings, etc. It's all what pushes your buttons. Not sure Heritage has an "AutumnBurst" or "Tobacco Burst" altho' we see them described as that all the time. My guess is to hang on, you'll probably see some pics of the different color schemes before the day is out.

 

Yeah, some of those descriptions sounded a bit interpretive by people rather than actual names of them. I basically like the bursts that have a fairly dark (but not overwhelmingly so) rich shade of brown with maybe some golden notes and a faded black burst around the perimeter. It's one of those things that's almost impossible for me to describe, but I know when I see it. I also think you missed one of your four finishes. I only bring it up in case there's another great finish you forgot to mention. **Edit: Nevermind, you added some more. Thanks!

 

I'm sure (and hoping) I'll get some nice pics of the various color schemes. My Dark Almond Sunburst really struck me though. I never buy a guitar based on the color alone, trying to prioritize sound over beauty, but I lucked out and got both with my H-150. Thanks for the info on the colors though. I definitely wondered on occasion if the colors listed were the actual names or just what somebody decided to call them based on personal interpretation or hopes it would inspire a better sale. They still look pretty cool though.

 

-Cheers

[FredZepp]

I have an H-157 with Sheptone PAF Tribute pickups that is wired with the Page wiring.

 

It does single coil, out of phase, and series. The humbucking sound of the pickups is great and the single coil is surprising , great sounds. And the out of phase , I love.

The Series is a bit thicker sound, but not as unique as the other settings... but in all a very versatile set up.

[smurph1]

Geez, I'm a procrastinator . . .

 

Anyway, I've been off the forum for a while, but have (still) a Dark Almondburst H-150 that I positively love. My daughter turned three which means for the time being I have a bit more time than when she was younger and more dependent.

 

First, I'm finally getting a Pagebucker for my guitar. Hence the procrastination part. I've been talking about this for like two years but had my daughter, moved, and have just been playing my guitar stock. I'm wondering if any of you have ever tried that setup and your thoughts on A) If you liked it, and If you have any tips for playing around with it. I just ordered it on Monday, so it's not here yet. I'd also be interested in hearing how the split-coils and out-of-phase sounds do on semi-hollow bodies since . . .

 

Second, I think I'm going to pull the trigger and get a Heritage semi-hollow once the right one comes along. I'm thinking an H-535 because I plan it for rock-orientated playing. It's going through a Marshall Vintage Modern (and hopefully someday through a Riviera Knucklehead Reverb, Mesa Boogie Mark-IV, Vox, or some other amp that can do the squeaky clean). The VM actually cleans up nicer than I thought it would, but I think a full-on Jazzbox would probably buzz, and the H-535 seems like the way to go. That said, I'd be open to other semi-hollow suggestions, and I do see myself getting into Jazz and love the option of being able to play clean-yet-warm music as well. I've also thought about the H-555, however it sounds like the maple neck and ebony fretboard make them significantly brighter/sharper (depending who you talk to)? If there are any good opinions to look for, model-wise or feature-wise, I'd love to hear them.

 

Third, where can I find out what finishes there are as far as the darker, brown-ish, or just antique-looking finishes available? I am normally not uber-geeked out about finishes, but I really love the dark Almondburst on my H-150 and love the colors I've seen described (real or made up) as "Autumnburst", the richer/browner Tobacco/Tobacco Bursts, Antique Sunbursts, or just the ones that have a nice burst on the edge but let the grain show through in some nice, rich, antique-looking shade of brown without being too dark. I wouldn't care so much, but I expect to get an H-535 or similar (see above) and lovingly play it until I pass it on to my child(ren) years and years down the road. Thus, I might as well get something that sounds awesome but also looks nice if it's available.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

-Cheers

Hi Halo..Welcome back to the HOC..I just recently bought a 535 in Old Style Burst..It's a nice rich dark, brown..Very Pretty..I am really bad a posting Pics, but Brent posted a couple of Pics of it for me a while back..I think they were either Under heritage Guitars or the Family Tree..As far as the new 555's go, they have a mahogany neck now, I believe..You would have to go back a few years to get one witha maple neck..By the way my 535 came with stock Seth's and it sounds great..Very Versatile..Rock on and Good Luck in your search..

[golferwave]

It's great to see you back on the forum and glad to see you're still enjoying the H-150!

[Halowords]

It's great to see you back on the forum and glad to see you're still enjoying the H-150!

 

I love it! It's been played but I have been taking very good care of it. I love the guitar though. It looks great and sounds very nice. I don't want to blather on too much to make you miss the thing, because they can pry it from my cold, dead hands, but it is pretty much perfect for what I was looking for and I really enjoy it.

 

As an aside, golferwave was a great guy to deal with (he sold me the H-150). In fact if you happen to have an H-535 that matched my specs, I'd love to do business with you in the future. Seriously though, you were an absolute pleasure to do business with, so thanks for a great guitar.

 

-Cheers

[golferwave]

Thanks David, It was great doing business with you also...No 535's for sale...I'm an H-150 junkie. I would bet that everyone here would love to see some pictures of your dark almondburst beauty!

[smurph1]

Geez, I'm a procrastinator . . .

 

Anyway, I've been off the forum for a while, but have (still) a Dark Almondburst H-150 that I positively love. My daughter turned three which means for the time being I have a bit more time than when she was younger and more dependent.

 

First, I'm finally getting a Pagebucker for my guitar. Hence the procrastination part. I've been talking about this for like two years but had my daughter, moved, and have just been playing my guitar stock. I'm wondering if any of you have ever tried that setup and your thoughts on A) If you liked it, and If you have any tips for playing around with it. I just ordered it on Monday, so it's not here yet. I'd also be interested in hearing how the split-coils and out-of-phase sounds do on semi-hollow bodies since . . .

 

Second, I think I'm going to pull the trigger and get a Heritage semi-hollow once the right one comes along. I'm thinking an H-535 because I plan it for rock-orientated playing. It's going through a Marshall Vintage Modern (and hopefully someday through a Riviera Knucklehead Reverb, Mesa Boogie Mark-IV, Vox, or some other amp that can do the squeaky clean). The VM actually cleans up nicer than I thought it would, but I think a full-on Jazzbox would probably buzz, and the H-535 seems like the way to go. That said, I'd be open to other semi-hollow suggestions, and I do see myself getting into Jazz and love the option of being able to play clean-yet-warm music as well. I've also thought about the H-555, however it sounds like the maple neck and ebony fretboard make them significantly brighter/sharper (depending who you talk to)? If there are any good opinions to look for, model-wise or feature-wise, I'd love to hear them.

 

Third, where can I find out what finishes there are as far as the darker, brown-ish, or just antique-looking finishes available? I am normally not uber-geeked out about finishes, but I really love the dark Almondburst on my H-150 and love the colors I've seen described (real or made up) as "Autumnburst", the richer/browner Tobacco/Tobacco Bursts, Antique Sunbursts, or just the ones that have a nice burst on the edge but let the grain show through in some nice, rich, antique-looking shade of brown without being too dark. I wouldn't care so much, but I expect to get an H-535 or similar (see above) and lovingly play it until I pass it on to my child(ren) years and years down the road. Thus, I might as well get something that sounds awesome but also looks nice if it's available.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

-Cheers

Halo..I found the Photos of My OSB (Old Style Burst) H-535..I will post them for you.The thread will say Smurf's 535..Cheers..Scott

[Halowords]

Halo..I found the Photos of My OSB (Old Style Burst) H-535..I will post them for you.The thread will say Smurf's 535..Cheers..Scott

 

I'll be oozing jealousy. Well, not really, not literally anyway, but I'll be very keen to see it. Please post them when you get a chance, and thanks in advance!

 

-Cheers

[Halowords]

Thanks David, It was great doing business with you also...No 535's for sale...I'm an H-150 junkie. I would bet that everyone here would love to see some pictures of your dark almondburst beauty!

 

Yeah, I'm sure a looooooong way down the road I'd love to add another H-150. I'm putting some slightly hotter Sheptones into the one I've got now, still PAF-style but just a bit hotter wound in the bridge with a pretty warm neck pickup, just haven't gotten around to it yet. I'd like the more classic PAF Sheps for my eventual H-535 (which might be sooner than later if I keep checking out the picture threads). But I would like to have one that had more classic PAF's, and of course I should get a P-90 guitar sometime, plus the more you look at some of these things the cooler it would sound to have some of the other finishes. But the one is fine for now until I'm done rearing children and can justify the time & money for a whole slew.

 

As for pics, I'll try to get to that. I have a humble setup, but dang, that is a photogenic guitar. I'm gracious for you parting with it (although it sounded like you had plenty to fill its place).

 

-Cheers

[golferwave]

Oh Yes...Sheptone PAF Tributes! I have two sets of those. One set with A5 magnets..and one set with A2 magnets. A2's are far and away my favorite magnets. Smooth creamy PAF tone that bring goosebumps to my skin. I also have a set of Sheptone "Blue Sky" PAF Dicky Betts p'ups. These have A4 magnets and have a tone all to themselves...luscious!

[Halowords]

There is one I've seen on one or two, maybe you guys can tell me if it's a formally named finish or just a phenomenon but it looks like a cross between a Natural/Antique Natural and a Black Translucent. In essence, it looks like a cross where there was a cream/natural color peeking through a black overlay, or kind of like a zebra pattern, but pretty evenly distributed between a nice black that gave way to creamy streaks in a very flamey maple design. Is there a name for that? I don't think it was necessarily a burst, just probably an antique/natural finish with black stain that had been sanded down to let the antique/natural finish shine through. I wish I could find the picture, but it was pretty stunning.

 

Oh yeah, I got the bright idea to check the Heritage Custom Shop Page, and while it doesn't have all the finishes (I didn't see Dark Almond for instance, and Tobacco isn't there), it seems to have most of the ones I've seen or read about.

 

-Cheers

[DeLorean]

The Series is a bit thicker sound, but not as unique as the other settings...

 

Series is standard humbucker wiring, this is the highest output mode of a humbucker. Personally, I prefer series/parallel (hum cancelling in both modes) to series/split.

[FredZepp]

Series is standard humbucker wiring, this is the highest output mode of a humbucker. Personally, I prefer series/parallel (hum cancelling in both modes) to series/split.

That's what I mean, the series/parallel switch .. On mine it doesn't affect tone as much as either coil splits or the out of phase.

Or maybe I just like the sounds of the others and use them more....

[Halowords]

There is one I've seen on one or two, maybe you guys can tell me if it's a formally named finish or just a phenomenon but it looks like a cross between a Natural/Antique Natural and a Black Translucent. In essence, it looks like a cross where there was a cream/natural color peeking through a black overlay, or kind of like a zebra pattern, but pretty evenly distributed between a nice black that gave way to creamy streaks in a very flamey maple design. Is there a name for that? I don't think it was necessarily a burst, just probably an antique/natural finish with black stain that had been sanded down to let the antique/natural finish shine through. I wish I could find the picture, but it was pretty stunning.

 

I think I was talking about Antique Sunburst, or some dark Antique finish. I'm thinking similar to these only with a bit more black and kind of a uniform level of black across the whole face rather than just the rim:

 

 

 

 

Found here: http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/index.php?/topic/6511-antique-sunburst-finish/page__p__76260__hl__%2Bantique+%2Bsunburst__fromsearch__1#entry76260

 

Or the Old Style Burst, found here via Google (also SouthpawGuy's):

 

Or (SouthpawGuy's again, apparently) Antique Burst:

 

I just love how they look like they were pulled straight out of old, aged, and dusty newspaper pictures from articles done several decades ago and stored lovingly in some attic.

 

So I think this means I tend to like Dark Almond Sunburst, Old Style Burst, Antique Sunburst, Almond Sunburst, and some that I've seen described (correctly or otherwise) as Tobacco or Tobacco Sunburst. I've definitely found my favorite schemes though. I think I'll have to go for an Old Style (Burst that is), Antique Burst, or Dark Almond Burst for the H-535. That or, um, go rob SouthpawGuy's house since he has a ton of awesome looking Heritage guitars that are totally fitting my ideal.

 

-Cheers