Some guidance please

[ces]

Hey there HOC, my name is Ces.

I'm new here. I got my first Heritage yesterday.

Long story short:

I'm going to do a hw swap on my Heritage and after speaking to my luthier today, I'd like your expert opinions, please.

I was advised to change my tail piece for a Nashville style tail stop.

And to consider changing my bridge too.

Please tell me, If i'm seeking to add a "regular Gibson Les Paul" type tail & bridge to my H-157,

what should I get?

Authentic Gibson or Tone Pro's?

What are the part names so I get the right things?

 

Guitar Center in my area now carries what they call something close to tone pro but different, can't remember right now. sorry.

 

Any info is appreciated.

 

Thanks...

 

btw here are pics of whats on there.

 

 

 

 

[H]

Hi Ces and welcome to the HOC! Nice guitar you have there

 

There are a few variations on part numbers depending on the finish (nickel, chrome, gold, aged gold, etc) and whether the saddles are pre-notched.

 

I've dealt with the guys at Marquis Distribution in CA and was very impressed with their knowledge of Heritage models and the TonePros fitments for each.

 

You can reach them here:

http://www.marquisdistribution.com/contact.php

[H]

By the way, the TonePros stuff fits straight on, no modifications required. There is also the Faber brand (which I also have experience of) which you can get from CV Guitars, again no modification necessary. The Gibson parts would fit straight on but the advantage of TonePros and Faber is that they have a lock mechanism on both parts.

 

I hope that helps

[ces]

awesome info. and yes it does, thanks. i'll look in to that.

 

if anyone here knows the specific part names, like nashville tail stop for example. that would help a lot.

 

i'm trying to avoid bothering my luthier, of whom i already ask too many questions.

[ces]

i mean nashville bridge.. duh

[ces]

to be more specific, does a 2002 H-157 have small or large posts?

[H]

to be more specific, does a 2002 H-157 have small or large posts?

 

You're looking for a stopbar tailpiece and a Nashville-style bridge. TonePros stuff locks to the mounting screws so I don't believe there's an option on that part. You may choose the finish and whether you want notched saddles or not. The Marquis guys will know the rest. Have a chat with Brian at Marquis via phone or email, tell him what guitar you have and he will tell you what the relevant part numbers are and how soon they'll be with you. I did exactly this when sorting out my 535 a while back. The guys at Marquis are that good

[ces]

You're looking for a stopbar tailpiece and a Nashville-style bridge. TonePros stuff locks to the mounting screws so I don't believe there's an option on that part. You may choose the finish and whether you want notched saddles or not. The Marquis guys will know the rest. Have a chat with Brian at Marquis via phone or email, tell him what guitar you have and he will tell you what the relevant part numbers are and how soon they'll be with you. I did exactly this when sorting out my 535 a while back. The guys at Marquis are that good

 

ok i will do, thanks. awesome info...

[tulk1]

Hey CES, just want to add my "welcome to the HOC". The old Schaller hardware isn't for everybody. Extremely functional, but not what so many have come to associate with the body style. Personally, I don't mind it. But thats just me. Even Heritage is now using TonePros. You could always call them and ask what part numbers they're using. I'm kind of surprised others haven't chimed in with their recommendations. But it looks like H has you all set up. Pics are expected when you get it all swapped out

[chico]

I've changed all the Schaller hdware (tailpiece/bridge) on any of my Heritages that came that way. I did mine at the factory, while there. Quick and easy changeout.

 

BTW, welcome.

[FredZepp]

I have Heritage guitars with either hardware, but it was done before I bought it so I can't help with parts.

 

I did buy a Gotoh tailpiece off of eBay, new and supposed to fit Gibsons, that did not work on my 150, for some reason.

I didn't pursue it much, as it doesn't matter much to me, I was only going to change it for appearance.

 

Here is what your converted 157 will look like, once completed...

[ces]

right on, thanks for that.

 

After many hours of surfing, reading & studying, i see why it's confusing.

 

There are metric/metric post threads and metric/standard post threads, and that's just one of several specs you have to match up.

Now I know how people get the wrong hardware sometimes, it's overwhelming.

 

Heritage factory was too busy and cranky today to share any real info.

"call StewMac, they know everything about it"

"Metric with small posts" was all i could get and I had to ask 3 times.

So I decided to stop bothering the man and say thanks...

but StewMac didn't have a clue and don't have black hardware.

 

I took H's advice and called Marquis.

When I finally spoke to parts, it ended up being the owner.

He was friendly and knowledgeable.

He quickly id'd my guitar and correct fitting parts.

 

I ordered the tonepro nashville type bridge and tail stop, in black. full set with extra hardware.

He suggested un-notched, due to the quality of the Heritage.

It's best left to a luthier to notch the bridge and setup the guitar with its new hardware.

 

Due to our close proximity, I'll have the parts tomorrow most likely.

Then off to the luthier...

 

 

I'm putting this info up in the hopes it's helpful for others in the future.

 

So thanks HOC for the guidance, it worked out well.

 

Here's what I got and where you can find it, and other correct fit parts for your Heritage guitar:

 

http://www.marquisdistribution.com

 

http://www.marquisdi...18b077540913cd5

 

[tulk1]

Black Hardware!! Too cool. I had a Custom Stambaugh built using all black hardware. I like it!! Sorry to hear whoever you got on the phone at the 'zoo wasn't all that responsive. Best I could offer is that we're all human. But I truly thought they'd help you. Looks like you got the best help from Marquis, tho'. Good to know! Tone Pros "Zmac" material. Never heard of it. You'll have to let us know what it's like.

[ces]

Black Hardware!! Too cool. I had a Custom Stambaugh built using all black hardware. I like it!! Sorry to hear whoever you got on the phone at the 'zoo wasn't all that responsive. Best I could offer is that we're all human. But I truly thought they'd help you. Looks like you got the best help from Marquis, tho'. Good to know! Tone Pros "Zmac" material. Never heard of it. You'll have to let us know what it's like.

 

yeah I didn't take it personally. I'm still a fan of The H.

They're busy staying in business, and technically, I'm not a customer.

Anyway, yeah never heard of zmac but we'll see what's up with it.

I'm leaving the post threads stock.

I'm also leaving the gold Grover tuners, because I've turned a few Grover's in my life, and I've never felt ANY tuner that feel like these do.

It felt like a swiss watch being wound. unreal.

 

Also I want to remove the pup covers. anyone done that?

[FredZepp]

Black hardware , indeed..!

 

Well, yours won't look like my pic.

Good luck with the customizing, it sounds like you've got it handled.

 

I was going to post the specs for the hardware that they are sending, but I guess we should wait and make sure that all is smooth.

It says metric thread on the bridge and US threads on the tailpiece....

[PHILIP]

yeah I didn't take it personally. I'm still a fan of The H.

They're busy staying in business, and technically, I'm not a customer.

Anyway, yeah never heard of zmac but we'll see what's up with it.

I'm leaving the post threads stock.

I'm also leaving the gold Grover tuners, because I've turned a few Grover's in my life, and I've never felt ANY tuner that feel like these do.

It felt like a swiss watch being wound. unreal.

 

Also I want to remove the pup covers. anyone done that?

yes I removed pickup covers, use a dremell with a cutting wheel, cut through the solder joint and they then pop of easily

[ces]

yes I removed pickup covers, use a dremell with a cutting wheel, cut through the solder joint and they then pop of easily

 

amy wax mess had to be removed on yours?

the pups in my 157 are schaller...

how about on mine.

what should i expect under there?

[ces]

Black hardware , indeed..!

 

Well, yours won't look like my pic.

Good luck with the customizing, it sounds like you've got it handled.

 

I was going to post the specs for the hardware that they are sending, but I guess we should wait and make sure that all is smooth.

It says metric thread on the bridge and US threads on the tailpiece....

 

Marquis said with the posts alone theres a metric width with a metric thread and a us standard width with a metric thread.

That's where it all got super fun for me *sarcasm*

I gave up on trying to understand it all.

 

I saw many measurements and specs including the ones in these photos...

 

 

 

[PHILIP]

yes I removed pickup covers, use a dremell with a cutting wheel, cut through the solder joint and they then pop of easily

NO WAX, MINE WERE SCHALLERS ALSO, THEY WERE BLACK TOPS AND WITH THE TOPS OF THEY SOUND BETTER NOW

[ces]

NO WAX, MINE WERE SCHALLERS ALSO, THEY WERE BLACK TOPS AND WITH THE TOPS OF THEY SOUND BETTER NOW

 

oh cool!

thanks for that.

I may throw some black uncovered sd's in there...

like an Alnico Pro 2 and a Custom Custom

[PHILIP]

oh cool!

thanks for that.

I may throw some black uncovered sd's in there...

like an Alnico Pro 2 and a Custom Custom

Give the schallers a chance first before you change them, they sound very good wih he covers of, a nice warm vintage open sound with them

[PHILIP]

oh cool!

thanks for that.

I may throw some black uncovered sd's in there...

like an Alnico Pro 2 and a Custom Custom

Give the schallers a chance first before you change them, they sound very good wih he covers of, a nice warm vintage open sound with them

[H]

Hey Ces, that all-black look is going to set your 157 apart - I like the idea a lot Glad that Marquis helped you out - they know their stuff!

 

Post some pics when you've got it all done

[ces]

Give the schallers a chance first before you change them, they sound very good wih he covers of, a nice warm vintage open sound with them

 

They do sound nice, but I already got a JB & a 59 today...

I'll keep the originals along with every other nut and bolt of the factory stuff, just not keeping it on the guitar at this time.

 

 

Hey Ces, that all-black look is going to set your 157 apart - I like the idea a lot Glad that Marquis helped you out - they know their stuff!

 

Post some pics when you've got it all done

 

yeah awesome info you gave me, thanks again.

I'll post pics for sure when it's done.

 

right on HOC!

[Hfan]

Hi Ces, Welcome and thanks for bringing up this topic. I also have a 2002 157 looks just like yours with the Schaller hardware and pickups. I've considered changing the hardware as well, good info in this thread if I ever do. Would be interested in your results once you're done with the project.

 

Lots of guys here change out the Schaller stuff and many don't. The last Luthier I spoke to spoke highly of the hardware but mentioned that he locks down the side roller positioners after he has the proper spacing set and also notches the rollers some how for proper height.