How Did This Happen? Pictoral Evidence!

[Halowords]

So, I ended up getting two Heritage Semi-Hollows over the past couple of weeks. Here are the promised photos.

 

First, here's the H-535, Vintage Sunburst.

 

Here's a nice natural-looking (well, as natural as basement lighting will allow) shot.

 

Here's one with the flash. There's a bit more flame, but it's subtle, the flash washed some of it out.

 

Looks a bit darker/browner from this angle, and the flame sorta disappeared.

 

Nice looking backside.

 

I REALLY like this neck!

 

Not sure how common this is, but he had the lacquer removed and had a gunstock oil finish put on. You can see the seam between the old Nitro finish and the oil. I love the feel of it though. Here it is at the neck joint.

 

And at the headstock.

 

Overall, it plays nice with a full-yet-comfortable neck that feels great with the oil finish. The jumbo frets are nice, but I can adjust to normal or jumbos. The pickups are DiMarzio PAF-style. They're my first DiMarzio, but they sound really nice, going from real warm almost acoustic-y on the neck, to growly overdriven rock on the bridge. They have GHS .010 Nickel Rockers (pure nickel strings) which I like quite a bit so far. I also found the body really comfortable overall. It's not bad acoustically either; not a true acoustic but nicer, and louder, than I expected unplugged for putzing around or practicing when cranking the amp up is not an option.

[Halowords]

Next up is the Heritage Prospect Custom "Blues Deluxe."

 

Here are a few of the front. This one is very flamey and gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

 

Here's a couple of the back. One w/ flash and one just w/ overhead lighting.

 

 

 

Here's the neck. It's a bit thinner than the H-535. I like the 535's neck a little better to be honest, but that lasts for about a couple of minutes, and only shows up if I go back-and-forth or something. That said, it's a pretty fast neck and I overall like it quite a bit.

 

 

And here's the headstock. I don't think the guy played it much.

 

 

I've since cleaned the dust off.

 

Overall, it's gorgeous, really comfortable, plays fast, and in amazing condition. It's got .008 Ernie Ball Slinky's, which are great for extreme bending (which the previous owner apparently did a ton of), but I'd like more low end so I'll be getting something thicker and warmer sounding for it. It still sounds nice, but compared to the 535 it's a bit thin right now with the 8's. It's also nearly impossible to NOT bend notes. Kind of fun since I'm used to .10's & .11's, but not quite the sound I'm looking for.

[NoNameBand]

Wow, are you One lucky person? A twofer. I have to say I like the darker 535 better than the lighter one. LOL. Both guitars are beautiful but I really do like the 535. Nothing like VSB. Congratulations on your NG'sD.

[FredZepp]

Great job with the pics and descriptions.

 

I had a Tele that had the neck oiled that way and it was great , they feel really great that way.

 

Both guitars are great , but that Prospect is quite the looker in those pics.

 

Either one would make for a very happy new guitar day....!

[Halowords]

Wow, are you One lucky person? A twofer. I have to say I like the darker 535 better than the lighter one. LOL. Both guitars are beautiful but I really do like the 535. Nothing like VSB. Congratulations on your NG'sD.

 

Yeah, the 535 is a bit more subdued in the flames and a shade or two darker. The 535 has also been customized all to heck. I wouldn't say "upgraded" but definitely customized to the original guy's tastes.

 

They are actually both VSB's. Very subtle bursting around the rims and a bit different shading between the two. So there seems to be a range in how the VSB presents itself.

 

So far, I like them both. And yeah, I feel lucky to have them.

[big bob]

Happy New Guitar Day, Happy New Guitar Day... Whoot whoot X2

[schundog]

Cogratulations X2!! I love the finish and flame on both of those; I'd like to find a used Blues Deluxe Prospect sometime to try out, to see how it compares to a Gibson ES-339, but that's not too likely. I'm not sure how I'd like the stripped finish on the back of the 535; One of those double standard things for me, it would be ok on a Fender, but not a Heritage! That's just me, though. I'd also probably put pickup covers on the Dimarzios, if you like them, and get gold speed knobs. Top Hats seem to slip through my fat fingers, for some reason! haha. I'd do the same color knobs on the Prospect.

 

Well, now that you know what "I" would do, (who cares, right?! haha), do you have any changes planned, or do you simply plan on enjoying both beauties as-is for a while? Enjoy 'em, Man!

[602a]

Really nice pair almost looks like Bo Derick

[Halowords]

Cogratulations X2!! I love the finish and flame on both of those; I'd like to find a used Blues Deluxe Prospect sometime to try out, to see how it compares to a Gibson ES-339, but that's not too likely.

 

I'd imagine it's closer to a Gibson CS-356, except the inlays. I'd say give them a shot. The Prospect has to be one of the most underrated Heritages out there. In concept and in the finished product, it's great!

 

I'm not sure how I'd like the stripped finish on the back of the 535; One of those double standard things for me, it would be ok on a Fender, but not a Heritage! That's just me, though.

 

The previous owner said he got the advice from somebody at Heritage.

 

I was kind of skeptical, but I love it! It just feels great. I actually got kind of excited because the Carvin folk always ooh and aah over oiled necks, so if I ever got/get a Carvin it would/will have an oiled neck. Really though, the neck is great on the 535; it's very comfortable, thick yet smooth and fast w/ the oil. I really, REALLY like it.

 

I'd also probably put pickup covers on the Dimarzios, if you like them, and get gold speed knobs. Top Hats seem to slip through my fat fingers, for some reason! haha. I'd do the same color knobs on the Prospect.

 

I agree on the pickup covers.

 

I like the speed knobs on the Prospect a lot better. As for the color, I like the white knobs on the prospect. But I haven't put much thought into changing those out yet.

 

Well, now that you know what "I" would do, (who cares, right?! haha), do you have any changes planned, or do you simply plan on enjoying both beauties as-is for a while? Enjoy 'em, Man!

 

Changes . . . A few possibilities.

 

I'm thinking of changing the Schallers out of the Prospect Blues Deluxe because I happen to have another set of Sheptone Tributes lying around. We'll see how I like the Sheptones in my H-150 (which STILL isn't back from being rewired, long boring story). Presuming I keep the H-535 w/ DiMarzio's, I'd like to put chrome pickup covers on them. Then straplocks and a nice strap. I also need to try out some different gauge strings on the Prospect. The 535 could use speed knobs; I'm not a fan of the top-hats (I believe they're called) on there now. They're not as fast or fluid, and I use the knobs quite a bit.

 

I am also contemplating trading one for a full-sized Heritage archtop hollowbody. I NEED a nice acoustic, but I'm sort of hesitant to get rid of either. Part of me wants to trade one in for an Eagle Classic or toward a Golden Eagle. Part of me wants to hold them close and never let them go and save for an archtop down the road. That's my only dilemma.

 

Overall though, there's nothing (strings aside) I feel I HAVE to change about either of them, and that's just the Prospect.

[Guest HRB853370]

Happy NGD Halo and congratulations! Those are two beautiful works of art. Now you are faced with the "Prospect (no pun intended) of which one you want to pick up and play more frequently. Enjoy them both!!

[GuitArtMan]

Sweet! Now get back to playing them!!!

[H]

Lovely guitars, must feel great waking up in the morning and knowing that they're just waiting to be played

[tbonesullivan]

Tung oil finish is the standard finish for the back of the bolt on necks that carvin uses. I have two bolt on basses and one bolt on guitar, and one set neck. They also put it on the maple fretboards. it really is a nice feeling finish on close-grained woods such as maple. On mahogany, which is more open, it has a different feel, but it's still nice. My CT6M has an oiled neck, and it is just really really smooth. not sticky at all, though I've never found nitro necks to be sticky either. I don't sweat a ton from my palms so it's not a big deal.

 

However, I would get that finish line cleaned up. It just doesn't look nice, from what I can see. Just a nit picking thing but still something that would bother me.

[Blunote]

I think tung oil is what is used for gun stocks. It provides a nice smooth dry non-stick finish.

 

As for strings, I've pretty much settled on the GHS nickel rockers. Give my guitars a more full bodied sound and seem to last as long or longer than some of the popular coated strings (Elixers). So I've been very happy with them so far.

 

You didn't mention what pups are in the second one...Schallers?

 

Hope you enjoy those new axes. They both look gorgeous.

[skydog52]

Nice pair of beauties. It will be like dating fraternal twins. They both have their unique qualities!

I've always like that finish.

Congratulations and enjoy.

[NoNameBand]

Lovely guitars, must feel great waking up in the morning and knowing that they're just waiting to be played

 

We are all lucky to have such nice playmates.

[Halowords]

I think tung oil is what is used for gun stocks. It provides a nice smooth dry non-stick finish.

 

That or linseed was my guess. I know tung oil is used (by itself or in some mixture) in oil-finished necks. Gunstock oil seems to use linseed oil as well. There are a few oils that are possible, and I've heard of some luthiers & neck-makers having their own Secret Blend. I think either will work just fine (by themselves or in a commercial gunstock oil blend).

 

I've also heard oil finishes work better on closed-grain woods like Maple, Bubinga, and the like. I think it feels great on the Mahogany neck, and some people on the Carvin forum and one or two of the guitar builders' forums I used to frequent raved about it for any kind of wood and like it just fine on Mahogany. I'd LOVE to try it on a Maple neck though. It just feels really natural.

 

You didn't mention what pups are in the second one...Schallers?

 

The previous owner of the Prospect said they were the stock Schallers. I haven't checked that, been too busy playing it and wiping the dust off. They sound pretty good in this guitar. But I have those Sheptones that really need a home too, and I'm addicted to the idea of being able to split the humbuckers w/ Push/Pull pots, so I might have a couple pairs of Schallers to sell. We'll see, they DO sound pretty nice in there, and that's even with the uber-thin strings.

 

Right now, to be frank the 535 is blowing the Prospect away, but with a better setup I think it will be more or less a draw and I DO like the smaller size of the Prospect. It's a bit more comfortable, and I'm thinking it might be a great heirloom for my daughter if she plays. Strange to factor my daughter's playing comfort into the equation for this guitar. The Prospect is also drop-dead sexy.

 

Hope you enjoy those new axes. They both look gorgeous.

 

Thanks. They seem to have this magnetic pull dragging me to the basement more often. I go down to get something from the freezer, stop and pull one out to practice modes, scales, and chord progressions, wander back upstairs, my wife asks me where have I been for the last half hour and did I grab the ground beef for dinner tonight? Which of course means I have to wander back downstairs, past the guitars (again), and try to not get distracted.

[tulk1]

David, that Prospect is just sick! What a beauty it turned out to be, eh?

[Halowords]

David, that Prospect is just sick! What a beauty it turned out to be, eh?

 

Thank you. It really is very striking. It looks much more impressive in-person than it did in the eBay picture. It is probably the most visually stunning guitar I've ever had (obviously individuals' tastes playing a factor). The maple is flamey and beautiful, the finish is nice with a subtle burst, and I do find the curves on the Prospect somehow elegant looking. It is a really nice guitar. I like it more and more the longer I have it. It gets prettier the more you look at it too.

[Patrick]

Those are both beautiful. It's going to be interesting to see which of the 2 you go to most. From the photos, the Prospect seems a little prettier . . . if that's even possible, because the 535 is gorgeous. But, based upon the comments you've made for tone and song preferences, I'm thinking that 535 is going to be in your hands more often. Either way . . you'll be holding on to a great guitar! Congrats and enjoy them.

[Halowords]

Those are both beautiful. It's going to be interesting to see which of the 2 you go to most. From the photos, the Prospect seems a little prettier . . . if that's even possible, because the 535 is gorgeous. But, based upon the comments you've made for tone and song preferences, I'm thinking that 535 is going to be in your hands more often. Either way . . you'll be holding on to a great guitar! Congrats and enjoy them.

 

Right now, I'm gravitating toward the 535 more often. If I could swap necks, I think I'd play the Prospect more as the body's just a shade more comfortable (not a huge deal though). At the moment, the 535 just fits my sound and the neck is, to me at least, perfect. The sound and neck feel are spot-on for me. I really appreciate all of the mods the guy did to customize it. For noodling around unplugged, the 535 is definitely better. It's louder, richer, and does a legitimately decent acoustic sound. I know, who gets a semi-hollow to play unplugged? But for practice w/ the wife & kid(s) in bed, it works out really nice.

 

The Prospect has a nice tone though. Plugged in, it's a bit brighter but that's going to be pretty much the strings. Hence, I need to swap those out fast. It's also fun though. It's got easy bending, the slimmer neck is pretty fast, and is comfortable in its own right. The body is nice, comfortable, it is prettier, feels more like the H-150, you just don't even have to think about it while playing it. So for me, setup will probably be key.

 

Shortly, I'll swap strings and do a nice setup on the Prospect. Then I'll play them both and see if I gravitate toward one or the other. Right now, I reach for the 535. I really like the design of the Prospect though, and it is really gorgeous, fits me nice, and could be just a set of strings away from being just as good. We'll see. I could make a strong case for either of them.

 

I might end up selling one though. We very recently found out my wife is pregnant with our second child. It's still early, so we'll check w/ the Doc. This means three things though. First, time-wise, I'm not going to be able to devote as much time to my guitars, so it might be superfluous for a while. Second, kids are a bit expensive. Third, my wife is much more open to me getting an archtop down the road if I dump a guitar first. So there is a real chance I end up unloading one and then, when the baby's old enough to allow more guitar-time and we're being drained less financially from diapers, formula, etc., I'll probably be seriously looking for a Heritage Eagle Classic. So while I don't really want to sell either of them, and it will be hard to part with either, that might be the more responsible thing to do. Such is life, eh?