Upgrade/repair advice

[myway]

Hi ,

 

Well a couple of years ago I happened across my H-535 setting in an obscure music store. I had never played a Heritage, but was immediatley drawn in. I purchased it after at least two weeks of haggling and wearing the guy down. there was a headstock repair. The headstock had an "ugly" repair done. The heritage logo is not on the guitar now. I would like to have this cosmetically repaired. Is this an expensive venture?

Well I am looking to fix a coule of problems. First off, Pick ups. I purchased it with SD Performers in it. They are o.K., probably would be considered a mid grade pick up. I am toying with the idea of putting some of the Tonerider Rocksongs in it, unsure though, can anyone advise about the Toneriders?

Now there are wiring issues, as well as odd pot problems. I was thinking about purchasing one of the RS guitar works wiring harnesses and having it totally redone. I think it will caost about 85.00 fo the harness. Big question is who to do it. I am not experienced at all.

So all in all. I would like to replace the harness and fix the pot problems. possibly change pick ups. And get the logo repair. Question is would I be better served to just take the guitar to the factory to get all the work done? (I don't live too far away)Or is it going to be too expensive to attempt it? Thanks

[rooster]

Well, you are, I presume, asking for opinions, so here are mine:

 

First -- the headstock: if you aren't too far from the factory, then why not drop a couple C-notes down and get the logo redone and the headstock repair evaluated and touched up? The guitar will possibly be with you for 20 years, so why not make it the best it can be?

 

Second -- the pickups. I have Bill Lawrence pickups (from Bill & Becky & Shannon) in all my Heritages. I love the sound, the responsiveness, the high quality, and the everything-a-pickup-should be. Most of all, I like the way the sound of the individual guitar comes right through them rather than hearing some kind of "signature tone" of the pickup.

 

Third -- the wiring: I use RS superpots for volume controls in all my guitars, and consider them among the best (I've repaired/refurbed prolly about 150-200 guitars). For caps, I like the Russian surplus PIO caps. They are the next best thing to real Sprague Vitamin Q caps from decades ago. The PIO caps get a growl that no other cap can put out. I wouldn't have believed it, but when I tried it, sure enough. I believe it is the inherent inductance of the component itself that shelves a bit of the low frequencies, and in the configuration that a tone control is set up in, gives it that little bit of... no other word but "growl" really describes it.

 

Fourth -- who to do it: Why not post your location and see if anyone here is near you that IS experienced at this? You can prolly get a better price from someone who really loves working on a Heritage? Or, if you end up having the factory do the headstock, why not have them do the wiring? Just give them the components and have them install them (if they'll do it). Either way, you'll have your guitar in careful hands.

 

 

Good luck.

 

rooster.

[yoslate]

Paging Dr. Brentrocks. Paging Dr. Brentrocks....

[mars_hall]

Pete Moreno, who Brent takes his guitars to near Kzoo, may be a cost effective answer.

[Genericmusic]

I second the Moreno suggestion. He is a superb guitar tech. I've done business with him for over 30 years. No complaints. Not one. Nada. Give him a call. (269)372-1126.

[myway]

Thanks Guys,

 

I might just do that. Sounds like Mr. moreno might be the way to go. will check into those Bill Lawrence pick ups as well. Thanks! I really like to play this guitar and want to get it in shape. I have put it off for too long now. Does that mean i will have to buy a new amp to put it through? LOL m.... Mrs. will kill me. Thanks again

[myway]

Well, you are, I presume, asking for opinions, so here are mine:

 

First -- the headstock: if you aren't too far from the factory, then why not drop a couple C-notes down and get the logo redone and the headstock repair evaluated and touched up? The guitar will possibly be with you for 20 years, so why not make it the best it can be?

 

Second -- the pickups. I have Bill Lawrence pickups (from Bill & Becky & Shannon) in all my Heritages. I love the sound, the responsiveness, the high quality, and the everything-a-pickup-should be. Most of all, I like the way the sound of the individual guitar comes right through them rather than hearing some kind of "signature tone" of the pickup.

 

Third -- the wiring: I use RS superpots for volume controls in all my guitars, and consider them among the best (I've repaired/refurbed prolly about 150-200 guitars). For caps, I like the Russian surplus PIO caps. They are the next best thing to real Sprague Vitamin Q caps from decades ago. The PIO caps get a growl that no other cap can put out. I wouldn't have believed it, but when I tried it, sure enough. I believe it is the inherent inductance of the component itself that shelves a bit of the low frequencies, and in the configuration that a tone control is set up in, gives it that little bit of... no other word but "growl" really describes it.

 

Fourth -- who to do it: Why not post your location and see if anyone here is near you that IS experienced at this? You can prolly get a better price from someone who really loves working on a Heritage? Or, if you end up having the factory do the headstock, why not have them do the wiring? Just give them the components and have them install them (if they'll do it). Either way, you'll have your guitar in careful hands.

 

 

Good luck.

 

rooster.

thanks rooster. Th Bill Lawrence pick ups...which model are you using? They are not as expensive as I thought they would be. They may be a great option. I play a lot of early classic rock/blues style guitar. A recommendation would be great . thanks again

[High Flying Bird]

I would call the factory first. If you want a logo back on that headstock that is the only legal way to get it. You might find your trip to 225 Parsons to be quite enjoyable. I have to drive 11 hours to get to Kzoo. Worth it every time!

[rooster]

thanks rooster. Th Bill Lawrence pick ups...which model are you using? They are not as expensive as I thought they would be. They may be a great option. I play a lot of early classic rock/blues style guitar. A recommendation would be great . thanks again

 

I like the L-610s for a P-90 type sound without the buzz. They are in the bridge of 2 of mine, and I use the L-500L for the bridge in one of them. I also like the L-500C in the neck, I have that in 2 of them, and I can get a very clean neck sound without any mud or "woof." Just my opinions, of course, but I've not had a bad sound with any of them. They're certainly not like any other pickups on the market.

 

Bill and Becky's pickups

 

rooster.

[NoNameBand]

I like the L-610s for a P-90 type sound without the buzz. They are in the bridge of 2 of mine, and I use the L-500L for the bridge in one of them. I also like the L-500C in the neck, I have that in 2 of them, and I can get a very clean neck sound without any mud or "woof." Just my opinions, of course, but I've not had a bad sound with any of them. They're certainly not like any other pickups on the market.

 

Bill and Becky's pickups

 

rooster.

 

I have Bill Lawrence Pups (Original “Bill Lawrence” (3x) Humbucking L90 Bridge, L450's Neck & Middle) in one of my guitars and absolutely love them. This guitar is the ultimate studio guitar. It can do just about anything you want.