Telenic Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 I'm a newbie here so I apologize in advance if this has been covered. I'm trying to get information and opinions on the Prospect guitars. First, how do they compare in sound to a 535, I realize this is a very broad question since 535's can vary. Also, how does a Prospect compare to a Gibson ES 339 or CS 336? I can't find a Prospect to play in person so answers to these questions will help me know the instrument a little better. And finally, how do you buy these and about how much are they new? I'm pretty resourceful but have not been able to find much on-line for Heritage Guitars. I played a friends 535 and was blown away. I'd like to get something close to it but I can't play a large guitar, kills the shoulder. SO, I'm thinking the Prospect might be close. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Halowords Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 There are a few others who can help you as well. I currently have a Prospect "Blues Deluxe" and a 535. In general: 1) Sound: I think they sound pretty close. My Prospect has the full center block which makes them structurally very similar. The 535 has more acoustic volume and seems a bit bassier. But it also has a thicker neck (not model-specific, just the two I happen to own), arguably better pickups, and going back and forth between the two they sounded close enough together and both were "good" enough that I couldn't really pick out a clear favorite. Tonally I might give a slight nod to the (in my opinion VERY slightly) more bass and (again, very slight) somewhat thicker sound of the 535. But to me, they sound very close, and with the same pickups they might be nearly (or totally) indistinguishable plugged in. 2) Feel: The Prospect is better. Neither are that heavy, but the Prospect is smaller and just more ergonomic. That's subjective, so I guess I should say it's better for me. I'm 5'9" or 5'10", so pretty average. I like the 535 just fine, but the Prospect's body just feels great. Actually, I just kind of forget it's there when playing it. I will say the 535 felt fine to me, but I think the more you play one the more natural they feel. That again is probably subjective. 3) Internals: The Prospect is generally built with a floating block. I've never tried one, but there is a bit if a trade-off from virtually every person I've talked to (they might chime in hopefully). On the pro, they might sound a bit more open and hollow-body like. On the con, they tend to feed back more. So, if you're ordering one you have to decide to order a Prospect Standard (w/ floating block), or a Prospect Custom (or Blues Master or whatever the heck they are called) a/o ask for a full center block. You might also send feelers out to J Hale Music Supplies or Wolfe Guitars and see if/when they have any Prospects coming in with full center blocks if that's a feature you're interested in. If buying used, the Blues Deluxe is a Prospect built w/ full center block. They originated from Ed Roman's shop, but they're still a Heritage Prospect Custom for all intents & purposes. That's what I have. There are also occasionally Prospects ordered w/ full center blocks. It just kind of depends what you're looking for and what you want. For my styles of music, the full center block is beneficial. I'd say a a Prospect would fit you great. I love mine and it's very similar and just as good to me as my 535. Just one opinion, but there it is.
SouthpawGuy Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 I'm a newbie here so I apologize in advance if this has been covered. I'm trying to get information and opinions on the Prospect guitars. First, how do they compare in sound to a 535, I realize this is a very broad question since 535's can vary. Also, how does a Prospect compare to a Gibson ES 339 or CS 336? I can't find a Prospect to play in person so answers to these questions will help me know the instrument a little better. And finally, how do you buy these and about how much are they new? I'm pretty resourceful but have not been able to find much on-line for Heritage Guitars. I played a friends 535 and was blown away. I'd like to get something close to it but I can't play a large guitar, kills the shoulder. SO, I'm thinking the Prospect might be close. Your help is greatly appreciated. Hi and Welcome to the HOC, I have both a Prospect and a 535. The prospect has SD Seth lovers ,the 535 has SD'59s. Apart from the dimensions the Prospect has a floating centre block, i.e. it is not attached to the back of the guitar, and the 535 has a solid centre block. Of the two the 535 has a fatter and punchier tone, how much of that is down to the different pickups and construction I honestly don't know. I previously owned an ES-335, but that was 15 years ago and I couldn't really compare the two for sound. The 535 is slimmer than the 335 and also maybe a bit shorter in overall length. The Prospect is really comfortable to play, even more so when seated. Oh and there are some Prospects out there with solid centre blocks, some labelled as a Blues Deluxe and others custom ordered guitars. Pics for size comparison Prospect and 535 Check out the HOC frontpage for a list of some Heritage dealers ... http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/index.php?app=portal
eljay Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 welcome, telenic! this is pretty much a gratuitous response, as i own neither a prospect or a 535. i do, however, have a gib cs336 and it is one of the most comfortable guitars i've played. if a prospect is close dimensionally to a 336 (and i think it is), it should be a delight. fwiw, i plan to acquire a 535 at some point and, while the prospect intrigues me, my 336 fills the need for a semi-hollow of that size. good luck with your quest! eljay
Spectrum13 Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 With a Prospect and a MIJ 355 I will agree with Helo and Southpaw that a full block Prospect would be very close to a 535. Also look into a Milli which is a little larger than a LP kind of chambered with a carved top like a 336 but has a Maple body 155 or Hog (Ultra) and an ebony fingerboard. How do you buy them new? Check Gbase and the list of Heritage dealers, check websites and you pretty much know what is available stock. You would order custom through a dealer. Your choice of some custom options like neck carve, colors would be no charge. Other options like floating vs soild block, bound headstock, inlays, tuners, would be subject to an upcharge depending what you want, the dealer will provide costs. I would guess between $2,000 to $2,500 new. Some of us on this forum have gone through the ordeal a few times. We might not mind offering some advice.
Telenic Posted January 11, 2011 Author Posted January 11, 2011 Thanks, all this information is very helpful. I just have to sell my Les Paul and I will go shopping for my Prospect.
tulk1 Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 Thanks, all this information is very helpful. I just have to sell my Les Paul and I will go shopping for my Prospect. +1 on that!! Another Prospect/535 owner here. Mine has the floating center block. I just stuck a very small piece of natural sponge between the block and the back - any feedback issues resolved. No effect on the tone. For me, the Prospect is the perfect size. A bit larger than an LP, smaller than a 535 (er, ES335). Was never a fan of the larger bouts in that body style. But the Prospect ... fits the bill. Very comfortable standing, sitting, playing. Good luck on your sale and Prospect hunt. Find the right dealer and a custom jobber won't cost you much more than stock. It's just the waiting that blows.
smurph1 Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 Hi Telenic..Welcome..I only own a 535, but it is the most toneful versatile guitar I've ever owned..But that being said, I stand 6'5"..so the body size of the 535 is not an issue for me..From what I've heard, The Prospect provides essentially the same tone and flexibility in a smaller package..So it might be the right choice for you..Good luck in your search..Also if you would like to check out a bunch of Heritage guitars, go to Wolfe's guitars of Jupiter Florida..Rock on Scott
MartyGrass Posted January 11, 2011 Posted January 11, 2011 There are several Prospects on eBay today. I don't think there's a big difference between the 535 and Prospect really. I've had a few 535s and one Prospect. I admit the Prospect is a little more comfortable due to its size. And there are probably subtle tone nuances involved. I wouldn't sweat the small stuff though.
bolero Posted January 12, 2011 Posted January 12, 2011 I had a 535 & a prospect, the prospect is a killer little guitar: smaller & more comfortable to play, closer to a les paul body size they both sounded very similar I found the prospect was a bit brighter that the 535, but it had stock schaller pups vs the duncan 59's in the 535 I sold them both & kinda regret it...but that's life
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