Oh Crap! Heritage disappoints me again!

[Thundersteel]

Pulled the trigger on an H150 last week. It just arrived today; I was having high expectations, but am very disappointed with it.        PICS TO FOLLOW:

 

First, the major things:

 

1. Several places where the neck meets the body, the lacquer is missing; it is also missing between the neck and neck pickup.

 

2. The strings do not line up over the pole pieces on the pickups! Seems like the bridge was installed incorrectly (off-center).

 

3. Not that great of a sound as I was expecting. Asked the salesman who made the P90 pickups; he said they were made by Heritage.

 

And now, the minor things:

 

4. Numerous scratches on the top below the strings; a large one on the back, probably due to showroom usage. Salesman said they don't let customers "beat up" on their guitars.

 

5. "The Heritage" decal on the headstock is torn. 

 

Looks like it's going back.

 

My H157 I bought last year had to go back to Heritage 3 times to repair similar finish flaws. In fact, EVERY H150/H157 I saw in the store (about 20) had some type of finish flaw. Others have claimed to have never seen a finish flaw on a Heritage; maybe it's just the solid bodies that have these problems?

 

I'm now tempted to go back to G****n! Arrrrgh! >

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[Thundersteel]

Another pic...

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[Thundersteel]

Third pic...

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[Thundersteel]

Last pic...

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[GuitArtMan]

I'm trying to think If I've ever owned a guitar where the strings lined up over the pole pieces.  You're gonna make me go look now!  Serioulsy, I got over this back in the '70s.  Maybe it was just all those Norlin era G words, but it doesn't bother me.  Was this a new or used guitar?  How much shop wear?  Sounds to me like a shop where they let the neanderthal string benders beat the crap out of the guitars.  This was Guitar Center was it?  ;D

[Thundersteel]

This is a brand new guitar. I did NOT buy this from GC!  I know the strings don't need to be perfectly over the pole pieces, but the bridge does seem to be off center. I measured the distance between the bridge and bridge pickup on both the bass & treble side; there is about an 1/8th-inch difference. I had thought about installing new saddles, but the string position still wouldn't be right.

 

 

On a side note, the guitar just didnt sound right; in fact, it sounded dull and lifeless. Could have been the strings that were on it, I don't know.

 

I recently played a G****n LP Jr with P90s, and thought, "That's the sound I'm looking for!"  This one didn't even sound close.

[Dick Seacup]

If it's brand new, and they're still running the show, shouldn't they fix/replace it under warranty?  Just a thought.  Doesn't do anything for your disappointment now, but there's hope, eh?

[soybean]

The issue of pole pieces lining up with the strings is a big deal to me too. It's important if you like to adjust the string balance. I'm always raising and lowering the pole pieces after i change strings. If they don't line up, adjusting the pole pieces does not have as much affect. This is a problem with many builders, not just Heritage. Most of my Heritage guitars are perfectly aligned, but one of them has the stud tailpiece off-center.

[cod65]

try a schaller roller bridge ?  this allows you to adjust in several directions.  my millenium came with one.

[Thundersteel]

I appreciate the suggestions; however, this is brand new--I shouldn't have to do ANYTHING!

 

As stated previously, every solid-body Heritage I've had my hands on had some kind of finish flaw. It makes me wonder if they have any QA there at all!

 

Now, I need to make a decision. Do I try for another P90 H150, or maybe try another brand, such as Hamer?

[High Flying Bird]

Man, these pictures make me want to puke.  I can imagine how you must feel.  It almost looks like the neck was replaced with the finish missing around the fretboard. 

[Dick Seacup]

Thundersteel, I know you shouldn't have to do anything about it, as it's brand new.  The fact is, not only shouldn't it have left the factory that way, the dealer shouldn't have accepted it, and more importantly shouldn't have sold it to a customer!  There are a whole string of failures in QC here, starting with the factory and ending with the dealer.  Unfortunately, you've been stuck with the problem child. 

 

Hamer makes very nice guitars; I've owned several (and still own a P90 Special).  But, to me, they don't feel like a Heritage.  They also don't feel like a Gibson.  They feel like a Hamer.  But, if you're looking for a high quality (furniture grade!) instrument that borders on work of art, you can't go wrong with Hamer.

[Thundersteel]

I've found 3 more H150s at 3 other on-line dealers that I'm tempted to take a look at. I'm having each of them send me numerous close-up photos so I don't get burned again.

 

Hopefully, it'll work out. If not, then time to change brands again.  :'(

[GuitArtMan]

Why not deal with the dealer you know you can trust? 

[Emmitt O.]

...........that guitar would have to go back to the sender.

 

I'll admit that I am fussy. Especially when I buy new equipment. You should be able to expect it to be perfect when new as it's not going to get any better over the years.

 

For me, I'd have to send that guitar back and get a refund.

Sorry. That's just my 2 cents.

Take care.

Emmitt O.

[Dick Seacup]

+1 Karma for being the voice of reason/wisdom/truth.

[Thundersteel]

For me, I'd have to send that guitar back and get a refund.

 

Definately! The guitar is being sent back today!

 

Why not deal with the dealer you know you can trust?

 

Which one would that be? I'm not naming anyone, but if it's who I think it is, then I'll have to say, "Not necessarily!"

[coreybox]

Which one would that be? I'm not naming anyone, but if it's who I think it is, then I'll have to say, "Not necessarily!"

 

Right, I'm being completely ignored at present.

[cod65]

huh. thought Ed Roman didnt sell heritage anymore

[PacerX]

huh. thought Ed Roman didnt sell heritage anymore

 

:) :)      I don't think Ed Roman is going to be selling much of anything anymore.     :) :)