need heritage advice

[eor]

as some of you may recall, every few years or so i get the heritage bug. that is to say, every now and again, i get a giant heritage boner, research tons of heritage guitars and auctions and then end up buying something else because its cheaper. rinse, lather, repeat.

 

...and now we're back. i've sent some preliminary emails inquiring about custom options, but i figured i should ask you guys about them, seeing as how rare heritages are in stores, let alone those with custom features. so instead of starting a million threads, i'll just use one and update as needed. since there isn't really a master form/list of specs for me to choose from, i'm have some trouble getting all my ideas together. not so great with decisions over here.

 

• 
   
  
• custom guitars: should i go direct or through a dealer (which, if so)? ultimately, price is a motivating factor, here.
  
• tummy cuts: yay or nay? seems like a good idea, but i've never played one (nor will i, unless i order one). is the effect similar to putting your strap on the face of the guitar so it leans back at a more comfy angle? and how much weight will it knock off?
  
• wine red: why don't we see this finish more? i'd love some photos, if you have one. not that many in the gallery.
  
• premium tops: worth it? i'm leaning yes, but only for certain colors. for instance, i kinda think plain tops work better with some colors, like wine red. but i'm open to opinions here.
  
• necks: i was told there weren't standard "50s/60s" carves; each is done by hand to order. this is new to me, i've always adapted to whatever i was playing. not sure how to articulate what i really want, because i don't know what that is. somewhere between a 50s and a 60s?
  
• finishes: i'd love to see your fancy "off menu" finishes.
  

if you guys could share your custom experiences/results, i'd be much obliged. i'm currently thinking of an h150, but kinda different/fancy. more as it develops. thanks!

[pegleg32]

The answer to the first question is that you have to go through a dealer. Heritage won't sell direct. However, once you select a dealer, they will work with you to build what you want.

 

Tummy cut would be an option on most of the solid bodies I think. Of course hollow and semi's don't have them. Tummy cuts allow us fat folks to see the fretboard more clearly.

[tbonesullivan]

i'm fine with standard figured tops. Sometimes I like the light figure much more than the heavy. Back in the day they weren't all about bookmatching and super duper flame like they are now. It just looks more natural to have light curl or flame.

 

I believe both my H535 and H150CM have 'non-premium' tops:

 

 

[kbp810]

For the neck... do you have another guitar with a neck that you love? If so, see about getting it measured and/or contemplate what profile it fits; since it's hand made they might not get it exact, but I'll bet they can get it damn close!

 

Premium tops... there are a lot of "standard" tops that to me already look premium; but in my opinion, if you've got the extra cash to play with, go for the gusto!

[bebove64]

i'm fine with standard figured tops. Sometimes I like the light figure much more than the heavy. Back in the day they weren't all about bookmatching and super duper flame like they are now. It just looks more natural to have light curl or flame.

 

I believe both my H535 and H150CM have 'non-premium' tops:

 

 

Your h535 has 'non-premium' top? your h535 is simply spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[blueox]

First thing, there are no "dumb questions" here. Otherwise, it would be nice if you could try out a couple of Heritage instruments to get a feel for them. Do you know if you want solid body, chambered, semi-hollow, hollow, or . . . ? You don't say where you are located, but I assume you've been to the official Heritage Guitar website to check out the various models, among other things? They have a dealer listing, with several being Internet/mailorder outfits selling from a few to many Heritage axes in their inventories. Call or write the factory and request a catalog if you don't already have one. I always like a color photo brochure that I can hold onto and dream. There are many Heritages out there, both new and used, but it is true that finding a local dealer can often be difficult, depending upon your location. From my experience last year in ordering a custom instrument, it will provide you with a unique guitar, but it will also cost several hundred dollars more than a new one "off the shelf" which are super instruments in their own right.

[brentrocks]

i think the premium wood is worth it...especially if you score wood like this...

 

[eor]

first off, i'm thinking of an h150. its buried somewhere at the end of the original post. probably solid, though weight is kind of an issue. over 9.5 is pushing it, over 10 lbs and i might have second thoughts. which is why i thought the tummy cut would be a clever way to lose some weight and possibly make it easier to play.

 

 

 

For the neck... do you have another guitar with a neck that you love? If so, see about getting it measured and/or contemplate what profile it fits; since it's hand made they might not get it exact, but I'll bet they can get it damn close!

 

i got used to all my necks, and am fine with them. they do trend toward the thinner side of the spectrum. since they are mostly discontinued or not otherwise specified, i can't say for sure. my #1's neck was supposed to be "between a 50s and 60s", but it feels pretty thin, if i had to guess.

 

my problem here is that i've always conformed to what was in front of me. i never played a wide range of necks or know how to specify my dream neck, because i've never met it. something that won't hurt my hands (my thumbs are shot, kinda alters how i play), i guess. don't know anything about asymmetrical necks or 60/40 or any fendery shapes or wide-fat or whatever.

 

 

Call or write the factory and request a catalog if you don't already have one. I always like a color photo brochure that I can hold onto and dream. There are many Heritages out there, both new and used, but it is true that finding a local dealer can often be difficult, depending upon your location. From my experience last year in ordering a custom instrument, it will provide you with a unique guitar, but it will also cost several hundred dollars more than a new one "off the shelf" which are super instruments in their own right.

never thought about a print catalog, good idea. i'll shoot them an email. i had one of their older catalogs in pdf format, but i don't see it on the site anymore.

 

i'm about 30 miles north of los angeles. the only places i found when i lived down there were the amp shop, which only had a couple of the basics, and buffalo brothers, which is only about 2.5 hours from me. there are a couple other dealers, but they are also smaller outfits like the amp shop. i actually made the trip down to buffalo bros once for a h575 only to find it needed a neck reset. but they did have a pretty good selection of stuff. gas prices (and my crappy car) being what they are, it isn't really feasible to spend 5 hours on the road to "shop around".

 

 

 

this is lovely, and what i meant about finding a finish that went with the top pattern. the other two you posted are lovely, but i'm not a super tiger stripe guy. this sort of top is more what i'm after. what would you call it? its neither quiled nor flamed, yet both.

 

for years i figured i could find a nice used one and kinda tinker with it until it was (close enough) to what i wanted, but going full custom is appealing because i can make payments on it, per the dealer i spoke to. some down to start and i can send cash and pick it up when i was done paying. so in a roundabout way, its "cheaper" then shelling out a lump sum for an off the rack one, or a used one.

 

part of my problem is that i've never had the opportunity to spec something out from scratch. i've always been a deal hunter willing to tinker and swap things out to get to where i want to be. this is new, weird and counterintuitive for me.

 

can you guys recommend a dealer to go with? i've contacted one that was helpful, but if one has better pricing or more access to the good stuff or whatever, i'd like to know. buffalo bros has a very interesting "upgrade policy", but it doesn't apply to custom instruments.

[donnie]

I don't mean to sound like an infomercial, but if you're asking about a dealer recommendation and you like figured wood, I'd give Wolfe Guitars in FL a call. Graham and Jay are both top-notch, and I think their pricing is fair. Plus, as Heritage's largest dealer I believe they get some really nice wood. As a general rule, it looks like to me that some of the 2010-2011 production guitars are coming through with nicer wood than at other times in the past-at least maybe some wood that might have previously been an upcharge. I think the 2010 25th Anniversary pieces are like this.

 

Now I'll shut up and let one of the guys here who unlike myself, really knows the skinny, take over.

[blueox]

"first off, i'm thinking of an h150. its buried somewhere at the end of the original post. probably solid, though weight is kind of an issue. over 9.5 is pushing it, over 10 lbs and i might have second thoughts. which is why i thought the tummy cut would be a clever way to lose some weight and possibly make it easier to play."

 

"i'm about 30 miles north of los angeles. the only places i found when i lived down there were the amp shop, which only had a couple of the basics, and buffalo brothers, which is only about 2.5 hours from me. there are a couple other dealers, but they are also smaller outfits like the amp shop. i actually made the trip down to buffalo bros once for a h575 only to find it needed a neck reset. but they did have a pretty good selection of stuff. gas prices (and my crappy car) being what they are, it isn't really feasible to spend 5 hours on the road to "shop around". can you guys recommend a dealer to go with? i've contacted one that was helpful, but if one has better pricing or more access to the good stuff or whatever, i'd like to know. buffalo bros has a very interesting "upgrade policy", but it doesn't apply to custom instruments."

 

With an H150, another option is a chambered version, if you are seeking weight relief.

This is stating the obvious, but did you check the official Heritage Guitar website for dealers? They list 14 Heritage dealers in California with phone numbers. One of them, Bananas At Large, has a website listing 13 Heritages, including a couple of H150s and an H157. Nationwide, along with Wolfe Guitar in Florida, there is Adirondack Guitar in New York, and Eddie's in Missouri, for examples of stores with websites, selling several Heritage models. Of course, a custom Heritage can be ordered through your nearest dealer.

[tbonesullivan]

Your h535 has 'non-premium' top? your h535 is simply spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Depends on the angle you photo it at though... here's another pic of the same guitars:

 

 

back:

 

[DetroitBlues]

as some of you may recall, every few years or so i get the heritage bug. that is to say, every now and again, i get a giant heritage boner, research tons of heritage guitars and auctions and then end up buying something else because its cheaper. rinse, lather, repeat.

 

...and now we're back. i've sent some preliminary emails inquiring about custom options, but i figured i should ask you guys about them, seeing as how rare heritages are in stores, let alone those with custom features. so instead of starting a million threads, i'll just use one and update as needed. since there isn't really a master form/list of specs for me to choose from, i'm have some trouble getting all my ideas together. not so great with decisions over here.

 

• 
   
  
• custom guitars: should i go direct or through a dealer (which, if so)? ultimately, price is a motivating factor, here.
  
• tummy cuts: yay or nay? seems like a good idea, but i've never played one (nor will i, unless i order one). is the effect similar to putting your strap on the face of the guitar so it leans back at a more comfy angle? and how much weight will it knock off?
  
• wine red: why don't we see this finish more? i'd love some photos, if you have one. not that many in the gallery.
  
• premium tops: worth it? i'm leaning yes, but only for certain colors. for instance, i kinda think plain tops work better with some colors, like wine red. but i'm open to opinions here.
  
• necks: i was told there weren't standard "50s/60s" carves; each is done by hand to order. this is new to me, i've always adapted to whatever i was playing. not sure how to articulate what i really want, because i don't know what that is. somewhere between a 50s and a 60s?
  
• finishes: i'd love to see your fancy "off menu" finishes.
  

if you guys could share your custom experiences/results, i'd be much obliged. i'm currently thinking of an h150, but kinda different/fancy. more as it develops. thanks!

 

 

task one: custom order, essentially, all Heritage guitars are custom orders. But for the same price as the one on the wall, you can have a dealer order one. Only problem is, you may wait a few months for it.

 

task two: tummy cuts are rather novel ideas, unless you sling the guitar low below your gut, you won't need one. Most of us with a tummy shelf, rest the guitar on our tummys, not below them.

 

task three: Wine Red hides much of the figured wood tops, not to say you can't order it, its just a little more grain restrictive.

 

task four: premium tops, just about any Heritage has a premium top unlike the big guys. But you can always ask for specific tops and hand pick your own.

 

task five: custom order necks, if you like a profile, they'll match it. So much so if you live close enough, they'll fit it to your hands (just ask KBP810)

 

task six: see attached!

 

task seven: think of any factory ordered Heritage is like ordering from the top of the line luthiers from Gibson's custom shop. Any feature or design change you want, they'll do. Pickups, bridges, tailpieces, tuners, etc...

 

[rjsanders]

i'm in the San Jose area and have dealt w/& thru Blue Note in Berkeley (Millennium Ltd. Ed.), C.B. Perkins in San Jose (H-157 goldtop & H-137) and Jay Wolfe (Millennium DC). all great resources. for your particular situation i think Wolfe's is your best bet, just because he's Heritage's biggest dealer. Bananas is even a little further away from you.

 

Jay & Graham are both fine players & will be sensitive to neck profiles, etc., and can answer all your questions.

 

all IMHO, 'course

[bebove64]

Depends on the angle you photo it at though... here's another pic of the same guitars:

 

 

back:

 

Your h535 is really a rare bird in my country,it's beauuuutiful!I apologize,you have no excuse!

congrats

[smurph1]

you sound like a close friend of mine..he plays my 535, and swears up and down it's the finest guitar he's ever played..Then he goes out and buys a Strat..Go figure..but anyway to each his own..As far as a figured top goes, it has absolutely nothing to do with the tone..it looks nice,but I don't buy a guitar to look at it.. I really liked the tummy cut I had on my 140, it was the most comfortable guitar I ever owned..Now about the neck on my 535..It's thick and almost like a baseball bat..It took some getting used to, but now I really like it because when I bend on the upper frets, I've really got something to grab onto..Great for Blues..The Seths on it don't hurt either..Good Luck in your search, i hope you actually get a Heritage this time..you won't regret it!!

[eor]

thanks to all for the helpful responses.

 

task two: tummy cuts are rather novel ideas, unless you sling the guitar low below your gut, you won't need one. Most of us with a tummy shelf, rest the guitar on our tummys, not below them.

 

task five: custom order necks, if you like a profile, they'll match it. So much so if you live close enough, they'll fit it to your hands (just ask KBP810)

 

i kinda don't (at the moment) actually have a gut, which is why im curious. i don't wear the guitar high or low- i used to wear it much lower, but that has changed. but i kinda like the way it sits when you put the strap across the face of it (like skynyrd did with their explorer). i was wondering if a similar effect would be achieved with it. and since it would shave off a little bit of weight... it isn't a deal breaker though, and would probably be jettisoned if it adds too much cost. mine will be all solid- no chambering for me.

 

as for the custom neck fitting, can you elaborate a little more? did they literally measure his hands?

 

you sound like a close friend of mine..he plays my 535, and swears up and down it's the finest guitar he's ever played..Then he goes out and buys a Strat..Go figure..but anyway to each his own..As far as a figured top goes, it has absolutely nothing to do with the tone..it looks nice,but I don't buy a guitar to look at it..

 

i've had a few near misses, involving outbid ebay auctions and damaged/overpriced misadventures in stores. but i always ended up with something similar, which may be why the heritage bug never went away.

 

while i don't put form ahead of function, since i was going custom, i figured i may as well do both. its the artist in me. i'm just drawn to things that are beautiful (to me). all else equal, i'd rather have a hot wife than a plain one.

 

as suggested above, i sent heritage an email and got a pdf of their latest catalog the next day. only 2 pages this time, but you can zoom in and make it super huge. so do that, if you are interested.

[kbp810]

as for the custom neck fitting, can you elaborate a little more? did they literally measure his hands?

 

Well, they didn't measure my hands

 

...but I am fortunate enough to live but an hour and a half or so drive from the factory. I absolutely fell in love with the neck size and profile on my recent H150 acquisition, so I took it along in for a trip to the factory and they measured it all out to help try and match it on my custom order.

 

Then I got to actually see what will become my neck (I wonder if my top came in yet )

 

Here's Marv holding it for the camera

[SouthpawGuy]

Well, they didn't measure my hands

 

...but I am fortunate enough to live but an hour and a half or so drive from the factory. I absolutely fell in love with the neck size and profile on my recent H150 acquisition, so I took it along in for a trip to the factory and they measured it all out to help try and match it on my custom order.

 

Then I got to actually see what will become my neck (I wonder if my top came in yet )

 

Here's Marv holding it for the camera

 

Nice neck.

 

 

Nice lefty Eagle in the background also !

 

[DetroitBlues]

Now show me a guitar company that will fit a guitar and meet with you over it. You can bet Gibson, PRS, or Fender won't give you the time of dey for what you'll spend at the Heritage factory.

[High Flying Bird]

When I ordered the 357 I placed the order with Musicman Music in Michigan then called Heritage to discuss my wants. That made for a very error free process.

 

The Music Man

5757 Whitmore Lake Road

Brighton, Michigan 48116

(810) 227-9440

[DetroitBlues]

Got any pics of the H-357? I've always wanted to play that style of guitar, but never had a chance to try one out. Its very different from most other models out there. I believe it was the first model with a complete neck through design and mulitple wood types pancked together?