Decoding Heritage Model Numbers

[jgonway]

Tried the search thing here and read through stuff on H's website (I also exercised a reasonable amount of intelligence), but I am wondering if there is a cache of intelligence on the meaning of the different model numbers.

 

I am mostly interested in the solid bodies. The references to the typical G counterparts are pretty straightforward; the 137 is pretty simple to understand as an LP, Jr., the 150 as the LP. But what is a 140? What does the OSB designation stand for? Old style burst? WHat does CM stand for, as in 150 CM? What is the 157? Is it a blinged out 150, a la an LP Custom?

 

Sorry for the noob question, but I am trying to properly channel my GAS.

[SouthpawGuy]

Hi and welcome to the HOC...

 

OSB = Old Style Burst

 

CM = Curly maple

 

A 157 is the equivalent of a LP Custom and a 140 is a thinner body version of a 150, generally with dot markers but blocks are sometimes seen on custom orders.

 

Hope this helps.

[DetroitBlues]

H-140 originally was Heritages only Les Paul like guitar. They have since become similiar to a cross between a Les Paul Special and Les Paul Studio.

[jgonway]

very helpful, thanks.

 

a couple of follow up questions: curly maple as opposed to what as the standard?

 

and the 170 is simply a double cut LP?

[DetroitBlues]

very helpful, thanks.

 

a couple of follow up questions: curly maple as opposed to what as the standard?

 

and the 170 is simply a double cut LP?

 

Yes, the 170 is like a double cut LP. Standard is a plain top, but seldom are there any plain top Heritages. Maybe under a gold top, but that's about it. Almost all of them are labeled CM for curly maple even though sometimes its flamed maple or birdseye.

[SouthpawGuy]

I've always thought of the 170 as a double cut 140, they're both thinner, and lighter, than a 150 or 157.

[H]

I've always thought of the 170 as a double cut 140, they're both thinner, and lighter, than a 150 or 157.

The new series are as thick as the 150s, I believe. Not sure when the new series started though.

[TalismanRich]

The 150/157s are 13" wide and 2" thick at the rim. Mahogany body, maple cap, just like the LP.

 

A 140 (old and new series) is 12 1/2" wide and 1 5/8" at the rim, so you have a slightly smaller body that is 3/8" thinner. It make for a lower weight without chambering. The 140 is still a maple cap on mahogany body with set neck.

 

The 170 is 12 1/2" wide with 1 1/2" thick body, so it's even thinner than the 140.

[chico]

jgon,

 

welcome, you did pretty well there decyphering Heritage code.

 

you will note that "ultra" is the word used by H for the upgrade from CM (curly to curlier AAAA to AAAAA top)

 

"special" was the H150 (sometimes called H150P for poplar top), had dot inlays and no longer made

 

H150 v H157 features a more rounded cut at the edges unlike the 157 which are pretty much 90 degree edges w/layered binding. H150CM usually comes w/creme binding, 157s with white/black layered

 

140's had a pointed horn vs the rounded horn for H150/157s I think they are all the rounded horn now.

 

Schaller pickups and hardware were used as standard in H150s (two screws on side of pickup) v. the SD59s which became the standard in H150CMs

 

but your mileage may vary w/Heritage, if you note that many custom orders mix and match different appointments. you never know what you will see on a Heritage they're all different