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535 or 555 vs prospect?


Alfonzo

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Posted

Sorry if this is a really stupid question.....

 

I am trying to find out the differences really between a 535 and a prospect. When I look at the two, I see pickguard vs none, dots vs blocks and slightly different sizes, slightly.

 

I notice they can come with SDs or Lollars.

 

Is a 555 just a 535 with a nicer top? That's what their website leads me to believe.

 

I played this guitar in the shop and now I'm gas'ing for it, http://www.jerrysleftyguitars.com/heritage_guitars/prospect-custom-lefty.html

 

I also think it may be slightly pricey but it was in fantastic shape. Just loved the feel and playability (also I don't have a p90 guitar, lol).

 

Would love to hear what you guys think?

 

Thx,

 

Alf

Posted

555 is like a ES-355 Custom. It has better inlays in an ebony fretboard, better figured woods, layered binding, bound headstock, and bound F-holes. Woods are typically better or supposed to be, but Heritage seldom has a guitar with little to no figured wood unless its a mahogany slab like the 137. Prospect is a smaller guitar that is very similiar to the 535. My personal favorite is a cherry 535, but I do like Jack Baruth's Green 555 with gold hardware. Prospects are nice, but not my first choice in semi-hollow bodies...

Posted

That's a nice looking Prospect - P90s, blocks on fingerboard, great top/finish. Lot's of folks like the smaller body size. Played one last year with Phat Cats in it and wow - great playing and sounding guitar it was.

Guest HRB853370
Posted

555 is like a ES-355 Custom. It has better inlays in an ebony fretboard, better figured woods, layered binding, bound headstock, and bound F-holes. Woods are typically better or supposed to be, but Heritage seldom has a guitar with little to no figured wood unless its a mahogany slab like the 137. Prospect is a smaller guitar that is very similiar to the 535. My personal favorite is a cherry 535, but I do like Jack Baruth's Green 555 with gold hardware. Prospects are nice, but not my first choice in semi-hollow bodies...

 

I have a cherry 535-just so you know DB!

Posted

555 is an upgraded 535 the way I understand it..Prospect is a smaller bodied model but quite similar..I've always thought a prospect would be a sweet axe..but YMMV..

Posted

535/555 = solid center block, 18" long, 16" body, 1 5/8" rim.

Prospect = floating center block, 16 3/4" long, 15" body, 1 1/2" rim.

 

Those are the basics of the base models. Either can be ordered with just about any configuration you please. Meaning solid center block, traps - blocks - dots, ebony board - rosewood board, blah blah.

 

I've had all three. Well, the 535 Custom might as well be a 555; it's got everything that model does. If you want a semi-hollow, I don't think you can go wrong with which ever one you end up with. All 3 models are stellar examples of Heritages .... uh, .... heritage in semi-hollow guitars. I'd agree the one at Jerry's is slightly high for a used Prospect. You know, Jerry's a member here. And, he might deal. It never hurts to ask.

Posted

The P90's were a $200 up charge and only three Prospects were built like that far are I can tell. Lighter and smaller than the 535 and not as fancy as a 555 unless you want it built custom.

Guest HRB853370
Posted

 

Still have a payment program? LOL!

 

Only for your wife.

Posted

Hi Everybody, thanks very much, I appreciate it...in fact its the p90s that are attracting me to it and it played and felt wonderful. We'll see, broke right now!

Posted

Wow, doesn't even look like one. I think I'll have to actually hold one and play it to see how it looks in person. I really don't remember seeing one at PSP

Posted

wow, never seen a prospect with P90's, that is really cool

 

 

555 has a maple neck & ebony fretboard vs. mahogany neck & rosewood fretboard on a 535 doesn't it? so a 555 probably has a bit brighter sound

 

I had a prospect & it was a great little guitar...a les paul sized 535 if you will, sounded glorious. I bet that P90 model kicks butt, what a combo....

 

*edit* argh....typos!!

Posted

Wow, doesn't even look like one. I think I'll have to actually hold one and play it to see how it looks in person. I really don't remember seeing one at PSP

 

there was a blue one at PSPIV, I remember trying it out but couldn't figure out the wiring/switches...it sure looked nice though!!

Posted

Nice! Jerry ordered the first ever Lefty H535! He has great taste in Heritages. That means it has a center block...and less feedback at high volume compared to a full hollow H530.

 

herih535an-left-lgf.jpg

Posted

Very cool, never saw a 535 that came stock with P-90's. I think I'd rather have a humbucker loaded then swap out pup's for P-90's if/when I ever decide to go that route...

Posted

 

555 has a maple neck & ebony fretboard vs. mahogany neck & rosewood fretboard on a 535 doesn't it? so a 555 probably has a bit brighter sound

 

 

That will depend on the year. Ren said at PSP that they are using mahogany necks now. He said the balance is better. I guess the maple + ebony was too bright for most people looking at semis.

Posted

my asat special has a maple neck with ebony fretboard, mahogany body with maple cap. Its very bright, but I love the sound.

Posted

The coolest thing about Heritage is that you can get what YOU want. Here's my Prospect....not exactly stock.

 

IMG_4095.jpg

 

 

Are those Lindy Fralin Twangmasters?

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