ridethatbike Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 I'm choosing between two awesome H-535's right now. This'll be my first Heritage, and I posted in the marketplace about another H-535 that I let pass. Based upon what I see here, these two both seem like fine guitars, but maybe I'm not asking the right questions to differentiate a sinker from a swimmer. Prices are the same (or within $50 of each other). Guit #1: 1997 Almond Sunburst. In terrific shape, seller seems knowledgeable. Guit #2: 2010 NOS, Factory 2nd. SD 59 humbuckers. Seller describes it as "wine red", which I take as Cherry Translucent? All things considered, I'm leaning towards the 2nd one only because I like the red. I've asked about setup, neck issues, the cases, damage, etc. Both seem nearly flawless, which is good enough for me. Anything else I should watch for or are they both $$$ worthy? Thanks in advance, I hope to be in the club VERY soon.
DetroitBlues Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 If we are going by looks, I'd pick the translucent Cherry finish. However, I'd like to know if the 97 has HRW's and I'd also like to know the neck profiles too.
chico Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 I would go w/#1. nothing wrong w/a #2, playability wise, but it will not command as much market value. and I know market value isn't necessarily why we buy a guitar, just my opinion.
knopfler74 Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Jeez, I LOVE the color of the 97.... That being said, they both look like fine guitars. I would have to agree with Detroit though, try and ask a few questions on neck profile, just to make sure it fits with what you're most interested in and comfortable with. Good luck with the purchase. Two great guitars there!!!
pressure Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Guitar #1. I love sunburst and it doesn't have the stigma of being a 2nd, not that a Heritage 2nd is a bad guitar but it is marked 2nd. Guitar #1 has the original Schaller hardware while Guitar #2 has Tone Pros hardware.
yoslate Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 The '97 is Antique sunburst, not Almond ("ASB", not "ALSB," on the label, inside the bass "F" hole). It also has the Schaller hardware, including the roller bridge. Some people dig that stuff (it is very well machined). Many seem to replace it. The '10 has the more traditional Gibson type hardware, which many players prefer. That and the color (cherry would be just that, not what you're looking at, which is wine red, an unusual color) are the only differences in the pics. I'd be willing to bet the neck profiles are virtually identical. Doubt the presence of HRW's because there is no contrasting dot on either selector switch. The only way to know for certain what's in there is to pull them. Both seem to have nice flame in the tops, but it is more visible in the Antique finish. I have a 535 very similar to the '97 you're looking at. I replaced the hardware with a Tone Pros ABR-1 and stop tailpiece. Mine has Seth Lovers. It's a phenomenal guitar, which plays about 90% of my gigs. You'll love either one. Let us know how this plays out.
H Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 The first is a classic example of what Heritage does extremely well. It looks a lot like my own. The second is finished in a stand-out colour that appeals to me and would probably be a unique piece. I've never seen any Heritage in that colour before. You can't go wrong with either. And, by the way, you're already a HOC member, you don't need to own one to love 'em Welcome!
ridethatbike Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 I got a bit more detail about why it's a 2nd. Apparently, when it got painted, the moisture in the paint caused a slight raising of the wood grain. It's pretty tough to see (just in the right light). That doesn't seem like a deal breaker to me. I think this one seems like it's edging the other one out. Thanks for the advice everyone. Part of the reason I like Heritage is because of the support of this forum. I'm not sure every guitar maker would have such a kind and wise following.
Kuz Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 If they are only $50 within each other, then either #1 is priced incredibly low or #2 (being that it is a second ) is priced WAY too high. Just my opinion.
smurph1 Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Guitar #1. I love sunburst and it doesn't have the stigma of being a 2nd, not that a Heritage 2nd is a bad guitar but it is marked 2nd. Guitar #1 has the original Schaller hardware while Guitar #2 has Tone Pros hardware. Lets see..#2 is a factory first plus tone pros hardware...Ding Ding Ding..Just sayin..
ridethatbike Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 Lets see..#2 is a factory first plus tone pros hardware...Ding Ding Ding..Just sayin.. Actually #2 is the second. Now who's on first?
BrianToth Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Before I went any further, I'd be most interested in the neck profiles of each. My Sweet 16 is a second and everybody loves it, (including me) so that's not big deal. As far as pickups, the '97 is either Schallers or HRWs because of the 4 mounting screws. Probably Schallers. That wouldn't make a difference to me since I've removed the humbuckers from every semi hollow and hollow body guitar I own. I'd want to play them before I made a final decision as well.
smurph1 Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Actually #2 is the second. Now who's on first? Not me apparently..LOL
SouthpawGuy Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 If they are only $50 within each other, then either #1 is priced incredibly low or #2 (being that it is a second ) is priced WAY too high. Just my opinion. Agreed. The factory 2nd may be nice but if it's priced on the high side I'd wait. If the guitar isn't a keeper the "2nd" status might make it harder to move on.
ridethatbike Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 Agreed. The factory 2nd may be nice but if it's priced on the high side I'd wait. If the guitar isn't a keeper the "2nd" status might make it harder to move on. What would be a good price on it then? It is new, just a factory 2nd. The other one is used (obviously). Just to throw out numbers, #1 would be $1555 shipped, the #2 is at $1595 shipped. I'd offer lower than that, I'm thinking $1450.
fxdx99 Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Both guitars appeal to me finish-wise. I'm in the 'tone-pros and replace pickups' camp so the 2nd one is closer to what I'd want set-up wise. Being a '10, I'd guess that it's more '58 style neck profile. I don't know what '97's were shaped like... I'm not very picky on neck shapes so not high on the list for me, tho. Price wise, I don't think that $1600 for a new 535 is out of line, even if it is a 2nd? I haven't looked recently - prices must have come down some. That wine finish is unique (although I really like the 97 ASB w/matching pickguard - very classic Heritage look there).
SouthpawGuy Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 What would be a good price on it then? It is new, just a factory 2nd. The other one is used (obviously). Just to throw out numbers, #1 would be $1555 shipped, the #2 is at $1595 shipped. I'd offer lower than that, I'm thinking $1450. Hard to answer that one. My line of thinking would be how much would the factory 2nd sell for in six months time ?
ridethatbike Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 hard choice, I could live with either of them!! I know. I told my friend he should buy one, ill buy the other, and we can swap guits whenever the urge hits us.
ridethatbike Posted April 3, 2012 Author Posted April 3, 2012 Hard to answer that one. My line of thinking would be how much would the factory 2nd sell for in six months time ? I think if I sold either of them in 6 months time, the transaction would be a net loss due to the inclusion of sizable medical bills incurred from said guitar getting wrapped around my head!
SouthpawGuy Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 I think if I sold either of them in 6 months time, the transaction would be a net loss due to the inclusion of sizable medical bills incurred from said guitar getting wrapped around my head! Gotcha ! I don't sell on guitars myself but some guys around here change guitars as often as they change their socks !
schundog Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 Ridethatbike, welcome to the HOC, and welcome to the 535 Club! The pictures of those guitars are simply gorgeous. You are in a definite win-win situation here. I'll disagree with my buddy Kuz here; he says the used one is underpriced, and the 2nd is overpriced. If you were ever going to sell, yes, the "2nd" stamp will hurt you. However, if you get the 97, chances are you WILL want to replace the hardware and the Schaller pickups (I had SD Antiquities replace the Schallers in mine, and the only regret I had was that I didn't do it sooner. The Schallers sound great in my H-170, though, go figure...) So add maybe $300 for pickups and hardware. The wine colored one looks ready to go, except it needs black speed knobs. (right, Brent?! haha) As others have mentioned, that is a very unique color that I've never seen before. It's the one I'd choose, but I'd negotiate hard, using the "2nd" mark as your bargaining chip. It's STILL very much a buyer's market out there. Good Luck!
DetroitBlues Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 Agreed. The factory 2nd may be nice but if it's priced on the high side I'd wait. If the guitar isn't a keeper the "2nd" status might make it harder to move on. Didn't catch the factory 2nd. Those are probably guitars that get returned and fixed.... Probably nothing on it you can notice that is wrong with it...
koula901 Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 I've heard that the tone pros hardware may contribute to better sustain. I think either guitar would be great, and agree with others about neck profile, I'd also want to know the pickups. Welcome to the forum!
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