C9Y Posted August 9, 2012 Posted August 9, 2012 After PSP V, I have a bit of the HAS disease (Parsons Street specific variant of GAS). So thinking of a hypothetical future Heritage, I am doing some 535/555 pondering. As I was poking around the shop on that Friday, I noted wood marked "ultra" and see on the website they mention to ask your dealer about the ultra wood package. I did a search and didn't see exactly what "ultra" woods contained. I imagine more flame, but is there something beyond that? On a different note, all the necks Arnie was working on looked to be mahogany. Has anyone seen them use maple for a 535/555 neck? What particular types, quarter sawn? (In doing a search, I see Marv dislikes bird's eye, and even G&L shortens their warranty, so that's out.) So hypothetically, let's call this a 555, with ebony fingerboard and nickel silver hardware. The gold plating on hardware develops a patina, if not wearing right off, if Mike's Prospect is any guide. Opinions on pickups for a semi-? Any other upgrades, must-haves, or recommendations on a 5n5? Thanks guys.
Guest HRB853370 Posted August 9, 2012 Posted August 9, 2012 I have a red 535 for sale! My 04 555 has a maple neck. At some point, they switched to mahogany necks on those.
kbp810 Posted August 9, 2012 Posted August 9, 2012 Ultra indeed means ultra figuring; though a whole lot of their "regular" wood tops are already absolutely stunning, so the "Ultra" name becomes more of a sort of a guarantee to get one of the best of the best of what they've got. (meaning you could order a regular top and it's entirely possible to get something that's ultra). I will tell you though that if you specify ultra top, they will not disappoint. For pickups, the sky is the limit - talk to them about what they have on hand, or work with your own winder for a set and have them sent to Heritage to get paired with your guitar. You are right in that they won't do birdseye, but they do make some incredible curly maple necks - here's the 5 piece maple neck on my 157:
MartyGrass Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 Don't be afraid of gold. It looks good with some wear and patina. Besides it's not that expensive to put new hardware in after 5-10 years. Nothing wrong with nickel or chrome either.
C9Y Posted August 10, 2012 Author Posted August 10, 2012 Ultra indeed means ultra figuring; though a whole lot of their "regular" wood tops are already absolutely stunning, so the "Ultra" name becomes more of a sort of a guarantee to get one of the best of the best of what they've got. (meaning you could order a regular top and it's entirely possible to get something that's ultra). I will tell you though that if you specify ultra top, they will not disappoint. For pickups, the sky is the limit - talk to them about what they have on hand, or work with your own winder for a set and have them sent to Heritage to get paired with your guitar. You are right in that they won't do birdseye, but they do make some incredible curly maple necks - here's the 5 piece maple neck on my 157: Wow, what a neck. I seem to remember someone on the tour saying that the multi-piece necks are stronger than a single piece neck. I'm not sure if this was the whole thing, or just the head stock.Are there any sonic advantages with 1 vs. 3 vs. 5 piece necks?I see there's a "Choice Woods Package". How does this differ from Ultra?So bird's eye maple is out, but curly maple is possible. Any other maple besides curly? Is the curly quarter-sawn?Thanks.
JackBaruth Posted August 14, 2012 Posted August 14, 2012 This may muddy the waters a bit, or not. I have had three of these guitars: a 23rd Anniversary 535, a 2008 555, a 1997 or so 555. The '97 555 had a very thin maple neck. It belongs to Brent now. The 2008 555 was a NAMM show guitar. I think it could be considered to be "ultra", top-wise. Here's the odd thing. It weighs as much as a vintage Les Paul. It's far heavier than the other two. I'm wondering if that means it has a solid top or back. It might be the heaviest guitar I own. I'm not kidding. It feels like strapping on an M1 Garand. Maybe two M1 Garands. I think the 555 is really the king of electric guitars. It's the most versatile guitar you can buy and it is appointed quite lavishly. If only I had a Blueburst.
fxdx99 Posted August 14, 2012 Posted August 14, 2012 Geez, Jim. You've good taste..., 'specially being from Iowa... You're getting some good responses on wood and all. Do like your concept - I should've had you have a go on my 555 at PSP. As far as pickups, I like seth lovers in semis. Warm, woody - they're a good fit (imho... but ya know the heat this year melted this Minnesotan's brain, so what do I know...)
Guest HRB853370 Posted August 15, 2012 Posted August 15, 2012 Geez, Jim. You've good taste..., 'specially being from Iowa... You're getting some good responses on wood and all. Do like your concept - I should've had you have a go on my 555 at PSP. As far as pickups, I like seth lovers in semis. Warm, woody - they're a good fit (imho... but ya know the heat this year melted this Minnesotan's brain, so what do I know...) Heat in Minnesota. Somehow, that just doesn't seem to fit.
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