mdp0430 Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 Long time lurker, first time poster. I could really use some insight from you guys.... I'm one of those individuals that believes no two guitars sound the same. I also believe that there are good 535's and there are great 535's (just like any other guitar). To me, a great 535 would be extremely resonant, have excellent acoustic qualities, sound open and airy (not compressed like a 335), have 3D overtones (like my Taylors), etc. I live in the North East and dealers do not have any 535's to try (or much of anything else Heritage). So, I'm already breaking my first rule which is don't buy a guitar that I haven't played. I spoke with Jay and they don't have any 535's with a larger neck profile, which I need due to cramping. I prefer Jay's incarnation with the Seth Lovers, less Nitro, Hunduran mahogany, Tonepros hardware, etc. I want to like a stock 535, but I need the larger neck profile as well as a less flamey body, with a bound headstock and "The Heritage" inlaid rather than screened. If I wait around for something like this to become available it could take forever. But, if I custom order one, I might only end up with a good sounding 535, and not a great one. Actually, I have yet to meet someone that has been pleased with a custom ordered guitar from other manufacturers. Then, I'd get killed with the depreciation if I were to sell it. Any advice is greatly appreciated... Thanks!
Hfan Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 The inlaid Heritage logo and headstock binding may be rare in a 535. Also, most Heritages seem to be somewhat flamey. Wolfe's had a custom version some years ago called the 35 Special with those features, Antiquities and aged hardware plus Gibbie style pickguard. Got this one from e bay via a local pick up in CT. Bty welcome from a fellow Jersey boy.
Hfan Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 oh, I should have mentioned the 555 model has some extra bling, may be more of what you're looking for and easier to find.
DetroitBlues Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 For what you want, a custom order would be the way to go.
Gitfiddler Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 Custom order if you definitely want those features. or Look for a used 'fat neck' 555 or Start a thread on the HOC indicating what you want. Oh, I see you've already done that! Finally, as for a resonant sounding body, etc., I don't know what to suggest. 535/555's are laminate constructed and meant to sound best amplified. I have a 555 HRW and 535 Seth Lover (fat neck) and they sound different mainly due to the pickups, not the construction or bling. With my big hands however, I pick up the fat neck a lot more than the fancier 555.
Horace Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 IMHO a custom order will be something you will always cherish. Plus, a Heritage custom order is an INCREDIBLE value - shop around and there is no other conclusion to arrive at. Finally, who knows how much longer one will have the opportunity to buy a custom made guitar from these great folks. Every day when I look at my 555 I feel so thankful. Horace
Number8 Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 Have you tried Gbase.com? There might be more out there in your area than you've seen.
mdp0430 Posted October 9, 2012 Author Posted October 9, 2012 Hfan, that's exactly what I had in mind! It's seems like the Custom Order seems to be the consensus. Normally, I'd be excited about a custom order, but everyone I know that custom orders a guitar ends up selling it. Any advice on what I can do proactively to get it right? While a custom might be an incredible value, I'd much prefer a great playing semi-hollow... Thanks for the replies so far!
Kuz Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 I have never sold any of my custom order guitars. They are perfect because they were spec'd out by me!!!
Gitfiddler Posted October 9, 2012 Posted October 9, 2012 I have never sold any of my custom order guitars. They are perfect because they were spec'd out by me!!! DITTO!
Hfan Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 Hfan, that's exactly what I had in mind! It's seems like the Custom Order seems to be the consensus. Normally, I'd be excited about a custom order, but everyone I know that custom orders a guitar ends up selling it. Any advice on what I can do proactively to get it right? While a custom might be an incredible value, I'd much prefer a great playing semi-hollow... Thanks for the replies so far! Have you checked out the 555 model?
mdp0430 Posted October 10, 2012 Author Posted October 10, 2012 Have you checked out the 555 model? I have, and there are a few for sale on ebay, gbase and craigslist. But, at the risk of being crucified for saying this, I feel that a semi-hollow body should have a rosewood fretboard and simple dot inlays. The 555 may be too much bling, except for those that I've seen with the block inlays...
mdp0430 Posted October 10, 2012 Author Posted October 10, 2012 what kuz and gitfiddler said! I think that perhaps the specs we get to choose don't have that much effect on the acoustics and resonance of the guitar. The marriage between the wood in the neck and the center block in the body probably have more to do with that. Of course, that's just my opinion...
Kuz Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 I have, and there are a few for sale on ebay, gbase and craigslist. But, at the risk of being crucified for saying this, I feel that a semi-hollow body should have a rosewood fretboard and simple dot inlays. The 555 may be too much bling, except for those that I've seen with the block inlays... I agree and disagree. Good tonal wood is necessary, no doubt. But I feel ( and many luthiers agree) that a bigger chunkier neck will yield a bigger fatter tone with more sustain. Also I believe that there are some general stereotypes with the total weight of the guitar that leads to tonal differences. So, since you can spec out the wood types, neck size, premium wood package, inlays, total guitar weight, hardware brand & type, electronics, pickups, tuners, and of course color.... why not order YOUR custom guitar? Unless you want to buy used. There are so few Heritage dealers that you usually can't play one before you buy anyhow. Just some thoughts, and just my opinions.
Spectrum13 Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 I think that perhaps the specs we get to choose don't have that much effect on the acoustics and resonance of the guitar. The marriage between the wood in the neck and the center block in the body probably have more to do with that. Of course, that's just my opinion... On that note, Curley mentioned when he is installing binding he can tell by the vibrations just how alive the body will be. Heritage really wants you to be happy with a custom build. It is covered for a year under warrenty and I think you can return it within 30 days if you are not happy. I can't remember more than a couple of guys not being over joyed with their custom builds, including me. The odds are in your favor. Nobody has more experience building a semi then Marv and JIm. They were at 225 Parsons street when the first ones were built in 1958, that counts for something.
blueox Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 From your description of your "must-haves", I also recommend that you spec out a custom order, however you might consider an H-530 model due to its hollow build, rather than semi-hollow. That said, I believe one should allow for diversity within perfection. Heritage guitars are largely handmade with original, historic tooling, and one will see variations among the finished instruments. You have a more narrow focus, perhaps too narrow to order an instrument without having the chance to play it first.
mdp0430 Posted October 10, 2012 Author Posted October 10, 2012 Thanks everyone! So here's what I'm thinking: (1) Wolfe's typcial 535 package with Honduran mahogany neck, Tonepros hardware, Seth Lovers in bridge and neck, CTS pots, Sprague caps, 5 coats of Nitro (2) 50's style "fat neck" (but not as big as an R7 or Nocaster) (3) Bound and Inlaid headstock (4) Vintage style pickguard (5) Old Style Burt (tobacco burst) with dark edges Any input on tuners? I think Grovers are standard, but the 35 Specials appear to have Ivoroid Sperzels. I wonder how black would look? Any other things I should consider??? Many thanks!
DetroitBlues Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 Grover's have been fine for me. I guess it's a matter of how much bling you want.
kidsmoke Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 check this thread for an idea of what Black Sperzels would look like....scroll halfway down the first page. http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/topic/18615-i-love-the-smell-of-nitro-in-the-morning-ngd/ Sperzel are made in USA, which is a nice perk. Grovers are Chinese. If Asian made isn't an issue, consider Tonepros-Kluson, vintage look with titanium gears. I went this route lately and haven't regretted it. I love the Sperzels however, would mind a build with a set on board. Sounds like a fantastic guitar. good luck!
pressure Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 If you get Sperzals make sure the buttons are metal. The plastic buttons lasted about 3 weeks on my Mille, the flats rounded off. When I called Sperzal about that they said the plastic buttons do not have a guarantee, so I bought metal buttons from them. The metal buttons work great, haven't rounded and all is fab.
smurph1 Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 You are making the right choice ordering it..As has been said, "The Gang" at Parsons Street won't be there for ever..The new guys coming up will do a great job, I'm sure..but we are talking legends here..There is no substitute for experience!!
mdp0430 Posted October 10, 2012 Author Posted October 10, 2012 Thanks for the insight. I think I'm leaning towards the Sperzels. I'm assuming the fret radius on these is 12", right? Also, in terms of weight, I think under 8 pounds is typically desirable, right?
Guest HRB853370 Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 I have never sold any of my custom order guitars. They are perfect because they were spec'd out by me!!! Dude, what you talkin about! You sold your 525 to Lyle and you know it!!!!
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