Kuz Posted October 10, 2012 Posted October 10, 2012 Dude, what you talkin about! You sold your 525 to Lyle and you know it!!!! The 525 was not a custom build. And neither was the Golden Eagle I sold. Ah, time to get those facts straight again... LOL.
TalismanRich Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 I have never sold any of my custom order guitars. They are perfect because they were spec'd out by me!!! So that an "off the rack" model? He thinks he got something special!!!! I can honestly say I've never sold a custom ordered guitar. Only custom ordered one, my 157. Its still here, in the basement right by the amps.
Android Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 I custom ordered a Golden Eagle 18 years ago. It exceeded my expectations. I still play it daily, gig with it when it's appropriate, and absolutely love the guitar. I recently ordered another Heritage and am completely confident that it will be another great guitar.
bluesgolfer Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 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! Just received my used 535 Almond Burst off of ebay. There are enough out there that you can find what you want. The money your save could get you a 150 or PunkKittys 140 with the inlays.
mdp0430 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Posted October 11, 2012 About the pull the trigger, any last minute words of advice or known mods that I might have done beforehand (e.g. straplocks)????
eljay Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 yer specs look like da shizzle to me. yer gonna have a fine axe! my 530, 157, and prospect have inlaid headstocks. a nice touch well worth paying for, imo. good on ya!
Spectrum13 Posted October 12, 2012 Posted October 12, 2012 You got most everything covered. When you ask for a bound headstock and "the heritage" inlaid, they either glue a one piece plastic like thing with the inlay already contained or they just inlay "the heritage" into the wooden headstock. I kind of like something inlaid under the name, a little diamond as above in Larry's (eljay) avatar or something. Also don't like the Nashville bridge post. Much perfer the Faber posts and a tonepros ABR-1 locking bridge. KIdsmoke could hook you up with an illustration.
mdp0430 Posted October 12, 2012 Author Posted October 12, 2012 You got most everything covered. When you ask for a bound headstock and "the heritage" inlaid, they either glue a one piece plastic like thing with the inlay already contained or they just inlay "the heritage" into the wooden headstock. I kind of like something inlaid under the name, a little diamond as above in Larry's (eljay) avatar or something. Also don't like the Nashville bridge post. Much perfer the Faber posts and a tonepros ABR-1 locking bridge. KIdsmoke could hook you up with an illustration. Oh man! I forgot all about the Nashville v. ABR debate having been playing Tele's and Strats for the past couple years. I'm going to have to give that some more thought... Oh, I think I'll have them do the 50's wiring too...
kidsmoke Posted October 12, 2012 Posted October 12, 2012 Also don't like the Nashville bridge post. Much perfer the Faber posts and a tonepros ABR-1 locking bridge. KIdsmoke could hook you up with an illustration. Sure... This thread is a great one to read regarding a plethora of TOM issues. Tipping of tailpiece, topwrapping, Nashville vs ABR etc..... http://www.heritageownersclub.com/forums/topic/18174-hardware-retrofit/page__st__20__p__238198__hl__faber__fromsearch__1?do=findComment&comment=238198 Fretless has done some beautiful work, both on his guitar and with his camera. I envy you the dilemma.....good luck with the order!
StephenK Posted October 12, 2012 Posted October 12, 2012 Another thing to consider. You talk about fat neck because of your hands. Give Ren a call, talk with him a bit and suggest that you send a copy of your hand. They will form the neck to fit your hand. Just a thought.
bluesgolfer Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 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! How large of a neck profile do you need? I play some fat necks which I like but I find the neck on my 2009 535 on the chunky side and very comfortable.
yoslate Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 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! You pay your money; you take your chances.... That having been said, with what you've stated above, the odds are going to be in your favor. When (if) you order, just be absolutely clear with Jay (and I'd talk to Graham as well...get both of them on board) about the specs. Make sure every last iota is written down, and in everyone's possession. I've also heard Marv say that he'll gladly work with calipered neck dimensions in trying to get a custom ordered neck turned just right. I'd also make phone contact with Parsons Street, once they get your order, probably best to speak with Ren, to make sure someone's staying on top of your order's specs. I did a custom order with Jay, waited a long time, and would up with a very special instrument...just like a bunch of the good people here, on the HOC (...and also "stumbled" on a 535 for sale, locally, wasn't even looking, that's the best guitar I've ever owned!) . Good luck with your project.
Guest HRB853370 Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 2012 You pay your money; you take your chances.... That having been said, with what you've stated above, the odds are going to be in your favor. When (if) you order, just be absolutely clear with Jay (and I'd talk to Graham as well...get both of them on board) about the specs. Make sure every last iota is written down, and in everyone's possession. I've also heard Marv say that he'll gladly work with calipered neck dimensions in trying to get a custom ordered neck turned just right. I'd also make phone contact with Parsons Street, once they get your order, probably best to speak with Ren, to make sure someone's staying on top of your order's specs. I did a custom order with Jay, waited a long time, and would up with a very special instrument...just like a bunch of the good people here, on the HOC (...and also "stumbled" on a 535 for sale, locally, wasn't even looking, that's the best guitar I've ever owned!) . Good luck with your project. Rob do you ever play that "special custom ordered" instrument?
yoslate Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 2012 Rob do you ever play that "special custom ordered" instrument? Playing it in the band that won the local Blues Challenge, Will; therefore, it's going to Memphis, to play on Beale, in February. We're trying to get a set together, to play out until then. The super Super will do all that work, too. Plus I practice on it most of the time now. Guess the answer is, "Yes."
Guest HRB853370 Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 2012 Playing it in the band that won the local Blues Challenge, Will; therefore, it's going to Memphis, to play on Beale, in February. We're trying to get a set together, to play out until then. The super Super will do all that work, too. Plus I practice on it most of the time now. Guess the answer is, "Yes." Good to know its getting love Rob!!! Good luck in Memphis. You guys will do well.
Hfan Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 2012 Oh man! I forgot all about the Nashville v. ABR debate having been playing Tele's and Strats for the past couple years. I'm going to have to give that some more thought... Oh, I think I'll have them do the 50's wiring too... I just remembered you said you where in the north east. Close to NJ? Last time I was at Steve Haye's shop (he's one of the top Luthiers in NJ) he had a new 25th anniversary model 535. I think they had some extra bling. http://www.powerprofiles.com/profile/00005147590227/STEVE+HAYES-COLONIA-NJ
iim7v7im7 Posted October 13, 2012 Posted October 13, 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! That sounds similar to my custom H-535 but I went for a ebony pickguard, vintage 1950s neck profile, Lollar imperials and used vintage wiring.
mdp0430 Posted October 14, 2012 Author Posted October 14, 2012 Thanks guys, almost ready to order! I've made a couple revisions based on the wisdom you guys imparted: (1) Antiquities instead of S. Lovers with 50's wiring and 500k pots (2) All nickel hardware including Tonepros Bridge and Aluminum stopbar (3) I decided against straplocks for know, can always add them later. (4) Rather than crowding the headstock with something personal like a diamond or spade, I wonder if the guys at Heritage would sign the back of the headstock??? I'm really stuck between the Sperzel tuners or the Tonepros/Kluson... Need to firm this up by tomorrow morning. What do you guys think??? p.s. photocopying my left hand is absolutely ingenious, and I'll remember to bring that up!!! Thanks again guys!
mdp0430 Posted October 14, 2012 Author Posted October 14, 2012 The Tonepros/Kluson tuners seem to have a better ratio. Can anyone comment on any potential balance issues between the them and the Sperzels?
mdp0430 Posted October 16, 2012 Author Posted October 16, 2012 Guys, I could really use some insight on tuner selection. I like the look of the Klusons (now Tonepros) but I don't think they have an adjustment screw. This would leave the Sperzel Ivoroids and Grover is also making a Kluson styled tuner. Any advice? I choose to go with all nickel hardware everywhere. The Rotomatics look kind of boring. But if they work, who am I to judge? Really appreciate any wisdom you guys could impart... Thanks!
H Posted October 16, 2012 Posted October 16, 2012 I fit TonePros Klusons to my Heritages. They're lighter than Grover Rotomatics, don't tarnish and do the job of tuning equally as well. I like the look of them too as the cream buttons go well with the cream binding on the guitar. I have no recent experience of Sperzel tuners unfortunately. Finally, it's still possible to buy original Kluson brand tuners with the cream tulip knob. The standard shafts are too short for a Heritage headstock - beware!
kidsmoke Posted October 16, 2012 Posted October 16, 2012 Recently did the same - out with the rotomatics, in with the titanium geared TonePros Klusons. have been happy with them in every regard. (I went with aged nickel)
kidsmoke Posted October 16, 2012 Posted October 16, 2012 That's a sweetie, Mr Smoke! Thanks H, I think I said before, you're photos sealed it for me, so I'm just copying you...and, well, 60 years of guitar design.... Also, I am falling harder and harder for this guitar everyday. Such that I feel I have to put it in it's case to play my tele...feels like philandering. Since the changes, she's damn beautiful, sounds better. I even took the plunge on a Brookwood strap....Bison, custom length. So from Visual, to aural, to comfort, the bar has been raised. I encourage you, MDP0430, to cut no corners on your build, it'll repay you the trouble tenfold.
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