Are NEW Heritage Guitars Still a Good Value?

[H]

YES, YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

I think Harry just met Sally

[heritagefan7]

After receiving my one and only custom order Heritage, I was completely sold on the brand as a full on custom shop. I'd like another, but prices are keeping my wallet shut for the time being.

 

I agree that even a new non-custom order is a decent value because they are hand made, limited production and high quality. Consistency was the knock on Heritage products early on. Now all I can complain about is higher prices. :-)

 

Fiddler--IMO--that ssb 525 is a true work of art...I cannot imagine a more beautiful guitar at any price...It seem to me that most folks who will buy new Heritage of Gibby are prob able to meet the price...and so expect it---they prob aren't looking at BC Rich or Schecter or maybe even Ibanez...I guess, I know how hard it is to come by the cash it takes to get one new or used & so have accepted the cost as part of getting what I want. To answer directly though--New is not cheap, but used is a great buy.

[Lkdog]

OK, put your flame throwers away! I'm just curious what the masses think about the current pricing on Heritage guitars. In the last few years the entry price of a NEW Heritage has inched up, getting dangerously close to other guitar maker's prices.

 

On the other hand, I view the cost of a NEW CUSTOM Order to be a relative bargain compared to almost anything else available. The options offered by Heritage for a hand made, custom one-off guitar is simply amazing. Just look at those 357's and 157's owned by a few HOC members. WOW! The out the door price is very reasonable for such an amazing custom piece.

 

My question is about the base price of a typical Heritage...any model...compared to other makers.

 

What are your thoughts about non-custom optioned base pricing of off the shelf Heritage guitars? Are they still a good value in this highly competitive market?

 

 

Heritage makes great guitars.

I own a sweet custom H 555.Sold ny Es 335.

 

I was just in market for a Les Paul and ended up getting a used Les Paul historic for about the price of a new H 150 from Wolfe Guitars.

Was a tough call. I have no doubt the H 150 is a great axe.

I can sell the Les Paul historic for what I paid.

I just saw a nice 2011 H 150 CM going for $1295.

 

I only buy used guitars, but my answer to your question is they are great and worth the price new, but if you think you might resell it then you will

no doubt take a pretty big hit.

 

That said-one takes a big hit on ALL high end over $2000 guitars, not just Heritage.

Look at PRS. Look at Gibson historics.

Guitars are rarely investments.

[yuominae]

Believe it or not, but in Japan used (and new) Heritages go for similar prices as Gibsons (in shops, not in auctions). Something to do with rarity I think. When I got my 535 pricewise it was a toss up between getting an es-335 or a Heritage. From all I'd read about Heritage it was a straight choice for heritage.

 

I mean, come on, Heritage has MOP inlays when Gibson uses cheapo acrylic. Pretty much all new Gibson's I have owned (no high-end ones, I'll admit though) didn't feel like they were made with care. The rosewood on the neck felt wrong. Fet edges were sharp, yada yada.

The 535 I have is battered, but every detail about if feels good from the moment I picked it up.

 

Granted you can get great guitars from Gibson too, but from my experience I'd rather put my money towards a Heritage.

 

Of course, if you are talking about vintage Gibsons now, its a whole different story. I have bought a few Gibsons from the around 1980, and apart from the electronics, they were all guitars that just had it...

[HANGAR18]

OMG! I want one of these!!!

[vdanger]

Perhaps I can chime in here as I just went through this exact analysis. I was originally interested in a Gbrand ES 339. If I waited until GC has one of their big sales, I could get one for about $2200.00 (plus tax). I looked for used prospects and if you can even find one it seems like they go for $1500.00 to $1600.00. When I finally decided to pull the trigger on a new prospect, I got one delivered from Wolfe for $1950.00. My feeling was that it is less expensive then a new Gbrand and at only $350.00 more then a used prospect, the new prospect was a good deal.

 

So yes, even today i decided that a new off the shelf Heritage is a good value.

 

What sold me on the Heritage was a trip to the factory to see how they are made and the ravings on the HOC about the sound of Heritages. To this date, I have not ever played one or heard one played live. I am going totally on faith.

 

I considered ordering one but the only special things I would have wanted are a bound headstock and bound F holes, both totally cosmetic. When I went to the factory, they did not recommend the bound F holes so with the exception of the bound headstock (which I can live without), Wolfe had the exact guitar I would have ordered.

[HANGAR18]

When I went to the factory, they did not recommend the bound F holes

Why did they not recommend the bound F holes?

[vdanger]

They do not recommend bound F holes on a prospect because prospects have smaller F holes and the binding makes them even smaller. All the innards (electronics) have to be installed through the F holes. Randall said that they can do it but its extremely difficult (even they have a hard time) and if I ever had to have it worked on, finding a luthier that could do it would be a problem.

[SMOKESHOWIN1]

BOUGHT A NEW 535 FROM JAY W. IN 2000 FOR 1180.00. SOLD IT A FEW YEARS LATER TO PAY A BILL. JUST BOUGHT A 2000 535 LAST NIGHT OFF EBAY FOR 1526.00.ALSO, I HAD ANOTHER 535 IN BETWEEN THE TWO THAT I SOLD TO PAY ANOTHER BILL.HMMMM...DEATH AND TAXES,IT'S TRUE!

[HANGAR18]

BOUGHT A NEW 535 FROM JAY W. IN 2000 FOR 1180.00. SOLD IT A FEW YEARS LATER TO PAY A BILL. JUST BOUGHT A 2000 535 LAST NIGHT OFF EBAY FOR 1526.00.ALSO, I HAD ANOTHER 535 IN BETWEEN THE TWO THAT I SOLD TO PAY ANOTHER BILL.HMMMM...DEATH AND TAXES,IT'S TRUE!

 

Perhaps establishing a line of credit at a credit union will allow you to draw some cash to buy a guitar and then make small monthly payments against the loan so that you can keep at least one guitar at all times and have money to pay bills. Just an idea.

[58super]

New Super 400 list price: $17292. Super Eagle : $ 7,500 (2010 price list)

[koula901]

I don't have anything new to add - others have said it best. My 2 cents, before I even knew anything about Heritage, I picked up a couple and looked at them in a store and it just screamed quality. Now compared to Gbrand, they're always cheaper, model to comparable model. Do they retain 'value', if you mean resale value, Gbrand has it, only because of the name (which was produced by the good folks in Kalamazoo). It's a real shame they can't cash in on it - but, maybe after awhile, the word will catch on even more, and that would be just.

 

As a Lefty - definitely more value, as I can always have one made, whereas it's a lot harder to come across either a used Gbrand and far less common in stores. If I custom ordered a Gbrand, it would definitely cost at least $1000 more; and why would I do that when I can have a Heritage?

[brentrocks]

the last time I was in GC a LPC was $3999.....i'm pretty sure you can get a H 157 for about $2500

[HANGAR18]

the last time I was in GC a LPC was $3999.....i'm pretty sure you can get a H 157 for about $2500

 

...and a Heritage H157 will have superior materials and workmanship than a Gibson Les Paul Custom.

 

So, Yes, Heritage guitars are still a good value!

[Telenic]

I the context of quality I would put Heritage somewhere between Collings and Gibson. A typical Collings electric guitar being around $6,000 and worth every penny.

 

Heritage has never had the big marketing engine that drives up demand, like Gibson, so they don't get to charge as a high a price as they should.

 

And if we all keep our mouths shut we can keep demand low and the prices low.

[Guest HRB853370]

 

...and a Heritage H157 will have superior materials and workmanship than a Gibson Les Paul Custom.

 

So, Yes, Heritage guitars are still a good value!

Well, I always debate that a bit, Gibson gets good wood and materials, that is not an issue. And if you look at their virtual factory tour videos, a good % of what they do is still by hand. But there are far more machines involved and workers that probably don't give a $%^* as its just a job to them. And their prices? Out of this world. The folks at Heritage, well they work for pride! (and a paycheck of course) and you get a great guitar for a fair price.

[HANGAR18]

Well, I always debate that a bit, Gibson gets good wood and materials, that is not an issue. And if you look at their virtual factory tour videos, a good % of what they do is still by hand. But there are far more machines involved and workers that probably don't give a $%^* as its just a job to them. And their prices? Out of this world. The folks at Heritage, well they work for pride! (and a paycheck of course) and you get a great guitar for a fair price.

 

Well, back when I was buying Gibson, I sent a brand new Les Paul Studio back to their factory there was a lump running up and down the back of the body where two pieces were joined together and there was a pole piece screw sticking out of the pickup cover which interfered with the operation of the strings. I bought it new that way and had the little inspection certs whrere their QC people supposedly inspected it before it went out the door. More recently, I saw a brand new Gibson hanging up at you know where which had a $4000.00 price tag on it and one of their new push button pots just plain fell apart. My point is that Gibson pushes out far more guitars than they have the ability to inspect for quality.

[Vanschoyck]

I just ordered a new Heritage H 535 so I guess I'd be questioning my own judgement If I said no. But I say yes anyway. Heritage and the other brand are inextricably linked, clearly. If I didn't like the other brand I probably wouldn't have found my way here.

 

But it would be a mistake for Heritage to position themselves as the "cheap" version. I would imagine they have to be careful, as anyone in business, to price themselves correctly as not to undervalue their product and keep in balance with what their fans will pay. My view is that their guitars are a unique opportunity especially considering, as mentioned by others, the custom options. And if I'm wrong it won't be the first time.

 

But, I'm getting a new guitar so - life is good!

[HANGAR18]

I just ordered a new Heritage H 535 so I guess I'd be questioning my own judgement If I said no. But I say yes anyway. Heritage and the other brand are inextricably linked, clearly. If I didn't like the other brand I probably wouldn't have found my way here.

 

But it would be a mistake for Heritage to position themselves as the "cheap" version. I would imagine they have to be careful, as anyone in business, to price themselves correctly as not to undervalue their product and keep in balance with what their fans will pay. My view is that their guitars are a unique opportunity especially considering, as mentioned by others, the custom options. And if I'm wrong it won't be the first time.

 

But, I'm getting a new guitar so - life is good!

 

Congratulations on your new order! I'm sure you will receive a guitar which will be superior to the other brand in materials and workmanship. 535's are fantastic!

[Billgelder]

I just ordered a new Heritage H 535 so I guess I'd be questioning my own judgement If I said no. But I say yes anyway. Heritage and the other brand are inextricably linked, clearly. If I didn't like the other brand I probably wouldn't have found my way here.

 

But it would be a mistake for Heritage to position themselves as the "cheap" version. I would imagine they have to be careful, as anyone in business, to price themselves correctly as not to undervalue their product and keep in balance with what their fans will pay. My view is that their guitars are a unique opportunity especially considering, as mentioned by others, the custom options. And if I'm wrong it won't be the first time.

 

But, I'm getting a new guitar so - life is good!

[rockabilly69]

 

...and a Heritage H157 will have superior materials and workmanship than a Gibson Les Paul Custom.

 

So, Yes, Heritage guitars are still a good value!

 

I would have to give the edge to the new LP Custom for superior parts.

 

Better hardware as in real ABR and lightweight tailpiece w steel studs, better (the new burst buckers are getting pretty good), braided harness, hide glue on the neck

joint, and some killer lightweight Mahogany. Gibson's custom shop's workmanship is pretty high too. Do either of these things justify the price difference? Well the

parts can be swapped out to whatever you want, and the Heritage would still be cheaper, but the hide glue and mahogany might make a diference to some especially

if they are striving to close to vintage as possible. Me I would have to play both guitars and see which one works best for the tone I'm looking for. But in my experience

Heritage solid body guitars are a great platform for modding, and even with stock parts are great examples of the classic 2 humbucker Maple/Mahogany sound. I was

thinking about paring down my collection of guitars but I would have an extremely hard time selling my Heritages even though I have a Gibson Historic 60 reissue

that slightly edges out both of my Heritages. That should speak in volumes about how good of a value Heritages are. But in my honest opinion I think the best value

Heritages are used ones while they are still selling relatively cheap. I have at least $1000 less into my older H150 and it's just as good as my new one!

[HANGAR18]

 

I would have to give the edge to the new LP Custom for superior parts.

 

Better hardware as in real ABR and lightweight tailpiece w steel studs, better (the new burst buckers are getting pretty good), braided harness, hide glue on the neck

joint, and some killer lightweight Mahogany. Gibson's custom shop's workmanship is pretty high too. Do either of these things justify the price difference? Well the

parts can be swapped out to whatever you want, and the Heritage would still be cheaper, but the hide glue and mahogany might make a diference to some especially

if they are striving to close to vintage as possible. Me I would have to play both guitars and see which one works best for the tone I'm looking for. But in my experience

Heritage solid body guitars are a great platform for modding, and even with stock parts are great examples of the classic 2 humbucker Maple/Mahogany sound. I was

thinking about paring down my collection of guitars but I would have an extremely hard time selling my Heritages even though I have a Gibson Historic 60 reissue

that slightly edges out both of my Heritages. That should speak in volumes about how good of a value Heritages are. But in my honest opinion I think the best value

Heritages are used ones while they are still selling relatively cheap. I have at least $1000 less into my older H150 and it's just as good as my new one!

 

Gibson continues to look for alternate, low cost materials (like baked Maple fret boards and plastic inlay instead of real Mother of Pearl among other things) while Heritage is said to often buy high quality Maple and other tone woods from North American wood suppliers. Even though Gibson might try to do a historic re-issue here and there, you never really know what materials they are going to sneak in there because they are not bound to any sort of published standard and the guitar you buy doesn't specify what ingredients went into it. Yes, you might get a good one but it's a crap shoot.

 

As for hardware, the last $4K Gibson I saw at the store had some silly new technology where the pots had a push/click feature as opposed to a push/pull that many of us are familiar with. Well, this particular brand new guitar got pulled off the wall for repair because that fancy-pants push/click pot went "BOING" and wouldn't stay clicked into place. That's all you need when you're playing a gig, to have one of your pots go BOING in the middle of a song and then that guitar is out of commission until you get a new (non-standard) pot installed.

 

Gibson (imho) is junk and you can tell them I said so.

[Guest HRB853370]

 

Gibson continues to look for alternate, low cost materials (like baked Maple fret boards and plastic inlay instead of real Mother of Pearl among other things) while Heritage is said to often buy high quality Maple and other tone woods from North American wood suppliers. Even though Gibson might try to do a historic re-issue here and there, you never really know what materials they are going to sneak in there because they are not bound to any sort of published standard and the guitar you buy doesn't specify what ingredients went into it. Yes, you might get a good one but it's a crap shoot.

 

As for hardware, the last $4K Gibson I saw at the store had some silly new technology where the pots had a push/click feature as opposed to a push/pull that many of us are familiar with. Well, this particular brand new guitar got pulled off the wall for repair because that fancy-pants push/click pot went "BOING" and wouldn't stay clicked into place. That's all you need when you're playing a gig, to have one of your pots go BOING in the middle of a song and then that guitar is out of commission until you get a new (non-standard) pot installed.

 

Gibson (imho) is junk and you can tell them I said so.

I will email them tomorrow and express your views on your behalf. FWIW!

[HANGAR18]

I will email them tomorrow and express your views on your behalf. FWIW!

Make sure you spell my name right. hahahaha

[Gitfiddler]

"We Are The World...We Are The Children..."