Saying Hello

[twizzly]

So here's a little tale to tell...

 

...I've always loved Les Pauls. Unfortunately, I feel like they fight me. I sit down most of the time while playing. Play jazz with 12 flatwounds, flat eq, etc... They want to leap out of my lap onto the floor. They ask me to hold them down, lean on them. Damn though... they sound great. Les played one at Iridium for decades with incredible tone. Ulf Wakenius can play one like I can't believe -- wow.

 

So I went into a store some months ago, convinced I was getting a semi-hollow. H535 probably, possibly a Collings. Anyway, I couldn't help but walk out with this H137.

 

Then it sat... the neck started feeling big. The pickups buzzy. Mind playing tricks on me. The girl I wish liked me that seemed to not give a damn.

 

I kept at it though. Big jazz thing last night and I decided, what the hell.

 

Played my ass off and now, I cased up the others.

 

Can you tell me anything about this one? Wood? Finish? Specs? It came with no paperwork -- hell the cert in the case wasn't even filled in (but it's from a highly reputed dealer so no stress there).

 

Thanks!

 

 

[smurph1]

sounds like you needed to give her some time..Glad you like it!! It most likely has Lollar P-90s if it is still factory..My 2 cents here I had a TV yellow one almost identical to it, but I just can't bond with fat necks..MHO.. Welcome aboard by the way!!

[yoslate]

Welcome, twizzly! Everyone will pile on, shortly. There's been a little resurgence here lately on the virtues of the 137. I've never owned one, but I've played a few, and read innumerable testimonials here. They're sort of like Teles in that you can play anything on them...as you've just attested. Yours almost looks like a Chestnutburst finish, but that may be the light in the photos. The finish will be coded on the back of the control cavity plate. Pull that off for the lettered finish code. Neck and body are mahogany. They are a "form follows function" guitar, no doubt.

 

http://www.heritageguitar.com/models/h137tv_specs.html

[HANGAR18]

Heritage H535's are very comfortable to play while seated. Moreso (IMHO) than the LP design.

[tulk1]

H137 2nd Edition. Looks nearly OSB (Old Style Burst) to me. Could be the computer monitor. Lollar pickups, Tonepros hardware (most likely). Awesome machine that can handle a very wide range of music. They sometimes get pigeonholed as a Rock Machine. But if a Tele can do jazz, so can an H137!!

[chico]

welcome.. beautiful guitar.

[Genericmusic]

In answer to your questions I play an Eagle. Nice ax though you did good and welcome to the cult.

[DetroitBlues]

Welcome, twizzly! Everyone will pile on, shortly. There's been a little resurgence here lately on the virtues of the 137. I've never owned one, but I've played a few, and read innumerable testimonials here. They're sort of like Teles in that you can play anything on them...as you've just attested. Yours almost looks like a Chestnutburst finish, but that may be the light in the photos. The finish will be coded on the back of the control cavity plate. Pull that off for the lettered finish code. Neck and body are mahogany. They are a "form follows function" guitar, no doubt.

 

http://www.heritageguitar.com/models/h137tv_specs.html

 

 

Best place to start.... If that doesn't work, bring it to the "Barn" next year... We'll let you know then!

[twizzly]

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

Yes, the guitar really jumped out at me. There are 100 reasons I shouldn't like it -- the neck is thick, the scale is wrong, p90s are hummy... but the guitar really sings. I mean SERIOUSLY sings. I recorded some voice memos of my solos last night and was blown away. I was channeling Les Paul with that jumpy country jazz swing vibe. Just beautiful stuff.

 

Like that really attractive woman that takes your wallet and tosses money out the car window -- but you still love her! Haha! Maybe more!

 

When I bought the guitar, I was actually thinking that I'd do a rock thing with it. I have a replica '59 bassman head that a boutiquer built for me. Blankenship. Amazing stuff -- but so far, this guitar has gone through my Quilter Micro Pro 8" and Cube 80XL and just sang guitar.

 

... oh, and I did pick up a used 535 that seems to sit a little better in my lap -- but I'm enjoying my love affair with a mean girl!

[yoslate]

-- but I'm enjoying my love affair with a mean girl!

 

Heh.... You'll fit right in here....

[golferwave]

Welcome Twizzly! The H-137 and P-90's are a great combination, in fact anything with P-90's is a great combination! Enjoy your tone monster, she'll treat you right!

[shook494]

I really want a 137 BADDDD!!!! This isn't helping. Very nice and welcome.

[SouthpawGuy]

Your 137 should be a single piece mahogany body with single piece mahogany neck, had the pickups in mine replaced with Fralin noise free P90s and they are excellent. These days I play mostly clean or on the verge of breakup ( the amp not me) and on the neck pickup 90% of the time.

 

I also play through a Cube 80XL most of the time now and have to agree it's a killer guitar for jazzy blues, chords and single note lines.

 

And welcome to the HOC