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H140 old vs new?


Rockrink

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Posted

I see a number of older h140s for sale for what appears to be good prices -- $1000 +/- 10%. The new ones seem much more expensive. Are the newer ones much better or are the older ones just really good values currently?

Posted

Older ones are not made the same...

 

Original 140's have a sharp cutaway and an unbound neck. Hardware and pickups were Schaller.

 

That's part of the reason I'd suspect... Plus new ones cost a lot... So resale value is higher from no one wanting to lose too much...

Posted

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the old ones. Mine is almost 30 years old, I picked it up for a good price years ago. I play it as much or more than my newer ones, because it has a great feel and sound. Its not pristine, so I don't worry if it gets a little worn.

 

I've thought about getting another quite a few times when earlier years come up, but can't really justify buying duplicates of guitars I already have. But at the prices, its really hard to resist.

 

If I was looking for a new solid body and didn't already have the 157, I would probably look at a 140, with some upgrades (bound headstock, different inlays.) I like the weight of the thinner body,

Posted

How are the Mahogany topped ones compared to Maple?

Just a deeper, darker tone to some ears. Sort of like an SG.

 

Very few examples of an all mahogany 140 exist. Most were maple topped.

 

I also like original body design most; I just didn't like the unbound fretboard and dot inlays they have.

Posted

This is a cool looking 2012 H140 being offered on Ebay. They can still be ordered with many upgrades. There's also a certain sexy RED one that comes to mind...my personal favorite 140 ever . :icon_smile:

 

 

 

s-l1600.jpg

Posted

I've always been a bit partial to the H140 2nd Ed. The sharp Florentine just seems odd, to me, on a solid body guitar. Don't mind it too much on Hollows/Semis. Not fond of it at all on acoustics. But, that is just me. I like the softer, rounder horn probably because I'm a softer, rounder guy!

Posted

The one DB had was one of the best sounding Heritage guitars I have ever played or heard....... But one of his many to not make the cut!!!! LOL

Posted

Whoa... That's gorgeous!

Posted

agree....sweet looking gtr!

 

I do like the sharp cutaway on the earlier ones, it gives the model more distinction from an H150

Posted

I have a blue H-140CM with an "F" serial number which I think would make it a 1991. It is an amazing guitar. It had Schaller's in it and just last week I dropped in a pair of Dimarzio anniversary PAFs. This guitar blows me away! I have never played one of the newer 140s but it would be hard to imagine that they could get any better than this one. I am a sucker for older guitars. I don't know if it is my imagination or not, but the older wood seems to give the guitars a different sound.

FWIW though, I have yet to play any Heritage that doesn't blow me away. i am fairly new (6 months) to owning any heritages but am a total convert.

Posted

Here's a red H-140CM from 1989.. 26 years old it is...

 

20130620101229%2Bedit.jpg

At first I thought it had no pickguard..beautiful. I think every Heritage should have a wood pickguard. Would love to have one made for my Sunsetburst H150..probably too late to have the boys do it.

Posted

^^and that old wood is, well older, it can be debated that there was better stuff around then and it has had a chance to dry out etc.

 

I'd think the more recent 140s would have a fatter neck as well.

Posted

Love my "old" H140. It has had many different pickups in it over the years, all sounding great until the final setup which I like aesthetically and musically. The light weight is also nice :)

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