ElSnell Posted November 13, 2016 Posted November 13, 2016 Hi all. First post here. Just about to join the Heritage club bit can't decide on a 1990 or 2013 H535 which are available. Which would you go for? Are there any differences to look out for? Older is better quality etc? Any info appreciated. Thanks
DetroitBlues Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 Most likely the 1990 will be worn, chipped, or otherwise have some vintage "character". A newer model will have updated pickups, electronics, and hardware. Usually the older Heritages have a thinner neck, hardware is Scahller as are the pickups. Newer Heritages have Tonepros hardware and Seymour Duncan pickups. Quality wise, both should be good. Just a lot more wear and tear the older they get.
HANGAR18 Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 Whichever one has tone pros hardware. I'm not a fan of the big heavy Schaller stuff.
Spectrum13 Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 What Detroit said unless the hardware has been updated or the price is lower on the 1990 so if the pickups (2013 stock Duncans ((Seith or 59s)), bridge and tailpiece matter to you you have some $ to replace. I would ask about the size of the neck, how straight the neck is and the condition of the frets. Either a 1990 or 2013 would be a "good year" and after three years the neck should be settled in. Good luck.
High Flying Bird Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 There is nothing wrong with the Schaller hardware or their pickups. A 1990 might not be a bad guitar. I would like it's neck profile better than a new one.
kidsmoke Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 My personal opinion is that the hardware and p'ups are like rims on a car...they impact the the experience for sure, but are very easily changed. If your dropping upwards of a grand on a guitar, the fundamental build is the key, and a 1990 is every bit as quality a guitar as a 2013. Assuming it's been reasonably well cared for, there's nothing wrong with it showing it's age, in fact I like 'em that way. Beyond that it comes down to Neck geometry (which varies, particularly over 26 years) cosmetics, and what you'll do with them thar rims..... I bought a 10 year old guitar, and changed every single piece that's removable, except the pickguard. Happy as can be. Imagine passing up on a 1959 Gibby in 1985, cuz of chips or buckle rash....
TalismanRich Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 As DB said, check the frets on the 1990. If the guitar has been played a significant amount, it may need to have the frets dressed or even replaced. Get pics of the first 4 frets if possible. The 3rd string seems to get the most wear on the guitars that I see. They both should be solid assuming no damage. I bought an 87 H140 and its solid as a rock. My 535 is from 2005 and feels equally solid. As for the Schaller hardware, I'll echo the Bird's comment. There's nothing inherently wrong with it, its just not everyone's cup of tea. The roller bridge has an advantage in being adjustable. I've had roller bridges since my first Guild in '73. Its like Tele bridges, some people want the old classic brass saddles, some want the modern 6 way. In any case, it can be changed if you don't like it.
Millennium Maestro Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 I say BUY THEM BOTH!! You can always sell the one you bond with the least! Otherwise you are well on your path to being a typical Heritage owner "The more the merrier"
Millennium Maestro Posted November 14, 2016 Posted November 14, 2016 Hi all. First post here. Just about to join the Heritage club bit can't decide on a 1990 or 2013 H535 which are available. Which would you go for? Are there any differences to look out for? Older is better quality etc? Any info appreciated. Thanks Can I ask if you are checking them out hands on or mail ordering?? You have zero chance I will step on your toes with your dealings, you are welcome to PM me... Show me the actual instruments. Feel free to send your phone number and we can chat and discuss differences... BOTTOM LINE, they will both be great guitars... the 90's MAY be the better deal... The 2013 will most likely have the elite parts that many players upgrade older guitars with. I recently sold a 1993 I knew I could not replace.... I will never find that guitar in a newer package!
ElSnell Posted November 16, 2016 Author Posted November 16, 2016 Thanks all for the responses. I really appreciate it. Here's some more info and pics. Both prices are negotiable I would think. 2013: £1650 http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/131999970805?_mwBanner=1 1990: £1175 [url=http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/prudd/clives]http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/prudd/clives stuff/IMG_20151002_121129_zpsq79q8mov.jpg
ElSnell Posted November 16, 2016 Author Posted November 16, 2016 1990: £1175 http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/52269/fs-heritage-535-semi-acoustic-from-1990-reduced/p1
TalismanRich Posted November 16, 2016 Posted November 16, 2016 It looks like they are both in the London area. I would take a nice Saturday afternoon drive to check them both out. For me, the 1990 would be the first one to check out. The JB is a fairly hot pickup. It should provide some nice crunch if you are looking for that sound.
kidsmoke Posted November 16, 2016 Posted November 16, 2016 no arguing that the 2013 is a looker, but the '90, with the old grovers and the stinger (the black paint on the back of the headstock) is a steal. With the duncans in there, it appears someone invested in this guitar along the way, which is a great sign. I'd do what you can to play them, but give them each a fair shake, vintage excludes neither from consideration in my mind, which was your original question.
Millennium Maestro Posted November 16, 2016 Posted November 16, 2016 For me simply because of design I would honestly ask myself what I intend to perform... The 90 has a JB bridge which is apx. 16.4 K(Twice as hot as a vintage pickup)... The 2012 may have the pickups listed on the build tag inside the F Hole, In that era Heritage installed Seth Lovers and 59 pickup sets... I personally would jump on the guitar if it had Seths!(They are the most Vintage accurate I love unpotted A2 tone.) I suspect the 90 would fit my preferences for neck(slim)... At which point I would understand a Pup swap would be in the future
ElSnell Posted November 19, 2016 Author Posted November 19, 2016 So I went and played the 1990. Gorgeous guitar, played like butter, felt very vintage, mellow, perfectly set up. But.... the neck did seem a bit thin for me and the frets were very low. Hmmmmmm. What year did the necks start getting thicker? Here's a pic I took: https://goo.gl/photos/7n6fhAQyokQXcrrS8
Millennium Maestro Posted November 19, 2016 Posted November 19, 2016 So I went and played the 1990. Gorgeous guitar, played like butter, felt very vintage, mellow, perfectly set up. But.... the neck did seem a bit thin for me and the frets were very low. Hmmmmmm. What year did the necks start getting thicker? Here's a pic I took: https://goo.gl/photos/7n6fhAQyokQXcrrS8 standard profile changed around 2003... but there were bigger necks build throughout Heritages history. How did the 2013 feel?
ElSnell Posted November 21, 2016 Author Posted November 21, 2016 I've not managed to go and see the 2013, but I did spend the day yesterday playing my mate's 1964 ES335 (Clapton year), which was a treat!
High Flying Bird Posted November 21, 2016 Posted November 21, 2016 Just saying... http://www.ronwarren.com/99-535/
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