jroot22 Posted October 17 Posted October 17 Hello all, it’s been awhile since I last posted. (I believe 2021 according to my archived post) in the time since I posted this H140 the owner (my stepmother) has voiced that she is interested in the idea of selling this guitar. It was left to her when Maudie Moore passed, whom many of you are familiar with. I figured no better place than this forum to figure out what it may be worth and to try and find it a home where it will be appreciated. Based on the previous thread it sounds like because it is an A code serial number it predates “normal” production. I believe it has signatures under the rear cover of the original founders of heritage. I am not the one selling this guitar I am just looking for information and potential value that I can relay back to the owner as she is not very tech savvy. Any information or opinions are appreciated! 1
DetroitBlues Posted October 17 Posted October 17 That is a rare, preproduction model being an A Serial number (1984) The unique inlays are another of Maudie Moore's wonderful work. For collectability, it could fetch a wonderful price, but Heritages are not known for collectors instruments. The guitar's condition looks rather beautiful except it appears to have been modified. The Grover tuners back then were aluminum, not chrome. The original bridge and tailpieces were made by Schaller and were the roller bridge with quick release tailpiece. This appears to have been updated with a Nashville style. Being a prototype, it could be original, but that is one of the first things that come to mind. My unqualified experience would price it between $1500 and $2000+.
jroot22 Posted October 17 Author Posted October 17 1 hour ago, DetroitBlues said: That is a rare, preproduction model being an A Serial number (1984) The unique inlays are another of Maudie Moore's wonderful work. For collectability, it could fetch a wonderful price, but Heritages are not known for collectors instruments. The guitar's condition looks rather beautiful except it appears to have been modified. The Grover tuners back then were aluminum, not chrome. The original bridge and tailpieces were made by Schaller and were the roller bridge with quick release tailpiece. This appears to have been updated with a Nashville style. Being a prototype, it could be original, but that is one of the first things that come to mind. My unqualified experience would price it between $1500 and $2000+. Thanks for the info. I believe Maudies son had it and played it for awhile so it is possible that he made some of the changes you mentioned. I will pass the information on to my stepmother. Thanks!
MartyGrass Posted October 18 Posted October 18 I wouldn't bet that anything was swapped out, but it's possible. Maudie was there at the inception of Heritage while also doing Gibson work. The hardware is not Schaller, although the pickups may be. The pickguard is not the typical H-140 type. The inlays of course are unique. And there's the poker chip. There's a good chance that this was put together this way. It's unique.
TalismanRich Posted October 18 Posted October 18 My 87 H140 has a poker chip, and I've seen others from that era with the poker chip. It's easy enough to check on the pickups. They are mounted with a single screw, so being changed isn't beyond the realm of possibility. The pick guard looks like something Heritage would do if they were doing a custom guitar with fancy inlays. As for the Grovers, I have a 74 Guild with chrome Grover Rotomatics. They could easily be original. While I don't know how collectible it will be, I would think a $2500 to $3000 would be more appropriate, especially for someone who is a fan of Maudie's work. Stock H-140s go for $1500 to $2000.
justinmc Posted October 18 Posted October 18 Great to see an oddball beauty like this, I really wish more surfaced here. If it's a good player then I'd say $2K plus.
hinesarchtop Posted October 19 Posted October 19 Very nice. That head veneer inlay is a Martin guitar design.
rockabilly69 Posted October 19 Posted October 19 On 10/17/2024 at 1:12 PM, DetroitBlues said: That is a rare, preproduction model being an A Serial number (1984) The unique inlays are another of Maudie Moore's wonderful work. For collectability, it could fetch a wonderful price, but Heritages are not known for collectors instruments. The guitar's condition looks rather beautiful except it appears to have been modified. The Grover tuners back then were aluminum, not chrome. The original bridge and tailpieces were made by Schaller and were the roller bridge with quick release tailpiece. This appears to have been updated with a Nashville style. Being a prototype, it could be original, but that is one of the first things that come to mind. My unqualified experience would price it between $1500 and $2000+. I saw one from this era with a stock a Nashville bridge and regular tailpiece, and I've seen many Grover tuners from that era in Chrome (they came in Chrome and Nickel). But why they would mount single screw style pickups in dual hole Shaller rings is betond me. The pickguard and poker chip could be factory, the pickguard has the factory shape. I think it would hard to get more the 2K for this guitar.
skydog52 Posted October 19 Posted October 19 I wouldn't kick that beauty out of bed for eating crackers. 1
TalismanRich Posted October 19 Posted October 19 10 hours ago, hinesarchtop said: Very nice. That head veneer inlay is a Martin guitar design. I didn't realize that, but you're right. The Martin "flowerpot" inlay.
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