Heritage Model Numbers - Meaning?

[megheritage]

Does anyone know the story behind how Heritage names their models? Like the H-150, H-530, or H-157? Seems like there’s gotta be some thought or history behind those numbers. I’ve always appreciated the craftsmanship that goes into these guitars, and it’d be neat to know if the numbers mean something special.

[LK155]

Well, I think the H535 is 200 better than a 335.  And maybe the H575 is 400 better than a 175.  And so on.

 

[TalismanRich]

I'm thinking that the H-150 came as a succession of numbers.   In the early years, there was the H-110,  H-120,  H-140, then H-150.    Maybe the H-100 and H-130 didn't make the cut?

 

 

[Gitfiddler]

And what about the names "Prospect", "Academy"?  Were those Kalamazoo street names?

[Spectrum13]

17 minutes ago, Gitfiddler said:

And what about the names "Prospect", "Academy"?  Were those Kalamazoo street names?

Yes just around the corner. The founders didn't need to go far. 

Add a 7 for ebony boards and gold plating. 

[LK155]

17 minutes ago, Gitfiddler said:

And what about the names "Prospect", "Academy"?  Were those Kalamazoo street names?

Indeed.  Not terribly close to Parsons Street, but definitely in Kalamazoo.

 

[rwinking]

Also the H-137, H-160. H-162 and H-170.

[rwinking]

Wasn't there a Heritage Little one? I would have had to draw the line on that one.

"Look at that guitar player up there. Doesn't he have a little one?"

[skydog52]

1 hour ago, Gitfiddler said:

And what about the names "Prospect", "Academy"?  Were those Kalamazoo street names?

Marv told me he picked one of the streets and Jim picked the other.

If I remember right, there were girlfriend (s) involved on the streets.  But I didn't say that. ; )

[skydog52]

Here is a walk down old models. There are more.

Catalog of Discontinued Heritage Models - Heritage Guitars - Heritage Owners Club

 

[TalismanRich]

4 hours ago, skydog52 said:

Here is a walk down old models. There are more.

Catalog of Discontinued Heritage Models - Heritage Guitars - Heritage Owners Club

 

 

That's certainly a walk down memory lane!!!

[bolero]

The 1st gtr they built was an H140 wasn't it?

How DID they come up with the name?

[TalismanRich]

I guess since Jim, Bill and Marv are still floating around somewhere, maybe the best way would be to ask one of them.   Any of you K'zoo folks have a connection?  

 

[TalismanRich]

19 hours ago, LK155 said:

Indeed.  Not terribly close to Parsons Street, but definitely in Kalamazoo.

Right around the corner from Prospect and Academy is Henderson!    Sir Brentrocks could have been immortalized. if only.... 😁

[skydog52]

15 hours ago, bolero said:

The 1st gtr they built was an H140 wasn't it?

How DID they come up with the name?

Marv built the prototype of the H-140. The one that hung in the old shop.

He told me JP got the first production model of the H-140.

[skydog52]

The H-140 came from the Gibson ES 140 3/4 guitar that Marv traced the body to create the H-140.

He told me his daughter has that ES 140 3/4.

Here is an example of it.

[skydog52]

22 hours ago, rwinking said:

Wasn't there a Heritage Little one? I would have had to draw the line on that one.

"Look at that guitar player up there. Doesn't he have a little one?"

Ha Haaaaaa

[DavesNotHere]

The Terminator and X Terminator also had model numbers. One was H-130 and the other was H-135. I can never remember which is which, neither of mine have a label in the cavity.

 

[Gitfiddler]

3 hours ago, skydog52 said:

The H-140 came from the Gibson ES 140 3/4 guitar that Marv traced the body to create the H-140.

He told me his daughter has that ES 140 3/4.

Here is an example of it.

A hollow body Heritage version of the original ES-140 would have been a cool build IMHO. 

[bolero]

8 hours ago, skydog52 said:

The H-140 came from the Gibson ES 140 3/4 guitar that Marv traced the body to create the H-140.

He told me his daughter has that ES 140 3/4.

Here is an example of it.

Now THAT is a good backstory!

I never knew that, thanks!