What a difference 37 years makes…

[brentrocks]

The Heritage H150

 

Production of the H150 started in 1988.  

 

The first generation of the H150 (made in 1988 and 1989) had a body design that MIRRORED the Gibson Les Paul standard!!!  It was rumored that some of the early H150s were actually built with leftover Gibson bodies from when Gibson left Kalamazoo in 1984, that were bought at the auction, bought by the original Heritage Guitar founders. 

 

Heritage was threatened with a lawsuit by Gibson in 1990 and Heritage changed the body design….basically changed the slope of the horn cut.  

 

….and the H150 has basically stayed that way to this day!!

 

It fun to see the evolution of a local company like Heritage, the history and the instruments from that historic building over the years!

 

Pictured is a 1988 H150 (L) and a 2022 H150 Custom core (R). See the differences!!!

 

 

[Spectrum13]

like the newer headstock don't notice the horn as much until you post back 2 back.

 

Weights?

[brentrocks]

29 minutes ago, Spectrum13 said:

like the newer headstock don't notice the horn as much until you post back 2 back.

 

Weights?

88…..10.5 lbs

22….8.5 lbs

[FredZepp]

As to weight.. my 1988 H-150 is 10.2 lbs. and my 1989 H-150 is 9.1 lbs. 

[Genericmusic]

Nice photos. Nice find.  

[bolero]

Nice to see them side by side to compare

I think I like the newer horn better

Ugly pickguards though...

😅

[DetroitBlues]

Never realized the headstock was not just wider, but shorter too…

[TalismanRich]

20 hours ago, DetroitBlues said:

Never realized the headstock was not just wider, but shorter too…

That's one of the complaints all the haters have on that other forum.  

[rwinking]

I am kind of bummed with the bigger logo. I have to admitmy CC is cool but that logo is kind of like "I feel a little insecure about being the Heritage so.... HERITAGE!!!!!"

[MartyGrass]

People made fun of  the headstock since its inception, but it didn't stop us from enjoying the guitars.  Labeling them "Heritage" makes good sense since that's what we called them all along.  Fender, Guild, Gibson and Martin don't put "The" on the headstock either.

I also like the wider, shorter headstock cosmetically.

I don't know what all the yellow is about.  Is it supposed to look aged?

Another issue is that the string angle is sharper at the nut with the new headstock.  The justification for the "snake head" shape was more good nut slippage with string bends and tuning.

The last point I'd make is that the older H-150 has a smaller heel than the CC.  This may seem minor, but the smaller heel helps high fret access slightly.

In summary, which would I rather have depends on the individual instrument.

 

[rockabilly69]

On 12/30/2024 at 4:20 PM, bolero said:

Nice to see them side by side to compare

I think I like the newer horn better

Ugly pickguards though...

😅

Funny I'm an unabashed Gibson fan, but I've always preferred the Heritage H150 pickguard. I love the way it follows the body lines...

[TalismanRich]

I'm with you Daniel.   I think the Gibson guard looks clunky.    I don't understand changing it as an "upgrade", or putting on the poker chip for that matter.   It might have made sense in 1952, but after 70+ years, you would think players would know what the switch does.

[bolero]

Ditto.

 The 50s automobile tailfin shape works well on the Gibson, and is a classic look. But if you want a Gibson, buy a Gibson!

I am proud of The Heritage and their unique styling appointments. I think they did a great job making new stylistic changes that are unique, identifiable & classy.

 Plus it's good promotion: if you see a picture of someone playing a Heritage, you know it.