zookroo1 Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 For those who own both or have compared both, just curious to see what you think of the difference in sound between the 535 and Prospect. The Prospect is slightly smaller and has a floating center block (I think...) but besides that they seem almost identical to me. If you had your back turned and someone was playing one of each with the same pickups installed, would you instantly be able to tell the difference? If there is a major tonal difference, how would you describe it? I guess in my head I would think the 535 would have a bit of a thicker, fuller sound, but I really have no basis for that. I don't see nearly as many Prospects around. Are they typically priced a little bit lower than the 535? Thanks again for the opinions!
Bluzman54 Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 For those who own both or have compared both, just curious to see what you think of the difference in sound between the 535 and Prospect. The Prospect is slightly smaller and has a floating center block (I think...) but besides that they seem almost identical to me. If you had your back turned and someone was playing one of each with the same pickups installed, would you instantly be able to tell the difference? If there is a major tonal difference, how would you describe it? I guess in my head I would think the 535 would have a bit of a thicker, fuller sound, but I really have no basis for that. I don't see nearly as many Prospects around. Are they typically priced a little bit lower than the 535? Thanks again for the opinions! I owned both (just sold my H-535). They both had Seth Lovers in them, same neck profile, same strings, and set up by the same person. So they were about as close as they could get to each other. I could not tell any significant difference between the two. Both had incredible tone and sustain. In fact, they were so close to being the same that I could not justify having the two. The H-535 went back into the case after about two hours of playing. I like the Prospect better because of its smaller bout and a slightly better balance in weight. As for cost, they are fairly close in price for new ones (around $100 difference). I would imagine a wider gap in the used market. JMHO Jim C
Thundersteel Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 To me, the Prospect with the narrower waist just doesn't look right. I prefer the looks of the H535. <dons flame suit>
Gitfiddler Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 To me, the Prospect with the narrower waist just doesn't look right. I prefer the looks of the H535. <dons flame suit> I tend to agree with TSteel on this one. Prospects may sound, feel and play great, but to me, they look like an armless victim of a stick-up. OK, flame on Prospect lovers!
Bluzman54 Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 ............they look like an armless victim of a stick-up. That's how I feel about a double cutaway Millie. Personally, its one of the uglier guitars in the Heritage line-up. It may play and sound great, but looks no way...... As for the Prospect, according to Wolfe's its one of the guitars they have trouble keeping in stock....as in one of their best sellers. Don't get me wrong, I liked my H-535 but the Prospect did what it could do in a smaller bout and lighter weight package. I also found the Prospect more comfortable to play- standing or sitting. JMHO Jim C
Dick Seacup Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 That's how I feel about a double cutaway Millie. Personally, its one of the uglier guitars in the Heritage line-up. It may play and sound great, but looks no way...... I thought the Millie DC is pretty similar in outline and size to a Prospect. I own one (Millie DC) and don't think it's ugly. Don't think the Prospect particularly is either. Well, except for those mickey mouse ears.
Bluzman54 Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 I thought the Millie DC is pretty similar in outline and size to a Prospect. I own one (Millie DC) and don't think it's ugly. Don't think the Prospect particularly is either. Well, except for those mickey mouse ears. Dick, Good one........ Just kidding...... Jim C
Spectrum13 Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 The Prospect is bigger than the Millie. Just like you don't notice the headstock when you play, the 15 inch body is comfortable when you play and the ears don't look funny. If the ears are darker then the body, it looks better.
tulk1 Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 When I ordered the Millie DC NFH the choice had actually been that or a Prospect. My wife chimed in that she thought the Prospect looked funny with the MM ears. It probably does. And the Millie looks just ... that much ... off, as well. I like 'em both. And after getting to play Curly's at PSPI, a Prospect is def on the table for a purchase.
SouthpawGuy Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 I happen to own all three , 535, Prospect and Millie. And they're all cr@p. Worthless useless bits of wood with strings attached. Here they are in all their "glory". I feel better now.
Gitfiddler Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 Wow, Southpaw, I've never seen THOSE gorgeous gitfiddles before!
SouthpawGuy Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 Wow, Southpaw, I've never seen THOSE gorgeous gitfiddles before! Really ? I have lots more photos you know !
Dick Seacup Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 Really ? I have lots more photos you know ! You should start a gallery or something. Heh.
SouthpawGuy Posted May 12, 2009 Posted May 12, 2009 You should start a gallery or something. Heh. How about this one ?
SouthpawGuy Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 Seriously though .... I have '59s in the 535 and Seths in the Prospect and they do sound and feel different. The 535 has a fuller deeper tone and the Prospect has a more cutting sound. Although the Prospect is a very small semi hollow it still packs a sizeable punch. Compared to an ASAT Special it has a much bigger and fuller tone, very sweet and musical. And that's saying something as the ASAT has G&Ls large rectangular MFDs which are very full sounding for a single coil pickup. If you check out the pics you can see the size differences between the Prospect and 535
tulk1 Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 SPG, that Prospect is too gorgeous. I want one just like it .... well, you know, more like this.
Spectrum13 Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 Took some shots yesterday. The Prospect feels bigger. More of it below the waist. It would not make sense to compair these with different pups and finger boards. My 355 was not available at press time. It has a carved top and Duncan Jazz pups. I don't think the headstock, ears or cutaway looks funny.
SouthpawGuy Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 SPG, that Prospect is too gorgeous. I want one just like it .... well, you know, more like this. How is progress on your Prospect GAS ? Or did you take a "G&L" detour ? I know I did, several times !
SouthpawGuy Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 Took some shots yesterday. The Prospect feels bigger. More of it below the waist. It would not make sense to compair these with different pups and finger boards. My 355 was not available at press time. It has a carved top and Duncan Jazz pups. I don't think the headstock, ears or cutaway looks funny. Very very nice indeed !
tulk1 Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 How is progress on your Prospect GAS ? Or did you take a "G&L" detour ? I know I did, several times ! Er ... yep. But it's all paid for. So the gas may continue! The 535 may go on the block to fuel the Prospect. Haven't quite made that leap, yet. I'd offer the '01 Millie SAE up, but it's rather rare. Everytime I play it I think, yeah, I should keep it. 535s -- very common.
Paul P Posted May 13, 2009 Posted May 13, 2009 If you check out the pics you can see the size differences between the Prospect and 535 Boy, does the 535 ever look fat beside the Prospect
bolero Posted May 17, 2009 Posted May 17, 2009 I have a prospect & a 535, I really dig the prospect, a very unique & GREAT sounding axe
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